Poor braking with Carbon Pads/Wheels

[Chris Helwig]

I could always just go down to All Seasons and have them fix it for me, but if I can do it on my own it saves me a trip.

I set up my TT bike with my Zipp 404's and installed Zipp carbon brake pads. The braking is pretty pathetic, it sort of shutter when I brake and really hardly stops me.

Any tips or advice? Is it brake pad placement?

[Wanna B]

Best rated pads for carbon applications are Swiss Stop Yellow. I got an extra set used only for camp this spring I could sell you.

I'm currently running Bontrager cork which work pretty well too. They do totally blow however when wet.

Braking performance in either case does not quite match Shimano standard on alloy rims but if you're gonna run chi chi wheels so be it. You should be able to achieve similar modulation type braking but will likely never see full stop performance on carbon to match alloy.

The shudder you're experiencing is more likely imperfection in braking surface due to out of true or possibly bulging due to spoke pull (I've only heard of this being on issue on Zipp wheels and it is anecdotal)

[Chris Helwig]

Today was the second ride on the TT bike set up with the Zipp's. Seemed to work better today, still not great, but passable. I will likely make due with the current pads since they are not cheap. Why are carbon brake pads so expensive :eek: Seriously they can't cost that much to make.

[Chuck Norris]

+1 on the Swiss stop yellows. They modulate just like a regular pad on aluminum. Good in the wet too. I've tried the Zipps and the Bontrager cork. The Zipps lasted about 3 seconds and the corks squeaked/locked up like crazy. Yellows are where it's at. Plus they match your kit.

[Chris Helwig]

Thanks for the input Wanna B and Chuck.

Are you riding at all Chuck? Making a comeback next year?

I think I will wear out my Zipp pads since they are working ok now and then when I replace them I will put on the Swiss Stop.

[Chuck Norris]

Been on the bike a grand total of 1 time in 2008. Way way way too much travel to even attempt a season. Next year is looking 50/50. Wouldn't expect too much though. Maybe TTs and the odd stage race or something. An M4 category would be an incentive!

[226.2]

My Hed 3c's are so bad I almost got thrown from my bike on a descent this season. I no longer will use this wheel in front unless the course is very flat with little braking. I have a Corima carbon rim wheel now, it's not bad. The 3c is ok in the rear, where I can handle it. I have been using the standard Zipp carbon pads and on their advice when I put my carbon rims on I clean both the brake pads and the rims with acetone and a green scrub pad.

I think the bottom line is the pro riders seldom do any ITTs where, with their skills, they do much braking, so it is a bigger issue for us age groupers. Since the difference between various quality (e.g. zipps, heds, etc) aero wheels is small you lose more time with a fancy wheel that you have no confidence to rip on then a more modest wheel that handles well.

[Chris Helwig]

Thanks for the input Bob.

Are you keeping the 3C or would you be interested in selling it? I always wanted a 3C and I know you take good care of your stuff. Email me if you are thinking of ever selling it.