poor brake performance

[toddm]

Hello,

Ok, so I have 2 mt bikes I ride frequently. One is a 5.5 inch, FS, plush trail bike with Shimano LX disk brakes (6" rear 7" front). This bike has Aztec rotors and stock (LX?) pads.

From the beginning , even with the stock centerlock rotors, I felt the brakes weren't great.

I built up another bike, titanium hardtail, for fun. I bought some super clearance shimano deore hydraulics. I used the centerlock wheels/rotors from my other bike (so also 6" rear and 7" front) and these brakes are great! Even during the torrential downpour I got caught in this weekend, they stopped great!

I have swapped the wheels back and forth, but the poor brake performance seems to stick with the shimano LX's. The weight difference between the bikes is about 6-7 lbs, I can't imagine that's what's causing the difference in performance?

I am thinking of getting new pads for the LX brakes, but wanted to get some opinions before I spend more money. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

ToddM - wishes that weather would allow him to ride more!

[agabriel]

Does the rotor flex when you brake? I haven't used hydros but with Mech disc you lose a lot of stopping power if the rotor flexs while braking.

[Slappy]

FYI - if you do try new pads, you can get them online from Pricepoint for $10 a set and save yourself some $$.

[bikerdom]

Get new pads. You probably have the stock resin pads. They feel mushy and weak. I have the LX models on two bikes and they really are pretty good, not DH good but good xc brakes. I use the the metallic compound and it makes a huge difference. If you want a bunch of power try the new XT(M775) models.

[justwanttoride]

I had a similar feeling with my avid codes, bled them problem solved.

[toddm]

cool thanks for the suggestions!

I think I'll just grab some new pads and see how that works.