Hope X2 - Poor Performance

[markcp]

Hi,

I recently built up a new mtn bike and fitted Hope X2 brakes. However, I've only ridden them a few times (probably 100 miles max) and the performance, particularly of the rear, is now really poor. I would say that they are worse than a well set-up v-brake.

Any suggestions as to why they could be so poor? I can only guess that the disc and/or pads have been contaminated and if so, I assume new pads are needed? Any recommendations?

Cheers.

[Pothole]

not sure I'd trust brakes called hope....as in hope I stop!

[MrTom]

You nailed it really, check pads for contamination, re-align and possibly bleed the whole system.

You might try and save the current pads by filing the top layer off, clean rotor and re do bed in procedure.

The v2s should be up to the job according to reviews.

[Gooby]

Recent set ups can be prone to poor seals on the hydraulics, air or water can sometimes get in. Check all hoses and connectors, then check pads and discs for contamination.

[ysnnim]

Have a set of these, and managed (or the LBS) managed to splill some brake fluid on the pads... cleaned the discs, and rubbed the pads down... still not working properly... changed pads, like new again.

X2's should stop you on a sixpence, so suggest a pad change and disc clean in order.

[Si 330]

I have found hydraulic disk brakes to be more hassle than there worth. On my Cannondale (commuting) I haven't had a problem the reason for this (my theory any way) is I never take the wheels off it. My Trek which the wheels get taken of quiet regular to go in the car. Never seem aligned right always rubbing or squeaking so I have taken the disks off and gone back to V brakes.

[RRS_Staffs]

I sympathise having also fitted these brakes
They did the job just not that impressively

Despite the OE pads looking sintered I swapped them for some 'real' Hope sintered pads which have a brass looking backing and they now work very well

Im just not sure what came as standard - it certainly wasnt organic nor was it the sintered ones I bought online

And to the poster saying hydraulic brakes arent worth it - rubbish

[custardkid]

been using various Hope brakes since 1999.

amazing quality, good performance, low maintenance, unless you get oil etc on the pads.

the only down side is they can get a characteristic squeal.

wouldn't have anything else

Custard

[hughjayteens]

Double check the pad alignment to make sure they are properly centred on the disk as I was underwhelmed with them at first until I rechecked this and since then they have been awesome.

[pdV6]

X2s came on my new bike - pretty poor at first, as all new disc brakes are. A few rides later, they've bedded in and work brilliantly.

[Digga]

Got X2's on my singlespeed and they are excellent, but my LBS told me when they built the bike that it would need to be returned to have the brakes bled after a month or two of riding, because they would likely get a bit 'spongy'. They did this (FOC) and the brakes work fine.

Having just swapped a set of pads this weekend, I'm impressed with the pad design, which gives plenty of secure location to stop the pads 'chattering' inside the calipers.

[cone]

I have 3 bikes with x2's on and one with tech M4's , all perform brilliantly once bedded in , are you sure they're set up right ? the number of brakes i see that aren't shocks me - "loosening the caliper and pressing the lever to centralise them" is b0ll0x . watch the videos to how it should be done and the diferance is amazing.

[markcp]

Cheers for the replies guys. I bled the rear brake on the weekend, which firmed up the lever, but the bite still isn't there. I'm going to try some replacement pads and hopefully that'll improve things...

[Gooby]

Sintered or organic?

Sintered is the best for mud rain and crap, Organic are the best for dry and dusty (they also dont squeal as much).

The problem is that I am sure we will have more crap weather this year, but is it enough to warrant sintered.

i am asking because i need new pads and would like some expertise!

[Digga]

Gooby said:

Sintered or organic?

Sintered is the best for mud rain and crap, Organic are the best for dry and dusty (they also dont squeal as much).

The problem is that I am sure we will have more crap weather this year, but is it enough to warrant sintered.

i am asking because i need new pads and would like some expertise!

Your profile says your in the UK, so that's pretty much a sintered safe bet!

I've killed organic pads very quicky in wet, muddy conditions (local soil is sandy and just grinds them away when combined with water) but generally not found downsides for sintered. Perhaps a tad less initial bite on the odd occasion - but that adds to the excitement!

[dubbs]

Si 330 said:

I have found hydraulic disk brakes to be more hassle than there worth. On my Cannondale (commuting) I haven't had a problem the reason for this (my theory any way) is I never take the wheels off it. My Trek which the wheels get taken of quiet regular to go in the car. Never seem aligned right always rubbing or squeaking so I have taken the disks off and gone back to V brakes.

They might be more hassle if you ride very slwoly, on road all the time or don't do "mud"

For anyone that likes to MTB at a pace anywhere they're quite literally lifesavers...

I love the "plink plink plink" of a cooling disc after a good run on the Mojo (although you could safely argue that I'm using the brake too much if it gets that hot!!)

[Rolls]

I loved the hopes on my Trek when I was using it to commute... - Would stop super quick, were always there, and didn't need the pads changing in 3 years of use!!! (which when I can go through a set in one ride in Afan was quite refreshing!!!)