Ceramic Braking Issues

[Sithlord]

Hi there I recently put a set of Mavic Crossmax ceramic coated wheels on the IBIS , using Fibrax ceramic pads and Suntour XC Pro SE Brakes , I thought this would be the daddy, but so far nothing but disappointment , the brakes are just pants, The brakes and pads seem to be fine adjustment wise,I thought it was from me not using cantis for quite a while so I was expecting some loss in power compared to discs but there seems to be no stopping power really at all, recently tried some LX Cantis on Dr S Singlespeed and they were awesome compared to my setup,,, Is there something I am missing or what ? any help would be appreciated ..

 

[SPESHMIKE]

Same issue here I have some crossmax's xl's with ceramic rim and I was using standard shimano xtr v pads, they worked lovely. Then I bought some ceramic specific xtr pads and they're sh** sound's like there is sand on the rim all the time and can't even stop properly!!! No more endo's and skids for me until my new non ceramic pads arrive!

 

[Sithlord]

So do you think its down to the pad compound ? even though the pads are ceramic specific... ? :roll:

 

[SPESHMIKE]

Got to be unless it's because before I installed the ceramic pads I was running standard pads on my crossmax's and they have left some kind of residue on the rim?

 

[Sithlord]

Would the residue on the rim by any chance be the material off the pads you are using at the min ?

Also as far as am aware using ceramic brake pads should increase the braking performance and extend the life of the rim, so If was to use normal 'non ceramic' brake pads , would the normal pads just wear out at an alarming rate ? or is there likely to be any other causes ?

 

[Err]

I thought normal pads would just wear out faster on ceramic rims, can't see how they could damage them, being softer and all.

 

[stevek]

I've tried ceramic compatible pads with Avid Ultimate / 517 ceramic rim combo and they were really sharp... but.. they started to squeal a bit in the rain and gloop. I tried resetting the position of the pads, toe-ing them in but it made very little difference

I tried the standard pads for a while and have to say that they aren't as effective as the ceramic jobbies and also within a few rides had started squealing - but only in the wet and gloop as before. The rims are showing signs of wear so I think the squealing problem lies there.

 

[Sithlord]

Hi there , the problem is not toe-in or squeal problem, just no stopping power ? anyone else have answers to the problem..

Thanks

Si

 

[Sithlord]

Should I use standard pads... ? just one thing that concerns me is .. Will I need to take another set of pads with me on a ride ?

Anyone offer an more advice ?

 

[stevek]

The squealing is my 'ceramic' problem. But I did say that using ceramic compatible pads was better than standard - with my set up at any rate. Not that that's any help to you!

Looks like you're gonna have to try the other pads. My standard pads have lasted many rides since I fitted them so your new pads should last one ride!

What condition are the braking surfaces in? Can you post a pic of the set up?

It's 'usual' for cantis to be less powerful than V's and V's to be less powerful than discs.