I was always wondering this. Imagine a steep descent. What is better for brake wear - braking constantly or more powerful just at the end? Anybody knows? Goes for both rim and disc brakes

  • MihiesOP
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    3 months ago

    Wind resistance makes total sense. I’m not entirely sure on short bursts, though. I mean you have to change the fixed amount of kinetic energy to heat in fixed time. Theoretically both would result is similar temperature given short time span.

    • superkret@feddit.org
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      9
      ·
      3 months ago

      Short bursts heat up your pads quickly, but allow them to cool back down in between.
      Continuous braking keeps the heat on.

      • MihiesOP
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        4
        ·
        3 months ago

        Hm, yes, but total amount of heat is constant. Perhaps it cools quicker with bursts and its higher temperatures because of difference in temperature against ambient.

        • superkret@feddit.org
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          3
          ·
          edit-2
          3 months ago

          Not all the heat goes into your brake pads. Your rims or discs take much of the heat but also cool down very fast.