Anyone?

 

I found with Guides (and Centerline rotors) that after switching pads material you have to clean the rotors really well with IPA and sandpaper then really make sure you bed them properly. I found it took me a few tries to get it right. That said, I went from Guide T's to Dominion A2's recently and the difference is pretty dramatic. For someone your size and what you ride, it's definitely not overkill.

 

Thanks for the feedback. After researching the TRP Slate EVOs, it seems like they’d be more of a lateral move from the Guide Ts.

If I go Dominion, I’d want the A4, 4-pot caliper. The problem is price… boy are they spendy. Do you find the 2 piston Dominions to be more powerful and better at resisting fade than the Guide Ts?

Despite my interest in the smaller brands, I’m halfway tempted to buy a set of SRAM Code Rs and call it a day. They’re a quality big brake by most accounts, I can pick them up for $165/wheel and stick with my current CleanSweep 200mm rotors.

 

I have a buddy with Guide T’s on his Meta AM.

He had the exact same problem that you are describing, where he’d get weird juddering/vibration at times. Iirc commencal shipped him out new rotors and and that sorted it out.

I’ve got a set of TRP Quadiems, and I can say those are an improvement over the guide T’s for sure. Iirc the Trail EVO is the rough equivalent of the quadiem, but I’m not sure offhand how the slate compares.

I will say that you don’t have to do 2.3mm rotors to use the TRP’s. They work fine with 1.8mm rotors as well, but of course then you’re missing out on the heat capacity upgrade of the 2.3’s.

 

Interesting re: your friend having a similar problem with his Guide Ts. I’ve had my bike long enough that I bet Commencal will attribute it to wear and tear but perhaps I’ll contact them.

If the Trail = Quadiem, that’d place the Slates one level below.

 

As background, I'm not trying to defend SRAM brakes. I'd go with Formula, or TRP or Hayes or Hope or Magura.

However, ALL brakes need to bed in. Also, 'sticky pistons' can cause issues, Park Tools have an outstanding video on cleaning & balancing pistons.

1st question: did you bed the pads in before you first used the brakes?
2nd question: did you sand the rotors before you used the semi-metallic pads?
3rd question: are the pistons balanced? Do they push out evenly?

Also, full metallic pads will offer you the best fade protection.

Hoping that you get things sorted to your satisfaction.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

Rotors were lightly sanded, then polished with steel wool, then blown clean with an air compressor, then wiped with brake cleaner. New semi-metallic pads were installed then bedded. Since starting this thread, I’ve done a piston service on the front, too.

Unfortunately, I’m still having the same issue of juddering, gritty, grinding sound and feel from the front brake. The rotor is true so it’s got to be the caliper. At this point, I’ve lost confidence in the Guide Ts - not great given my size and the exposure where I ride.

I just found the Code Rs for $140/wheel, which has me thinking…

 

I emailed The Lost Co. to see if they’d match Hayes’ sale price for the A4s. If they agree, I’d be able to get the Dominions for a steal given that I get a 15% off discount, too.

 

Definitely avoid code Rs.

Since you are a bigger guy I would really just spend a little more and get some stronger brakes. Code rsc or the trp dhr evos.

Braking is never a place where you will regret spending a bit more as it has huge impact on your riding.


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"4 pots but perhaps they’re overkill ".... No such thing as overkill when it comes to brakes.. Esp for a guy your size (im close- 240)...

Another brake you should look at is the magura mt5's.. They are about as strong as anything out there and you can find them for as little as $125 if you look around.. People will chirp about the levers but i never had any problems with them and never once broke a lever(after way too many crashes)..

Ive recently tried xt,a4,mt5,dhr evo,shigura... all are 4 pistion... So far my fav has been and is-- the dhr-evo.. Though the mt5's where just as strong


I was just looking -- back country has the mt5 on sale with the upgradded lever (not the carbotecture).. @ $150.. I think that is 20% off.. Plus you can use active junky to get another 5 % off.. Though if you wait a day or two-- they are usually at 8% for bc..

 

"4 pots but perhaps they’re overkill ".... No such thing as overkill when it comes to brakes.. Esp for a guy your size (im close- 240)...

Thanks for the suggestions. To be clear, I wasn’t asking if all 4-piston brakes are overkill. I was suggesting that going with a full-on downhill 4-pot brake might be overkill for the kind of riding I do.

That being said, I used to be into modding cars and always went for brake and suspension upgrades prior to adding HP and torque, so I understand the importance of stopping and keeping the rubber on the ground, for sure.

 

Going is optional, stopping is not.

 

Im actually enjoying being over braked these days(if im on a relaxing ride).. I can always just chill on the lever.. But when i get out into the steep and deep area-- its nice to have those brakes there..
if it was me(or i was you).. mt5 brakes with aluminum lever.. The new gold high temp mineral oil(700 degree boiling temp) and the p8 pad from magura... Or gold mtx... Or gold hardheaded ram pads... This combo right here will stop a truck but not hurt the bank.. Id also look at the storm rotors.. They are priced right and are a bit thicker (helps with heat and warping)..

 

Just my 2 cents. At 265, 4 piston brakes and 200mm rotors are a must. All the major brands work well, some have more initial bite, some have a more progressive feel. I am partial to Magura and Codes. At 210 pounds on a bike I share with my son, G2rs with 200mm rotors are marginal. Running your levers adjusted closer to the bars helps a lot with modulation.

 

Thanks for the input. The Guide Ts I’m currently running are 4 piston. I’m just looking for something that operates more smoothly with more stopping power. If I can get a deal on the dominions, I’ll probably go with them. If not, Code Rs or maybe Magura T5s.

 

It looks like I’m going with Hayes Dominion A4s in bronze. Pretty excited to feel the new anchors do their thing!

 

Looks like OP has decided already, for the internet record I have a slew (3 1/2 bikes) on Magura MT30 four pot and they all work swimmingly, on a variety of generic rotors in 2 and 1.8mm thick. Frankly the biggest issue was finding a bleeding method that worked for me (syringe with a hole in it). I've had to do a lot of bleeds as I move them from frame to frame and install more. After the install bleed they seem pretty maintenance free. I did notice the other day that the OEM pads are wearing thin on the sets that are oldest (2.5 years old).

I have one wheel on the basic Shimano 2-pot (Magura wouldn't clear the seatstay). It's noticeably not as stoppy, but it works fine. I have two wheels on the Clarks basic. Those are also not as stoppy, but also work fine.

 

At your size you need good brakes.... Had the Ts they suck. My ebike came with those TRPs and they suck. I bought Hayes Dominions and havent looked back. I even added them to my Ibis Ripmo AF when I bought that bike. Gotta pay to play,but brakes arent a component you should skimp on. BTW the Hayes prices usually include new rotors and hoses because they are both different than the other brands.

 

Just placed an order for the Dominion A4s through The Lost Co. Never dealt with them before and I’ve got to say the personal touch was very much appreciated. Mike, the owner, emailed me over the weekend to answer my questions. I’d already ordered the Code Rs but decided I wanted something “better.” Cancelling and ordering the Hayes brakes was no problem - he matched a lower price I found elsewhere, and put together a custom payment link for me.

 

Im 235 and have the 203mm rotors on both my bikes.... I have never had brake fade ever! I live in Western North Carolina and ride some challenging downhill terrain. Another plus to the Hayes, they provide 2 sets of pads: one metallic and one set ceramic.

 

200lb rider here and I had been on Guide RS for the last 7 years with no issues. new Transition came with the TRP Evo DH and holy crap, the braking power is amazing! I'm considering upgrading my wife's Codes to these just because of how great they are.

just my 2 cents.

J.