tscheezy said:
Anyone out there run Marta SLs in endless slop, rain, muck and mud? I have gathered here that the pads wear quickly and there are no aftermarket alternatives. What about squeal? I hate noisy brakes. I have been very satisfied with my Avid mechs on both counts, and the Juicy's have been pretty good after some tinkering in terms of quieting them in the slop, but I am thinking of putting my GF's bike on a diet and was toying with the idea of the Martas. The other issue is how much lever adjustment is there? Enough to accomodate small hands?
Thanks gentle brake folk.
I've got almost 2 months on my Marta SLs. The majority of this racing/riding/training has been in moderately dry conditions. However, as of a couple weeks ago, it has been getting much wetter and muddier. So far, the Marta SLs are still on their stock pads and they are showing minimal wear. Squealing has also been very, very minimal...much less than my previous Mono Minis.
But, after reading some of the pad-wear issues (mostly Spookykinkajoo's comments) and knowing that I'll be racing them at the TransRockies next week, plus fall/winter is coming so pad-wear will likely increase as conditions deteriorate, I bought a few sets of the Endurance pads (and Performance pads).
The Endurance pads, like their name indicates, are said to last longer than the stock Performance pads. There is also said to be a slight loss in power. This is according to what I was told by Jeff at Magura.
As for the aftermarket alternative, there are a couple. But, when using anything aftermarket and non-Magura, you'll have problems with warranty...should you need it.
I've got small hands and find the Martas to be perfect.