Anyone know anything about disc brakes?

Flat mount is flat mount, generally road use but there are MTB things, mainly XC that have started to use it, post mount is what you've bought, you can just swap the caliper. There are flat mount to post mount adapters (search that) but they're ugly.

Ahhh thank you - that makes a lot more sense. I'll pick up a new caliper in that case.

I just got some Hope brakes (likewise for flat bars), and they are ace. I took them to a bike shop to fit them, the mechanic said "I have the same brakes, but the version from the early 2000's. They are still going strong" which filled me with a lot of confidence.

Thanks.
Went for the Hope X2’s in the end.
They’re better than I ever remember Hope brakes being.
Currently trying to talk myself out of upgrading the MTB brakes to some new Hope Tech 4.

+1 for Hope.

I’ve got a set of Mono Minis from 2004 which I sent off to Hope to be rebuilt last year, got them back in as-new condition for £50.

About to send a pair of 2007 models for the same treatment. No other maker backs their old brakes like this as far as I know.

I really want a set of Tech 4's, but they're not offering them as lever only yet. As far as I understand, the calipers haven't changed from the Tech 3

According to Hope

Both 4 piston calipers have been updated and utilise hybrid style stainless steel pistons with a phenolic insert.

But the changes are mostly the lever I think

Sorry if this has been gone over, I was having trouble finding discussion using the search function.
How much of a performance difference will there be from a lower end rotor (say shimano 105 ice tech) to a higher end rotor?

How much of a performance difference will there be from a lower end rotor (say shimano 105 ice tech) to a higher end rotor?

Very close to fuck all in my humble opinion. Obvs the higher end DA will be a tad lighter and the fancier cooling fins will probably help dissipate heat a bit more so brake fade wont be such an issue on a long alpine descent. The actual overall braking power isn't any different, the rotor size is biggest factor for power.
Save the cash and get 105 or similar level.

edit - you should buy these fancy sram ones for only £45!

Agreed. I've used both ultegra and 105 calipers too and there's barely any difference. Levers, maybe a slight difference in feel.

The pricey rotors look different, I'd say that's the main difference.

Thanks! May have got those if they were centre-lock 😬

Shimano mtb levers with flat mount brake calipers like R7020, any loss in performance? What cable would I need to use for to fit?

It'll be fine, you'll likely want BH90 hose with a straight end connector.

Or you can buy pre bled flat mount MTB brakes.

@snottyotter cheers. I had picked up some M8000 levers and already have the 105 calipers on my bike. I was tempted by the pre-bled M7000 flat mount jobbies but too spendy. Thanks for confirming.

Are magura MT5 double brake pads supposed to be a pain in the dick to fit? Despite pushing the pistons back, I had to bend the tabs slightly to get them in at all.

They're not supposed to be, no

Urgh, I wonder if mine just had a bit of extra meat on them. The tabs are only slightly straightened out, not enough that I'm worried about them falling out.

I say that as I have some maguras and I have taken the pads out before with relative ease. But I don't have MT5s specifically though they look basically identical.
The pads on mine just pull out by hand, a little fiddly with the hook on the top but no bending involved. They just sit magnetically against the pistons iirc.
Second caveat being they're part worn pads and I've not fitted new ones.
Basically who knows, I'm not much help sorry

Yeah, the worn ones came out OK, it just seemed impossible to get the new ones in without the modification.

Anyway, 6 mile round trip done with no issues. Not even a squeak, which is an improvement over the old pads even 800 miles ago.

Help!

1 Attachment

One of those reverse thread puller things after you have drilled a hole🙏

Cut another slot it in at 90 degrees to the original with a cutting disk on a Dremel (other mini-drills/grinders are available) and take it easy this time...

It's too late, you've fucked it