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Front disc brake issue
I am in a bit of a panic, perhaps unnecessarily at this stage but looking for suggestions! I have planned to go away with a bunch of people with the families, mainly so that the guys can go off and ride. I do not get away that often and never with the primary purpose of riding. Yesterday my front disc brakes on my 3 month old Giant packed it in. I took it back to the LBS and they were able fit it in to look at this morning but called me to say that it had to go in for a warranty repair that will take between 1 and 2 weeks. Not the LBS fault at all and they obviously cannot do anything about it.
They have offered a demo bike that I could take away which is very generous of them but it would be great to have my own bike somehow. Is it feasible to buy some brakes just for the front or is that just going to be more hassle and cost that it's worth? Would I need to replace the whole she-bang - lever, cable, calliper, disc, etc.? Ideally I would get a replacement calliper and whack that on but I know they only come in sets and I assume I need to have the same Avid Elixir calliper.
Arggh, thanks in advance for your suggestions.
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If we know then we can advise on what component you need exactly. You shouldn't need to replace the whole front brake.
So the issue is with the caliper? They are interchangeable so you don't need the whole lot.
If there is a problem with the caliper they may be able to lend you one? if you have a Elixir's and you get desperate let me know. I have a set sitting around at the moment so we could possibly work something out. I don't really want to sell them especially not one so maybe something along the lines of" If you bring them back undamaged ill give you your money back
It appears to have a slow leak of fluid from the reservoir. I did not notice any oil but by yesterday morning it had very minimal pressure, not nearly enough to stop my 95kgs anyway! I think that is why the LBS decided to send it in because there is obviously something beyond just a lose hex bolt or similar.
I am kind of thinking that perhaps they could swap out just the calliper from a demo bike, good suggestion. Thanks for the offer Richard, that is very generous, I will call them tomorrow and see what the status is.
If you're going to swap something from a demo bike (and I would imagine the LBS would be happier to send out just a part, than the whole bike) then just take the whole assembly. I mean, lever, hose, caliper.
If you don't, a bleed will be necessary and there is a small chance the fault will be in the bit of yours you keep - Murphy's Law I believe
Besides, wwapping out one end of a brake set is a 10 minute job... too easy.
Awesome. With my initial silly reaction it was hard not to see my weekend of fun turning into a disappointment. A loner bike would be great but am looking forward to getting mine out and about on new tracks.
A tad stupid for having a mini-panic attack about this but I choose to take two lessons out of it. The first is that a good LBS is invaluable and I can specifically say, Bike Addiction at North Manly in my case. I received a call from Sean yesterday afternoon to tell me that they figure I would probably like to take my own bike away so how about they put different front brakes on until mine are returned. The second lesson, and I need to a show of support here, having two bikes is nee a luxury, it is a necessity!! Now, only one person to convince of that and it's off to the LBS to make a purchase.
Dooode... the correct wording is at least two bikes is a necessity
N+1 and all that
Good to hear you got it sorted, and I agree once you find a good LBS stick with them.
You are a wise man...