http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Regarding Hydraulics en Sun, 28 Jun 2026 16:01:52 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14443#post-181902 Thu, 26 Feb 2015 16:28:35 +0000 eastsidebikes 181902@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><blockquote>You may find the brakes need to be primed once the bike is back on its wheels.</p> <p>When I've inverted a bike (Avid Juicy 3 brakes), shaken it liberally for 20 minutes, and then tried to ride it, the brakes have been very spongy to start with - this could have just been the calipers been shaken back a bit and needing to close up before braking effectively.</p> <p>In any case, repeated brake/release cycles sorted it out.</p> <p>Robert </blockquote></p> <p>This is because there was air in your lever reservoir; it floated up to the caliper/hose and therefore into the circuit when you inverted the bike. It eventually floated back up to the lever and out if the circuit when it was righted/used. </p> <p>Generally a bad idea to put the bike upside down anyway - it'll scratch the stem/shifters. Put it on it's side. It can't fall over if it's already on the ground :-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14443#post-181825 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:54:20 +0000 I were right about that saddle 181825@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Snowy</p> <p>A really good stack is when you sit up, look round and the bike comes tumbling down the hill and hits you in the face. Happened to me once when I accidentally engaged in a trail beyond my skills or courage. Cable brakes though, so no worries. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14443#post-181820 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:17:48 +0000 neddie 181820@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Snowy</p> <p>LOL.</p> <p>Yeah, the bike ended up a good way down the hill and I sat up and went "owww, owwww, owwww, that really hurts" (Hot Fuzz style). I thought the bike was going to be completely buckled, but not in the slightest. My mate then informed me "Don't worry, they're more or less indestructible" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14443#post-181817 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 14:24:16 +0000 Snowy 181817@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>+1 eddie_h You know it's been a good stack when you sit up and can't see your bike anywhere within 10 yards.</p> <p>My mtb is upside down frequently for maintenance and the brakes just require a couple of pulls to be back to normal. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14443#post-181814 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 14:10:07 +0000 neddie 181814@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Is it true that putting a hydro-braked bike upside down is a Really Bad Thing and mean the brakes need bled again</em></p> <p>Well my mountain bike has been upside down with me on it, and the hydro brakes were no worse for wear. In fact the bike was not even scratched, it was me that came off worst. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14443#post-181809 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 13:27:18 +0000 Arellcat 181809@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The spacer simply takes the place of the disc to prevent the pistons from being inadvertently* pushed all the way out of the caliper.</p> <p>I've inverted my Hope Mini brakes many times. If the brake is properly bled and the master cylinder has good seals there should be no movement of air to affect the diaphragm and upset the adjustment.</p> <p>* Or advertently. Sometimes if the pistons are old and a bit corroded, this is actually the easiest and messiest way to remove them. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14443#post-181803 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 12:08:24 +0000 CycleCommute.CC 181803@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>What's the spacer for and where does it go? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14443#post-181799 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 11:52:50 +0000 Roibeard 181799@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>BTW, if you do forget the spacer, it's possible to pry the pistons apart and back home again with a bit of care.</p> <p>Robert<br /> Yep, speaking from experience... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14443#post-181795 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 11:38:45 +0000 Roibeard 181795@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You may find the brakes need to be primed once the bike is back on its wheels.</p> <p>When I've inverted a bike (Avid Juicy 3 brakes), shaken it liberally for 20 minutes, and then tried to ride it, the brakes have been very spongy to start with - this could have just been the calipers been shaken back a bit and needing to close up before braking effectively.</p> <p>In any case, repeated brake/release cycles sorted it out.</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14443#post-181794 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 11:31:43 +0000 I were right about that saddle 181794@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>On 1 - no (but Shimano brakes come with a disclaimer that they may not operate properly when the bike is upside down). </p> <p>On 2 - it is wise but not necessary. Bit of wood, child's finger (if clean) etc etc. I have the Shimano SLX official spacer if that's any use. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14443#post-181791 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 11:18:39 +0000 Uberuce 181791@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Got another slow puncture overnight on disco floofy, which makes me very inclined to change back to the slicks.</p> <p>Before I do that I want to sound out two notes of caution in my head that may be urban myths:</p> <p>- Is it true that putting a hydro-braked bike upside down is a Really Bad Thing and mean the brakes need bled again(or some other wizardry that means a trip to LBS)?</p> <p>- Do I need to put a spacer between the pads, and if so what? </p> <p>I can just about imagine me being sensible enough not to hammer the brake lever while the front wheel's off, but why take chances? </p>