Brakes Servicing

What should I check on my bike brakes?

Your brakes are your first line of defence. Here are the basics you should check regularly:

• Brake pad wear: are the pads too thin or unevenly worn?

• Brake lever feel: is the response snappy or spongey?

• Brake cable or hose condition: any fraying, cracking, or leaks?

• Rotor condition (for disc brakes): are they warped or scored?

• Alignment: do your pads hit the rim or rotor cleanly?

  If anything feels off—or if you're not sure—bring your bike in for a brake check. We're always happy to give it a once-over.

What are hydraulic brakes?

Hydraulic disc brakes are a high-performance braking system that uses fluid rather than a cable to apply braking force. They're found on most modern road bikes, mountain bikes, and premium commuter bikes because of their:

• Superior stopping power

• Smoother modulation

• Better performance in wet and muddy conditions

They're more complex than mechanical systems, but we're specialists in hydraulic brake servicing here at Dropbar.

What needs to be checked on hydraulic brakes?

When servicing hydraulic brakes, we inspect and test:

• Fluid levels – Low fluid can affect braking power.

• Brake lever feel – Spongy levers may indicate air in the system.

• Brake pads – Contaminated or worn pads can ruin performance.

• Rotor wear and contamination

• Leaks in hoses or calipers

• Brake alignment – ensuring even and full pad contact

Routine hydraulic brake servicing helps you stop reliably and avoid expensive repairs down the road.

How do you bleed brakes?

Bleeding brakes is the process of removing air bubbles from the hydraulic system and replacing old or contaminated fluid. Here’s a simplified overview:

1. Attach a bleed kit to the caliper and lever.

2. Flush old fluid and air bubbles out of the line using fresh brake fluid.

3. Close the system, ensuring no air remains.

4. Clean everything thoroughly and test the lever feel.

Don’t feel like DIY-ing it? Brake bleeding is one of our most requested services at Dropbar. We use manufacturer-approved fluids and follow strict procedures for every bleed—whether it’s SRAM, Shimano, or something more exotic.

What is brake servicing?

Brake servicing includes a comprehensive check and tune of your braking system to make sure everything is performing at its best. A typical brake service might include:

* Brake pad replacement

* Rotor truing or replacement

* Cable adjustment or replacement (for mechanical systems)

* Hydraulic brake bleeding

* Caliper alignment

* Cleaning and decontaminating braking surfaces

It’s one of the most important regular services we offer at Dropbar—especially if you ride hard, race, or commute in all weather.

Frequent brake issues (and how we fix them)

Some common brake problems we see (and solve!):

* Squealing Brakes: Often caused by contaminated pads or rotors.

* Spongy Lever Feel: Usually a sign your hydraulic system needs a bleed.

* Uneven Braking: Could be misalignment or pad contamination.

* Brake Fade: Pads may be glazed or worn out.

* Rotor Rub: Often a caliper alignment issue.

Don’t ignore these signs, they can lead to bigger problems and less stopping power. Our mechanics are experts in diagnosing and fixing even the most elusive brake gremlins.

Book your brake service today

Whether you're prepping for a race, heading out on a tour, or just want to stop on a dime during your daily commute, Dropbar Bike Repair is your go-to brake shop. Our friendly team has decades of experience working with high-end road, gravel, and mountain bikes, and we treat every ride like it’s our own.

Need a brake bleed or full brake service? Book your appointment here or pop into the shop today.