Braided Hoses

[Mr Scruff]

Collective wisdom?

After much abuse I need to give me Hope C2's some well deserved TLC. As well as replacing the (totally knackered) pads I'm doing the fluids as well.

Is there any point replacing the hoses with braided ones? They're not cheap (if using the Hope branded stuff) but I'm doing all the this work 'cos I'm suffering major fade after a couple of XC/downhill runs and wondering whether it's worthwhile doing it as I'm putting the bike out of commission anyway.

Does anyone have any experience of using braided hoses? Is it possible that just new pads and a fluid replacement will sort out the fade probems I'm having?

[pastrana72]

I put Goodridge braided hose's on my C2's a few years ago, and I reckon it was worth it, They performed a bit better on the downs, and prefer the look and durability.

I also have braided hoses on both sets of Hope Moto V2 I have on My Cove Hustler and Cove HJ. Thet are a real step up in peformance over the C2, (which I still use on my Cove stiffee FR), I can highly recommend them.

[neil_bolton]

Braided hoses are a key item if you are considering anything like the Alps or similar.

I run braided on my brakes, and have never had an issue with them, I'd fitted them without even trying the normal cabling, as I just didn't want to end up with no brakes one day trying to descend with boiled fluid.

Plus, they look nicer

Edited to add: Goodridge only for me please...

Edited by neil_bolton on Monday 18th August 09:22

[pdV6]

Can't see that braided hoses will help alleviate boiled fluid; surely all they do is prevent the hose from expanding under pressure so more of your braking effort gets to the pads?

[neil_bolton]

pdV6 said:

Can't see that braided hoses will help alleviate boiled fluid; surely all they do is prevent the hose from expanding under pressure so more of your braking effort gets to the pads?

They help to dissipate any heat better than the standard rubber - something that on a proper mountain you need all the help of.

Certainly they make a massive improvement on feel as well, especially when things get hot.

[-C-]

I think you will benefit from a rebleed, and just a general tidy up more than the difference the hoses will make. Have them apart, check the pistons are suitably greased, stick some new pads in & some new fluid & off you go.

Goodridge hoses won't transform them by any means. In my experience, because of the braiding they make brakes feel that bit more wooden, as you lose the hose flex for a small amount of modulation.

They will only be fading if you are dragging them, if you modify your riding to use them effectively ratehr than constantly dragging they will be fine. And you will improve, and go faster

[mk1fan]

I fitted them (Goodridge) as I needed to replace some Avid hoses and the Goodridge ones worked out cheaper. I've found they have the same amount of modulation and 'feel' of my Seven, Ultimate, Code Frankenstien of a brake set-up but also have more bite and 'ramped up' power.