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View Full Version : Hope Brakes - Softening up lever feel


weaponsgrade
06-20-2020, 05:43 PM
I've got a set of Hope disc brakes on one of my bikes. The levers seem to take a bit more force to squeeze as compared to my Shimano ones (Ultegra and XT). I only started noticing this recently since most of my miles lately have been on the Shimano equipped bikes. So I don't know if the levers were always like this or maybe some maintenance is needed. I've bled them as needed (which hasn't been much). Would doing a complete brake fluid drain help? or do I just need to do grip exercises? I'll estimate 2000 miles on the Hopes and other than having been bled once or twice, the only thing I've really done is change out pads.

Ken Robb
06-20-2020, 06:02 PM
Bleeding brakes may get rid of sponginess if you have air in the lines but they won't soften the feel. Softer pad compound might give you what you seek.

weaponsgrade
06-20-2020, 06:49 PM
Thanks. It's like they've got a very strong spring in the lever. I'm using metal pads right now.

NHAero
06-20-2020, 07:02 PM
Dumb question, but are the lever pivots free moving?