BTLOS Brake Track Worn

[hstack]

I bought a set of BTLOS rim brake wheels (the WRCs) with the graphene braking surface (grid) and have been happy with them overall. However, not even a year and 5800 miles later, the brake track on the rear wheel is getting pretty smooth.

Does this seem normal? Anyone had a similar (or dissimilar) experience with BTLOS rims? Or do I just brake too much? :/

Hannah

[deluz]

What brake pads are you using?

[hstack]

Originally Posted by deluz

What brake pads are you using?

I've been using a set of Enve pads that I got with my (used) bike, so not sure exactly what they are.

[CAAD]

My BTLOS extralight wheels with the arc graphene brake tracks feel the same as they did new. They are about a year old at this point and are my main set of wheels. Many thousands of miles on them using black prince pads. Plenty of hard high-speed braking up here in the foothills. There was someone on weightweenies that wore his brake track completely smooth shortly after receiving his wheels, BTLOS sent him a warranty replacement rim. Can't remember what pads he was using though. Might be worth reaching out to BTLOS. Like anything I can see the brake track losing some of its bit after some use, friction causes wear.

[deluz]

I would think the Enve pads should be ok.
I have the arc brake track and there is no wear using the BTLOS pads.
The arc is an indent in the surface so it would a take a lot of surface wear to reduce it.
I have only had them for a few months though.
Definitely contact BTLOS and see what they say.

[hstack]

Okay, interesting. Thanks. I do have the grid rather than the arc pattern, so not sure if that makes a difference, but definitely will ask BTLOS.

[krooj]

Originally Posted by hstack

Okay, interesting. Thanks. I do have the grid rather than the arc pattern, so not sure if that makes a difference, but definitely will ask BTLOS.

Post some pics of the rim? I'm curious what these look like...

e: FWIW, I think the Campy and Enve pads tend to be quite hard, and I've always had good luck with Zipp Evo Platinum Plus and SwissStop Black Prince pads on my BTLOS rims

[rogerspam]

Was thinking about BTLOS wheels so interesting to hear about your braking surface issue. Is it worn down evenly on both sides and across the entire brake track?

[hstack]

Originally Posted by krooj

Post some pics of the rim? I'm curious what these look like...

e: FWIW, I think the Campy and Enve pads tend to be quite hard, and I've always had good luck with Zipp Evo Platinum Plus and SwissStop Black Prince pads on my BTLOS rims

First two pics are the rear wheel and it's like that all the way around. Front wheel is not so bad, as can be seen in the last picture.

Appreciate the tip about Zipp and SwissStop! Thanks!

[hstack]

Originally Posted by rogerspam

Was thinking about BTLOS wheels so interesting to hear about your braking surface issue. Is it worn down evenly on both sides and across the entire brake track?

It's worn evenly all the way around, although slightly less so on the left side of the rim (which I would guess is my fault for not centering perfectly).

[Kyle h]

Is this where we turn this thread into why disc brakes > rim brakes?

only kidding.

[CAAD]

Riding in the rain frequently? Riding in poor conditions with all the grit and grime can wear a rim down. How often do you remove the pads and give them a good clean on a piece of sandpaper to remove contaminates?

[charliedid]

Seems dramatically different. Stupid question....you are using carbon specific pads right?

Edit_ I see front and back not left and right.

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by hstack

I've been using a set of Enve pads that I got with my (used) bike, so not sure exactly what they are.

this is a confusing answer. are the pads enve or you dont know what they are?

Either way, based on the photos, I would buy some new brake pads. I really like campag's red carbon pads, available for both shimano and campag style holders.

[BobbyJones]

Not familiar with enve pads.

Is the track actually getting worn or is it pad build up? Can’t tell from the photo.