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Using rim brakes with carbon rims – special considerations

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In this category you’ll find workshops that are certain to be of interest to the passionate manic mechanic. You’ll need to have a certain level of technical skill and have already some experience in carrying out maintenance work on sports cycles. For jobs in this category you may need special tools, which are not normally available in standard tool boxes.

If your wheels have carbon braking surfaces, you have to take some special considerations into account. Most importantly, only use brake pads suitable for carbon wheels.



We recommend to only brake pads made by, or recommended by, the wheel manufacturer. Carbon brake pads usually wear out faster than conventional brake pads. In addition, the rims have weaker braking performance than aluminium rims, especially in wet conditions.



Attention: Only use brake pads recommended by the manufacturer. The brake surfaces of full carbon rims are sensitive to temperatures above 100°C. Do not leave a bike with carbon parts in your car on very hot days.




Danger: During steep descents you should try to avoid constantly applying the brake while riding downhill. This may cause rim to overheat, damaging the carbon fibres.


Disclaimer of Liability
Canyon consistently strives to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this Technical Support Centre. Any repairs or adjustments which you carry out on your bike are entirely at your own risk. If you are in any doubt what to do, you should send your bike to Canyon or take it to another qualified specialist. Canyon gives no guarantee or accepts no liability for any of the information contained in this Technical Support Centre.
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