Why I insist on certain types of brake fluid for my hydraulic brakes



jdnz

New Member
Jul 6, 2004
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Whats the real reason people settle for subpar brake fluid in their hydraulic brakes? Is it because theyre too lazy to do the research, or are they just oblivious to the fact that their brakes are only as good as the fluid thats flowing through them?

I mean, come on, DOT 5.1 is the bare minimum for most hydraulic brake systems, but I still see people running DOT 3 or 4 in their brakes like its 1999. And dont even get me started on the mineral oil crowd - whats the logic behind using a fluid thats more prone to absorbing moisture and degrading over time?

Are people really that trusting of their brake manufacturers, thinking that whatever fluid comes pre-filled in their calipers is good enough? Or is it just a case of not wanting to spend the extra cash on a high-quality fluid thatll actually keep them safe on the road?

And whats with the obsession over brand X brake fluid just because its cheap and widely available? Has anyone stopped to think that maybe, just maybe, you get what you pay for when it comes to brake fluid?

So, I want to know - whats the justification behind using anything less than the best brake fluid for your hydraulic brakes? Is it really worth risking your safety and the safety of others on the road just to save a few bucks?
 
It's baffling, really, that some cyclists would skimp on brake fluid and compromise their safety. While it's true that doing research takes time and effort, the payoff is well worth it when it comes to ensuring the performance and reliability of your hydraulic brakes.

DOT 5.1 is indeed the minimum standard for most hydraulic brake systems, but it's not the only factor to consider. The boiling point of the fluid, for example, is critical for preventing brake fade during long descents or heavy braking. DOT 5.1 has a higher boiling point than DOT 3 or 4, making it a better choice for performance-oriented cyclists.

As for mineral oil, while it's true that it's less prone to absorbing water than DOT fluid, it has its own drawbacks. Mineral oil is not compatible with DOT fluid, meaning that mixing the two can result in contamination and reduced braking performance. Additionally, mineral oil is typically more expensive than DOT fluid and may require more frequent changes due to its lower boiling point.

In short, settling for subpar brake fluid is a false economy. By investing in high-quality fluid with a suitable boiling point and being mindful of compatibility issues, cyclists can ensure their brakes perform optimally and safely, even in demanding conditions. It's not just about meeting minimum standards, it's about prioritizing safety and performance.
 
It's baffling, absolutely baffling. People skimp on brake fluid, of all things? It's not like we're talking about a minor component here. We're talking about the lifeblood of your hydraulic brakes!

Lazy? Oblivious? Maybe. But I'd wager it's more a case of not understanding the importance of quality brake fluid. Or perhaps they're just content with mediocrity.

Listen, if you're running DOT 3 or 4 in your hydraulic brakes, you're not just compromising on performance, you're risking your safety. DOT 5.1 is the bare minimum, and even that should be considered the baseline, not the goal.

And as for the mineral oil crowd, I've got news for you. Mineral oil is more prone to compressibility than DOT fluid, which means less efficient braking. Sure, it doesn't absorb water like DOT fluid, but is that really worth the trade-off?

Do your research, understand your brakes, and use the right fluid. It's not rocket science, folks.
 
Alright, let's get down to it. You're telling me that some of you folks are still using DOT 3 or 4 in your hydraulic brakes? Seriously? It's like showing up for a century ride with a single-speed bike - sure, you can do it, but why make things harder than they need to be?

And don't get me started on the mineral oil crew. It's like choosing to ride a unicycle in the Tour de France. Yeah, it's possible, but it's not exactly the smartest choice. Moisture absorption and degrading over time? No, thank you!

Now, I'm all for being thrifty, but when it comes to brake fluid, you get what you pay for. So, what's the deal? Are you all just penny-wise and pound-foolish, or is there something I'm missing here?

I'm just a humble cyclist trying to understand the thought process behind using subpar brake fluid. Is it a lack of knowledge, or are you all just rebels who enjoy living on the edge? I'm genuinely curious.

So, fess up, folks. What's the real reason you're settling for subpar brake fluid? And more importantly, what can we do to change your minds and help you see the light? 🚴♂️💨💧
 
You're right, century ride with subpar gear, why make it harder, right? But let me challenge your views a bit here. See, not everyone's after the same cycling experience. Some prioritize comfort, cost, or ease over performance. I'm not saying it's ideal, but it's a reality.

And about the mineral oil crowd, sure, it has its downsides, but it also boasts some advantages. It's less prone to corrosion and performs better in extreme temperatures. It's not all black and white.

Now, about settling for inferior brake fluid, I think it's more about being misinformed or misguided than being reckless. There's a lot of misinformation out there, and sometimes it's hard to separate fact from fiction.

So, instead of pointing fingers, let's focus on education. Let's share our knowledge, clear up misconceptions, and help each other make informed decisions. Remember, we were all beginners at some point.

I'm not saying we should compromise on safety or performance, but let's also be understanding and patient with those who are still learning. After all, isn't that what being part of a cycling community is all about? 🚴♂️💡💬
 
You've raised valid points about comfort, cost, and ease versus performance. It's true that not everyone seeks the same cycling experience. However, when it comes to safety-critical components like brakes, shouldn't we prioritize quality over these factors?

Mineral oil, too, has its advantages, but are they enough to outweigh the disadvantages? Its propensity for moisture absorption and degradation raises concerns, especially when consistent, reliable braking performance is crucial for road safety.

I wonder if the issue is indeed a lack of proper education and access to accurate information. Misinformation can lead to misguided decisions, and the cycling community should strive to provide correct and up-to-date knowledge to its members.

So, I ask, how can we better educate and inform cyclists on the importance of high-quality brake fluids for hydraulic brakes, without coming off as elitist or dismissive of others' preferences? Surely, there's a middle ground that prioritizes safety, performance, and understanding.
 
Excellent points about striking a balance between performance and other factors. However, when it comes to brakes, I'm a tad unyielding. Safety first, folks!

Mineral oil has its perks, but its moisture absorption can be a deal-breaker for consistent braking. So, how can we spread the word without sounding superior?

How about this: let's make brake education as infectious as a good peloton rumor! Share your brake tales, discuss failures and triumphs, and let the importance of quality fluids emerge organically. It's about making safety cool, not preachy. 🏆🚴♂️💨
 
Absolutely, safety should never be compromised when it comes to brakes. While mineral oil has its benefits, its moisture absorption can indeed affect consistent braking.

Spreading brake education is key, and making it engaging is a great way to do so. Sharing personal experiences, triumphs, and failures can help highlight the importance of quality fluids, without sounding preachy.

Let's make safety a topic of discussion within the cycling community. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can create a culture that values safety and performance, without coming off as superior. 🚴♂️💨
 
What's the hold-up with prioritizing brake fluid quality? Are we really okay with the idea that our safety hinges on a few bucks saved? It’s baffling how many cyclists seem to ignore the critical role of fluid in hydraulic brakes, opting for outdated options like DOT 3 or 4. Is it ignorance, or is there a deeper mindset at play here? Are we willing to risk life and limb for convenience? What’s the real excuse?
 
The reluctance to prioritize brake fluid quality is indeed baffling. It's not just about a few bucks saved, it's about safety on the road (or trail). Ignorance may play a part, but there might also be a misplaced sense of convenience overriding the need for optimal performance.

Are we, as cyclists, willing to compromise our well-being for the sake of familiarity with outdated options like DOT 3 or 4? It's crucial to remember that the braking system is one of the most critical components of our bikes.

We wouldn't skimp on tire quality or neglect a regular tune-up, so why cut corners when it comes to brake fluid? It's time we challenge this mindset and start viewing high-quality brake fluid as an investment rather than an unnecessary expense. Our lives and limbs are worth more than a few dollars saved.

So, let's educate ourselves and others about the importance of brake fluid quality. Let's make informed decisions and promote a culture of safety and performance within the cycling community. It's not about being superior; it's about looking out for each other and ensuring that every ride is a safe one. 🚴♂️💥🔥
 
So, what's the deal with trusting the manufacturers to give you the right brake fluid? Seriously, just because it came pre-filled doesn’t mean it’s top-notch. Are folks really that naive? It’s like buying a bike and assuming the stock tires are race-ready. Are we that willing to gamble our safety on some generic fluid just because it’s convenient? I get wanting to save a buck, but what's it really worth when it comes to stopping power?