Options for Rainy Race Day and Carbon Wheels??

chakattack

I've picked up a set of carbon rimmed wheels for racing and they use carbon specific pads. Stopping power is adequate when it's dry but not great in the rain.

Trying to figure out the best solution for when it's wet when I plan to change to a low profile alu wheel on the front for better braking. These will be last minutes changes on race day.

I'm sure it's a common enough problem so what do most people do?

Options:

(a) Swap caliper with carbon pads for one with standard brake pads - Simple enough, just need to make sure caliper is tightened properly to frame, centred and set up close to the rim. Pros = Pad alignment and toe-in will be setup right.

(b) Swap brake pads - Tight fit with campy pads = Potential pain in the h*le and might need realignment anyway

(c) Swap brake shoes - Simple but need to fine tune alignment and toe-in everytime.

(d) Use Swiss Stop yellow pads which can supposedly be used with carbon or alu once you check for alu splinters before refitting the carbon wheels. Sounds ideal but what's the risk and how obvious are the splinters or how minute can they be to damage a carbon rim?

(e) HTFU and get used to carbon wheels in the rain

Thoughts?

AstraMonti

I think the best and fastest idea would be to swap brake shoes. Do not use one pad for both wheels, metal shards will transfer to the pad and it will destroy the carbon surface.

morana

Apparently you can use Dura Ace brake pads with carbon wheels which are reportedly better than anything else.

i use the same pads on my zipps and alu wheels. I think there was a fear bits of alu become embedded in the pad and could wear the rim. I have had no such problems after a few years.

Stopping in the rain can be a bit difficult but you get used to it and leave extra time...like when youre drunk on the bike..

Chips Lovell

In my experience, carbon rims are fine on showery days. Only when it's been lashing have I had problems with braking performance (I use Swiss Stop Yellow). I change pads when swapping wheels. I'm on Campag.