Thanks for choosing TF BRAKING® performance ceramic brake pads!
Before you point the bike downhill, take a few minutes to bed in your new pads properly. It’s a quick process that helps maximize braking power, keeps things quiet, and makes sure your pads perform their best from the first ride.
New Rotor
Running a brand-new rotor? Nice.
Give it a quick wipe with isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils or manufacturing residue.
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Put some alcohol on a clean microfiber or cotton towel (skip the paper towels).
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Pinch the rotor with the towel and spin the wheel a few rotations.
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Make sure both sides of the rotor are clean and ready for bedding in.
Easy.
Used Rotor
If you’re installing new pads on a used rotor, it’s best to freshen up the braking surface first. Old pad material can transfer to the rotor and cause noise or poor initial results.
Here’s the quick refresh:
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Use 120–180 grit sandpaper (a piece about 2" × 4" works great).
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Pinch the rotor with the sandpaper on both sides.
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Spin the wheel several rotations to lightly resurface the braking track.
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Keep your fingers clear and use a little caution here.
Once the rotor looks evenly refreshed:
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Wipe it down with isopropyl alcohol using a clean microfiber or cotton towel.
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Spin the wheel again to make sure both sides are clean.
Now you’ve got a fresh surface ready for your new pads.
Install the Pads
Install your TF BRAKING pads and align the calipers according to your brake manufacturer’s instructions.
Once everything looks good, it’s time for the fun part.
Bed-In Process
Bed in each brake separately (front and rear).
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Pedal up to about 12–15 mph.
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Apply the brake smoothly and evenly and slow down to a rolling pace.
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Do not come to a full stop.
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Repeat this 10–12 times per brake.
That means about 20–24 rolling stops total for both front and rear.
If you’ve got a small hill nearby, that’s even better - just start from the top and repeat the process.
You may hear a little noise at first. That’s normal and usually fades as the pads bed in.
Done! Your pads are now bedded in and ready to perform. Time to go ride!
Have questions or need help?
We’re riders too and we’re here to help. If you run into any issues with installation, fitment, or performance, please reach out to us at:
traxfactory.com
Our team is happy to help get everything dialed in.
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