How to Bed In Your Bicycle Brakes

Bedding in your brakes is a simple but important process that helps your new brake pads and rotors work at their best. It ensures consistent, powerful stopping performance and helps prevent noise or uneven wear.

What Is Brake Bedding In?

When you bed in your brakes, you're transferring a thin layer of pad material onto the brake rotor. This creates an even, smooth braking surface that allows for maximum friction and control.

Why It's Important

• Increases braking power and consistency

• Reduces squealing and vibration

• Helps brake pads and rotors last longer

How to Bed In Your Brakes

1. Find a safe, flat area with room to ride and stop repeatedly.

2. Get up to a moderate speed (about 15–20 km/h or 10–15 mph).

3. Gently apply the brakes (front and rear) and slow to walking pace—don’t fully stop.

4. Repeat 10–15 times, gradually increasing braking force with each cycle.
   Then do 3–5 harder stops, just short of locking the wheels.

5. Let the brakes cool down afterward, and you're good to go!

Tip: Avoid coming to a complete stop with hard braking during this process, as it can leave uneven pad material on the rotor.