Proper Braking Technique for Carbon Rims

To achieve the braking performance that we have designed into Mercury's carbon wheels, follow these steps every time you ride.

• Always use Mercury brake pads on Mercury carbon wheels. Failure to do so voids your wheels’ warranty and may cause unsafe braking performance.
• Use proper braking technique.
  • Distribute braking force as evenly as possible between your front and rear brakes.
  • Avoid prolonged braking, such as “dragging” your brakes, which can cause a dangerous amount of heat buildup in carbon rims. 
  • Use shorter, more powerful periods of braking. This allows carbon rims to dissipate heat buildup between braking periods. Even a second or two of disengaging or pulsing your brakes is usually enough time to dump the heat buildup in the rims.
  • Use your body to help you decelerate by sitting more upright. The extra drag on your body makes a notable difference. Plan your line, plan your braking. It is not the same as an alloy rim.
• If you feel a pulsing or surging sensation in the bike or brake levers while riding or braking, stop your ride. Contact Mercury Support to determine whether you need a warranty or crash replacement wheel.