Dear Gearhead,

Why does it seem like bikes are getting heavier? Looking at specs, it seems like 2025 versions of the same bike will weigh 2-3 pounds more.

Bikes are getting heavier, no doubt! From the inclusion of stronger brakes, more aggressive tires, more travel than predecessors, and more durable drivetrain options released from SRAM and Shimano, weight is no longer the end-all-be-all to riding. 

That said, top end XC bikes can still hover in the super light 22-23lb range, depending on the components. With the release of SRAM Mechanical Eagle 70/90, weights on previously mechanically equipped bikes are coming in a bit heavier. With those few extra grams, though, comes better repairability, smoother, more precise shifting, and longer lasting drivetrain components. There are plenty more reasons “why”, but those are some of the biggest reasons why top bikes are getting heavier in 2025.

Dear Gearhead,

Help! Brake pads (and brakes) mystify me. How do you “burn in” brakes? What happens when you DON’T burn them in properly? And is it true that I can “contaminate” my brake pads when I wash my bike?

The reason why we bed in brakes is to allow the pads and rotor to heat up and to allow an even layer of brake pad material to coat the outer surface of the rotor. This will ensure snappy brakes, quiet braking and most importantly, full stopping performance. Proper brake bedding in procedure should occur at a couple points. 

1. You just got a new bike 
2. Your rotor(s) have been replaced
3. Your brake pads have been replaced

A simple way to do this that has been endorsed by multiple brands is to take your bike to a flat, smooth parking lot. Then, you will pedal up to about 17-18 miles an hour before evenly, and smoothly, applying pressure to both your front and rear brakes. Make sure not to favor one over the other as this can impact performance later on. As you brake, you’ll slow down to about a walking speed and then quickly start pedaling again. Do not come to a full stop, and do not grab your brakes all the way. You should repeat this process about 20 times to ensure proper heating of pads and rotors, which can take about 20-30 minutes. If you do not bed in your brakes, you are prone to leaving more brake material on certain spots of the rotor when suddenly braking and coming to a full stop. This can cause squealing and a lack of proper brake performance.

It is true that you can contaminate your pads and rotors when washing your bike. If you get degreaser or bike polish in there, or use a waxy, automotive wash liquid on the bike, that can impact brake performance. Resin pads are porous materials and are quite popular in mountain bikes for their quiet performance and good bite. These porous pads can absorb different chemicals and inhibit proper braking function, usually causing a louder noise upon use. I recommend taking wheels off and using a bike specific cleaner when washing your frame. In addition, be sure to not spray lubricant or degreaser near the rotor as those chemicals can create a film over the rotor.

Dear Gearhead,

What exactly is the process of “bedding” brakes? What are signs it wasn’t done? Should it be done when replacing pads or rotors?

Check out my answer to Brakin’ Betty’s question above for the process of bedding brakes!

One way to tell if your brakes are not bedded in is by examining the rotor itself. Typically, a new pad that is not bedded in with a new rotor will cause ‘glazing’. This presents itself as a rainbow-like shine to the rotor, where brake material has superheated and crystallized on the surface of the rotor. This will create a surface that the pads cannot grip onto, leading to poor brake performance, in some cases, a complete lack of braking power.

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This content was authored by NICA’s coach education team. NICA’s comprehensive coach education program provides new and existing coaches with the high-quality training and resources they need to be confident, competent, and empowered leaders on their youth mountain bike teams. NICA coaches not only create amazing experiences for student-athletes, they create a foundation for building healthy mountain bike communities. NICA coaches change lives! 

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