Front brakes feel different after tire change

[Beardo]

So I swapped out my front E3 that still had a few miles on it for an Avon...I don't think it would have lasted through our trip this summer and I hate waiting for a tire when on a trip.  Love the Avon, so much quieter than the E3.

Anyways, just a question...since I removed the old tire and had the new one mounted(removed/installed it myself, took it to an independent to mount/balance the tire), the brakes feel way different, in a good way. They grab way sooner in the lever pull and grab much harder. I didn't think they were lacking before but they are way better now. Any ideas as to why? Maybe a previously stuck caliper that I freed up when I pried the pads apart to remount them? They weren't sticky at all, they moved freely.

Not a big deal, just curious what might have caused the change.

Also...just checking, is 40/42 psi for the Avons the consensus?

[Bighead]

Don't know about the brakes but 42 psi

[Earl43P]

My standard practice is to remove the pads, extend the pistons past the grunge line (highly technical term) and clean up the pistons (1000 or 1500 grit, depending on condition). Then I put a drop of brake fluid on each and push them back in with the bleeder open to flush out the old fluid. I then clamp the pistons fully seated with an old pad and continue to pump clean fluid out of the bleeder. I also normally suck the old fluid out of the master, purge the spooge hole (under that metal shroud) and refill with clean fluid.

I've never had to bleed any further after installing pads using this method. I also reap the same benefit of nice brake lever action when complete.

[BobB]

You may have inadvertently bleed a tiny air bubble out while backing off your brake pads.  That's all I can think of.  As for Avon Cobra pressures, I run 38 psi in the front and when I ran them in the rear, I pressurized them to 44 psi cold.  I am now on the Dark Side...

[Beardo]

You may have inadvertently bleed a tiny air bubble out while backing off your brake pads.  That's all I can think of.  As for Avon Cobra pressures, I run 38 psi in the front and when I ran them in the rear, I pressurized them to 44 psi cold.  I am now on the Dark Side...

That's kinda what I was thinking it had to be.

Thanks for the replies guys.

[Paladin528]

I started another Thread before I found this one again. 
I cleaned up my calipers and pistons today and WOW what a difference.

[Beardo]

I started another Thread before I found this one again. 
I cleaned up my calipers and pistons today and WOW what a difference.

Yeah, in hindsight, that's what mine needed. I had no idea how good the brakes were on this thing, I just bought the bike last year. Now that they're good, I'll probably hold off on doing what you did til the winter...I got riding to do now. I am going to flush and bleed the brakes next week before my trip, the fluid looks like tea.

Thanks for the posts.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I started another Thread before I found this one again. 
I cleaned up my calipers and pistons today and WOW what a difference.

Yeah, in hindsight, that's what mine needed. I had no idea how good the brakes were on this thing, I just bought the bike last year. Now that they're good, I'll probably hold off on doing what you did til the winter...I got riding to do now. I am going to flush and bleed the brakes next week before my trip, the fluid looks like tea.

Thanks for the posts.

So, where are you headed ?

[Beardo]

Sorry meathead, just saw your post.

Wife and I are heading south and west. Likely over to Cranbrook, Creston BC then down into Idaho, Montana, over to the Beartooth pass then home.  I've done that loop by myself and loved it, taking the better half this time.

Last time I did that loop, I was on a sport bike. I expect this to be much more comfortable. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Sorry meathead, just saw your post.

Wife and I are heading south and west. Likely over to Cranbrook, Creston BC then down into Idaho, Montana, over to the Beartooth pass then home.  I've done that loop by myself and loved it, taking the better half this time.

Last time I did that loop, I was on a sport bike. I expect this to be much more comfortable. 

Yes I would it expect it to be more comfortable also.  You guys have a good time and ride safe.