ZRace Disc Brakes

[BrianO]

A converstion started about the Zrace brakes in the bike frame section.
We can continue here.

[Jarne]

As mentioned in the other post, I ordered mine. I guess it will probably take a month or so to arrive to me. (Chinese holidays + 3-4 weeks shipping) I will keep you updated when they arrive.

[Matt_C]

Just a note for anyone planning to use these. You need fully COMPRESSIONLESS brake housing, the stock pads could be ass so go for a decent set of sintered pads and 160mm rotors. I also have a set ordered so I will leave my review aswell. It would also be good to know what shifters everyone is using because different shifters will have different length cable pull which will impact braking power.

[BrianO]

Just a note for anyone planning to use these. You need fully COMPRESSIONLESS brake housing, the stock pads could be ass so go for a decent set of sintered pads and 160mm rotors. I also have a set ordered so I will leave my review aswell. It would also be good to know what shifters everyone is using because different shifters will have different length cable pull which will impact braking power.

Would you recommend a supplier of sintered pads.
Do the Zrace brakes work for 140mm and 160mm.

[Jarne]

Would you recommend a supplier of sintered pads.
Do the Zrace brakes work for 140mm and 160mm.

I will use shimano 105 rotors and pads, you can order the brakes with the converter to get them to work with 160 rotors. (that's what I will do) I ordered via "discount bike store" without the rotors but with the converters.

[svanimpe]

ZTTO also sells these brakes, and they also offer the adapters separately.

[carbonazza]

Would you recommend a supplier of sintered pads.
Do the Zrace brakes work for 140mm and 160mm.

If you are in Europe, you can try https://www.mtb-brakepads.nl/
The brand they sell is https://www.cyclotech-components.com/

Another option is to buy pads from Aliexpress.
This shop has good ones: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1230228
Here are the sintered: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000622330062.html

[cst_jpr]

I have a summary here: http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,2985.0.html
Bought cable from ali, KEB-SL: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000345448780.html about half the price of local suppliers.

[svanimpe]

Does anyone have any experience with the Tektro C550 brakes?
http://tektro.com/products.php?p=261

These seem to be the go-to choice for OEM cable actuated disc brakes. I'm considering getting these instead of the ZRace/ZTTO brakes for a Sensah SRX setup.

[Matt_C]

I believe these Tektro brakes are the same as TRP Spyre brakes. I just set up a pair of these for my girlfriend's bike. Test riding the bike for her I found them really good and I could lock up the wheels with a good grab of the brakes. For her though they don't perform nearly as well because she doesn't have the hand size/grip strength to get the same power in the brakes. I believe the guy who runs the china cycling YouTube channel said the same thing, he is pretty small weighing only 55kg so he couldn't get the power to stop sharply. So if you have decent grip strength you will get good performance

[carbonazza]

...So if you have decent grip strength you will get good performance

High strength is needed even with compressionless housing ?
How much time before the folks at Sensah release a hydro version ? 

[Matt_C]

High strength is needed even with compressionless housing ?
How much time before the folks at Sensah release a hydro version ? 

Yes unfortunately. I used brand new compresionless housing and the bike is not internally routed so there were not any really tight turns in the cable either. I would be more than happy to run them on my own road bike but if my girlfriend has to do an emergency stop in city traffic i don't think it will end well. I am considering putting my hydro set up on her bike and I can use the cable brakes... That will be a full days work though 

[cst_jpr]

Does anyone have any experience with the Tektro C550 brakes?
http://tektro.com/products.php?p=261

These seem to be the go-to choice for OEM cable actuated disc brakes. I'm considering getting these instead of the ZRace/ZTTO brakes for a Sensah SRX setup.

The spyre and C550 look to be the same design from what I can see?

China cycling tried some Spyres and said they blew the Zrace away: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinaCycling/community
Only thing I didn't find out is if he had ever used compressionless housing.
I'm not surprised though, you do still need good grip strength for these. Maybe TRP has managed to tweak the ratios for a better mechanical advantage? That or the zrace are just poor. I would go with either juin tech or TRP/tektro unless you have no budget at all.

[svanimpe]

Yes, I went for the Tektro brakes, with compressionless housing. I've also ordered two different types of brake pad. Fingers crossed that gives me good braking performance.

[Jarne]

Hi!

I finally got my bike ready. I mounted these brakes and they actually work very well, only about 15min of work to place them and get them to work perfect! I wouldn't say they work as well as my full hydraulic set up but they come very close (I guess around 90% of the braking power)! I used Shimano disc rotors and pads and fully internal cables (jagwire compressionles housing). The brakes are very responsive and they work very well. Especially for the price!

I was kind of worried because of the bad reviews they are getting lately but as long as you set them up right they are brilliant!