This page is part of the ONYX Brake Guide
Properly bedding new brake pads is important for achieving strong and consistent braking on the 80V and 72V ONYX. The process gradually heats the brake pads and rotor so a thin layer of pad material transfers onto the rotor surface. This transfer layer is what produces smooth and predictable braking.
Without bedding, pads can glaze, braking performance can feel weak, and vibration or noise may develop.
- Improves initial brake bite
- Creates an even pad transfer layer on the rotor
- Prevents glazing, vibration, and uneven braking
Because the front brake handles most of the load, bedding should focus primarily on the front rotor and pads.
Clean the Brake Rotor
Before performing the bedding procedure, clean the rotor to remove any oil, grease, or residue.
Use brake cleaner and a clean lint-free cloth to wipe both sides of the rotor.
Allow the rotor to dry completely before riding.
Common contamination sources include:
- Chain lubricant
- Fingerprints
- Shipping oil on new rotors
- Cleaning products
Even small amounts of contamination can prevent proper pad material transfer during the bedding process.
Bedding Procedure Overview
The bedding process follows three phases:
- Light warm-up
- Moderate braking cycles
- Hard braking cycles followed by cooling
The entire procedure typically takes about 5–10 minutes.
Avoid traffic and perform the procedure in a controlled environment such as an empty road or large parking lot.
Perform the procedure in a location where you can safely slow down without vehicles directly behind you.
Step 1 - Find a Safe Location
Choose a long straight area where repeated acceleration and braking can be done safely.
Recommended locations include:
- Empty industrial roads
- Large parking lots
- Closed private roads
Avoid areas with traffic or loose surfaces.
Step 2 - Warm the Brakes
Ride normally for 2–3 minutes while applying light brake pressure occasionally.
The goal is to gradually bring the brake components up to temperature before the bedding cycles begin.
Avoid hard braking during this phase.
Step 3 - Moderate Braking Cycles
Repeat the following cycle 6–10 times.
- Accelerate to 30–35 mph
- Apply firm front brake pressure
- Slow down to 5–10 mph
- Release the brake
- Accelerate again
Do not come to a complete stop during these cycles.
Stopping while the rotor is hot can leave uneven pad deposits.
| Cycle Type | Start Speed | End Speed | Repetitions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate Bedding | 30–35 mph | 5–10 mph | 6–10 |
Step 4 - Hard Braking Cycles
After the moderate cycles, perform 3–4 harder braking cycles to generate the heat needed to fully seat the pads.
- Accelerate to 40–45 mph
- Apply strong but controlled braking pressure
- Slow down to 10 mph
- Release the brake immediately
- Accelerate again
These stops increase rotor temperature and complete the material transfer process.
During these stops it is normal to notice a slight brake smell as the pads reach bedding temperature.
| Cycle Type | Start Speed | End Speed | Repetitions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Bedding | 40–45 mph | 10 mph | 3–4 |
Step 5 - Cool Down Ride
After the braking cycles, ride for 3–5 minutes with minimal braking.
This cooling phase allows the rotor and pad material layer to stabilize evenly.
Avoid stopping with the brake lever applied during this period.
| Phase | Duration | Brake Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Cool Down Ride | 3–5 minutes | Minimal braking |
What You Should Notice After Bedding
Once the procedure is complete, braking performance should noticeably improve.
Typical results include:
- Stronger initial brake bite
- More consistent braking feel
- Reduced squeal or vibration
- Smoother lever modulation
These improvements occur because the rotor now has an even layer of pad material bonded to the surface.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several mistakes can damage pads during the bedding process.
Do not:
- Hold the brake while fully stopped when the rotor is hot
- Perform a full emergency stop during the bedding cycles
- Drag the brake continuously while riding downhill
These conditions can cause:
- Pad glazing
- Rotor hot spots
- Uneven pad transfer
ONYX Specific Bedding Tips
Due to the weight distribution and riding position of the 80V and 72V ONYX, the front brake does the majority of the stopping work.
Recommended technique:
- Focus bedding effort on the front brake
- Use one-finger or two-finger progressive pressure
- Ensure rotor and pads are clean and free of oil contamination
Contamination from chain lubricant or cleaning products can significantly reduce braking performance.
Final Notes
Brake bedding only needs to be performed when:
- Installing new brake pads
- Installing a new rotor
- Experiencing poor braking from fresh pads
When done correctly, the entire process takes about 5–10 minutes and significantly improves braking performance on 80V and 72V ONYX bikes.