I took the rear wheel off Boris (my NCM Moscow Plus) to swap the tube out as I find it easier to do this and then repair them for use as a spare. Whilst I was at it, it seemed like a good idea to change the brake pads as they were significantly worn. I've not done this before but actually, it was a very straightforward job.
These are certainly the smallest brake pads I've ever changed (on a beer mat to show the scale), I'm more used to changing them on a car or van. The brakes in question are Tektro MD-M280 Hydraulic (180mm) which I find very effective.
The replacement pads I chose are generic (cheap) metal sintered ones and made the first trip down Kells hill a little interesting but they seem to have bedded in OK after about 10 miles.
The front pads could also do with being replaced but I will let the rear ones have a hundred miles to bed in fully before I do so, hopefully, this will mean that I continue to have close to 100% braking efficiency throughout the process.
The tips that I would pass on are
Remove the calliper from the bike, it is far easier this way and only involves removing two 5mm Allen bolts (use blue thread sealer when reassembling)
On no account should you touch the brake lever when doing this. If you do so the piston will activate and you will have a job to put it back in fully, and will probably need to bleed the system too.
Avoid touching the pad surface or disc rotor with your hands, they are easily contaminated with grease which will reduce your braking.
All in all, a simple DIY job that most owners can manage themselves.
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