Bedding-In New Brakes

All bikes from Rad Power Bikes come equipped with disc brakes. Disc brake systems need to go through a break-in period (a process called "bedding-in") before they are able to function optimally. 

Bedding-in new brakes gets the brake pads and brake rotor ready so you can ride Rad and brake smoothly. The process uses friction to transfer brake pad material to the rotor. The more closely the pattern on the brake pads matches those on the brake rotor, the more effective and powerful the brakes will be. This guide uses a 2019 RadCity Step-Thru but the steps will be the same for all of our models.

Follow the steps below to complete the bedding-in new brakes process.

 If you are not confident in your ability to successfully and safely perform all steps, we recommend having the work performed by a local, certified, and reputable bike mechanic.

1. Get your bike ready. Once your new bike has been properly assembled and cleared as safe by a certified, reputable bike mechanic, take the bike to a flat, open area with plenty of room and no obstacles. Ensure you have read the Owner’s Manual, are wearing appropriate safety gear, and fully understanding how to operate the bike.
2. Start riding to 10 mph without using throttle or pedal assist. Turn on the bike, set the pedal assist level to 0 or 1, keep the throttle in the off position, get on, and pedal with no or little assistance to about 10 mph.
   
   
   
3. While riding, carefully squeeze one brake lever slowly and evenly, making sure to not stop the bike completely. Once the bike slows to a walking pace, release the brake lever so the bike is still moving slowly. 
   
   DO NOT stop. Braking to a complete stop can leave a build-up of pad material in one spot on the rotor. Make sure to start riding the bike, squeeze the brake, slow the bike, and release the brake lever while the bike is still moving.
   
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 around 10 times in a row with the same brake lever, making sure to not stop the bike completely. The brake power should increase with each repetition. Working one brake lever at a time will maximize the heat generated through the friction of the pads on the rotor and will help transfer an even layer of pad material onto the rotor.
    Bedding-in brakes in cold weather will likely take a few more pulls to generate sufficient heat to transfer adequate pad material to the rotor.
   
5. Repeat steps 2-4 with the second brake lever.
6. Repeat steps 2-4 at 15 mph with the first brake lever. Once you have squeezed the lever to slow the bike 10 times at 10 mph with each brake lever, repeat the process again from a faster speed of 15 mph with the first brake lever.
   
   
7. Repeat steps 2-4 at 15 mph with the second brake lever. Once this process is complete, always use both brake levers to slow and stop the bike as needed. If the brakes seem loose after completing the process, click here to learn how to adjust your brakes.
8. Test the bike fully and ride Rad!