Brake Hoses - To Braid or Not To Braid?
I am in the process of prepping my XTZ660 for another overland trip. It still has the original brake hoses which are getting on for ten years old - but they still work fine.
I have heard and read a lot of good stuff about braided brake hoses so I went out and bought a set. I haven't got around to fitting them yet because I have since heard that they can be problematic; Although stronger it seems easy for something sharp, e.g. corner of fairing, to push the braids apart leaving the weaker internal hoses prone to splitting or being cut/chaffed. Could this problem be cured by wrapping the hose in tape or split garden hose as a protective sheath?
I have also heard that the more solid, almost wooden braking effect can be unnerving. I have never ridden a bike with braids and I'm used to the softer action of normal hoses so I'm not convinced.
What's the general concencous about fitting braids for long overland trips?
Thanks,
Butch
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BD.
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