Alcons

[phil4]

Is it just me that finds the Alcons terrifying?

I'll be approaching a stationary car, junction etc. Press the brakes... and nothing.

It's that same "oh no" type feeling as pressing the brakes when you're on ice.

Yes, I know there is no power assistance, but to me it seems they need some heat in them to bite properly. And heat's a problem when not on a track, not braking too hard, and using engine braking etc. ie. how I normally drive.

I had the same with the Atom. It was great on track, you could stop like hitting a wall, but on the road... scary.

So is it just me?

[AlanP]

Yep.

A

[phil4]

Yep.

[GraemeW]

ive never had a problem. Perhaps Im not going fast enough

[autobackup]

Phil

When I use my Alcons on the road it's like hitting a wall - the only minor irritation for me is the way they squeal until they're hot.

Just a question - what brake pads are you using - is your car fitted with pads intended primarily for tracking/racing or have you, or the previous owner, possibly managed to acquire some counterfeit pads - there are fake Mintex pads freely available out in the marketplace?

[phil4]

I might well try different pads. On the Atom I certainly didn't ask for track pads, the Nomad might have, but doubt it.

I might try different ones, and or get someone else to drive mine and tell I'm using it wrong

[Karl V]

I've found that they work best with a bit of heat - and running in.

How many miles do you have on the clock now, assuming they are the original discs / pads?

[phil4]

1500

I'm thinking your heat comment is where I'm going wrong.

[Karl V]

Don't be afraid to over-stamp on the middle pedal. The suspension does a good job of absorbing a fair bit of momentum ;-)

In fact thinking about it, could it be the suspension travel (compared to the Atom) that is tricking your brain into thinking the brakes are not so effective?

[phil4]

It's a good thought... but I think it's me....

1) Not enough pressure, as you say need to give it some oomph
2) Not enough heat... because when I'm not "on it", I'm engine braking/braking gently.

I'm not sure it's the suspension, as I had the same issue with the Atom away from the track.

I'll try and change my style and see if that helps, before I go changing pads and the like.

[Karl V]

Fair enough.

I guess the weight of the car V the Atom could be a brain factor too.

If all else fails, just use the hydraulic handbrake and sharp steering inputs ;-)

[phil4]

If all else fails, just use the hydraulic handbrake and sharp steering inputs ;-)

[Karl V]

I failed miserably on the Thruxton wet skid pan day to do a full 360, so you will stop. Eventually.

[atomiser]

Not withstanding an actual mechanical problem, you have got the wrong pads.

The symptoms described is exactly the problem I had with my atom, and softer/non track pads sorted it.

[Hedge]

The pads you have are originally as supplied/ built.

Cheers,
Hedge