Shimano Ice Tech is a technology that enhances the performance and reliability of disc brakes by reducing heat buildup in the system.
Heat is one of the main enemies of disc brakes, as it can cause brake fade, noise, and pad wear. Brake fade is the loss of braking power due to excessive heat, which can compromise safety and control.
Noise is the annoying squealing or grinding sound that can occur when the brake pads and rotors overheat. Pad wear is the accelerated deterioration of the brake pads due to high temperatures, which can increase maintenance costs and reduce braking efficiency.
Shimano Ice Tech aims to solve these problems by using a combination of innovative components that work together to dissipate heat more effectively. These components include:
Ice Tech rotors
These are disc brake rotors that have a 3-layer sandwich structure of stainless steel-aluminum-stainless steel. The aluminum layer acts as a heat sink that absorbs and radiates heat away from the braking surface, while the stainless steel layers provide durability and corrosion resistance. The rotors also have a special heat dissipation paint on the fins that can further reduce heat buildup by 10°C (50°F).
Ice Tech pads
These are brake pads that have an aluminum radiating fin attached to the back plate. The fin helps to cool down the pad by increasing the surface area and allowing air flow. The pads are available in resin or metal compound, depending on the rider’s preference and riding conditions.
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Ice Tech calipers
These are brake calipers that have cooling fins on the pistons. The fins help to lower the temperature of the brake fluid and prevent boiling, which can cause brake failure. The calipers also have a long banjo hose that reduces heat transfer from the caliper to the hose.
Benefits of Shimano Ice Tech
Below are some of the benefits of Shimano Ice Tech:
More Consistent Braking Power
Shimano Ice Tech rotors and pads can reduce heat buildup by up to 100°C (212°F) compared to standard stainless-steel rotors and pads, according to Shimano’s testing conditions. This means less brake fade and more stable braking performance even on long and steep descents.
Less Noise
Shimano Ice Tech components reduce the friction and vibration that cause noise, resulting in a quieter ride.
Longer Pad Life
Shimano Ice Tech components extend the lifespan of the brake pads by reducing wear and tear caused by high temperatures.
Shimano Ice Tech is available for different types of bikes, such as road, mountain, and e-bike. Depending on the model, Shimano offers different levels of cooling performance, such as Ice Tech Freeza, which is their premium option with enhanced radiator fins on the rotors.
Read Also: What is Shimano Mineral Oil made of?
Conclusion
Shimano Ice Tech is a technology that can improve your riding experience by providing more reliable and consistent braking power in any situation. If you are looking for a disc brake system that can handle heat better, you might want to consider Shimano Ice Tech.
