Yeah! Bought a New Magura HS33 Rear Rim Brake!!

Went down to Singapore on Nov 27 and bought myself a new set of Magura HS33 rear rim brakes! Paid SGD 160 for it. Based on the advise given, I went for a 4 fingers lever. Suppose to give a better a better braking and performance.

Came back to KL on the night of Nov 28 and installed the brake the very next evening... LOL.


The old Echo rear rim brakes.


The box of the Magura HS33 rear rim brakes.


The rim brake with a VERY long tube.


The HS33 rim brake now installed on the ECHO Pure.


The old ECHO rim brakes packed away nicely... Never to be seen again? LOL.


The four fingers lever. I found it much more easier to apply pressure as it was longer and provided more leverage.


The ECHO Pure proudly installed with the HS33!

So what is the conclusion? How's the new brake? All I can say is that the ECHO Pure feels like a BRAND NEW bike! The handling is completely different and inspired confidence!!!

Trial Bike Maintenance

It had been quite a while since I took a good look at the condition of my 26" Echo Pure trial bike. I had noticed that the bolts were pretty rusted and some parts of the treads on the rear wheel tire were ripped off. I could see the tire's inner lining and reinforcement. Time for some major replacements.


The replaced rusted bolts just waiting to cause pain... LOL.


The new steel bolts on the front brake mounts. I changed all the bolts on both the front and rear brakes.


Replaced the stem's bolts as well. Wished I had some titanium bolts instead of the steel bolts... LOL.


Check out the tread on the rear tire. Ripped right off.


Another angle of the tire to show the ripped section.

While I was replacing all the bolts on the bike I noticed that one of the tube of the rear hydraulic brake was slightly dented.

I adjusted and twisted the tube and it sprung a leak. I tried readjusting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the brake lever, but made it worse. Lets just say I had hydraulic fluid all over the floor!


The screw on the brake lever to adjust the hydraulic pressure. Noticed that the screw had worn the gap in the lever. Sigh!


The hydraulic brake fluid leaking from the tube.

The next day, I took my bike to KSH bike shop in Taman Tun. Unfortunately, they were swarmed and could not help me out with the brakes. But they were kind enough to provide me with the tube and nozzle for topping up the hydraulic fluid (thanks guys!!). All I needed was the "injector" to connect to the tube.


The tube and nozzle given to me by KSH Taman Tun. Thanks guys! I will probably get to use it in future :-)

I was intended on heading home to try my hand at fixing and topping up the hydraulic fluids. But, somehow along the way, I side-tracked to Taman Megah and decided to stop at the Merida bike shop to get a new pair of tire. I ended up asking them to help top-up the hydraulic fluid. Took about 2 hours, but we managed to get it done.


Bleeding the hydraulic fluid at Merida bike shop.


Bleeding the brakes via the lever.


The new Panaracer tire that I bought.


The Panaracer tire in all its glory! I love the tire! Light and felt great to ride!

The brakes worked great. The tire felt good. But I felt that I still needed a new set of rear brakes. And so I texted Walton in Singapore and ordered a set of Magura HS33 rear rim brake.

Before You Start Bike Trials

Here are some tips or lessons you will need to know before you take on bike trials. You would have probably learnt it as you go along, but there is no harm to know about it now, to get a head start and cut short the leaning curve... :-)


One finger braking is a MUST if you want to take on this sport. Whether you are using hydraulic brakes or cable brakes. It is safer and you will have a better grip on the handlebar. Btw, if you have short index fingers, most "good" brake levers are adjustable to suit your fingers' reach.


Pedals with good grip are also a MUST. Depending on the sole on your shoe, you must feel that when you lightly rest your shoe on the pedal, you will get a good grip. This will prevent your shoe from slipping off during critical moments... :-)


Brake setup is critical, especially the rear wheel brakes. Grind the rim and get a brake booster (if you are using rim brakes). There is no such thing as "too much braking" in trials... LOL.


Depending on the pedals, you can quickly wear down the sole and side of your shoes. So far, I have not found a pair that can last me a year... LOL. So get a pair that you are comfortable with. Personally, I prefer a flexible sole.


I am trying out this new pair of Puma. The sole is flat and slightly hard. I hope the sole will get softer as I ride more.


Without a shin guard? You are asking for major grief! If you are using pedals with metal studs, I seriously suggest you get a nice pair of shin guard.


What can I say? Depending on the type of grips on your handlebar, gloves are essential for extra protection and grip. Some riders do not like gloves... but like I said, it really depends on the grips on your handlebar. Due to my sweaty palms, I need to use it for protection and better grip :-)


You can do without the rest.... BUT you cannot do without a helmet!! Can never say this or hear this enough! Never ride trials without helmet!!!

Most of the time, new riders (including myself during that time) will just jump into learning the basic trial techniques without being aware of how important some of the safety preparations are.

I wish I had started off with knowing some of the above tips, instead of learning while I went along. Would have saved me some grief... LOL.