Shimano SM-BH59 Brake Hose Kit Guide

The Shimano SM-BH59 brake hose kit is a popular choice for cyclists looking to replace or upgrade their hydraulic brake lines. This kit is designed for ease of installation and reliable performance, offering a straightforward solution for maintaining your bicycle's braking system. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, understanding what's included and how to approach the installation is crucial for a successful outcome.

What's Inside the SM-BH59 Brake Hose Kit?

Upon receiving your SM-BH59 kit, you'll notice that the components are presented in simple, unbranded packaging. This minimalist approach focuses on delivering the essential parts without unnecessary frills, keeping the cost down while ensuring quality. The kit is typically supplied pre-bled, meaning it's ready to be fitted straight out of the bag, significantly simplifying the setup process.

The core components you can expect to find are:

• Hydraulic Brake Hose: The pre-cut and pre-assembled hose, ready to be connected to your brake levers and calipers.
• Fittings: All the necessary connectors and olives to ensure a secure and leak-free connection. These are often already attached to the hose ends.

While the kit is designed for a 'plug and play' experience, it's always wise to download the official Shimano manual for specific torque settings for your rotors and calipers. This ensures you don't overtighten or undertighten critical components, which can lead to damage or poor performance.

Preparation and Installation Steps

Before you begin, ensure your bicycle and wheels are clean. Working on a clean bike not only makes the process more pleasant but also prevents dirt and grime from contaminating your new brake system, which is especially important when handling hydraulic components. Keeping your hands clean throughout the installation is also paramount.

A critical step in the installation is to carefully follow the original routing of your old hydraulic brake lines. This ensures that the new hoses have the correct length and are positioned to avoid kinks or rubbing against the frame or other components. Incorrect routing can lead to premature wear and potential brake failure.

Once the new hoses are fitted, you might need to make minor adjustments to the caliper position. This is often necessary to ensure the brake pads align perfectly with the rotors, preventing any annoying squealing or rubbing noises and ensuring optimal braking power. A slight tweak of the caliper mounting bolts can usually resolve these issues.

Testing and Adjustment

After the installation is complete, it's time for a test ride. For safety, conduct this on a private road or in a quiet, safe area where you can gradually test the braking performance. Check that all components are working correctly and that the brake levers feel responsive.

The brake levers on this system can be adjusted to suit your hand size using a 2mm Allen key. This adjustment typically affects the reach of the lever, allowing you to position it closer or further from the handlebar. It's important to note that this is the only adjustment available for the levers on this particular kit; there are no dial adjustments for free stroke or bite point as found on higher-end Shimano groupsets.

Bedding-In Your New Brakes

A crucial phase after fitting new brake pads and rotors is the 'bedding-in' process. When new pads meet new discs, the initial feedback can be unsettling. The brakes might feel less powerful than expected, leading to a sensation of not being able to stop effectively. This is perfectly normal.

The bedding-in process allows the pad material to transfer evenly onto the rotor surface, creating a consistent friction interface. To do this, find a gentle slope or a flat, quiet area. Accelerate to a moderate speed and then apply the brakes firmly, but not to the point of locking the wheels. Repeat this process multiple times (around 10-20 cycles is often recommended). Allow the brakes to cool down between cycles. As you progress through the bedding-in cycles, you should notice a significant improvement in braking power and a more positive, consistent feel through the lever.

Tools Required for Installation

To successfully install the SM-BH59 brake hose kit, you will need a few specific tools:

• 5mm Allen Key: For adjusting the brake levers (reach).
• 2mm Allen Key: For adjusting the brake levers (reach).
• Disc Brake Rotor Fixing Bolts Tool: Typically a T15 Torx bit. Using a socket with a wrench can make undoing existing bolts and redoing new ones easier.
• Torque Wrench: Essential for tightening rotor and caliper bolts to the manufacturer's specified settings. Refer to the downloaded Shimano manual for these values.
• Mount Adapter: May be needed depending on your frame and fork setup.
• General Bike Tools: Such as tyre levers, potentially a hose cutter if you need to shorten the hose (though the kit is often supplied pre-cut to common lengths), and a clean rag.

Installation Difficulty and Time

Based on user experience, the disassembly and fitting of the SM-BH59 kit, when using the correct tools and following instructions, typically takes around 1 hour. The mechanical experience is rated as medium difficulty, requiring basic mechanical knowledge and a steady hand. If you are comfortable with basic bike maintenance, this should be a manageable task.

Pros and Cons of the SM-BH59 Kit

Pros:

• Ease of Fit: The pre-bled nature of the kit significantly simplifies installation.
• Quality: As expected from Shimano, the build quality is good, even for their entry-level components.
• Cost-Effective: Offers reliable Shimano performance at an accessible price point.

Cons:

• Limited Lever Adjustment: The lever adjustment is limited to reach via an Allen key, unlike the more advanced dial adjustments found on higher-end models like the XT series.
• No Manual Included: While easy to download, the lack of a physical manual in the box might be a minor inconvenience for some.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use EBC brake pads with my Shimano SM-BH59 system?

A1: While EBC produces a wide range of brake pads, compatibility with specific bicycle brake systems can vary. It is always best to check EBC's product specifications or contact their customer support to confirm compatibility with your Shimano SM-BH59 brakes. Using non-specified pads could affect performance and potentially damage your rotors.

Q2: Do I need to bleed the brakes after installing the SM-BH59 kit?

A2: The SM-BH59 kit is typically supplied pre-bled, meaning it should be ready for installation without needing an immediate bleed. However, if you need to shorten the hose or if you suspect air has entered the system during installation, a bleed will be necessary. You would require a Shimano hydraulic brake bleed kit and appropriate mineral oil.

Q3: How often should I replace my brake hoses?

A3: Hydraulic brake hoses generally do not have a fixed replacement interval. They should be inspected regularly for any signs of wear, such as cracks, leaks, or damage to the outer casing. If you notice any of these issues, or if your brakes feel spongy or have reduced performance, it's time to consider replacing the hoses.

Q4: What is the difference between SM-BH59 and SM-BH90 hoses?

A4: The SM-BH90 hoses are generally considered a higher-performance option. They often feature a more robust construction, potentially offering better heat dissipation and a firmer lever feel. SM-BH59 hoses are typically found on entry-level to mid-range Shimano hydraulic disc brake systems, offering a good balance of performance and value.

In conclusion, the Shimano SM-BH59 brake hose kit provides a reliable and accessible solution for your hydraulic braking needs. With careful preparation and adherence to the installation steps, you can successfully fit and enjoy the benefits of this quality component, ensuring your rides are safer and more enjoyable.