EPIC Bleed Kits: A Comprehensive Guide

Maintaining the hydraulic braking system on your bicycle is paramount for both performance and safety. Over time, air can inevitably find its way into the brake lines, leading to a spongy lever feel and reduced braking power. This is where a bleed kit comes into play, and specifically, an EPIC bleed kit. If you've been searching for information on these kits, you've come to the right place. This guide will delve into what an EPIC bleed kit is, why it's essential, and how to select the perfect one for your cycling needs.

What Exactly is an EPIC Bleed Kit?

An EPIC bleed kit is a specialised set of tools designed to perform a brake bleed on hydraulic bicycle brakes. A brake bleed is the process of removing air and old fluid from the brake system and replacing it with fresh hydraulic fluid. EPIC is a brand that offers a range of these kits, catering to various brake manufacturers and models, as well as a universal option.

The core components typically found in an EPIC bleed kit include:

• Syringes: Usually two, one for pushing fluid through the system and another for collecting old fluid.
• Hoses: Specific to the brake caliper and lever fittings, often with one-way valves.
• Fittings/Adapters: These are crucial for connecting the syringes to the brake lever and caliper bleed ports. EPIC is known for providing a comprehensive array of these.
• Bleed Blocks: These are inserted into the caliper when the pads are removed to maintain the correct piston spacing.
• Torque Wrench (sometimes included): For ensuring fittings are tightened to the correct specification, preventing damage.
• Containers: For safely disposing of old brake fluid.
• Gloves and Rags: For a clean and safe working environment.

Why is Bleeding Your Brakes Important?

Hydraulic disc brakes rely on fluid to transmit the force from your lever to the brake caliper, which then clamps the rotor. If air enters this sealed system, it compresses much more easily than fluid. This compression is what causes that undesirable spongy lever feel. Essentially, you're squeezing air instead of directly actuating the brake pads. Regular bleeding removes this air, ensuring that every bit of pressure you apply to the lever is directly translated into stopping power.

Beyond performance, bleeding your brakes also:

• Improves Modulation: Better control over braking force.
• Extends Brake Life: Removing old, contaminated fluid can prevent corrosion and wear.
• Ensures Safety: Reliable braking is crucial for preventing accidents.

EPIC Bleed Kits: Specific vs. Universal

EPIC offers a smart distinction in their product line: specific kits and a universal kit. Understanding the difference is key to making an informed purchase.

Specific Kits

These kits are designed for particular brands or even specific models of hydraulic disc brakes. For example, you might find an EPIC bleed kit tailored for Shimano brakes, another for SRAM, or even more specific ones for certain Avid or Magura models. The advantage here is that the fittings and adapters are guaranteed to be a perfect match for the intended brake system, minimising the risk of leaks or compatibility issues.

Universal Kit

The universal EPIC bleed kit aims to cover a broader spectrum of hydraulic brake systems. It typically includes a wider assortment of fittings and adapters to accommodate various brands and designs. While convenient for mechanics who work on many different types of bikes, there's a crucial point to note, as mentioned in the initial information: the universal kit does not come with brake fluid. This means you'll need to purchase the appropriate brake fluid separately. Specific kits, on the other hand, often include a small bottle of the correct fluid for the brand they are designed for.

Here's a quick comparison:

Choosing the Right EPIC Bleed Kit

When selecting an EPIC bleed kit, consider the following:

1. Your Brake Brand: What brand of hydraulic brakes are fitted to your bike? Shimano, SRAM, Tektro, Magura, Hope? Knowing this is the most important step.
2. Your Specific Model (if known): While often not strictly necessary, knowing your exact brake model can sometimes help ensure you have absolutely every niche fitting if your brakes are unusual.
3. Do You Have Brake Fluid? If you don't have any brake fluid on hand, a specific kit that includes it might be more cost-effective than buying a universal kit and fluid separately.
4. Future Needs: Do you anticipate working on other bikes with different brake systems in the future? If so, the universal kit might offer better long-term value, assuming you're prepared to buy fluid.
5. Budget: Compare the total cost of a universal kit plus the required brake fluid against the cost of a specific kit.

The Bleeding Process: A General Overview

While the exact steps can vary slightly depending on the brake manufacturer, the general process for bleeding hydraulic brakes using an EPIC kit involves:

1. Preparation: Gather your EPIC bleed kit, the correct brake fluid (mineral oil for Shimano/SRAM, DOT fluid for others), rags, gloves, and a bleed block. Remove the wheel and pads from the caliper.
2. Attach Syringes: Attach one syringe (filled with fresh fluid) to the brake lever's bleed port and another (empty) to the caliper's bleed port. Ensure the fittings are secure.
3. Push Fluid: Slowly push fluid from the lever syringe into the system. This will push old fluid and air out through the caliper syringe.
4. Open Bleed Screw: Slightly open the caliper's bleed screw as you push fluid to allow air and old fluid to escape into the collection syringe.
5. Close Bleed Screw: Close the bleed screw before the caliper syringe runs dry or before you stop pushing fluid.
6. Work the Lever: Squeeze and hold the brake lever. While holding it, open and close the caliper bleed screw to release any trapped air. Repeat this a few times.
7. Flush from Caliper: Alternatively, some prefer to fill the caliper syringe with fresh fluid and push it up towards the lever, opening the lever bleed port to let air and old fluid escape into the collection syringe.
8. Final Flush and Fill: Once air bubbles cease to appear, ensure the system is topped up with fresh fluid, close the bleed screw, and remove the syringes.
9. Clean Up: Clean any spilled fluid from the caliper, rotor, and frame. Reinstall the pads and wheel. Pump the brake lever several times to ensure the pads engage properly.

Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your EPIC bleed kit and your brake manufacturer's guidelines for the most accurate procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What type of brake fluid do EPIC bleed kits use?

EPIC bleed kits themselves don't dictate the fluid type. The fluid type depends entirely on your brake manufacturer. Shimano and SRAM generally use mineral oil, while brands like Avid, Hayes, and Formula often use DOT fluid (DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5.1). Using the wrong fluid can severely damage your braking system.

Q2: Can I use a universal bleed kit for all bikes?

A universal kit provides the fittings for a wide range of brakes, but you still need the correct brake fluid for each specific system you bleed. It's designed for versatility, not as a one-size-fits-all solution in terms of fluid compatibility.

Q3: How often should I bleed my hydraulic brakes?

It's generally recommended to bleed your brakes every 6-12 months, or whenever you notice a spongy lever feel, reduced braking performance, or if you've recently opened the brake system (e.g., to replace a hose).

Q4: Is it difficult to bleed hydraulic brakes?

With the right tools like an EPIC bleed kit and clear instructions, bleeding hydraulic brakes is a manageable task for most home mechanics. It requires patience and attention to detail, but it's a very rewarding skill to learn.

Q5: Can I reuse old brake fluid?

No, you should never reuse old brake fluid. It can become contaminated with air, moisture, and debris, which will compromise braking performance and potentially damage components.

Conclusion

An EPIC bleed kit is an invaluable tool for any cyclist who relies on hydraulic disc brakes. Whether you opt for a specific kit tailored to your current setup or a universal kit for broader application, investing in a quality bleed kit will ensure your brakes perform at their best, providing the confidence and safety you need on the trails or roads. Remember to always use the correct fluid and follow the manufacturer's instructions for a successful and safe brake bleed.