BBLTIFF Shimano Bleed Kit Review

Introduction

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably experienced the joy of cycling with perfectly tuned brakes and the horror of brakes that feel like they’ve lost the will to live. Enter the third-party Shimano-compatible bleed kit – a budget-friendly alternative that claims to deliver the same results as the official kit. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the world of brake bleeding and determine whether this Chinese-origin kit from Amazon is worth your hard-earned cash.

What’s in the Box?

Opening the Shimano Bleed Kit is a bit like unwrapping a birthday present from your favorite uncle. Inside, you’ll find:

• A syringe (not for your medicine cabinet, please!)
• Tubing
• Oil catch reservoir
• Shimano mineral oil
• Bleed block
• Various adapters

It’s a comprehensive kit that promises to turn your bleeding brake dreams into reality.

Why Do You Need It?

You might be wondering, “Why do I need to bleed my brakes? Are they vampires?” Well, not quite. Bleeding your brakes involves removing air bubbles from the brake fluid, ensuring a smooth and responsive braking experience. If you’ve ever felt spongey brakes, you know that air bubbles are the enemy – and the Shimano Bleed Kit is armed to fight them.

Performance and Efficiency

After using this third-party bleed kit, I noticed an immediate improvement in my brakes. They felt more responsive and reliable, like a well-trained dog that actually comes when you call it. No more spongey, unreliable braking – just smooth, confident stops.

Real-World Experience

In my case, the rear brake was particularly problematic – it felt spongy especially on descents, though it would recover some bite during climbs. Since this bike has Shimano brakes and I didn’t have any official Shimano kit on hand (unlike my previous experiences with Shimano brakes), I opted for one of those Chinese-origin kits sold on Amazon.

Initially, I was hesitant about the quality, but it came with everything necessary. A simple brake lever bleed was sufficient to restore normal brake behavior. It’s highly recommended and you don’t need to spend much on an official kit – the results speak for themselves.

The Bleeding Process

Step 1: Secure Your Bike

First, make sure your bike is in a stable position. I recommend using a bike stand. If you don’t have one, recruit a friend or a very patient pet to hold it steady.

Step 2: Remove the Wheel

Remove the wheel to access the brake caliper. This is where the magic happens – or the frustration, depending on your level of DIY prowess.

Step 3: Insert Bleed Block

Insert the bleed block into the caliper. This prevents the brake pads from smooshing together during the bleeding process. Think of it as the referee in a wrestling match between your brake pads.

Step 4: Attach Tubing and Syringe

Fill the syringe with Shimano mineral oil and attach the tubing. Connect the tubing to the brake caliper’s bleed nipple. If you’re feeling fancy, you can wear gloves and pretend you’re a bike surgeon.

Step 5: Pump and Release

Pump the syringe to force fluid through the system and remove air bubbles. Occasionally, you’ll need to release the pressure by opening the bleed nipple. Be prepared for some spills – it’s all part of the fun!

Step 6: Clean Up

Once you’re satisfied that no more air bubbles are escaping, clean up the area and remove the bleed block. Reattach your wheel, and voilà – your brakes should feel as good as new.

Tips and Tricks

• Read the Instructions: It might seem obvious, but seriously, read the instructions. They can save you a lot of headaches.
• Watch a Video: If you’re a visual learner, check out a video tutorial. Sometimes seeing someone else do it makes all the difference.
• Practice Makes Perfect: If it’s your first time, don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t go perfectly. Like any skill, it gets easier with practice.

Value for Money

If you’re serious about maintaining your bike and ensuring top-notch brake performance, this third-party bleed kit is an excellent value proposition. It offers all the tools you need for a professional bleed job at a fraction of the cost of the official Shimano kit, even if you’re just a garage mechanic. The results are virtually identical, so why pay more? So go ahead, make your brakes cry tears of joy without crying over your wallet!

Ready to transform your braking experience on a budget? Get your third-party Shimano bleed kit here!

Happy bleeding! 🚴‍♂️