Giant MPH Hydraulic Disc Brake System
User Manual
1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the new Giant MPH Brake System. The MPH Brake System offers affordable access to hydraulic disc brakes, actuated by a mechanical lever but providing more powerful braking than a mechanical disc brake system.
Key Features
- Activates a hydraulic disc brake via a combined brake and shifter lever system, or converts a mechanical brake installation into a semi-hydraulic system without replacing the brake and shifter levers.
- The cable-actuated master cylinder combines the simplicity of mechanical disc brakes with the power and fluid feel of a hydraulic system.
- Balanced lever pull allows the rider to modulate braking power and speed more precisely and easily.
- Resists brake fade even under rough use or on steep, prolonged descents.
- Tuned for optimal braking performance in both wet and dry conditions.
- Installs easily onto the front face of the Giant Contact Aerolight stem for an integrated look.
⚠ ATTENTION
For safety, follow these instructions:
- This cable-actuated disc brake is a sealed system tested under high pressure. Unless otherwise indicated, do not loosen any bolts or nuts, as this could cause a leak or brake failure.
- Any sign of brake fluid leak is unacceptable. If you suspect a leak in the hydraulic system, stop riding immediately and seek assistance from an authorized Giant/Liv dealer.
- Before every ride, check that the brake system is functioning correctly.
- Brake discs and pads must not be contaminated with oil or grease, as this risks brake failure. Unless otherwise indicated, do not apply any product to the brake system.
- Pads and discs are consumables, and wear is normal. Light scratches on the disc surface are normal. Check the disc condition before each ride. If the disc is deformed or shows deep wear marks (thickness <1.5 mm), replace it with a new disc.
- After strong or prolonged braking, the disc surface becomes very hot. Do not touch it to avoid burns. Do not attempt to cool the components by spraying them with any liquid, as this could cause irreparable damage. Before adjusting the brake, always check and confirm that all components have completely cooled down.
- Contaminated or worn pads must be replaced immediately. Their minimum thickness should be 2.7 mm, including the backplate.
- Braking performance will inevitably decrease in rain or mud. Noise and squealing will also be louder but will normalize after drying.
- Do not adjust or touch the disc while it is rotating. This could cause serious injury and should be considered dangerous.
- Constant squealing accompanied by a decrease in braking force indicates that the pads are contaminated. Seek assistance from your local authorized Giant/Liv dealer.
2. Features and Compatibility
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Compatible Stem | GIANT CONTACT AEROLIGHT |
Compatible Handlebar | Road bike handlebar with a 31.8 mm center section diameter |
Caliper Mounting | Flat mount |
Rotor Size | 140 or 160 mm, with corresponding adapter |
Rotor Thickness | 1.8 mm |
Compatible Brake Lever | Road bike handlebar type brake lever |
Brake Cable | Road, ø 1.5 mm brake cable |
Housing | Classic coiled housing, road, Ø 5 mm |
Adjustment Barrel | Yes |
Pads | Original GIANT MPH BRAKE Pads |
Minimum Pad Thickness | 2.7 mm, including backplate |
Hydraulic Fluid | SHIMANO mineral hydraulic oil |
Standard Mounting | Yes |
Banjo Mounting | Optional, on the side of the main body only |
3. Parts List
Main Body
Body
Bleed Port
Adjustment Barrel
Cable Inlet Left Side
Cable Inlet Right Side
Banjo Fitting (Optional)
Cable Anchor Bolt
Front Caliper
Front Brake Hose
Pads
Caliper Bolts
Adapter (Specific to rotor size)
Rear Caliper
Rear Brake Hose
Pads
Bleed Port
Caliper Bolts
4. Important Notice
The Giant MPH Brake System is a cable-actuated hydraulic system. The main body of the brake has several unused ports necessary for the highly specialized manufacturing process. These unused ports are sealed with special screws that meet sealing requirements. The image below highlights these unused ports and the special sealing screws.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TIGHTEN, LOOSEN, OR ADJUST THESE SCREWS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
If there is a leak, corrosion, or damaged part, stop riding immediately and consult your local authorized Giant/Liv dealer.
⚠ WARNING
Failure to comply with the above notice may result in sudden brake failure.
5. Usage
⚠ WARNING
INSUFFICIENT BRAKING FORCE AFFECTS BOTH RIDING QUALITY AND SAFETY. YOU MUST ENSURE THAT BOTH BRAKES ARE FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY AT ALL TIMES.
Always check the brake function before each ride.
- Apply the brake and feel the lever action. The brake should feel responsive, firm, and quick to act.
- While straddling the bike, brake firmly and push the bike forward. It should remain in place. If the bike still moves forward, the braking force is too weak.
ℹ REMARK
If you are unsure about your brake performance, consult your local authorized Giant/Liv dealer.
6. Maintenance
It is always good practice to inspect your brake system after a ride. Use a damp cloth to wipe away dust or sweat deposited on the main body of the brake. Do not apply any product to the main body of the brake, housing, caliper, pads, or discs.
Given the nature of brake fluid, its quality degrades over time and with use. The MPH brake system requires periodic maintenance to ensure its long-term performance. The suggested interval for brake fluid replacement is one year of use.
Replacing the brake fluid requires skill and experience. Consult the technical service of an authorized Giant/Liv dealer.
Action | After Each Ride | 1 Year of Use |
---|---|---|
Clean, Inspect | ✔️ | |
Brake Fluid Replacement | ✔️ Consult an authorized GIANT/LIV dealer |
7. Brake Pad Replacement
REMARK
FOR LONG RIDES OR EVENTS LIKE THE Grand Fondo, it is always advisable to carry a spare set of brake pads. This section explains the correct procedures for replacement. Consider your skill level. Above all, proceed in a safe environment. For repairs or maintenance operations in the field, always respect local legislation and do not obstruct traffic. Find a clean and safe location, and be attentive to your surroundings.
Parts and tools required:
- 1 set of original MPH brake pads
- 1 long-nose plier
- 1 caliper
- 1 plastic tire lever
- Remove the wheel.
- Straighten the safety pin, then remove it from the caliper. Fig. A
- Remove the pads. Fig. B
- For periodic inspection. Measure the pad thickness with a caliper. The minimum is 2.7 mm, including the backplate. Fig. C
- Using a plastic tire lever, gently push the pistons back into the caliper. Fig. D
⚠ ATTENTION
If the piston resists, do not force it too much. Do not operate the brake lever if the pads have been removed. If you encounter any difficulties, consult your local authorized Giant/Liv dealer.
Figure A
Figure B
Figure C
Figure D
Figure E & F
Figure G
Figure H
6. Find the correct orientation for the pads. Place the return spring between the pads before inserting the assembly, from the top, into the caliper opening. Fig. E & F
7. Insert a new safety pin and bend its tail at 90°. Fig. G
8. Reinstall the wheel, ensuring it is correctly seated in the mounting interface. Insert the axle or skewer and tighten to the specified torque. Fig. H
9. Apply the brake several times to seat the new pads. Take a test ride in a safe environment.
⚠ ATTENTION
- With new pads, the lever pull may be noticeably longer or deeper than before. This is due to the caliper design, but this sensation should disappear after a few brake applications. Normally, there is no need to adjust the cable travel from the levers after replacing the pads. If the sensation persists, consult your local authorized Giant/Liv dealer.
- After replacing the pads or rotor, the braking force may not be optimized during the first few rides. Perform an adjustment in a safe environment.
- To correctly adjust a new brake, find a safe environment and ride at a cruising speed, then brake firmly but not to the point of skidding. Be careful not to lock the front wheel during this procedure to avoid an accident. Braking force should increase noticeably after a few attempts.
8. Giant Limited Warranty
Giant warrants its Giant MPH Brake System for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase for the original owner only.
ASSEMBLY REQUIRED UPON PURCHASE
This warranty applies only to this product when purchased new from an authorized Giant or Liv dealer and assembled by that dealer at the time of purchase.
LIMITED REMEDY
Except as otherwise provided, the sole recourse under the warranty described above, or any implied warranty, is limited to the replacement of defective parts with parts of equal or greater value, at Giant's sole discretion. This warranty extends from the date of purchase, applies only to the original owner, and is not transferable. In no event shall Giant be liable for direct, incidental, or consequential damages, including, without limitation, damages for personal injury, property damage, or economic loss, whether based on contract, warranty, negligence, product liability, or any other theory.
EXCLUSIONS
The foregoing warranty, or any implied warranty, does not cover:
- Normal wear and tear of parts in situations where there are no assembly or material defects.
- Products serviced by a dealer other than an authorized Giant dealer.
- Modifications to the product from its original condition.
- Use of this product for abnormal, competitive, and/or commercial purposes or for purposes other than those for which this product was designed.
- Damage caused by failure to follow the instructions in this manual.
- Damage to paint, finish, and decals resulting from participation in competitions, jumps, descents, and/or training for such activities or events, or from exposure of the product to or use of the product in difficult conditions or climates.
- Labor costs for replacement or change of parts.
Except as provided herein and subject to any additional warranties, Giant and its employees and agents shall not be liable for any loss or damage of any nature whatsoever (including incidental or consequential loss or damage caused by negligence or defect) arising from or concerning any Giant product.
Giant offers no other warranty, express or implied. All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to that of the express warranties set forth above.
Any claim against this warranty must be made through an authorized Giant dealer or distributor. Proof of purchase or other proof of the date of purchase is required before a warranty claim can be processed. Claims made outside the country of purchase may be subject to additional fees and restrictions. Warranty duration and details may vary by country. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that may vary from place to place. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR STATUTORY RIGHTS.
SERVICE CENTERS
To find a Giant retailer near you, please visit: www.giant-bicycles.com