Giant MPH Hydraulic Braking System User Manual
Your Guide to Installation, Operation, and Maintenance
1. Introduction
Congratulations on choosing the new GIANT MPH BRAKING SYSTEM. The GIANT MPH BRAKING SYSTEM offers a hydraulic disc brake system: it operates with a mechanical lever but provides superior power compared to a purely mechanical disc brake system.
Main Features
- Allows the use of a hydraulic disc brake with a mechanical shift/brake lever, or to convert an existing mechanical system into a semi-hydraulic system without replacing the shift/brake levers.
- The cable-actuated master cylinder combines the simplicity of mechanical brakes with the power and smoothness of a hydraulic system.
- The balanced lever action allows the cyclist to modulate braking power and speed with greater precision and ease.
- Even during intensive use or long, steep descents, the system maintains consistent performance without loss of braking power.
- Optimized to ensure high performance in both wet and dry conditions.
- Easily installs on the front plate of the GIANT CONTACT AEROLIGHT stem for aesthetic and functional integration.
⚠️ ATTENTION
For safety, please follow these instructions:
- This cable-actuated hydraulic disc brake is a sealed system, tested at high pressure. Unless otherwise indicated, DO NOT loosen screws or bolts, as this could cause fluid leaks and/or brake malfunctions.
- Brake fluid leaks are not permitted. If you notice signs of leaks in the hydraulic system, immediately stop using the bicycle and contact an authorized GIANT/LIV dealer.
- Before every ride, always verify the correct operation of the braking system.
- Rotors and pads must never come into contact with oil or grease, as this would pose a serious risk of malfunction. Unless otherwise indicated, do not apply any product to the braking system.
- Pads and rotors are wear components; it is normal for them to wear out with use. Small scratches on the rotor surface are normal. Check the rotor condition before each ride. If the rotor is deformed or shows signs of deep wear (thickness <1.5 mm), replace it with a new one.
- After prolonged or intense braking, the rotor temperature can be very high. DO NOT touch it to avoid burns. DO NOT cool by spraying liquids onto the brake system components, as this could cause irreparable damage. Before adjusting the system, ensure all brake system components have completely cooled down.
- Contaminated or excessively worn pads must be replaced immediately. The minimum thickness is 2.7 mm, including the backing plate.
- In rain or mud conditions, braking performance may decrease. Noises and squeals are normal and will disappear once dry.
- DO NOT touch, hit, or adjust the rotor while it is rotating: serious injury and dangerous situations may result.
- If the brakes squeal persistently and braking power decreases, it is likely that the pads and rotor are contaminated. Contact an authorized GIANT/LIV dealer for assistance.
2. Technical Specifications and Compatibility
Category | Specification | Details |
---|---|---|
Mounting | Compatible Stem | GIANT CONTACT AEROLIGHT |
Compatible Handlebar | Road, drop bar type, with central section | |
Caliper Mount | flat mount (standard flat) | |
Rotor Size | 140 mm, 160 mm (with dedicated adapter) | |
Rotor Thickness | 1.8 mm | |
Mechanical | Compatible Brake Lever | Road, drop bar type |
Brake Cable | Road, brake cable Ø 1.5 mm | |
Brake Housing | Road, conventional, Ø5 mm sheathed | |
External Adjustment (barrel adjuster) | present | |
Brake Pads | original GIANT MPH BRAKE | |
Minimum Pad Thickness | 2.7 mm (including backing plate) | |
Hydraulic | Fluid | SHIMANO mineral oil |
Standard Fitting | present | |
'Banjo' type Fitting | optional, only on the main body side |
3. Component List
Diagram of the Main Brake Body, Front Caliper, and Rear Caliper.
Main Brake Body: Shows the main body, right brake hose, bleed port, external adjustment (barrel adjuster), cable fixing screw, left brake hose, and optional banjo type fitting.
Front Caliper: Shows the front caliper, front caliper bolts, adapter (specific for rotor size), front brake hose, brake pads, and bleed port.
Rear Caliper: Shows the rear caliper, rear caliper bolts, rear brake hose, brake pads, and bleed port.
4. Important Notice
The GIANT MPH braking system is a cable-actuated hydraulic system. The main brake body has several unused holes, necessary during the highly specialized production process. These unused holes are sealed with specific screws designed to ensure system integrity. The image below highlights these unused holes and their respective sealing screws.
Diagram of the main brake body with red squares highlighting the specific screws that should not be touched.
⚠️ ATTENTION
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOOSEN, TIGHTEN, OR ADJUST THESE SCREWS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
In case of leaks, corrosion, or damaged components, immediately stop using the bicycle and contact an authorized GIANT/LIV dealer.
⚠️ WARNING
Failure to observe the above instructions may cause sudden failure of the braking system.
5. Operation
⚠️ WARNING
INSUFFICIENT BRAKING POWER COMPROMISES BOTH RIDING QUALITY AND SAFETY. It is essential to ensure that BOTH brakes are always functional.
Before every ride, always perform a brake system check.
- Actuate the brake lever and check its response. The lever should feel responsive and firm, with quick action.
- With the rider in the riding position, pull the brake levers firmly and push the bike forward. The bike should not move forward. If it moves, the braking power is insufficient.
ℹ️ NOTE
If you are unsure about the brake system's performance, contact an authorized GIANT/LIV dealer.
6. Maintenance
It is good practice to inspect the brake system after each ride. Use a damp cloth to remove dirt or sweat from the main brake body. Do not use any products on the brake body, hoses, calipers, pads, or rotors.
As brake fluid degrades over time and with use, the GIANT MPH system requires periodic maintenance to ensure optimal long-term performance.
Recommended interval for brake fluid replacement: every year of use.
Brake fluid replacement requires specific skills and adequate experience. Contact your authorized GIANT/LIV dealer for the service.
Action | After Each Ride | After 1 Year of Use |
---|---|---|
Clean, inspect | ✔️ | |
Brake fluid replacement | Contact authorized GIANT/Liv dealer |
7. Brake Pad Replacement
ℹ️ NOTE
FOR LONG RIDES OR EVENTS LIKE GRAN FONDO, IT IS ALWAYS ADVISABLE TO CARRY A SET OF SPARE BRAKE PADS.
THIS SECTION DESCRIBES THE CORRECT REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. Carefully assess your skills. Always perform the operation in a safe environment. For on-the-spot maintenance, adhere to local regulations and do not obstruct traffic. Choose a clean and safe area, paying attention to the surrounding environment.
Required Components and Tools:
- 1 set of original GIANT MPH pads
- 1 long-nose pliers
- 1 caliper
- 1 plastic tire lever
- Remove the wheel.
- Straighten the safety pin tab and remove it from the caliper. Fig. A
- Remove the brake pads. Fig. B
- Periodic inspection: Use a caliper to measure pad thickness. The minimum value is 2.7 mm, including the backing plate. Fig. C
- Use a plastic lever to gently push the pistons back into the caliper. Fig. D
⚠️ ATTENTION
If a piston is stuck, do not use excessive force to push it back into the caliper. Do not pull the brake lever without pads installed. If you encounter difficulties, contact an authorized GIANT/LIV dealer.
Fig. A: Shows straightening and removing the safety pin.
Fig. B: Shows removing the old brake pads.
Fig. C: Shows measuring pad thickness with a caliper.
Fig. D: Shows pushing pistons back into the caliper using a plastic tire lever.
Fig. E & F: Shows inserting new pads and the return spring between them.
Fig. G: Shows inserting the new safety pin and bending the tab.
Fig. H: Shows reinstalling the wheel and tightening the axle/quick release.
- Identify the correct orientation of the pads. Insert the return spring between the two pads before positioning them inside the caliper, from top to bottom. Fig. E & F
- Insert a new safety pin and bend the tab to 90°. Fig. G
- Reinstall the wheel, ensuring it is correctly aligned with the mounting interface. Insert and tighten the axle or quick release to the specified torque. Fig. H
- Actuate the brake lever several times to allow the new pads to seat properly. Perform a test ride in a safe environment.
⚠️ ATTENTION
After installing new pads, the lever travel may initially feel longer. This is due to the caliper's geometry and should normalize after a few lever actuations. Under normal conditions, cable travel adjustment is not necessary after pad replacement. If the sensation persists, contact an authorized GIANT/LIV dealer.
When installing new pads or rotors, braking force may not be optimal during the first few rides. Perform the bedding-in procedure in a safe environment.
To properly bed in new brakes, find a safe location and pedal at a moderate speed, then apply the brake firmly but not so aggressively as to cause the tire to skid. Be careful not to lock the front wheel during the procedure to avoid potential accidents. Braking force should increase noticeably after a few attempts.
8. Giant Limited Warranty
Giant warrants for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase for the original owner only.
Assembly Required at Purchase
This warranty applies only to products purchased new from an authorized Giant or Liv dealer and assembled by that dealer at the time of purchase.
Limited Remedy
Unless otherwise provided, the sole remedy under the above warranty, or any implied warranty, is limited to the replacement of defective parts with those 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 any direct, incidental, or consequential damages, including, but not limited to, damages for personal injury, property damage, or economic losses, whether based on contract, warranty, negligence, product liability, or any other theory.
Exclusions
- Normal wear and tear of parts in situations where there are no assembly or material defects.
- Products serviced by operators other than an authorized Giant dealer.
- Modifications to the product from its original condition.
- Use of this product for abnormal, competitive, and/or commercial activities or for purposes other than those for which this product was designed.
- Damage caused by failure to follow the instructions contained in this manual.
- Damage to paint, finish, and decals resulting from participation in races, jumps, descents, and/or training for such activities or events, or as a result of exposure or use of the product in severe conditions or climates.
- Labor costs for replacement or exchange of parts.
Subject to the terms of this warranty and any additional warranties, Giant and its employees and agents shall not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind (including incidental and consequential loss or damage caused by negligence or non-performance) arising from or relating to any Giant product.
Giant provides no other warranties, 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 stated above.
Any claim under this warranty must be presented through an authorized Giant dealer or distributor. A proof of purchase or other proof of purchase date 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 which may vary from place to place. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR STATUTORY RIGHTS.
Service Centers
To find a Giant dealer near you, visit: www.giant-bicycles.com