Traction Control Braking

[Super D.]

I wanted to post a semi review of the device called Traction Control Braking (TCB) http://lifesaverstcb.com/.
Karl Krothenberg and I both purchased this unit, and installed it last Saturday. Basically what it is supposed to do is mimic ABS. The unit is a replacement for the Banjo Bolt at the rear caliper. It was a snap to install, and we made sure that we replaced both of the crush washers... and bled the brakes.
We went out for a short ride, and I was really underwhelmed with the performance. I was probably expecting too much from the product... but it just didn't work the way that I had anticipated.
First off, it made the brakes really spongy. To the point where I re-bled the brakes just to make sure that I got out all of the air. Secondly, the brakes still locked up. Karl and I have a difference of opinion on the stopping distance~ I didn't see any improvement (and with the brake being spongy, it really made me nervous), and Karl says that he believes that his stopping distance improved. Third, there started to be a vibration noise and feel coming from the rear brake.
This product made me very nervous, so I took it off on Tuesday. After putting on the original Banjo Bolt and bleeding the brakes... The brakes were just as they were when I started (no vibration or noise).
Karl and I both contacted the owner of the company via email to ask him several questions, the main one was "Are the brakes supposed to be this spongy". He was evasive and .... a little defensive.
IMHO, I would NOT recommend this product. I am currently trying to get a refund from the company... We will see how that goes.

 

[budman]

..I thought it looked like snake oil when I saw it..and where the hell is kroth?..

 

[Super D.]

I just got an email, and he is refunding my money.

 

[xhdskip]

yea, no pics from Karl in quite some time.
He needs to leave his brakes alone long enough to post us some decent pics. :lol:

 

[Super D.]

Karl has been busy with his life.... He hasn't been on here in a while, but it is just because he has a lot going on. We re-connected a couple of weeks ago, and plan on going on a ride up Soledad Canyon. I am by no means speaking in his place... just letting you all know where he is at. Who knows, when we least expect it.... he might just pop up.

 

[irieco]

Thanks SD

I was waiting for your review after talking about it at Tom's. You saved me the time and trouble.

L.C.

 

[Geek_Law]

Good heads up. Some things are just too good to be true.

 

[atomsplitter]

Thanks for the report. There's a good reason ABS adds $1000.00 to the price of a vehicle and about 20 pounds. The key to good braking is knowing which brake does all the work (front) and why the rear locks so easy (tire unloads).

Anyone watching Moto GP racing closely can attest to the rear wheels of these highly specialized racers dancing in the air before the rider releases his grip on the front calipers at turn entry. If the tire has no weight on it, it will readily break traction when you hit the brake. That holds true even if all you use is the rear brake. Even a novice rider will notice the front end dive on using just the rear brake. The more pressure applied to the pads the lighter the back end gets until the tire just stops gripping effectively and you slide. Getting the front to break traction is much more difficult because the harder you squeeze the front calipers the more weight shifts to the front tire. Ever see a "stoppie" and wonder how much weight the front is holding?

One other note about rear brakes. If you tow a trailer with your ride (and I have) use the rear brake about as often as you get laid by Heidi Klum. I've never had the opportunity to get Heidi in the sack, but I did use the rear brake twice while towing, and both times I went sideways. If you like riding your Rocket like a flat tracker at the Springfield Mile then have a ball, I had to find clean shorts afterwards.

 

[MsLizz]

.

Send Karl our regards from his friends here at R3Owners. I like him, he is a pretty cool guy!

 

[Super D.]

I just got a email from Karl. He put on a different one and really likes it. I didn't get all of the details, but will post a link to his review once it is up.