Sinter Brake Pads and JUIN Tech GT-F Caliper

My preference for exotic braking systems is of a fundamental nature and is repeatedly fueled by product innovations. The Slovenian brake pad manufacturer Sinter was kind enough to give me a test pair of their organic pads in the Shimano D version, the brake manufacturer Juin from Taiwan did not do it free of charge – but I really wanted to screw their brake calipers to the Standert frame.

JUIN Tech GT-F caliper on the Standert Kreisäge

The Juin caliper with cable activation

There are many types of brake calipers that are activated by a cable – also for disc brakes. However, most of them cannot be compared with their hydraulic colleagues, imprecise pressure point and little braking power is usually a side effect. In itself, however, such a system also has advantages: no annoying work with brake fluid, simple readjustment of the pad distance.
However, the focus is of course on braking performance – it has to work. The TRP HY/RD brake is always cited as an example of a good braking effect, in any case a good system. But, compared to the 4-piston brake from Juin, it is rather on the weak side. The structure of the Juin brake is basically similar to the HY/RD, but without an oil reservoir and therefore the brake caliper is also smaller. This has the disadvantage that the distance between the pads and the brake disc is not automatically compensated, but you have to manually readjust it every now and then with the help of a small knurled screw. However, it is only a manipulation and as soon as the dead movement of the brake lever is too large, you simply adjust it.

The use of compression-free cable housings is important for the exact pressure point of the system. They are available from different manufacturers and always look different. My favorite make is the Jagwire Elite Link housing. Basically, this is not a real cable housing at all, but consists of a Teflon tube and aluminum sleeves. The sleeves are just over 5mm long and have rounded ends to allow flexible placement on the Teflon tube. Of course, these sleeves are completely compression-free and work perfectly. In addition, they are also lighter than a steel Bowden cable. However, the cost factor with this solution is many times higher than with normal cable housings.

Sinter brake pads

Perhaps the most important or at least decisive component in the overall braking system is the brake pad. The Juin calipers allow the use of very large pads due to the 4 pistons. The Shimano D Type brake pads are actually intended for MTB brakes but also fit in the Juin system. Overall, the size of the pads plays a role, but so does the material that makes contact with the brake disc. The black series Sinter 550 consists of a semi-metallic compound and is the cheapest variant of the sinter pads and very convincing after the first driving tests.
I was and am a big Trickstuff Power Pads fan – but the Sinter Pads can keep up here without any problems and from my point of view are worth a clear purchase recommendation.

Sinter Shimano D Type Pads