Brake in / burn in brakes

Both sintered and resin pads (organic pads) must be braked in order to achieve optimum braking performance and the lowest possible noise level. In the case of resin pads, the second step is 'burning-in'. This involves heating the pads to a temperature of over 200 °C at a steep gradient. The solvents outgas and optimum braking performance is achieved and noise is minimized. 

Caution: When degassing, so-called 'fading' occurs, which temporarily reduces the braking force considerably.

How does it work?

The braking of the pads and discs is described differently by the various manufacturers.

Many manufacturers recommend repeated 20-30 braking applications from approx. 20-30 km/h to walking pace to achieve maximum braking performance. With resin pads, the new pad must also be 'burned in'.

TRP, mostly used by Stromer, records the following procedure: (Source)

For new performance resin pads and new brake discs:
Step 1: Pedal on a flat road while applying the front and rear brakes with constant pressure for 5 minutes. The brakes must not lock. This is the first time the brake disk and pads are adjusted. The brakes should become increasingly 'sticky' as you pull.
Step 2: 5-7 rolling stops from 25 to 10 km/h with the front brake only.
Step 3: 5-7 rolling stops from 25 to 10 km/h using only the rear brake.
Step 4: 3-5 rolling stops from 30 to 10 km/h with the brakes applied.
Step 5: Let's go!

For new sintered metal pads and new brake disks:
Step 1: Pedal on a flat road while applying light pressure to the front and rear brakes for 5 minutes. The brakes must not lock. Repeat the process with stronger pressure for 2-3 minutes. The brakes must not lock.
Step 2: 7-10 rolling stops from 25 to 10 km/h with the front brake only.
Step 3: 7-10 rolling stops from 25 to 10 km/h using only the rear brake.
Step 4: 5-7 rolling stops from 30 to 10 km/h with the brakes applied.
Step 5: Let's go! The brakes will probably need 1-2 rides to fully break in.

For new performance resin pads on used brake discs:
Step 1: 3-5 rolling stops from 25 to 10 km/h with the front brake only.
Step 2: 3-5 rolling stops from 25 to 10 km/h using only the rear brake.
Step 3: 1-2 rolling stops from 30 to 10 km/h with the brakes applied.
Step 4: Let's go!

For new sintered metal pads on used brake discs:
Step 1: 7-10 rolling stops from 25 to 10 km/h with the front brake only.
Step 2: 7-10 rolling stops from 25 to 10 km/h using only the rear brake.
Step 3: 5-7 rolling stops from 30 to 10 km/h with the brakes applied.
Step 4: Drive off! The brakes will probably need 1-2 rides to fully retract.

> VIDEO: Braking in the bicycle brake pads: How to do it right at TEKTRO | TRP

SwissStop describes the braking/burning process for the E15 RS organic brake pads as follows:

Step 1: On a moderate descent, pull each brake for 20-30 seconds, alternating between front and rear. Repeat the process 2-3 times.
Step 2 On a steeper descent, apply and pull the brakes for 10-15 seconds and then increase the lever pressure until the bike slows down almost to a complete stop. Repeat the process 2-3 times.

Pro Tip: The front pads have been heated more than the rear pads. To achieve optimum performance, swap the front and rear pads (if identical) and then repeat step 2.

> See also PROBLEMS - BRAKES - 'Squeak'
> See also: Link 1 | Link 2