I actually rode a bike for the first time in over a year. Only about a 5-mile round trip to get some compost from Homebase (also an opportunity to test out the new-to-me trailer).
My disc brakes appear to have become screaming banshees from hell, though. I had the bike serviced a couple of months ago and the brakes bled as part of it, but they've never made noise like this before in the 6 years I've owned the bike. Not great on shared paths, because all the pedestrians just assumed I was slamming on the brakes when actually I was trying to use them as gently as possible. And no, random passerby who helpfully suggested I need some WD-40, that really wouldn't help.
We’re they still effective? If not, then no doubt oil contamination, and the only sensible solution is to ditch the pads for new ones and clean the rotors with IPA or Acetone. Yes, you can try and resurrect them by baking/burning spect, but really new ones are the best solution. If effective, then maybe just dirt, or possibly misalignment. Loosen the 2 securing bolts, clamp on the brake and re-secure. Take the pads out and clean with IPA/Acetone, as well as discs.
I was fortunate, when I needed new pads recently, I was able to get my stepson to buy some for me from Bike24 (he lives in Berlin) and bring them over, at a substantial saving over ones bought in the UK.
I was out today, third time this long weekend, and today was cool (9C as opposed to the forecast 14C) and wet-ish - heavy drizzle I guess you’d call it. But a refreshing 30km.