Just about all modern mountain bikes, whether they’re dual-suspension mountain bikes or electric bikes, are fitted with disc brakes. These braking systems work by squeezing a rotor between two pads that provide stopping power and reduce stopping time especially in wet conditions. Most disc brakes are either:
Hydraulic
Most of today’s mountain bikes are fitted with hydraulic brakes, which means that instead of pulling a cable to squeeze the brake pads, they use hydraulic hoses and fluid, which offer much more power. They also self-adjust as you wear down your brake pads. It’s hard to find a downside with hydraulic brakes, though they can be more difficult to service and maintain, and you’ll need to bleed them occasionally. Bleeding in this context means removing a build-up of air from the hydraulic hoses, which can reduce your bike’s braking power. Unless you know what you’re doing, you’ll likely need a professional to replace your hydraulic brakes as you’ll need to use specialist tools when cutting and routing hoses.
Cable-Actuated
For the most part, cable-actuated disc brakes are now only found on entry-level mountain bikes thanks to their low cost and simplicity. They’re not as advanced as hydraulic brakes, but they’re easier to maintain and repair, which could come in useful on long journeys. However, compared to hydraulic brakes, cable-actuated brakes don’t provide as much modulation or power, and, due to their tight tolerances, they’re not always easy to adjust.
Most of our latest bikes come with hydraulic brakes as standard. If you want to know more about the benefits of hydraulic brakes and how they compare to cable-actuated alternatives, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll make sure you choose the right brakes for your sport, whether you need a downhill racer or a hard-trail warrior.