Brakes are one of the most important safety features on a bike, allowing you to slow down and come to a clean stop to avoid hitting fellow cyclists, cars, pedestrians, or other obstacles. There are two main types of bike brakes: mechanical disc brakes and hydraulic disc brakes. They both have a lever on the handlebar and a disc rotor on the wheel, but they differ in how they actually engage the brake pads on the disc rotor.
Understanding the different types of brake systems can help you make an informed choice when buying an e-bike, and ensure you know how to care for your brake system in the future.
Mechanical Disc Brakes vs Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Both mechanical disc brakes and hydraulic disc brakes work by applying force to the rotor on the wheel hub. But they differ in how they apply the force. Basically, the difference is the part where you squeeze the brake lever with your hand and the part that applies the force to the disc.
Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Mechanical disc brakes are cable-actuated. They rely on a complex set of steel cables to transfer force from the lever and connect the brake lever at the handlebar to the brake caliper.
- Squeezing the lever applies force to the cables and pistons inside the brake caliper.
- The brake caliper applies pressure to the brake pads, which push against the disc rotor, slowing the wheel and stopping it.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- The hydraulic brake system consists of a cylinder filled with brake fluid and a piston.
- When you squeeze the brake lever with your hand, the piston moves inside the cylinder and pushes the brake fluid against the brake caliper.
- The brake caliper then applies pressure to the brake pads, pushing against the disc rotor and stopping the wheel from turning.
Performance
Mechanical Disc Brakes
Mechanical disc brake systems are prone to wear and tear because of the friction created by the steel cables that make up the brake system. The cables are also at greater risk of exposure because grit can creep in and interfere with the cables.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
The main reason to choose hydraulic disc brakes is that they don't rely on cables, which can create friction and affect the efficiency of the braking system.
They have better stopping power and can be adjusted for more precise, controlled stopping power.
Hydraulic brakes have more stopping power because they typically move two brake pads, while mechanical disc brakes only push one pad.
Maintenance
Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Mechanical disc brakes are generally easier to repair. The most common problem is a worn, torn, or broken brake line that needs to be repaired (brake lines can also stretch).
- You can even replace brake lines at home, reducing maintenance costs.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Hydraulic disc brakes generally require higher maintenance (and cost more to maintain) than mechanical disc brakes. Hydraulic fluid-filled systems can only be repaired or adjusted by professionals using special tools and expertise.
How to choose the right type of disc brake for you?
So, which disc brake is right for you? There is no right answer to the hydraulic brake vs. mechanical brake debate. It ultimately comes down to your personal needs and preferences, including:
- Why you ride your bike. Do you ride your bike for fun? To commute? Or for exercise? If you just need a bike for everyday use, mechanical disc brakes will suffice. If you want to participate in road cycling or mountain biking, you may prefer a higher-level bike with hydraulic disc brakes.
- Your riding style. An avid cyclist who likes to start and stop quickly may prefer hydraulic disc brakes because it offers more control. If you don't care much about braking precision and don't reach high speeds on your bike, this isn't much of an issue.
- Your budget. Hydraulic disc brakes offer higher performance, but they also come at a higher price. If you're on a budget, don't go with hydraulic disc brakes, as they can cost three times as much as a mechanical disc brake system. Also, consider maintenance and spare parts costs.
Finally, it's worth mentioning safety. Both mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes can stop your bike when you need to. However, the extra stopping power and precision provided by hydraulic disc brakes offers added protection – which means extra peace of mind.