Disc Brakes

Disc Brakes – Your bike’s parachute

Disc brakes are the lifeline on modern bikes and e-bikes. They ensure reliable deceleration in any weather, on any surface. Especially for MTBs, gravel bikes, and e-bikes, disc brakes offer clear advantages over drum or rim brakes.

Which disc brake fits your bike?

MTB: Magura MT7 or Gustav Pro?, Trickstuff Direttissima or Shimano XT M8120? SRAM Motive or Maven?

Road/Gravel: Shimano GRX, SRAM Rival, Shimano Ultegra

Urban/Trekking: Shimano BR-MT200, SRAM DB8

Pads, discs & more: The right upgrade

Even new brake pads or larger brake discs can significantly improve control and shorten braking distance. When choosing, consider the right brake system, compatibility, purpose, and weather conditions.

Technology made simple – How disc brakes work

Components: Brake lever, hose, caliper, pads, disc

In a disc brake system, flat brake pads clamp onto a disc-shaped rotor from both sides within a caliper. Hydraulic brakes use a fluid medium, DOT brake fluid or mineral oil, which is displaced by your hand force from the master piston on the handlebar to extend either 2 or 4 brake pistons in the caliper, depending on the system. A pressure-resistant hose houses the hydraulic medium between the brake pump and caliper.

Hydraulic vs. Mechanical

Especially in the entry-level bike segment, you’ll still find mechanically actuated disc brakes. Here, a conventional cable transfers force to the caliper. The well-known disadvantages include power loss due to mechanical friction in the cable and a tendentially mushy feel due to the deformation of the cable housing. On the other hand, you can find spare parts for mechanical brakes in the most remote parts of the world and never have to worry about migrating contact points or brake bleeding.

Hydraulic disc brakes shine with loss-free transmission of your finger force onto the brake disc and options for calipers with more than 2 brake pistons. Also, hydraulic systems automatically compensate for the wear-induced decrease in pad thickness by drawing more brake fluid from the reservoir.

ABS systems on bikes: Advantages & limits

When braking with a two-wheeler, if the front wheel locks up, it often leads to a fall. This is exactly where an anti-lock braking system comes into play: It enables maximum effective braking and shortest braking distances, better than any highly trained and focused rider's fingertip sensitivity could achieve. This makes e-bike ABS a real game-changer for inexperienced cyclists, for braking in challenging conditions like mud, wetness, or ice, as well as for Longjohn cargo bikes, where the front wheel - especially when unloaded - tends to lock up more readily than with conventional bikes and e-bikes.

Maintenance & Care: Keeping your brakes in top shape

Changing brake pads

Worn or dirty brake pads need to be replaced. It’s a good idea to also clean and maintain the disc brake at this opportunity. We’ll explain how it works in detail in the article on maintaining and bleeding hydraulic disc brakes on bikes and e-bikes.

Cleaning discs & pads

Normal dirt doesn’t really bother brake pads and brake discs. However, if grease or oil gets involved, braking performance dramatically decreases. If the contamination isn’t too severe, you can remedy it with brake cleaner or sandpaper. Of course, you’ll need to remove the brake pads first and then clean them carefully. If full braking performance is still lacking after a clean, the pads are contaminated with oil and must be replaced. Also, thermal damage from constant heavy braking, known as “glazing,” can be initially combated with sandpaper.

Our top brake sellers & recommendations

Trickstuff Direttissima: High-end performance, made in Germany

Shimano XT M8100: Trail classic by the market leader

Magura Gustav Pro: Plenty of braking power for MTBs

SRAM Maven: Brakes like the downhill pros

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about disc brakes

Which disc brake is best for my MTB?

Depends on your needs and usage: Magura MT7 for trail performance, Shimano XT as an all-rounder, SRAM Motive for XC and trail bikes, Trickstuff, Magura Gustav PRO, or SRAM Maven for downhill and enduro.

How often should I change the brake pads?

Dependent on riding style and terrain. Visual inspection every 500 km, replace when thickness is below 1 mm.

What to do if my disc brake squeals?

Causes can be dirt, oil, or glazed pads. Cleaning or replacement recommended. Squealing disc brakes in wet and rainy conditions are a normal phenomenon and no cause for concern.

How do I upgrade my bike to disc brakes?

On some bikes, you can retrofit disc brakes. You'll need existing mounts for brake calipers on your bike's fork and frame, as well as the right hubs for the brake discs. We're happy to advise you.

How does ABS work on a bike?

The Bosch E-Bike ABS is an electronic system that prevents the front wheel from locking, dramatically shortening the braking distance. ABS is particularly useful for E-MTBs and cargo bikes.

What are the differences in brake discs?

You can get brake discs with Centerlock or 6-bolt mounting and in various diameters. To find out which brake disc fits your bike, check the manufacturer's specifications.

How do I bleed my hydraulic disc brakes?

With a suitable bleeding kit, the proper brake fluid (DOT or mineral oil), and the instructions for your brake brand's systems.