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All about MTB brakes

Everyone will have heard the sentence "Who brakes later is faster for longer". Not only on downhill, but in every mountain bike discipline you want to take a maximum of speed into the next section. But in order to brake late, you need the best brake available. We have compiled everything you need to know about MTB brakes, brake pads and brake discs.

Why are MTB brakes so important?

Not only on mountain bikes, but also on cars, the brake is classified as a "safety relevant component". This means that it is one of the parts on which the health and even lives of the rider depend. So at this point you should definitely not save money! But here is the good news: There is a brake for every driver, so at least you don't have to spend more than you really need.

Just as you check the pressure of your tires before every ride, you should also check the condition of your brake pads, the tightness of brake cylinders and hoses and the pressure point of your brakes. Weary brake pads can damage your brake disc and, of course, lead to loss of braking power. Leaking hydraulic lines lose oil, which can lead to a complete failure of your brake system after a certain time. If you find a defect during your inspection, make sure you have repaired it before the next ride. Of course you will find everything you need in our store.

What MTB brakes are there?

But let's start with the basics. Mountain bikes have been around for several decades now and of course the technology has evolved. When pioneers like Hans Rey and Gary Fisher were still riding with CAntile brakes, Richie Schley and Co. were already allowed to stop with the much more biting V-brakes. Little by little, the technology of the automobile industry (and motorcycles) was the only thing that held up and the first disc brakes appeared. In the beginning they were still clumsy and partly operated by cables, but soon they became a new must-have and in fact there is hardly a mountain bike left that has to manage without disc brakes. Meanwhile almost only hydraulic disc brakes can be found. In our store you will find primarily this kind of brakes and the appropriate accessories.

How many pistons do you really need?

Of course not everything is as simple as the question "disc brake or not? - because with the new technology came new finesse. And as with cars and motorcycles, it makes a big difference for what purpose a brake was designed. For our friends of the Crosscountry fraction, for example, extremely light, two piston brakes were designed, while in the Downhill World Cup, the focus is on much more massive four piston models, which are heavier but also stronger by far.

As mentioned at the beginning, the question of which brake is the right one for you is of primary importance. No matter which manufacturer, SRAM, Shimano or Formula, they all have different models to fit the most diverse mountain bikes and wallets. Here are a few examples.

You're mainly on your home trails and tend to ride at weekends, the Alps are more of an exotic place for you to see and do once a year on your mountain bike? Then a two piston brake like the Shimano XT M800 would surely be something for you. But do you have downhill in your blood and the black lines of the bike parks are your natural habitat? Then you should go for something more aggressive, like the SRAM Code RSC or Form Cura 4.

Which MTB brake pads are the right ones?

If it already surprised you that there are different brake systems, here comes the next revelation: The choice of brake pads also needs to be made correctly. If you think that would be really exaggerated, let me tell you that the few square millimeters you have available for braking can decide whether you come to a stop before or behind the edge, which can cause exciting stories or headaches.

The difference with bicycle brake pads is quite simple. Basically one differentiates between organic and metallic brake pads. These have different names with different manufacturers like "sintered", "metallic" or a type designation. It is important to know the following: Organic brake pads wear out faster because they are softer, but they also offer better braking performance. Metallic brake pads are not quite as biting, but they last better on long descents. If you want a little more brake power but also long lasting brake pads, you can use the semi-metallic brake pads. These offer good braking power with improved durability. Whoever wants good braking power or is more likely to drive in the wet should choose organic brake pads. However, these usually have to be replaced more often.

How to change your brake pads

Your mountain bike wears out brake pads just like tyres. Some last longer, some shorter. It is important to replace them at regular intervals replacement. The method differs from model to model. You will find more detailed information on this in the user manual of your MTB brake. In general, the following applies: The respective bike has to be removed to get to the brake pads easily. Now the brake pad lock is removed, often it is a screw that connects the brake pads and the brake caliper. Mostly it is secured by an extra split pin, which you have to remove first before you can loosen the screw. Take out the old pads, put in the new ones and put everything in the same way as before. Tighten, install the wheel and then brake the brake on straight track. To do this, it is sufficient to accelerate a little and then brake carefully but firmly. Repeat this procedure until you feel that the pads are gripping properly. Attention: Make sure that oil or similar never gets on the pads, for example when oiling the chain! This can lead to massive loss of braking power.

Which brake discs do you need?

With the brake disks one differentiates above all between the different manufacturers, thus whether you drive for example a SRAM or Shimano brake. Of course there are still third party manufacturers like Galfer, who are specialized in the individual parts. Here it is only important that you choose the right brake disc for your brake. Which brake disc diameter do you have? Instead of the smaller 180mm disc, do you need a 200mm one for more brake power and resistance against fading? If you buy a larger brake disc, it is best to buy the right adapter so that your new brake disc also fits your mountain bike - and check the website of your bike manufacturer to see if the brake disc diameter is approved. Also important is the assembly. Here we mainly distinguish between 6-hole and centerlock. With the latter you need a special tool to mount the discs. If you ride an e-bike, you should also make sure that you have this certification. In general, brake discs should also be replaced at regular intervals to prevent material fatigue. Safety first!

The correct assembly of your MTB brake

Of course everything remains theory if you don't mount the brake on your mountain bike. You have to install the brake lines on or in your frame. Many manufacturers offer mounting kits, especially for internal mounting, so you don't have to spend hours on it. Make sure that no oil gets on the brake pads during assembly. It is best to take them out of the brake caliper for assembly. When everything is installed and the brake is connected, you can put the brake pads back in place and mount the wheels. Now it is probably time to bleed the brake pads. In our store you can find the appropriate bleeding sets and hydraulic oil to make sure your brake works perfectly.

If you have mounted everything correctly and regularly check your brake pads, lines and brake discs, nothing stands in the way of a safe ride with your new MTB brakes!