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Mechanical disc brakes vs hydraulic disc brakes – which one is best ?

December 05 , 2022


Disc brakes have become increasingly popular over the last few years and most modern bikes now opt for disc brakes over the traditional rim brakes. It's well established that the best mountain bike brakes are disc brakes, with every MTB worth buying coming equipped with them, even the budget mountain bikes.  Nowadays, you can find disc brakes on almost any style of bike from hybrids and road bikes, to full-suspension mountain bikes and gravel bikes.  Mountain bikes were early adopters of the new technology, paving the way for the technology but now it seems that disc brakes permeate every part of cycling from the casual commuter to the Tour de France.


Not all disc brakes are made the same though, and there are even more factors in addition to differing sizes, uses, and manufacturers. There are two main kinds of disc brakes in the world of bicycles – mechanical and hydraulic. While the difference is inconsequential to some, there are a number of important qualities that separate one style of disc brake from the other.


In this article, we’ll explain the similarities and differences between mechanical vs hydraulic disc brakes to help you choose the suitable brakes style.


Mechanical Disc Brakes

what is Mechanical Disc Brakes?

Mechanical disc brakes function similarly to traditional rim brakes. They are reliant on steel cabled to activate the brake, compressing the brake pad against the rotor when the lever is pulled.The main benefit of mechanical disc brakes is they are compatible with normal rim brake shifters.


Hydraulic Disc Brakes

what is Hydraulic Disc Brakes ?

Hydraulic disc brakes use a sealed fluid system to transfer the braking force from the lever to the caliper. Inside the hydraulic braking system, there is a piston and a master cylinder that holds the brake fluid. When the brake lever is squeezed, the piston moves inside the cylinder, forcing brake fluid towards the brake caliper. This force is then transferred to pistons inside the brake caliper which push the brake pads into the disc rotor – thus slowing the rotation of the rotor and the wheel.


The Difference Between Hydraulic and Mechanical Disc Brakes


The main difference between hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes is how force is transmitted from the brake levers on the handlebars to the brake calipers near the hubs. Mechanical disc brakes use a steel cable. Hydraulic disc brakes use a fluid-filled brake line.

Another biggest difference between the two types of disc brakes is efficiencies. Mechanical disc brakes is less performance in efficiency than hydraulic systems.


The reason is that Mechanical disc brakes still sugar from cable friction, meaning the force applied at the lever is going to be greater than the resulting force at the caliper.

but hydraulic brakes, which have fluid contained in the master cylinder, has a much more efficient braking mechanism in which fluid, which is already in the system, forces the brake pads together when the lever is pushed.


Similarities Between Hydraulic and Mechanical Disc Brakes

Both hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes use the same pads and rotors.

The pads are a wearable part that needs to be replaced periodically. How long they last depends on the material that the pad is made of, the weather, how hard you brake, and the terrain.

The disc brake rotors are one of the easier parts to damage on a bike. If the rotor hits a rock or gets knocked hard during transport, it can bend. Heating and cooling can cause a rotor to warp over time.

Another similarity with both hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes is in the way they function. Usually, one brake pad is fixed in place and the other moves to push the rotor against the fixed pad. This system is common on lower-end and mid-range mechanical and hydraulic disc brake systems because it is simpler. There are fewer moving parts.

Some higher-end disc brake systems use a dual-piston system which moves both pads toward the rotor at the same time. This system is more complex but may perform slightly better.


Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Pros and Cons

The Difference Between Hydraulic and Mechanical Disc Brakes

Pros

  1. More stopping power/ More efficient
  2. Less frequent maintenance and adjustment because the brakes self adjust.
  3. The system is sealed which keeps contaminants out. This means less cleaning is required.
  4. Smoother operation because there is less friction in the system.
  5. Better brake modulation/control of the braking force
  6. Lighter
  7. More consistent
  8. Easier on the hands because they require less force to operate
  9. You can ride faster because you can stop faster
  10. More technologically advanced/ Higher end


Cons

  1. More expensive
  2. Harder to service in the field because they are more complex. Specialty tools and fluid are required.
  3. Spare parts are hard to find in remote regions and some developing countries
  4. More difficult to maintain because you have to bleed the brake lines occasionally.

Mechanical Disc Brakes: Pros and Cons

The Pros and Cons Between Hydraulic and Mechanical Disc Brakes

Pros

  1. Cheaper
  2. Easier to repair and maintain because they are simpler
  3. Replacement parts are easier to find around the world because they use the same cables and levers as rim brakes
  4. You can easily service them in the field with basic tools

Cons

  1. Less stopping power/ Less efficient
  2. They require more frequent adjustments as cables stretch
  3. Harder to modulate braking force
  4. Friction in the brake lines can make them feel less smooth to operate and less consistent
  5. You have to clean them more often because the brake lines can get contaminated with dirt or debris
  6. Heavier
  7. Slower
  8. Harder on the hands because it takes more force to apply the brakes
  9. The pads are more likely to rub when they are out of adjustment
  10. They are considered lower end and are less technologically advanced.


How to choose


Hydraulic disc brakes do better than mechanical disc brakes in every category. hydraulic disc brakes are more power, more control, more consistency, and less everyday wear and tear as opposed to mechanical ones. they are also less regular attention than their Mechanical Disc Brakes.


but hydraulic disc brakes are more difficult to maintain than mechanical disc brakes,

If you're familiar with servicing mechanical rim brakes, it's not a big problem to look after mechanical cable-pull disc versions. If you're new to hydraulic brakes, then we'd recommend getting the servicing done at your local bike shop.


Hydraulic disc brakes are the right choose for off-road riders who want the best braking performance. But if you are casual riders and commuters, mechanical disc brakes can make you brakes satisfied.

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