5 Advantages of Hydraulic Disk Brakes on Mountain Bikes

5 Advantages of Hydraulic Disk Brakes on Mountain 

              Hydraulic Disk Braking System Advantages for Mountain Bike Riders                         by Eddie Aguilar

   

Hydraulic Braking System for Mountain Bikes

     Disc brakes for mountain bikes have been used for years and have proven to have the upper hand over conventional pad braking systems. Today, disc brakes are used on mountain bikes, road bikes, and hybrid bikes.  They consist of a metal disc which is attached to the wheel hub at the center of the wheel in such a way that they become part of the wheel and rotates with the wheel. Disc brakes function by squeezing the pads together causing the wheel to slow down and eventually stop. Compared to the more traditional rim brakes, disc brakes are quite superior. They produce a greater braking power while being rim friendly and they are consistent in their power regardless of the weather conditions.  Not to mention, they can quickly and easily be configured for different wheel types and sizes, and have an improved mechanical functionality. Although they may be quite expensive, disc brakes are highly effective, reliable, and durable. They are worth using especially in serious mountain biking events like racing where you might need brakes to avoid a crash.  

Strength, Braking Power and Improved Modulation of Braking Power - Disk brakes are made of metal rather than rubber making them stronger and more durable than rim brakes. They are attached to the wheels, rather than being in tandem with the wheels making them even stronger. The disc braking system features an extended travel in the braking leverage system. This presents the rider with a wide range modulation of braking power. It also uses less finger pressure on the levers to produce powerful braking.

All Weather and Multi Terrain Capabilities - Mountain bikes are made to be used on all kinds of terrains and in all kinds of climatic conditions. Disc brakes are fixed at the center of the wheel; closer to the hub than the ground, therefore they are less affected by mud, water snow or ice. You can ride them on slippery wet trails, muddy roads, snow and all kinds of terrains. Water does not act as a lubricant to metal as much as it does do rubber. Therefore, disc brakes; which are made of metal, are seldom affected when it comes to contact with water hence, they maintain their excellent efficiency and braking power regardless of the terrain and the weather conditions. 

Disc Brakes are Rim Friendly - Since disc brakes are fixed at the center of the wheels; as part of the wheels, they do not come into contact with the rim at any moment or in any way. Therefore, the friction produced while braking does not affect the rim in any way. Moreover, they do not pile up particles and debris such as sand, sticks and twigs on the rim; which usually scrape the rim, wearing it out and weakening it in the braking process.

No tire overheating – When riding in an extremely hot weather, a prolonged use of brakes in the traditional rim braking system overheats the rim, weakening the rubber on the tires. This can cause the tires to burst or wear out quickly. This is not the case with disc brakes. Disk brakes aren't connected with the rim or the tires. So when excessive braking is done in hot weather, it is the disc itself that gets heated. Since these discs have holes drilled on them, they dissipate heat faster than a rim would do. The heat dissipation mechanism of the disc brake also allows it to maintain its efficiency and braking power.

Multiple Wheel Configurations - off-road riding in different types of climatic conditions and different types of terrains require different sets of wheels. For example, icy roads require a totally different set of wheels from muddy and sandy terrains in terms of the wheel size in thickness and grip patterns. This will prompt you to keep changing or switching between wheels to suit the terrains.  With disc brakes, you do not have to reconfigure your braking system to suit the new set of tires. Moreover, changing between wheels is very quick and easy. All you need to do is to change the wheels then reattach the disc brake back to its position and you are good to go.

Shimano Ice Technology for Hydraulic Braking Systems 

    The disc brakes catapult the mountain bike riding into a higher degree of mountain biking experience. With its strength, power, improved modulation of braking power, and its ability to resist overheating, preserve the rim, and be used in all weather and terrains, the disc brakes make the mountain bike a more capable off-road bike. They are strong and durable since they are made of metal. They get their extra power by taking advantage of their position on the wheels.  At the center of the wheel, they are far away from impurities such as water, mud, snow and sand. This makes them retain their braking power regardless of weather and terrain. They do not come into contact with the rim, hence preserving the rim and avoiding overheating. And when you need to change your tires to suit a new terrain and weather condition, you simply mount your disc brake back on the wheel and off you go. You can find more reading on disk brakes on www.bicycling.com If you have any questions on hydraulic braking systems for mountain bikes please leave a comment below or give us a call.  Happy Trails!  

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