What is the difference between hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes

Shimano R hydraulic disc brakes are slightly on the heavy side but have superb control and reliability. They really are hard to beat. There is also a mechanical version that delivers good performance at less cost. They weigh g. These cable-actuated hydraulic disc brakes are one of the best non-hydro options available.

Featuring a reliable cable-actuated disc brake, they are one of the lightest options available. Weighing just g, they are easy to set up and have superb cables, giving them great performance levels. Again, these cable-actuated hydraulic disc brakes are extremely light, at g per calliper. They use an open hydraulic system, which is compatible with both Shimano and SRAM 11 speed road shift levers.

They offer decent braking power, but are more suited for MTB riding. They feature a simple pad and a simple cable adjuster. These are really easy to set up. These hydraulic disc brakes weigh g and offer superior braking performance in all weather.

And, when it comes to disc brakes, hydraulics are the best for performance. Hydraulic disc brakes have a noticeable difference in performance — try hurtling down a hill at top speed and braking with rim brakes and then compare that to hydraulic brakes.

The difference is mind-blowing. Founder of Vivi Nation, the cycling, running and active living brand. Chris is a sports enthusiast, occasional triathlete and experienced cyclist, having led multiple cycle tours across Europe. Mechanical vs Hydraulic Disc Brakes. Also known as cable-actuated brakes, mechanical disc brake work exactly like rim spoon brakes.

However, the only difference is the point of contact. Instead of the braking pad applying friction on the rim, it does so on the rotor, bringing the bike to a stop. The setup is quite simple. It includes a brake lever, a cable, and the mechanical disc.

Because of their open design, mechanical disc brakes tend to collect dirt and debris, which clog the system over time. These results in less smooth brakes, which mean that you get less stopping power to control the speed of your bike. In our testing, mechanical disc brakes proved to be easier to use and maintain. All we had to do was change the braided-steel cable, tighten the brake lever if there was the need, and done. We were good to go. In fact, to us, this was easier than bleeding, which required more hassle to get hydraulic disc brake to the best condition possible.

One of the things we loved about hydraulic disc brakes in our testing was how easy it was for us to use. Mechanical disc brakes require frequent maintenance, which we found quite tedious. Cleaning and adjusting the brake pads and lever simply took up a lot of our time during testing. Hydraulic disc brakes are an upgrade of the mechanical types. You want to have the full control of your bike by having all the stopping power possible. Here, manufacturers get rid of the steel cable and use a sealed fluid -filled system instead.

You press the brake lever, the fluid forces the pads against the rotor, and the resistance created between the two objects stops the bike. As you can see, the working mechanism is completely different. And from our experiment, hydraulic disc brakes performed better than the mechanical model that we first had.

From a performance standpoint, the hydraulic disc brakes do well than mechanical models because the fluid in the braking system is not compressible. This means that the pressure applied to the rotor is far much higher than the one you apply on the lever. A simple push with two fingers is enough to give you more stopping power. One thing we love about hydraulic disc brakes is their closed design. This prevents foreign materials, like dirt and mud, from entering the system and interfering with the braking performance.

So even when you ride your bike in wet and muddy conditions, you still maintain the braking power you need to control the speed of your bike. It is simpler than the hydraulic ones and guarantees easy installation. The thing that boosts mechanical brakes from hydraulic systems is that they break off the need for power while working in harmony. With the use of a basic lever, this machine works efficiently in no time.

Unlike hydraulic disc brakes that require a specific fluid before they can work correctly, mechanical ones are quite basic and are, therefore, a good tool you can rely on. In terms of budget, I recommend this brake type as they are way cheaper than others. They are also known for being lightweight that vouches for comfort and stability on your trip. However, this type does not guarantee excellent brake power.

I can well say that it offers more substandard quality and hydraulic ones still top in power. Also, mechanical disc brakes easily lose their gripping power as they heat up pretty easily.

It does not have any liquid that transfers heat to the caliper upon friction. For a more thorough guide regarding these rigs, it is best to do some research. Understanding it in-depth is more complicated than you think. That is why I laid out the basic features first. But if you wish to go into a detailed venture, you can start off by considering the size difference in centimeters as it gives a difference on your ride, even if you find the changes minimal.

Some rotors, like the Shimano XTR, are critically detailed and laminated to deliver optimum performance. Check out more tips here. Fair enough, the two types of disc brakes offer an equal amount of boons and banes. So, it is all up to you to decide the final verdict. Buyers are dying where to find their ideal disc brake. It is available in several shops and online stores, but it might be tricky to get yourself one for the first time. That is why I have come up with these good starter products.

Check out these excellent disc brakes that offer good sensitivity. It comes with an excellent braking system considering that it is a hydraulic disc, which is more powerful than mechanical ones, as I mentioned above.

This product is also equipped with a right rotor size of mm.