How do mountain bikes’ disc brakes work?

What is mountain biking?

Mountain biking is an adventurous sport full of adrenal rush, where you cycle on the unexplored paths of the mountain terrains. Cycling is off-road and is done with the help of specially designed mountain bikes. Mountain Biking requires a lot of training and endurance. It is super adventurous, and you get to display the utmost accuracy, agility, and fitness. It all starts with purchasing or renting a mountain bike to go for the trail.

Mountain Biking Tips:

Like any other sport, this sport also needs consistent efforts and proper training. You need to be trained for the rugged terrains before going mountain biking. You need to take care of the technicalities and build your endurance. You must know how to apply the brakes and understand the difference between riding uphill and downhill. Application of brakes in the most efficient manner is a must; otherwise, you will topple down the trail. Climbing uphill is a tedious job and tests your patience and stamina as you need to pedal constantly. You need to shift gears, lean forward and backward, and deal with any emergency. Coming downhill is not easy again. It requires complete control on your bicycle. You must be thorough with the gear combination, rise above the saddle, have comfortable seating, and pedal to avoid obstructions. You must be aware of the bike’s specifications. Never forget your crown (helmet), wear all the gears, have an understanding of the trail you opt for, work on your fitness, calculate the risks, and carry the first aid kit.

Working of Mountain Bikes Disc Brakes:

Today, almost every mountain bike uses disc brakes. Earlier, the V-brake was used, but it is now becoming obsolete. People realize that disc brakes are better in all aspects. It comes with great control, stopping power, and safety. There are two types of disc brakes used for mountain bikes.

Mechanical Disc Brake –

They are the most popular disc brakes used in mountain bikes. Mechanical disc brakes use traditional cables and housing for their accuracy. However, they come with a lot of advantages. The first advantage is that the cables are easy to install as they are quite similar to V-brakes. Their adjustment and replacement are also more effortless. But the disadvantage is that they can easily rust in wet conditions and stretch after prolonged use.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes –

These are the recent additions to the mountain bike disc brakes. They are based on hydraulic systems instead of the old cables and housings. The advantage of these brakes is that the seal prevents dirt from entering the brake fluid and cylinder. The brakes offer better control and power than the mechanical brakes. The disadvantage is that they do not fit in quickly and cannot be installed at home.

Functioning of Disc Brakes:

The disc brakes work similar to the V brakes, just that they are not attached to the rim. Instead, they have a circular disc attached to the wheel hub. When you squeeze the brake lever, the calipers get compressed and reach out to the brake pads at the bite point. It gives the mountain bike better control, all-terrain effectiveness, no tyre overheating, and great power.

Types of Mountain Bikes:

Mountain Bikes are generally classified as Hardtail or Full-Suspension mountain bikes.

The categorization is not based on the bike’s frame. Instead, it is based on the bike’s suspension system.

Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes

Both the rear and the front wheel have suspension in a full-suspension mountain bike. It helps to absorb shocks in odd terrains, and the front suspension is needed to maintain the ground contact of the front wheel when going uphill. It is also easy on your back.

The main advantages of a full-suspension bike are:

• Gets you high speeds
• Best in steep and challenging terrain
• Helps your back during the sudden drops and jumps

The main disadvantages are:

• It is a heavy bike
• Costs more
• Requires more maintenance

Hardtail (back wheel has no suspension)

The back wheel does not come with a suspension in a Hardtail bike. A Hardtail is good if you want to drive fast on the road or ride majorly on flat tracks.

Top 5 mountain bikes:

Once you understand the types of Mountain Bikes, let us find out about the best mountain bikes available for your needs.

Juliana Maverick

The Juliana Maverick is a great mountain bike for women. It gives you a stable ride full of control and comfort and tremendous uphill performance. In addition, the all-purpose mountain bike gives you the confidence to ride longer. Maverick starts from $4,299, but its Hightower model begins at $2,899.

Pivot Switchblade

The Pivot Switchblade is a sleeker and more extended version of the previous models. It provides you with an impressive balance. The bike helps maintain stable speed and agility and top-class climbing performance. In addition, the bike is gravity friendly and climbs well.

Spot Ryve

The Spot Ryve 115 is light and best for shorter travel and quick handling. It offers the fantastic pedaling performance and feel of a race bike. It is the best for someone wanting efficiencies like an XC bike and much more capability.

KHS Aguila

The bike comes in an aluminum frame at an affordable price. It is an excellent bike for rough terrain. It has hydraulic disc brakes offering outstanding power and feels. The suspension fork absorbs all the bumps.

Salsa Timberjack

Salsa’s Timberjack is perfect for riders who need durability coupled with simplicity. The bike is stable and versatile. It has effective handling and can also be set as a single speed. The tyre clearance is also excellent. It is a total low fuss Hardtail bike.