In this article, we’ll examine how cable-actuated disc brakes work, their pros and cons and how they compare to hydraulic braking systems.<\/p>
What are mechanical disc brakes and how do they work?<\/h2>Offering a boost in power and reliability over rim brakes, mechanical disc brakes are loved by many riders. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>Mechanical disc brakes are a type of disc braking system that are actuated by a cable.<\/p>
When the brake lever is pulled, a cable pulls an actuator arm in the brake caliper. This pushes either one or both brake pads together until they clamp down on the disc brake rotor<\/a>, slowing the bike down.\u00a0<\/p>The exact function of mechanical disc brakes differs depending on their design, but they can be split into two broad camps:\u00a0<\/p>
- Single-piston brakes: <\/strong>Most mechanical disc brakes are single-piston brakes. With these brakes, only a single pad moves, with the pad pushing the rotor until it strikes the opposing pad<\/li>
- Two-piston brakes:<\/strong> Some mechanical disc brakes are two-piston brakes, with both pads moving together and striking either side of the rotor\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>
Compared to rim brakes, disc brakes (both mechanical and hydraulic) generally benefit from increased power in all weather conditions.<\/p>
Due to their relatively simple design, there\u2019s very little that can go wrong with mechanical disc brakes. The list of potential issues is short, and most can be easily solved by replacing the brake cable and brake pads or adjusting the cable tension.<\/p>
Which bikes have mechanical disc brakes?<\/h2>![\"Devinci](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2019\/08\/35_Devinci-Hatchet-Sora-fe3a63c.jpg\")
Specced on a wide range of bikes, mechanical discs are a common sight on entry-level builds. – Courtesy Devinci<\/figcaption><\/figure>Mechanical disc brakes are found on entry-level road, commuter and gravel bikes<\/a>, as well as touring bikes<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>This is because they are cheaper than their hydraulic counterparts while still offering improved performance over rim brakes, which are (generally speaking) cheaper still.\u00a0<\/p>
Some affordable mountain bikes<\/a> still come with mechanical disc brakes, however, for reasons we\u2019ll explain shortly, they are an uncommon sight on the trails.\u00a0<\/p>Long-distance adventure cyclists generally prefer mechanical disc brakes over hydraulic systems. They are easier to service, fixes are simple and quick, and spare parts are readily available.<\/p>
Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical disc brakes<\/h2>Advantages<\/h3>![\"lauf](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2022\/12\/lauf-bikepacking-bike-2f8303c.jpg\")
If your bike often looks like this on adventures far off the beaten track, the simplicity of mechanical disc brakes can offer peace of mind. – Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>Compared to rim brakes, mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power in a wide range of weather conditions, including rain and mud.\u00a0<\/p>
They are also generally easier to maintain than hydraulic disc brakes, as they don’t require bleeding. This can be a fiddly task, requires specialist tools, and can be off-putting for home mechanics.\u00a0<\/p>
Mechanical disc brakes are also more affordable than hydraulic disc brakes, both to buy and to maintain.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
If you frequently undertake multi-day bikepacking<\/a> adventures in remote locations, the bombproof nature of cable-actuated discs may also appeal to you.<\/p>Disadvantages\u00a0<\/h3>![\"SRAM](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/06\/SRAM-Apex-2023-15-84bf5d0.jpg\")
The increased power of hydraulic disc brakes means less force is required to slow down. This can be a life-saver on long descents. – SRAM<\/figcaption><\/figure>While the advantages of affordability and simplicity are enticing, mechanical disc brakes also have a few disadvantages, which shouldn\u2019t be overlooked.\u00a0<\/p>
They aren\u2019t as powerful as hydraulic disc brakes, which can affect their stopping ability in certain situations. This is why they are seldom seen on modern mountain bikes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
Cable-actuated disc brakes also require more hand force to operate than hydraulic options, which can be tiring on longer rides or for riders with weaker hands.<\/p>
Mechanical disc brakes generally have poor modulation compared to hydraulic disc brakes, either feeling on or off.<\/p>
Hydraulic disc brakes are self-centring. As the brake pads wear down, hydraulic disc brakes will retain the same \u2013 or a similar \u2013 gap between the pad and the rotor, ensuring consistent braking performance through use.<\/p>
Mechanical disc brakes are not self-centring, which means pad wear needs to be accounted for by adjusting cable tension and recentering the pads, much like adjusting rim brakes<\/a>.<\/p>Mechanical disc brakes can also be more noisy than hydraulic options and may require regular attention to keep them running quietly<\/a>.<\/p>Mechanical vs hydraulic disc brakes<\/h2>Performance<\/h3>![\"SRAM](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/03\/SRAM-XX-T-Type-Eagle-Transmission-Powermeter-AXS-groupset-19-e2256ad.jpg\")
When it comes to all-out power, hydraulic disc brakes reign supreme. – Ian Linton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>If stopping power and performance are your priorities, hydraulic disc brakes are your answer. Cable-actuated brakes simply can\u2019t compete with the power, consistency and lever-feel of hydraulic braking systems.\u00a0<\/p>
Hydraulic disc brakes provide a much easier lever action, making braking hard much less tiring, while also boosting brake modulation and control.\u00a0<\/p>
The best hydraulic disc brakes also offer vastly improved adjustability, enabling riders to fine-tune their brake lever position and pad-to-rotor contact point.<\/p>
Maintenance<\/h3>![\"Tools](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/09\/13-58-01Bikeradar09Sept110923ss9358-ae0a08d.jpg\")
Higher performance comes at a cost \u2013 hydraulic disc brakes require specialist tools to keep them running optimally. – Steve Sayers \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>Mechanical brakes are generally a lot easier to maintain. The process of replacing a brake cable is relatively straightforward and achievable by most home mechanics.\u00a0<\/p>
While the process of replacing brake pads<\/a> is the same for both mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes, the latter require semi-regular bleeding to perform optimally.\u00a0<\/p>![\"Brake](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2018\/08\/7RA7553-8b9eef7.jpg\")
Compared to bleeding hydraulic brakes (pictured here), adjustment and servicing of mechanical discs is an easy process. – Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>Bleeding involves purging the hydraulic system of any air that may have accumulated and renewing the brake fluid<\/a>. While this job can be done at home with the right tools (such as specific bleeding syringes and brake fluids), it can be daunting for some home mechanics.<\/p>Pad wear needs to be taken into account with a mechanical disc brake system, however.<\/p>
Cost<\/h3>![\"Paul](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/01\/7RA9169.jpg\")
Paul Klampers are a high-end mechanical disc brake option, but cheaper alternatives are out there. – Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>Mechanical disc brakes are, generally speaking, cheaper than hydraulic brakes. The lower entry cost is accompanied by cheaper maintenance.\u00a0<\/p>
So, if budget is your primary concern and you don\u2019t plan on taking your ride too far off-road, cable-actuated discs may be for you.\u00a0<\/p>
Mechanical disc brakes are a type of disc braking system that are actuated by a cable.<\/p>
When the brake lever is pulled, a cable pulls an actuator arm in the brake caliper. This pushes either one or both brake pads together until they clamp down on the disc brake rotor<\/a>, slowing the bike down.\u00a0<\/p> The exact function of mechanical disc brakes differs depending on their design, but they can be split into two broad camps:\u00a0<\/p> Compared to rim brakes, disc brakes (both mechanical and hydraulic) generally benefit from increased power in all weather conditions.<\/p> Due to their relatively simple design, there\u2019s very little that can go wrong with mechanical disc brakes. The list of potential issues is short, and most can be easily solved by replacing the brake cable and brake pads or adjusting the cable tension.<\/p> Mechanical disc brakes are found on entry-level road, commuter and gravel bikes<\/a>, as well as touring bikes<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> This is because they are cheaper than their hydraulic counterparts while still offering improved performance over rim brakes, which are (generally speaking) cheaper still.\u00a0<\/p> Some affordable mountain bikes<\/a> still come with mechanical disc brakes, however, for reasons we\u2019ll explain shortly, they are an uncommon sight on the trails.\u00a0<\/p> Long-distance adventure cyclists generally prefer mechanical disc brakes over hydraulic systems. They are easier to service, fixes are simple and quick, and spare parts are readily available.<\/p> Compared to rim brakes, mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power in a wide range of weather conditions, including rain and mud.\u00a0<\/p> They are also generally easier to maintain than hydraulic disc brakes, as they don’t require bleeding. This can be a fiddly task, requires specialist tools, and can be off-putting for home mechanics.\u00a0<\/p> Mechanical disc brakes are also more affordable than hydraulic disc brakes, both to buy and to maintain.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> If you frequently undertake multi-day bikepacking<\/a> adventures in remote locations, the bombproof nature of cable-actuated discs may also appeal to you.<\/p> While the advantages of affordability and simplicity are enticing, mechanical disc brakes also have a few disadvantages, which shouldn\u2019t be overlooked.\u00a0<\/p> They aren\u2019t as powerful as hydraulic disc brakes, which can affect their stopping ability in certain situations. This is why they are seldom seen on modern mountain bikes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> Cable-actuated disc brakes also require more hand force to operate than hydraulic options, which can be tiring on longer rides or for riders with weaker hands.<\/p> Mechanical disc brakes generally have poor modulation compared to hydraulic disc brakes, either feeling on or off.<\/p> Hydraulic disc brakes are self-centring. As the brake pads wear down, hydraulic disc brakes will retain the same \u2013 or a similar \u2013 gap between the pad and the rotor, ensuring consistent braking performance through use.<\/p> Mechanical disc brakes are not self-centring, which means pad wear needs to be accounted for by adjusting cable tension and recentering the pads, much like adjusting rim brakes<\/a>.<\/p> Mechanical disc brakes can also be more noisy than hydraulic options and may require regular attention to keep them running quietly<\/a>.<\/p> If stopping power and performance are your priorities, hydraulic disc brakes are your answer. Cable-actuated brakes simply can\u2019t compete with the power, consistency and lever-feel of hydraulic braking systems.\u00a0<\/p> Hydraulic disc brakes provide a much easier lever action, making braking hard much less tiring, while also boosting brake modulation and control.\u00a0<\/p> The best hydraulic disc brakes also offer vastly improved adjustability, enabling riders to fine-tune their brake lever position and pad-to-rotor contact point.<\/p> Mechanical brakes are generally a lot easier to maintain. The process of replacing a brake cable is relatively straightforward and achievable by most home mechanics.\u00a0<\/p> While the process of replacing brake pads<\/a> is the same for both mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes, the latter require semi-regular bleeding to perform optimally.\u00a0<\/p> Bleeding involves purging the hydraulic system of any air that may have accumulated and renewing the brake fluid<\/a>. While this job can be done at home with the right tools (such as specific bleeding syringes and brake fluids), it can be daunting for some home mechanics.<\/p> Pad wear needs to be taken into account with a mechanical disc brake system, however.<\/p> Mechanical disc brakes are, generally speaking, cheaper than hydraulic brakes. The lower entry cost is accompanied by cheaper maintenance.\u00a0<\/p> So, if budget is your primary concern and you don\u2019t plan on taking your ride too far off-road, cable-actuated discs may be for you.\u00a0<\/p>Which bikes have mechanical disc brakes?<\/h2>
Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical disc brakes<\/h2>
Advantages<\/h3>
Disadvantages\u00a0<\/h3>
Mechanical vs hydraulic disc brakes<\/h2>
Performance<\/h3>
Maintenance<\/h3>
Cost<\/h3>
![\"Surly](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2022\/10\/DSC2828-5c095f2.jpg\")