How to choose your MTB disc brakes?

How to choose your MTB disc brakes?

It's important to choose MTB disc brakes disc brakes to suit your riding style. MOUNTAIN BIKING as they are essential for your safety on the trail. bike. Between standards and types, here's how to find your way around.

Standards

  • Mounting on your frame/fork: PM or IS
  • Disc diameters: 140 mm, 160 mm, 180 mm, 183 mm, 200 mm or 203 mm
  • Caliper types: mechanical or hydraulic
  • Lever types

DISC BRAKE TYPES

I need International Standard (IS) A or the PostMount (PM) B ?

This is the question you'll be asking yourself over and over again when choosing a component for your disc brakes, so it's vital to master the subject! The best way to avoid making a mistake is to measure the axis-to-axis distance between the two mounting points: 51 mm is IS A, 74 mm is PM B.

As for the disc diameterapart from a few rare frames that accept 140 mm, you'll have the choice of fitting a MTB discdisc of 160, 180, 183, 200 or 203 mm using thecaliper adapter (subject to compatibility with your frame geometry). The smaller the disc, the lighter it is, the larger the disc, the more powerful the braking performance.

Although most disc brakes are hydraulic, there are also hydraulic systems available. mechanical cable-operated systems that allow you to switch to disc brakes more cost-effectively. You can keep your V-brake levers to operate them, and there's no need to bleed them, since they're cable-operated.

Brakes hydraulic is still the most powerful and efficient system for mountain biking. There are calipers with 2 pistons (1 on each side of the disc), which are simpler and more compact, and therefore more reliable and lighter; or 4 pistons, which distribute the effort over a larger surface area. pad and are therefore even more powerful.

Visit levers are distinguished by their adjustment possibilities. Some models offer position adjustment, while others also feature "contact point" adjustment. This allows you to increase or decrease the lever's free travel, i.e. the point at which the pad comes into contact with the disc when you operate the lever.

WHICH DISC BRAKES TO CHOOSE?

Hydraulic disc brakes are still the best system for mountain biking. Depending on your riding style, it's mainly the disc diameter that will change, so here's what we recommend.

  • Cross-Country
    For cross-country outings, bring your semi-rigid mountain bikethe lighter the bike, the better. A 2-piston 160 mm system would be perfect. You can also opt for levers with adjustable contact points to adjust your brakes to perfection.
  • All-Mountain
    At All-suspension mountain bike for All-Mountain riding, 2-piston systems are all you need, with 180 mm discs for maximum power.
  • Enduro
    For Enduro riding, it may be worth opting for a 4-piston system, at least for the front, to cope with last-minute braking. All this with 180 mm discs, which offer the best weight/performance ratio for this type of riding.
  • DH / Freeeride
    In DH / Freeride, the best performance will be obtained with 4-piston brakes and 200 or 203 mm discs: extreme practice calls for extreme values!

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