How do disc brakes work on a bike

When you use BBB discs you have to use an adapter when you want to work with the Centerlock system. Discs are available in different sizes from mm to mm. When choosing the perfect disc for your bike there is one general rule. The bigger the disc, the harder and better the braking. Bigger discs are used for the heavier braking work. And they will cool down more quickly.

But on the other hand the smaller ones are a bit lighter. If you made your choice for the best width, make sure you mount the correct adapter as well. Because the calliper needs to be on the right distance for the disc to fit in. The last part of a disc brake system are the braking pads. These exist in a lot of different kinds. So, it is important to select which pad fits in your braking system. For all disc brake systems we have four types of pads available.

Our product range in braking pads is compatible with all regular disc brake systems. Use the picture below to check which pads are a fit with the disc brake system on your bike. Enlarge the picture by clicking on it or check it out here. Adjusting and maintaining your disc brakes is lees difficult than you think. Only if you have a set of hydraulic disc brakes you need to get used to the system. But, with some extra tools you can easily maintain your own braking system.

Want to read more about the maintenance of your disc brakes? How to adjust a disc brake? How to replace disc brake pads? Usually, contaminants come int he form of chain lube splattered from an over lubricated chain. If you see any oily residue on the rotor, the rotor needs to be cleaned, the pads will also need to be cleaned or replaced before you can proceed denatured alcohol works well. Most mechanical disc brakes have a fixed pad, and a moving pad.

The moving pad pushes the rotor into the fixed pad, and creates stopping power. Because these brakes operate differently than a hydraulic system, they need to be adjusted differently. First, you want to align the caliper so the rotor is as close as possible to the moving pad without touching. Next, thread the fixed pad in until it is as close to the rotor, but not touching. With both pads in place, loosen the cable pinch bolt on the side of the mechanical brake, pull the cable tight, then snug the pinch bolt again.

Continue to adjust until you get the performance and lever feel you prefer. The Lever green is pulled, pushing the moving pad also green into the rotor red. The Rotor is then flexed into the fixed pad blue.

Hydraulic brakes have a mechanism built into the master cylinder that auto adjusts for pad wear. This valve can also lead to problems if you squeeze the brake lever without the wheel in your bike. The brake will adjust as if you just wore through 3mm of pad material the thickness of the rotor and not leave enough room between the pads to fit the rotor back in.

To solve this issue you can either take the bike into a local shop or find a wide, flat, clean, metal tool to fit within the pads, and pry them apart again. In temperatures below freezing, hydraulic discs that use mineral oil as a fluid can behave differently. As the mercury drops, the mineral oil can thicken and make the lever feel sluggish. You will find that once the temps rise, the brake will feel normal again. Overall, disc brakes are the next step in brake evolution.

They are more consistent, more powerful and easier to actuate than any other type of brake on the market. Brake pads are found inside the calipers. There are two main types of brake pads. Resin brake pads also called organic are composed of organic materials like glass, rubber, and fibrous binders bonded together with resin. Sintered brake pads also known as metallic are made of metallic grains that are bonded together at high pressure.

In terms of feel, resin pads are quieter and have a stronger sense of bite. They also wear more quickly, particularly in muddy conditions. Sintered pads are the choice for riders who do mostly steep, lift-served mountain biking. They produce more heat but are less susceptible to its effects; and they last longer under heavy use and in wet conditions. Detach the wheel and use isopropyl alcohol on a clean rag to wipe off the rotor, then remove the pads and clean them as well.

Make sure to let the pads dry completely before reinstalling. SRAM recommends replacing pads when the total thickness of the backing plate and the pad material is under 3mm.

Shimano says that when the pad material alone is less than half a millimeter thick, it needs to be replaced. Opt for a minimum of grit sandpaper. Remove your wheels, then gently sand each rotor until the glossy haze disappears, and you see a dull color with a slightly textured finish. Bikes and Gear. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Are Wider Tires Always Faster? Trevor Raab. Related Story.