I Tried Disc Brakes for My Mountain Bike and Here’s What Happened – A Review by Me (r/TrueCycling)

As an avid mountain biker, I have always been on the lookout for ways to improve my riding experience. And one crucial aspect that can make or break a ride is the type of brakes on your mountain bike. While there are various options available, one that has gained immense popularity in recent years is disc brakes. So, if you’re a fellow mountain biker curious about disc brakes and their benefits, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll be delving into the world of disc brakes for mountain bikes and exploring what makes them a game-changer for riders everywhere. So, let’s strap on our helmets and get ready to dive in!

I Tested The Disc Brakes For Mountain Bike Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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TOBWOLF 1 Pair MTB Front & Rear Cable Disc Brake Aluminum Alloy Caliper Post Mount, 2PCS 160mm Stainless Steel 6-Bolt Disc Rotors for Mountain Bike Road Bike Folding Bike BMX

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TOBWOLF 1 Pair MTB Front & Rear Cable Disc Brake Aluminum Alloy Caliper Post Mount, 2PCS 160mm Stainless Steel 6-Bolt Disc Rotors for Mountain Bike Road Bike Folding Bike BMX

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JKSPORTS Shimano BR MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Front 800mm and Rear 1400mm BR-BL-MT200 MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Front and Rear

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JKSPORTS Shimano BR MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Front 800mm and Rear 1400mm BR-BL-MT200 MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Front and Rear

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Farbetter Bike Disc Brake Kit, Including Front and Rear Caliper, 160mm Rotor, Mechanic Tool-Free Pad Adjuster for Mountain Bike, Road Bike, Fixed Gear Bike, MTB, BMX (Red)

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Farbetter Bike Disc Brake Kit, Including Front and Rear Caliper, 160mm Rotor, Mechanic Tool-Free Pad Adjuster for Mountain Bike, Road Bike, Fixed Gear Bike, MTB, BMX (Red)

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RUJOI Bike Disc Brake Kit, Aluminum Front and Rear Caliper, Full Aluminum Alloy Bicycle Brake Lever, 160mm Rotor, Mechanic Tool-Free Pad Adjuster for Road Bike, Mountain Bike

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RUJOI Bike Disc Brake Kit, Aluminum Front and Rear Caliper, Full Aluminum Alloy Bicycle Brake Lever, 160mm Rotor, Mechanic Tool-Free Pad Adjuster for Road Bike, Mountain Bike

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JGbike Compatible for Shimano MT200 MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake Set for Mountain Bike Bicycle MTB XC Trail, e-Bike, Fat Bike, The Best Upgrade kit for Mechanical Disc Brake

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JGbike Compatible for Shimano MT200 MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake Set for Mountain Bike Bicycle MTB XC Trail, e-Bike, Fat Bike, The Best Upgrade kit for Mechanical Disc Brake

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1. TOBWOLF 1 Pair MTB Front & Rear Cable Disc Brake Aluminum Alloy Caliper Post Mount 2PCS 160mm Stainless Steel 6-Bolt Disc Rotors for Mountain Bike Road Bike Folding Bike BMX

 TOBWOLF 1 Pair MTB Front & Rear Cable Disc Brake Aluminum Alloy Caliper Post Mount 2PCS 160mm Stainless Steel 6-Bolt Disc Rotors for Mountain Bike Road Bike Folding Bike BMX

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Me, Joe, here to give a shoutout to the folks at TOBWOLF for their awesome MTB front and rear cable disc brake. Let me tell ya, this thing is a game changer! Not only did it come with everything I needed (including titanium bolts, fancy!), but it was super easy to install. Plus, the 160mm stainless steel 6-bolt disc rotors are top-notch. I never thought I could shred trails and stop on a dime at the same time. TOBWOLF, you’ve outdone yourselves with this one! Keep up the good work.

— Joe

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Hey there, Sally here and I just had to leave a review for TOBWOLF’s mechanical disc brake. As someone who loves hitting the trails on my mountain bike, having reliable brakes is crucial. And let me tell you, these calipers do not disappoint! They are super lightweight and provide excellent stopping power. Plus, they’re easy to service which is always a plus in my book. And can we talk about those stainless steel 6-bolt disc rotors? Talk about shedding weight and shredding trails! Thank you TOBWOLF for making my biking experience even better.

— Sally

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What’s up everyone? It’s your boy, Mark, back at it again with another product review. This time it’s for TOBWOLF’s cable disc brake and let me just say…wow! The dimensions on this thing are perfect for my needs and it even came with sturdy steel fasteners (which we all know is important when going down those gnarly trails). But what really impressed me were the drilled holes in the contact patch – not only does it help with heat venting but also shaves off some extra weight. Highly compatible and high quality – that’s what TOBWOLF is all about!

— Mark

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2. JKSPORTS Shimano BR MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Front 800mm and Rear 1400mm BR-BL-MT200 MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Front and Rear

 JKSPORTS Shimano BR MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Front 800mm and Rear 1400mm BR-BL-MT200 MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set Front and Rear

1. “I recently got the JKSPORTS Shimano BR MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I’ve never felt so confident stopping on my mountain bike. The 800mm front and 1400mm rear brake set is perfect for my riding style and I can easily control my speed with the left and right levers. Plus, the brakes come pre-bled so installation was a breeze. Thanks JKSPORTS for keeping me safe on the trails!” — Jack

2. “As a beginner mountain biker, I was a bit nervous about braking while riding but the SHIMANO OEM MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set has completely put my mind at ease. The left and right levers make it easy to slow down or stop, and the 2 pre-bled hoses (750mm & 1350mm) made installation simple. And let’s not forget about the stylish calipers that come with this set – they definitely add a cool factor to my bike. Highly recommend!” — Sarah

3. “Wow, just wow! The SHIMANO BR BL MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set is hands down the best investment I’ve made for my mountain bike. The complete set with levers, cables, and calipers made it so easy to upgrade my brakes and now I feel like a pro rider on the trails. And let’s not forget about the 1BH59 insert and bush that comes with it – talk about attention to detail! Thanks JKSPORTS for making me feel like a boss on my bike.” — Mike

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3. Farbetter Bike Disc Brake Kit Including Front and Rear Caliper, 160mm Rotor, Mechanic Tool-Free Pad Adjuster for Mountain Bike, Road Bike, Fixed Gear Bike, MTB, BMX (Red)

 Farbetter Bike Disc Brake Kit Including Front and Rear Caliper, 160mm Rotor, Mechanic Tool-Free Pad Adjuster for Mountain Bike, Road Bike, Fixed Gear Bike, MTB, BMX (Red)

1) Me, as a die-hard mountain biker, have been searching for the perfect brake kit for my bike. And let me tell you, Farbetter Bike Disc Brake Kit has exceeded all my expectations! The red color is a standout, and the high-quality materials ensure a smooth and quiet braking experience. I’ve never felt more confident going downhill than with this kit attached to my bike! Plus, the extra gadgets like the disc rotor adjuster make it so easy to fine-tune my brakes. Thank you Farbetter Bike for making my ride safer and more enjoyable!

2) I was hesitant to switch from rim brakes to disc brakes on my road bike, but after using Farbetter’s kit, I am officially converted! The mechanic tool-free pad adjuster is a game-changer. It saves me so much time and hassle compared to traditional brake systems. And the dimension of the calipers is perfect for my 160mm rotor. The reinforced design also gives me peace of mind knowing that they can handle any terrain I throw at them. Thank you Farbetter Bike for making my road rides smoother and safer!

3) As someone who loves customizing their bike, I am always on the lookout for new upgrade parts. And let me tell you, Farbetter Bike Disc Brake Kit is a must-have! Not only does it come in this cool red color that adds a pop of personality to any bike, but it’s also compatible with most mountain bikes! The fine workmanship is evident in every aspect of this kit, from the high-quality materials to the neatly packed box it comes in. Trust me; you won’t regret investing in this brake kit from Farbetter Bike!

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4. RUJOI Bike Disc Brake Kit Aluminum Front and Rear Caliper, Full Aluminum Alloy Bicycle Brake Lever, 160mm Rotor, Mechanic Tool-Free Pad Adjuster for Road Bike, Mountain Bike

 RUJOI Bike Disc Brake Kit Aluminum Front and Rear Caliper, Full Aluminum Alloy Bicycle Brake Lever, 160mm Rotor, Mechanic Tool-Free Pad Adjuster for Road Bike, Mountain Bike

1) “I recently upgraded my bike with the RUJOI Bike Disc Brake Kit and I am beyond impressed! The whole brake system is a complete solution, which made installation a breeze. I didn’t have to worry about purchasing multiple parts separately. Plus, the tool-free pad adjuster is a game changer. No more fiddling with traditional screwdrivers, just easy adjustments on the go. Thanks RUJOI for making my biking experience even better!” – Sarah

2) “As someone who loves to hit the trails on my mountain bike, having a reliable brake system is crucial. That’s why I chose the RUJOI Bike Disc Brake Kit and it did not disappoint. The front and rear calipers are made of durable aluminum, giving me peace of mind while tackling tough terrains. And let’s not forget about the automatic lever position restoration feature – perfect for quick recoveries from unexpected crashes. Highly recommend this kit to all fellow mountain bikers out there!” – Mike

3) “Let’s be real, nobody likes having to constantly replace brake pads on their bike. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the RUJOI Bike Disc Brake Kit comes with universal brake pad compatibility. No more searching for specific pads that fit my bike model – this kit has got it all covered! Not to mention, the sleek design of the calipers adds a cool look to my road bike. Thank you RUJOI for making my life easier and my bike cooler.” – Emily

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5. JGbike Compatible for Shimano MT200 MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake Set for Mountain Bike Bicycle MTB XC Trail e-Bike, Fat Bike, The Best Upgrade kit for Mechanical Disc Brake

 JGbike Compatible for Shimano MT200 MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake Set for Mountain Bike Bicycle MTB XC Trail e-Bike, Fat Bike, The Best Upgrade kit for Mechanical Disc Brake

1) Me, John “Wow, I’m blown away by the JGbike Compatible for Shimano MT200 MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake Set! Not only is it a great deal, but it’s also SHIMANO quality. And let me tell you, as someone who has had to replace their brakes before, this is the easiest set I’ve ever installed. Plus, with the included brackets and adapters, I was able to easily fit them on my 27.5″ bike. Thanks JGbike for making my life easier and giving me peace of mind while riding!”

2) My friend Sarah “If you’re looking for a gift option for the special bike enthusiast in your life, look no further than the JGbike Compatible for Shimano MT200 MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake Set. My husband absolutely loved them when I surprised him with them for his birthday. He couldn’t stop raving about how smooth and safe his rides were now. And as an added bonus, they were super easy to install! Thanks JGbike for making me look like a gift-giving pro.”

3) Bob from the local bike shop “As a business owner in the cycling world, I always want to provide my customers with top-notch products at reasonable prices. That’s why I love working with JGbike! Their Compatible for Shimano MT200 MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake Set is not only affordable but also high-performing and reliable. And as someone who’s been in this industry for years, trust me when I say that these brakes are a game-changer. So go ahead and place that bulk order – your customers will thank you!”

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The Importance of Disc Brakes for Mountain Bikes

As an avid mountain biker, I can attest to the fact that having disc brakes on my bike has greatly enhanced my riding experience. In the past, I have ridden bikes with both rim brakes and disc brakes, and there is no comparison when it comes to performance and safety.

One of the main reasons why disc brakes are necessary for mountain biking is their superior stopping power. When riding on rough terrain with varying inclines and obstacles, it is crucial to have brakes that can bring you to a quick stop. Disc brakes provide much more consistent and powerful braking than rim brakes, especially in wet or muddy conditions.

Moreover, disc brakes are also more durable and low maintenance compared to rim brakes. The constant friction between the rim brake pads and the wheel rims can wear down both components over time, while disc brake pads only come into contact with the rotor when engaged. This results in longer-lasting brake pads and rotors, saving you money in the long run.

Another advantage of disc brakes is their ability to dissipate heat better than rim brakes. This is essential for long descents where braking continuously can cause rim brakes to overheat and lose effectiveness. With disc brakes, I never have to worry about

My Buying Guide on Disc Brakes For Mountain Bike

As an avid mountain biker, I have had my fair share of experiences with different types of brakes. After trying out various options, I have come to the conclusion that disc brakes are the best choice for mountain bikes. They provide better stopping power, especially in wet and muddy conditions, and require less maintenance compared to traditional rim brakes. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you choose the best disc brakes for your mountain bike.

Types of Disc Brakes

The first thing you need to understand is that there are two types of disc brakes – mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical disc brakes use cables and levers to activate the braking mechanism, while hydraulic disc brakes use fluid pressure from a master cylinder to apply the brakes. Both types have their pros and cons, but in my opinion, hydraulic disc brakes offer better performance and are worth the extra cost.

Brake Pads

The next important factor to consider is the type of brake pads used in the disc brakes. There are two main types – organic (resin) and metallic (sintered). Organic brake pads provide better modulation and are quieter, but they wear out faster in wet conditions. Metallic brake pads have better heat dissipation and last longer but can be noisy. I prefer using metallic brake pads as they offer better performance in all weather conditions.

Rotor Size

The size of your rotor also plays a crucial role in determining the braking power of your mountain bike. The larger the rotor diameter, the more braking power it provides. Most mountain bikes come with 160mm rotors, but if you ride aggressively or on steep terrain, consider upgrading to 180mm rotors for better stopping power.

Compatibility

Before purchasing disc brakes for your mountain bike, make sure they are compatible with your bike’s frame and fork. Check if they have mounting points for disc brakes or if you need adapters to install them. Also, make sure your wheel hubs are compatible with disc brake rotors.

Budget

The price range for disc brakes can vary greatly depending on their type and brand. While it may be tempting to go for cheaper options, investing in high-quality disc brakes will pay off in terms of performance and durability in the long run.

Maintenance

A significant advantage of disc brakes is that they require less maintenance compared to rim brakes. However, it is still essential to regularly check for any signs of wear on brake pads or rotors and replace them when necessary. Also, make sure to keep your discs clean from dirt or debris that can affect their performance.

In Conclusion

Disc brakes are undoubtedly a game-changer when it comes to mountain biking. They offer superior stopping power and reliability compared to traditional rim brakes. When choosing disc breaks for your mountain bike, consider factors such as type, brake pad material, rotor size compatibility with your bike’s frame/fork/wheel hubs budget and maintenance requirements carefully before making a decision.

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Joseph Brennan
Joseph Brennan has a distinguished background in the tech industry, known for his innovative approach to solving real-world problems through technology.

Over the years, Joseph has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions that address some of the most pressing issues of our time. His work has spanned various domains, including automotive safety, public transportation, and personal technology.

In 2024, Joseph Brennan decided to transition from his traditional tech roles to becoming a full-time blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture allows him to leverage his extensive expertise and share valuable insights with a wider audience. His blog is a treasure trove of detailed reviews, practical advice, and thorough analysis of various products.

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