Disc brakes have revolutionized cycling, offering superior stopping power and performance compared to traditional rim brakes, especially in wet or muddy conditions. The convenience of online shopping makes upgrading to disc brakes appealing, but navigating the process requires careful consideration. This guide will provide you with the essential information needed to confidently purchase disc brakes online, ensuring you get the right components for your bike and riding style.
Comprehensive Disc Brake Buying Guide
| Component Category | Key Considerations | Where to Buy Online |
|---|---|---|
| Brake Calipers | Type (Mechanical vs. Hydraulic): Mechanical are cable-actuated, simpler, and cheaper; Hydraulic offer better modulation and power. Mount Type (Post, IS, Flat): Must match your frame/fork mount. Number of Pistons: More pistons generally mean more power and control. | Major Online Retailers: Amazon, Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle, Competitive Cyclist, REI. Specialty Bike Shops: Jenson USA, Worldwide Cyclery, Backcountry. Manufacturer Direct: Shimano, SRAM. |
| Brake Rotors | Diameter (140mm, 160mm, 180mm, 203mm): Larger rotors provide more stopping power. Mount Type (6-Bolt, Centerlock): Must match your hub. Rotor Material: Steel is common; aluminum is lighter but less durable. Rotor Design: Affects heat dissipation and performance. | Major Online Retailers: Amazon, Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle, Competitive Cyclist, REI. Specialty Bike Shops: Jenson USA, Worldwide Cyclery, Backcountry. Manufacturer Direct: Shimano, SRAM. |
| Brake Levers | Compatibility (Mechanical vs. Hydraulic): Levers must be compatible with your caliper type. Reach Adjustment: Allows customization for hand size. Material (Aluminum, Carbon Fiber): Affects weight and feel. Ergonomics: Consider lever shape and comfort. | Major Online Retailers: Amazon, Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle, Competitive Cyclist, REI. Specialty Bike Shops: Jenson USA, Worldwide Cyclery, Backcountry. Manufacturer Direct: Shimano, SRAM. |
| Brake Pads | Compound (Organic, Sintered, Semi-Metallic): Organic are quieter and offer better modulation; Sintered are more durable and perform better in wet conditions; Semi-Metallic offer a balance. Compatibility: Must match your caliper. Brand Reputation: Consider well-known brands for consistent performance. | Major Online Retailers: Amazon, Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle, Competitive Cyclist, REI. Specialty Bike Shops: Jenson USA, Worldwide Cyclery, Backcountry. Manufacturer Direct: Shimano, SRAM. |
| Hydraulic Hoses/Cables | Length: Must be long enough to reach from lever to caliper. Material: Hydraulic hoses should be durable and resistant to expansion. Compatibility: Cables must match mechanical brake levers and calipers. | Major Online Retailers: Amazon, Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle, Competitive Cyclist, REI. Specialty Bike Shops: Jenson USA, Worldwide Cyclery, Backcountry. Manufacturer Direct: Shimano, SRAM. |
| Adapters/Mounts | Compatibility: Needed if your frame/fork mount doesn't directly match your caliper or rotor size. Type: Post mount to IS mount, Post mount to Post mount (different rotor size), Flat mount to Post mount. | Major Online Retailers: Amazon, Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle, Competitive Cyclist, REI. Specialty Bike Shops: Jenson USA, Worldwide Cyclery, Backcountry. |
| Bleed Kits (Hydraulic) | Compatibility: Must be compatible with your hydraulic brake system (e.g., Shimano, SRAM, Magura). Contents: Should include syringes, fluid, and bleed blocks. Ease of Use: Consider kits with clear instructions and user-friendly components. | Major Online Retailers: Amazon, Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle, Competitive Cyclist, REI. Specialty Bike Shops: Jenson USA, Worldwide Cyclery, Backcountry. Manufacturer Direct: Shimano, SRAM. |
| Tools | Rotor Truing Tool: For straightening bent rotors. Torque Wrench: Essential for tightening bolts to specified torque. Hex Keys/Allen Wrenches: For installation and adjustment. Brake Pad Spreader: For resetting pistons. | Major Online Retailers: Amazon, Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle, Competitive Cyclist, REI. Specialty Bike Shops: Jenson USA, Worldwide Cyclery, Backcountry. Park Tool: Directly from Park Tool website. |
| Frame/Fork Compatibility | Mount Type: Ensuring your frame and fork have the correct mounts for disc brakes is paramount. Wheel Spacing: Disc brake-compatible wheels often have different hub spacing than rim brake wheels. Disc Brake Ready: Verify that your frame and fork are designed to handle the forces of disc brakes. | Bike Manufacturer Website: Check your bike's specifications. Local Bike Shop: Consult with a mechanic. |
| Wheelset Compatibility | Hub Compatibility: The hub must be designed for disc brake rotors (6-bolt or Centerlock). Axle Type (Quick Release, Thru-Axle): Ensure the wheelset matches your frame/fork axle type. Spoke Count and Lacing Pattern: Consider these factors for strength and durability, especially for heavier riders or aggressive riding. | Major Online Retailers: Amazon, Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle, Competitive Cyclist, REI. Specialty Bike Shops: Jenson USA, Worldwide Cyclery, Backcountry. Wheelset Manufacturers: DT Swiss, Mavic, Hunt. |
Detailed Explanations
Brake Calipers: Calipers are the core of the disc brake system, housing the pistons that push the brake pads against the rotor. Mechanical calipers use a cable to actuate the pistons, while hydraulic calipers use fluid pressure. Hydraulic systems offer superior modulation and stopping power. Calipers come in different mount types, including Post Mount, IS Mount (International Standard), and Flat Mount. The number of pistons influences braking power; more pistons generally provide greater force and control.
Brake Rotors: Rotors are the metal discs attached to the wheel hub that the brake pads grip. Rotor diameter affects stopping power; larger rotors provide more leverage and heat dissipation. Rotors mount to the hub using either a 6-Bolt pattern or a Centerlock system. Steel is the most common rotor material, offering a good balance of durability and performance. Aluminum rotors are lighter but less durable and suitable for specific applications. Rotor design influences heat dissipation and can affect braking feel.
Brake Levers: Brake levers control the actuation of the calipers. They must be compatible with the caliper type (mechanical or hydraulic). Reach adjustment allows riders to customize the lever position for optimal comfort and control based on hand size. Levers are typically made from aluminum or carbon fiber, with carbon fiber offering a lighter weight option. Ergonomics play a crucial role; consider the lever shape and how it feels in your hand.
Brake Pads: Brake pads are the friction material that contacts the rotor to slow the bike. Different pad compounds offer varying levels of performance, durability, and noise. Organic pads are generally quieter and offer better modulation but wear faster. Sintered pads are more durable and perform better in wet conditions but can be noisier. Semi-metallic pads offer a compromise between the two. Always ensure the pads are compatible with your specific caliper model.
Hydraulic Hoses/Cables: Hydraulic hoses connect the brake levers to the calipers in hydraulic systems, transmitting fluid pressure. The length of the hose must be sufficient to reach from the lever to the caliper without being too long and creating excess slack. Cables are used in mechanical disc brake systems to transmit the pulling force from the lever to the caliper.
Adapters/Mounts: Adapters are necessary when the caliper mount doesn't directly match the frame/fork mount or when using a different rotor size. Common adapter types include Post Mount to IS Mount, Post Mount to Post Mount (for different rotor sizes), and Flat Mount to Post Mount.
Bleed Kits (Hydraulic): Bleed kits are essential for maintaining hydraulic disc brakes. They remove air bubbles from the system, ensuring optimal performance. A complete kit should include syringes, brake fluid (compatible with your system), bleed blocks (to hold the pistons in place), and clear instructions.
Tools: Several tools are essential for installing and maintaining disc brakes. A rotor truing tool is used to straighten bent rotors. A torque wrench is crucial for tightening bolts to the specified torque to prevent damage. Hex keys/Allen wrenches are needed for various installation and adjustment tasks. A brake pad spreader helps reset the pistons when installing new pads.
Frame/Fork Compatibility: Before purchasing disc brakes, ensure your frame and fork are compatible. Look for disc brake mounts (Post Mount, IS Mount, or Flat Mount). Also, check for adequate clearance for the rotor and caliper. Disc brake-compatible wheels often have different hub spacing than rim brake wheels. Verify that your frame and fork are designed to handle the forces generated by disc brakes.
Wheelset Compatibility: Your wheelset must be compatible with disc brakes. The hub must be designed for disc brake rotors (either 6-bolt or Centerlock). Ensure the wheelset's axle type (Quick Release or Thru-Axle) matches your frame and fork. Consider the spoke count and lacing pattern for strength and durability, especially if you are a heavier rider or engage in aggressive riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are disc brakes better than rim brakes? Generally, yes. Disc brakes offer more consistent stopping power, especially in wet conditions, and better modulation.
Can I install disc brakes on any bike? No. Your frame and fork must have disc brake mounts.
What's the difference between mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes? Mechanical disc brakes use cables, while hydraulic disc brakes use fluid. Hydraulic brakes offer better performance and modulation.
What rotor size should I choose? Larger rotors provide more stopping power. Consider your riding style and terrain.
How often do I need to bleed hydraulic disc brakes? Bleed them when you notice a spongy lever feel or reduced braking power, typically every 6-12 months.
What type of brake pads should I use? Consider your riding conditions. Organic pads are quieter, while sintered pads are more durable and perform better in wet conditions.
Where can I buy disc brakes online? Reputable online retailers include Amazon, Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle, Competitive Cyclist, and REI.
How do I know if my wheelset is compatible with disc brakes? Check if the hub has mounts for disc brake rotors (6-bolt or Centerlock).
What tools do I need to install disc brakes? You'll need hex keys, a torque wrench, and potentially a rotor truing tool and brake pad spreader.
How can I tell if my disc brake pads need replacing? Check the pad thickness. If the friction material is thin or worn down to the backing plate, replace them.
Conclusion
Buying disc brakes online can be a cost-effective way to upgrade your bike, but it requires careful planning and research. By understanding the different components, compatibility requirements, and maintenance needs, you can confidently select the right disc brake system for your needs and enjoy improved braking performance. Always prioritize safety and consult with a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about any aspect of the installation or maintenance process.