Welcome to Disc Brakes Explained - Part 1

First part, we quickly discuss why you need a bike with disc brakes, if you don't have one by now.

Second part, we discuss differences between Hydraulic and Mechanical Disc Brakes.

Hydraulic Brakes

PRO
- Closed System keeps dirt and water away.
- Less effort to pull brake levers
- 2 Pistons(which hold the brake pads) move towards disc together, which provides equality, and more power braking.
- Less maintenance , where you don't have to bleed your brakes as often

Con
- You need a bleed kit to restore brakes.
- Needs fluid, which can be messy. Make sure your pads don't get contaminated with oil.
- Depending on type of fluid, could freeze at certain temperatures.
- Not as easy to adjust

Mechanical Brakes

Pro

- Brake cable can be bought and installed yourself without a kit.
- Easy to replace parts, like cables and housings.
- Much easier to adjust. Making your brake lever engage where you want.

Con

- Rotor is not center, therefore applies very small bend in disc to make contact with the other. (This does not cause enough bend to warp your disc)
- Easy for water and dirt to enter system.

Click on Part 2 to know how to adjust your brakes, and find out the secret weapon.

Any questions let me know.