Are you looking for mountain bike disc brakes? You came to the right place! We’ve compared the top models on the market right now and come up with a list of the 7 best mountain bike disc brakes. There’s something for every type of rider from novice to expert here, so there’s sure to be one for you! If you know anything about mountain biking, you know one thing: it is expensive.
A disc brake kit for a mountain bike can cost a lot of money, and if you’re new to this sport, that can be a bit overwhelming. Most people don’t want to spend that much on a hobby where they may not even stay interested for long.
Keep scrolling to learn more about mountain bike disc brakes.
Best Mountain Bike Disc Brakes: A Quick Guides Below.
There are many types of disc brakes available in the market. Here is a comprehensive list:
| Badge | Best Disc Brakes | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | RUJOI Bike Disc Brake Kit | View |
| Best Overall | Shimano mt200 hydraulic brakes | View |
| Editor’s Choice | Shimano SLX M7100 brakes | View |
| Best Hydraulic | AKANTOR Zoom Hydraulic Disc Brakes | View |
| Best Rated | BUCKLOS MTB Hydraulic Disc brakes | View |
| Best For Mountain Bike | BUCKLOS MT200 MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake | View |
| Best Budget | Farbetter Disc Brake Kit | View |
RUJOI Bike Disc Brake Kit
Specifications:
- Material – Heavy Duty Aluminium Alloy for Heat Dissipation
- Weight – 9.3 ounces
- Dimensions – 7.8 x 4.5 x 1.3 inches
- Compatibility – Compatible with 26 ” to 29″ mountain bikes
- Rotor Size – 180mm
Key Features:
- These brakes come with a high-performance brake pad.
- They have a lightweight design which is a tremendous advantage for mountain biking, where weight savings can be crucial to a practical ride.
- The materials used are sturdy and durable, so you don’t have to worry about breaking or wearing them down.
If you’re not looking for something fancy, this is the best bike brake disc. It’s inexpensive and easy to install. It works well with most bikes that use 26″ or 27-inch wheels. If your bike requires installation on the wheel rim or fork, this is a good pick for your bicycle disc brake pads.
The only downside is that it might take some time to install since many pieces are involved.
What Do Customers Think About This Disc Brake?
Most clients can confirm that this is easy to install; you need to know your bike requirements. If you’re unsure if it will work for you, check with the manufacturer.
This product provides excellent value for the price because of its lightweight build and sturdiness.
Pros
- It fits a variety of bikes, wheels, and sizes.
- Lightweight for its price.
- Easy to install.
Cons
- Too many pieces so that installation can be cumbersome.
- You may need to make some adjustments before it can be used.
Shimano mt200 hydraulic brakes
Specifications:
- Dimensions – 11 x 5.5 x 8 inches
- Weight – 2 pounds
- Material – Aluminum and Carbon Steel Bolts for Durability and Stability
- Compatibility – Shimano brakes will support 160 to 203 millimeters in size rotors. They’re compatible with bikes that use 140mm and 160mm spacing.
- This brake kit is compatible with a variety of bikes. Whether you have a mountain, road, or city bike, these brakes will fit your cycling needs.
Key Features:
- Shimano braking technology provides reliable stopping power for a safe ride
- The unique resin caliper has a slotted design to adjust without tools; you just need to rotate the shifter.
- The brake lever features tool-free reach and free-stroke adjustments for added safety and convenience.
If you’re selling your current bike and planning to get a new one, these brakes can be used with almost any type of bike. The Shimano MT200 specs are impressive and worth the Shimano mt200 price.
This brake disc is also easy to install and only takes a few minutes to put together. It all fits well with no need for more adjustments, and it’s that simple to set up.
What Do Customers Think About This Disc Brake?
They’re easy to install, and the fact that they don’t require expensive tools is a huge bonus for anyone on a budget. It will improve the factory brakes commonly found on most bikes.
The price of this product is reasonable compared to other braking systems, and it’s not too heavy, which comes in handy for anyone who finds products like this somewhat bulky.
Pros
- Shimano makes some of the best braking systems on the market
- This product is affordable for how well it works
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- The brake pads are not included, so you have to purchase them separately
Shimano SLX M7100 brakes
Specifications:
- Dimensions – 9 x 4 x 7 inches
- Weight – 1.9 pounds
- Material – Aluminum caliper and rotor
- Compatibility – The rotors are compatible with 120, 140,160, and 180 millimeters mounting options. Shimano brakes also have a floating mount for single-lens rotors up to 203mm. These brakes are compatible with most bikes that use Shimano brake levers, which means you can use them on your road, mountain, or commuter bike.
Key Features:
- The caliper has oversized 22mm ceramic pistons that provide a smooth and controlled braking experience.
- The calipers also feature Shimano brake pads that are heat-resistant up to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- There is a Free Stroke, Tool-Free Reach, and Tool-Free Pad Adjuster so that you can make adjustments anywhere on the trail.
The SLX M7120 brakes review is easy to install and set up. You don’t need any tools or more complicated components, which is usually a requirement for this type of product.
Shimano makes them also makes them a great choice because you can trust that they’re going to work well. The SLX brake’s weight is also important because it won’t weigh you down but at the same time give you great braking power.
Pros
- Shimano SLX brakes are affordable for what they offer.
- These brakes are easy to set up, which means there is no need for tools or complicated components.
- The weight of this product makes it a good choice for bike riders who don’t want to add extra bulk.
Cons
- The only con is that they are not compatible with all bikes.
What Do Customers Think About This Product?
Some customers have said they feel safer riding their bikes knowing these brakes are installed. They have also stated that the Shimano warranty was a big plus.
The one issue that has come up repeatedly with this product is that it tends to squeak when you’re braking, but people don’t see it as much of an issue. Some customers have stated that there is a slight delay in the braking process which may be an issue when riding your bike on slippery surfaces.
Shimano brakes for bikes are reliable, affordable, and easy to use, so this is an excellent choice if you want to upgrade your bike brakes.
AKANTOR Zoom Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Specifications
- Weight – 1.5 pounds
- Material – The brake calipers are made from aluminum alloy, and the levers are nylon reinforced with glass fiber, making them durable and lightweight.
- Compatibility – The brakes are 100% compatible with disc brake posts, V-brakes posts, and most tig-welded frames.
Key Features:
- There are no extra cables needed for this product, so you can ride your bike anywhere without being tied down to a certain area
- A dual-piston caliper for front and rear brakes provides excellent braking power.
- The levers offer a secure grip with their ergonomic design, which means it’s easy to use even when you’re wearing gloves.
The AKANTOR Zoom Hydraulic Disc Brakes review is that the levers are easy to use, even when you’re wearing gloves. They also provide great braking power, and they do not require any extra cables, which makes them an affordable option.
The fact that these hydraulic brakes are designed for both mountain and road bikes has made customers very happy because it gives them more choices of riding their bikes.
What Do Customers Think About This Product?
Customers have said that these brakes are easy to install if you follow the instructions. They have also stated that they are very affordable for what they offer, so it’s a great deal.
The main complaint is that these brakes do not provide the same power as other hydraulic brakes on the market, even though customers feel safe knowing their bike has AKANTOR Zoom Hydraulic Disc Brakes.
Pros
- These brakes are designed for both road and mountain bikes, so you get more use out of them than other brands that are specific to one type of bike.
- The ergonomic design makes it easy to grip the levers while also providing great braking power.
Cons
- The brake levers do not provide the same amount of braking power as other hydraulic brakes on the market.
- There have been customer complaints about the lack of a quick release when switching bikes.
BUCKLOS MTB Hydraulic Disc brakes
Specifications
- Weight – 1.5 pounds
- Material – The brake calipers are made from aluminum alloy, and the levers are nylon reinforced with glass fiber, which makes them durable and lightweight.
- Compatibility – The brakes are 100% compatible with disc brake posts, V-brakes posts, and most tig-welded frames.
Key Features:
- There are no extra cables needed for this product, so you can ride your bike anywhere without being tied down to a certain area.
- When you’re wearing gloves, it’s easy to grip the levers and brake with these hydraulic brakes because they have ergonomically designed levers.
When you read the bucklos brakes review, customers have said that these brakes are easy to install and the cheapest hydraulic disc brake.
The key features of this hydraulic brake include no extra cables needed and ergonomically designed levers. The brake caliper is made from aluminum alloy, and the levers are nylon reinforced with glass fiber, making them durable and lightweight.
What Do Customers Think About This Product?
Customers have stated that these brakes are easy to install, and the calipers are aluminum alloy, making them sturdy and lightweight.
The main complaint is that there’s not enough power on the brake pads, which makes it hard to stop your bike in case of an emergency.
Pros
- These brakes are easy to install, and they’re very affordable for what they offer.
- You can use these brakes in any condition because there’s no need for additional cables.
- The aluminum alloy caliper and nylon reinforced levers make these brakes sturdy and lightweight.
Cons
- There have been customer complaints about the lack of power on the brake pads, making it harder to stop your bike in case of an emergency.
BUCKLOS MT200 MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake
Specifications:
- Maximum Puncture Resistance – This hydraulic brake can resist up to 15000 PSI which is much higher than other brands on the market.
- Material – These brakes are made from aluminum alloy and nylon reinforced with glass fiber, so they’re lightweight.
Key Features:
- The brake lever is ergonomically designed so you can grip it easily and stop your bike in case of an emergency.
- There’s no need for additional cables with this product because the brake calipers attach to the disc brakes and V-brakes posts.
- You can ride in any condition, even if it’s raining or snowing because these brakes are weather-resistant.
Customers have stated that these brakes are easy to install, and they can resist up to 15000 PSI which is much higher than other brands on the market. The ergonomically designed brake lever makes it easier for you to stop your bike if you need to. That is why it is considered the best budget hydraulic disc brake.
What Do Customers Think About This Product?
The customer review is that these brakes are easy to install, and they come with everything you need to get started. No other hydraulic brake can compare to these because of their ergonomically designed levers when it comes to the design.
Pros
- There are no extra cables needed for these hydraulic brakes, so you can ride your bike anywhere without being tied down to a certain area
- The brake lever is ergonomically designed so you can wear gloves and grip the levers easily to stop your bike.
- You can ride in any condition, even if it’s raining or snowing because these brakes are weather resistant.
Cons
- There have been customer complaints about the lack of stopping power on the brake pads
- There have been complaints about these brakes not being compatible with disc rotors.
Farbetter Disc Brake Kit
Specifications:
- Material – These hydraulic brakes are made from aluminum alloy and nylon reinforced with glass fiber, so they’re lightweight and sturdy.
- Maximum Puncture Resistance – This hydraulic brake can resist up to 15000 PSI which is much higher than other brands on the market.
- Disc Rotor – These brakes are compatible with Shimano disc rotors (and potentially other brands).
Key Features:
- The brake calipers attach to your top and bottom V-brake posts
- It has a self-locking feature on both sides which allows you to install the brake calipers quickly
- The brakes have a maximum stopping power of 160mm and can absorb shocks from bumpy trails.
Customers have stated that these hydraulic brakes are easy to install, and they come with everything you need to get started. The main complaint in the reviews for this hydraulic brake is that there’s not enough power on the brake pads, making it hard to stop your bike in an emergency.
What Do Customers Think About This Product?
The customer review is that these hydraulic brakes are easy to install and they’re compatible with Shimano disc rotors (and potentially other brands). No other hydraulic brake can compare to these because of their ergonomically designed levers when it comes to the design.
Pros
- There’s no need for additional cables with these hydraulic brakes because they attach to your top and bottom V-brakes posts
- The brake calipers attach to your brakes so you can ride in any condition, even if it’s raining or snowing.
Cons
- Some customers have stated that the pads on this hydraulic brake don’t provide enough stopping power
- There have been complaints about the self-locking feature not working properly.
What To Look for When Buying Disc Brakes For MTB? (BUYING GUIDE)
At this point, we believe you are ready to get your disc brakes. Before you do that, find below some of the things to look for before your purchase:
1. Price vs. Quality
Do not fall for “too-good-to-be-true” deals when it comes to investing in your brakes. There are many products sold at extremely low prices, but you should be aware that they’re usually cheap because of a reason: their quality is poor, and they don’t last long. At the same time, it doesn’t mean that the more expensive ones are perfect either.
You can find reliable disc brakes in a reasonable price range between $125 and $200. Of course, you could go over this budget but keep in mind that your quality of life will be diminished considerably by doing so because these brakes are not likely to last long.
2. Your Riding Style
The type of your bike and the terrain you usually ride on are things to keep in mind when buying a set of new brakes. For example, if you go downhill mountain biking with lots of steep descents, the brakes that provide the most stopping power will be good for you.
On the other hand, if you’re into cross-country riding, then the ones that brake quickly and don’t fade away easily will be a better choice.
3. Brake Pad Materials And Compounds
There are three materials/compounds: organic, sintered, and ceramic. The first one is made from organic fibers that slowly dissipate heat but wear off pretty quickly. They are the cheapest brakes, but they don’t produce enough stopping power.
Sintered pads are made from metallic alloy particles, and ceramic ones are made out of glass. The latter provides outstanding braking performance but at a higher price range which is why you will have to decide if this is what you need or not.
4. Balanced Performance
It is good to choose brakes that provide the best braking performance for all weather conditions and surfaces. You may fall in love with one set of brakes because they provide you with the most stopping power, but if they’re hard to use on wet conditions or surfaces, you will have a problem with them.
FAQs
1. Can I Install Disc Brakes on ANY Mountain Bike?
The answer is “no”. Disc brakes are only compatible with disc rotors. To get disc braking on your bike, you will have to replace the rear or front wheel of your bike with a new one that has a disc rotor attached to it.
2. Are bikes with disc brakes good?
Yes, they are. Disc brakes provide the best braking performance on all surfaces and in any weather condition because it’s their main advantage over v-brakes.
Which brake IS better on a mountain bike?
It’s a hard question to answer as it depends on many factors such as the use of the bike, your riding style, etc. However, if you’re into downhill riding, disc brakes are the only option, whereas v-brakes are preferred for cross-country biking.
Wrapping Up
You can go for the disc brakes of your choice since most of these are renowned for their quality and reliability. They offer the perfect balance between affordability and performance. The disk brakes stated above provide different capabilities and strengths, and you still need to research and know what works for you. Engage an expert for more advice when you need to make an informed decision.
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Steve J. Robin is the Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor at Outdoorxsports. Steve has lived in Heron Way, Milwaukie for 15 years. Steve earned his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, which has extensive biking training facilities, he had taken up biking seriously as a teenager and later became obsessed with mountain biking. He is an obsessive mountain bike racer and rubbed shoulders with the bike and that he rides with, riding is so much more than a hobby for him with a mild addiction to Endomondo. On September 21, 2015, he released a five-and-a-half-minute mountain biking’s video on YouTube that was to change his biking life. The video got a few thousands of views overnight as of today– the world went crazy for Steve. Since the video went viral, things changed fast; Steve found himself featured in MTB-MAG, joined a production as a stunt man.