The name is derived from the fact that the first MTB brakes were developed for off-road use by the French company Mafac. Invented in 1953, they have been used on bicycles ever since their inception and have been constantly improved over time. MTB bikes are designed to be ridden off-road, over a variety of surfaces – from dirt trails and simple single track to steep rocky terrain hence they also need the best MTB brakes to use.
MTB brakes are different from the disc brakes on most other types of bicycles. Disc brakes do not work well when wet, whereas mechanical disc brakes remain functional in all conditions.
They provide more stopping power than normal brakes and can adjust to different conditions easily.
Our Top MTB brakes picks
Here are our five top rated MTB brakes we would advise you to buy
Shimano Zee
One of the best MTB brakes is Shimano Zee. It features a 6-bolt mounting for increased stiffness and better braking performance. The caliper uses an I-spec integrated lever/caliper design, which provides quick and easy cable replacement in case it gets damaged or worn out.
It works on all Shimano and SRAM brakes, and it offers a consistent braking performance. The caliper features an ergonomic design that’s comfortable to use and easy to adjust. This makes it ideal for downhill riders or those with larger hands.
TRP Quadiem
The product has superb braking power and it is easy to use. It is a reliable brake that can be used by any mountain biker, beginner or advanced. In the MTB world, a lot of riders choose shimano xt as their brakes.
But you might be surprised to know that these brakes are a bit expensive and heavy. So if you don’t have enough budget or weight is not really an issue for you, then consider choosing TRP Quadiem with its powerful braking force and good performance.
Clarks MZ
It offers great stopping power and it’s easy to use. With this brake, you can slow down quickly even on steep inclines. The price is reasonable and the brake is durable.
Magura MTS
The MTS is easy to install and adjust while also featuring excellent braking power that can be adjusted according to your preferences. These brakes are made from high-quality materials and they come with a range of accessories such as brake pads.
SRAM Code RSC
SRAM Code RSC is one of the best MTB brakes. It has a unique tool free reach adjustment that allows you to customize your stopping power.
This brake also features SRAM’s Reach Adjust, which is easy to use and gives you many options for customizing your stopping power.
Factors to consider when choosing the best MTB Brakes
Choosing the best mountain bike brake is more complicated than it seems. Some brakes are only compatible with some handlebars, some will need to be set up differently depending on the make of front suspension you have, and some people prefer their brakes to feel ‘spongy’ rather than hard.
One thing you have to consider before choosing a brake is what type of riding you will be doing. Are you riding the brake on dirt jumps, thick trails, steep hills, or all of them? Depending on where you ride and how often, weight will be an issue.
Type
As far as braking systems for mountain bikes go, there are many varieties: the cantilever, disc and roller brakes. The first kind can be considered a classic since it was one of the first to appear in bicycles. Cantilever brakes have been around for a while, so they’ve achieved quite a few improvements over time.
Cantilevers have been around since the early days of mountain biking. They were originally used on BMX bikes to give riders more control over their stops because they work by wrapping a cable around a post that is connected to the back wheel’s hub axle.
Disc brakes are found on road bikes, hybrid bikes, and some mountain bikes. They consist of a caliper that attaches to the wheel hub. The brake pads squeeze the rotor when you apply the brake lever mounted on the handlebars.
As well as being simple in design, disc brakes have become popular because they provide superior stopping power in wet conditions compared to rim-bra.
There are three varieties of disc brakes i.e hydraulic disc brakes, cable-actuated disc brakes, and rim brakes.
Roller brakes are the best braking system for mountain bikes because they are easy to use and can stop you fast. Roller brakes are an internal-cam type that have a series of rollers that compress brake pads against the rim.
This is supposed to be safer than the more common disc brake system because it does not involve any part protruding from the wheel.
Size
When you are choosing your best mountain bike brakes, the most important thing to think about is what size of bike you have.
If you’re looking for the best brakes on a MTB, then you should consider getting something that fits your needs. When buying mountain bike brakes, consider the size of the brake.
A good rule of thumb is tall riders should have at least 180mm rotors and shorter riders should have at least 160mm rotors.
Oftentimes if a rider has a small frame they will be more comfortable on a smaller rotor as well. It is also important to match your rotor size to your wheels
Quality
When you are looking for the best MTB brakes, you have to know how to identify the right quality. You have optimized braking power with G2.0. The brakes are nice and fit well on most bikes.
They are easy to install and used by all types of bikes.
How to install the brake
Applying the brakes on a mountain bike requires strength, but not in the hands or arms. Rather, it is in your legs and feet that you apply pressure to slow down.
This is because MTB brakes are controlled by levers that originate from your handlebars. The levers are connected to cables that run through housing along the top of the fork to reach the calipers
Weight
When buying mountain bike brakes, you should consider how much weight they will add to the bicycle. Many brakes that are designed for mountain bikes are heavy, which can cause problems.
Other brakes on the market are made of aluminum and titanium, which makes them lighter than traditional steel and brass options. Some of the most common types of mountain bike brakes are cable-actuated disc brakes and hydraulic disc brakes. .Cable-actuated disc brakes weigh around 400 grams while hydraulic disc brakes weigh about 200 grams.
Cost
When buying MTB brakes, it’s better to prioritize quality over price. I should know because I made the mistake of getting cheap brakes, and ended up wasting a lot of money because of it.
The cost of brakes is primarily the metal that goes into them. For mid-range and better brakes, that metal puts significant limits on performance.
If you buy the cheapest full-suspension drivetrain components available, you can spend $200 and get a bike with Dura-Ace 11 speed at the same weight as a $1200 bike with Sora 9 speed – and it will ride just as well.
The brakes will not be as good – but it’s hard to be much better than $55 Centerlock ‘Giant’ branded cantilevers if buying from generic brands. All these brakes work just as well as those on $200 bikes.
Conclusion
If choosing the best brake for your MTB, the above content makes your work easier. Consider every factor before choosing the MTB brakes.
Disc brakes may also come in various types, but that won’t be a problem since they are all well explained. The factor like quality, weight, size and type should the first to consider.
