Brakes

MTB Brake Buying Guide

Brakes are the most safety-critical component on your bike. Hydraulic disc brakes are now universal on mountain bikes — they provide consistent stopping power in all conditions and require less hand effort than mechanical systems. The differences between brands and models come down to lever feel, power delivery, modulation, and how well they cope with heat on long descents.

Shimano vs SRAM

Shimano brakes use mineral oil and are known for raw power with a slightly on/off feel. SRAM brakes use DOT fluid and generally offer more modulation (progressive power build-up). Both work brilliantly. Shimano is easier to bleed at home — mineral oil is less fussy than DOT fluid, which absorbs moisture and needs replacing annually. SRAM's tool-free reach adjust is a nice feature Shimano lacks on lower-tier models.

Other Brands

Hope brakes are made in Barnoldswick, Lancashire — hand-assembled, fully rebuildable, and designed to last decades. They're heavier than Shimano and SRAM but the lever feel and build quality are exceptional. Magura MT5 and MT7 are popular for e-MTBs and gravity riding — massive power and good heat management. TRP and Formula make lighter options favoured by XC riders who prioritise weight over outright stopping power.

Buying Used Brakes

Brake calipers and levers last years with basic maintenance. Pads and rotors are consumable — expect to replace them regardless. When buying used, check for lever play (spongy feel means air in the system — fixable with a bleed), weeping seals at the lever or caliper (needs a rebuild kit), and bent rotor tabs on the caliper mount. A full bleed and pad swap on used brakes makes them perform identically to new ones.