Hydraulic brakes on a bicycle: device, pros and cons, brands, choice

Modern bicycles (bicycles) can be equipped with a variety of brake systems. Any of them has its pros and cons.

Bikes with hydraulic brakes are in vogue today and enjoy buying interest among fans of fast driving.

The task of any brake mechanism is to stop the vehicle. Basic components of hydraulic brakes:

• hydraulic line (hydraulic line);
• brake disc (rotor);
• brake machine (caliper);
• brake handle.

Due to this structure, the system does not require frequent adjustment, and it can be in operation for a long time.

Consider the principle of the hydraulic brake. When the brake lever is compressed, pressure is generated in the hydraulic line, which pushes the brake fluid out of the main hydraulic piston. After that, it enters the slave cylinder. Under the force of pressure, the brake pads are brought together by means of pistons, and their friction against a rotating rotor leads to an instantaneous blocking of the wheels.

Like other brake systems, the hydraulic has its positive and negative sides. Let's start with the benefits.

1. The first and indisputable advantage is that even in the most ordinary version of the brake system, both brake pads press on the disc from two sides.
2. Self centering caliper when the brakes are in excellent condition, maintenance was done in a timely manner and the pistons were clean.This advantage is the result of the first paragraph. In the process of adjusting the brake when compressing the brake handle, the brake machine independently compresses the brake disc, and you only need to fix the caliper on the frame. It is not necessary to adjust the gaps between the pads.
3. Superior braking power transmission and predictability. The hydraulic system is not dependent on contaminated shirts and cables, which means that after driving through the mud, the hydraulic brake works the same way as before it.

But there are also disadvantages.

1. The brake fluid accumulates moisture. Regardless of which brakes you practice - based on DOT or mineral oil. One way or another, moisture gradually penetrates inside, which reduces the boiling point of the brake fluid.
2. Hydraulics "boils." The lower the boiling point, the less thermal energy is required for the brake fluid to boil. When a long descent awaits you, during which you have to systematically slow down, at some point the brake fluid will overheat and boil. After the boiling of the fluid occurs, fluid and gas will appear in your brake system instead of a homogeneous fluid.
3. Sophisticated service. For the reason that the liquid accumulates moisture, a hydraulic brake must be pumped. To do this on your own without a set of necessary tools is very difficult. Knowledge and skills required. If the hydraulic line is broken, bent, broken, you will need to purchase a new one or give the brake system for repair.
4. Cost. A good hydraulic brake costs quite a lot of money.

The structure of mechanical and hydraulic brakes is basically the same. Nevertheless, comparing the difference in individual moments will not be superfluous. Here is a list of key features.

• Mechanical disc brakes simpler and cheaper, as a result, they are suitable for those who choose an inexpensive bike brand.

• Hydraulic brakes they need a special workshop to replace spare parts and accessories, pumping, repairing the hydraulic line. There is a reason to purchase them when the service center is nearby, in order to contact him for support.

• Hydraulics it is preferable to practice in especially difficult conditions where power, accuracy and high-speed braking are a priority.

As mentioned above, the disk brake system is divided into 2 main types: mechanics and hydraulics. Each of them is endowed with individual technical characteristics, pluses and minuses. Actually, according to these parameters, prices are set. Of course, the manufacturing company also plays a significant role. Conventionally, the disc brake price policy can be divided into 3 groups.

• The most budgetary include mechanical brake systems at a price of $ 20 to $ 30. These are the following examples of popular companies: Shimano (AceraBR-M416-R), Tektro Aquila, Tektro Novela. Equipped only with a rotor.

• Average prices for brake systems range from 30-100 dollars. These are hydraulic brakes of the following companies: Shimano, Tektro Draco, Hayes, Magura, Avid Elixir and XLC. They are made with and without a disc.

• The most expensive and prestigious hydraulic brakes cost in the range of 100-525 dollars. They are produced by some of the above companies, as well as companies SRAM and Formula.

As a rule, disc (another name is rotary) brakes are mounted on bike bikes, which are designed for extreme riding even in winter. By type of drive are divided into 3 modifications.

• Mechanical disc brakes. Similar to ordinary rim brakes. They are equipped with a cable, which is pulled by means of a drive lever mechanism - thanks to this, the brake pads are pressed against the rotor. The mechanical device may be in the form of a cam, wedge or multi-thread threaded spindle.The wedge and cam are the same, only the wedge moves, and the cam rotates along the axis. Pads with a cable move along parallel planes.

• Hydraulic brake. It is implemented so that the control center (cylinder with a piston) stands directly on the steering wheel of the bike in the brake handle. It manages pads paired with each other with a durable and wear-resistant sleeve. A similar structure is characterized by tightness. Inside it is a liquid substance - oil. In the bulk of the modifications of such brakes there is no expansion tank, as a result of their maintenance requires special skills and tools.

• Hybrid. Combine mechanics and hydraulics. The hydraulic side contains 2 cylinders: power and control. They are washed with a certain amount of oil. These cylinders are housed in a brake housing. They are influenced by a cable through a lever.

When choosing and purchasing hydraulic brakes, you must first find out where you can buy spare parts for them, so that in the event of a breakdown of any component you do not have to replace the complete set.

In other cases, do not waste money. Buy mechanical or hybrid versions, which are the best solution for moving around the city and cycling. Their reliability and ease of use will not cause disappointment in the perfect purchase.

You will need such components and tools:

• disk, hardware for fixing on the sleeve;
• brake machine, with it - adapter and pads, brake handle;
• cable;
• Allen key
• nippers;
• clamps for fixing the cable to the frame.

Before mounting the hydraulic brake on a bike, fill it with special fluid. For Shimano products - mineral oil, in other models DOT liquid is used. To clean the air from the hydraulic line, she needs a pump.

After the brake hose ruptures, these places take second place in the likelihood of air bubbles.

Next, do a few sequential operations.

• Turn the bike over, remove the rear or front wheel (depending on the location of the brakes) and mount the disc on the hub.
• Install the handle for braking, then connect the hydraulic line.
• Install a brake machine with an adapter on the frame, but it is not necessary to fix it thoroughly.
• Install the bike wheel with the disc.
• Align the hydraulic line with clamps or guide cells. They are present in those modifications of bike bikes where hydraulics are predetermined from the very beginning.
• Having connected the hydraulic line, make sure that it is operational and reliable. To do this, gently press on the brake handle of the bike. In the case when everything is done correctly, the pads equally compress the rotor. Pressing the pads to the rotor sets the brake machine to the workplace, after which it is necessary to tighten the fixing screws to the end.
• If the contact of the pads with the disc is loose, or they come to it, violating the rhythm of movement, press the brake handle 10-20 times, holding the brake machine manually.

Improper positioning of the brake machine on hydraulics is the main cause of poor response of the hydraulic brake.

After installation is complete, the system needs to be configured. Just remember to prevent air from entering the system, it’s best not to turn the bike around during the tuning process.

You can find out how to choose a hydraulic brake from the video.