More about hydraulic disc brakes
How does the hydraulic brake work? What is a hydraulic brake? What is the advantage of disc brakes? What should be considered with disc brakes?
How does a disc brake work?
A disc brake consists of the brake lever, the brake line, the brake calliper, the brake pads and the brake discs.
When you operate the brake lever on the handlebars, the manual force is transferred to the brake calliper via the brake line. There, the brake pads are pressed against the rotating brake discs. The braking effect changes depending on the manual force exerted on the brake lever.
What is the advantage of disc brakes?
Disc brakes have a number of advantages over other brakes.
-
Disc brakes have greater braking power in wet conditions.
-
Compared to other conventional braking systems, 20% less manual force is required to operate a disc brake on a bicycle.
-
Your rims do not wear out. Overheating of the rims when riding downhill is also not a risk with disc brakes.
-
Disc brakes are characterized by a long service life.
-
Disc brakes are low-maintenance
-
Disc brakes are self-adjusting (hydraulic disc brakes)
What should I bear in mind with disc brakes?
To ensure that you are safe on the road with your disc brakes, you should pay attention to the following points:
1. practicing braking: Since less manual force is required with a disc brake, braking should be done carefully and full braking should be practiced a little.
2. braking in: New disc brakes must first be braked in. Proceed as follows: Accelerate your bike to a medium speed on a flat, safe surface. Now carefully operate one of your two brake levers until you have braked down to about walking speed. Now do the same with the other brake lever. Repeat this at least 20 times, gradually increasing the braking force.
3. inspection & maintenance: You should check the brake system regularly. Is oil leaking? Then you should visit your bike dealer. Also check the braking point. Can you pull your lever all the way to the handlebars or does braking feel "spongy"? Then you probably need to bleed your disc brakes. Check your user manual or ask your bike dealer for advice.
Proper care is also important for the durability of the brake.
