Buy Disc Brakes at Low Prices in the Bicycle Brakes Shop from starbike.com

Disc brakes offer uncompromising, weather-independent braking power and excellent modulation during braking. They are primarily used in the mountain bike sector, where significantly stronger braking forces are required compared to road cycling.

The functionality of disc brakes differs significantly from rim brakes. Instead of pressing brake pads against the braking surfaces of the rim, disc brakes press the pads against a rotor attached to the hub. The brake pads are housed in a specially designed brake caliper.

To mount the rotors, a hub with a rotor mount is necessary, as standard hubs do not have mounts for disc rotors. There are two mounting standards: IS 2000 6-bolt, where the rotor is attached with six bolts, and Centerlock, which uses a splined interface with a locking ring similar to those on cassettes.

The advantages of disc brakes speak for themselves. By being mounted at the hub, the bicycle brakes are largely protected from external elements like water and dirt. Additionally, overheating of the rim is avoided, which can lead to tube blowouts after prolonged braking. Furthermore, the rotors, as friction partners, are not load-bearing components like the brake tracks on rims, but rather simple, easily replaceable parts that typically last longer than rim-braked rims.

The disadvantages of disc brake systems mainly include a higher weight compared to rim brakes.

Well-known manufacturers of bicycle disc brakes include Avid, Magura, and Shimano.