E-bikes have gained massive popularity, and almost everyone loves to have them. However, when choosing e-bikes, there are a lot of conditions to have a look at, of which the right brake selection and the role played by each brake also need attention. If you are also here to learn about mechanical vs hydraulic disc brakes, this guide below offers much detail. So, let's read below and familiarize yourself with all the important information about them. What are Disc Brakes? Bikes in the past used to have rim brakes as the direct force on the rim of the wheel led to stopping the bicycle. However, the disc brakes, on the other hand, use a disc on which the force is applied, and this disc is mounted on the hub of the wheel. As soon as the brake levers are squeezed on the handlebars, the piston pushes the brake pads into the disc, and the bicycle stops. Why are disc brakes getting popular? Disc brakes are gaining popularity day by day for various reasons, some of these are as follows: Disc brakes have a very strong stopping power when compared to the rim brakes and hence these are suitable for the steep routes. Moreover, the rotors on the disc brakes can also be customized to change the power of stopping. The power of stopping for a disc brake is very high, but the application of force required by the rider is much less. Moreover, these disc brakes are even equipped with modulation. The disc brakes are suitable for all types of weather, whereas the rim brakes may get slippery in some weather conditions. Mechanical Vs Hydraulic Disc Brakes Comparison Chart Mechanical Disc Brakes Hydraulic Disk Brakes Price Mechanical disc brakes are not very costly. Hydraulic disc brakes are expensive. Performance Mechanical disc brakes are not as good at stopping power. Hydraulic disc brakes are equipped with better-stopping power. Working Principle Mechanical disc brakes have steel cables that transfer the force to stop the bike. Hydraulic disc brakes consist of cylinders that have a piston and braking fluid. Maintenance Maintenance of these brakes is easy. Hydraulic disc brakes require expensive and specialized maintenance. Mechanical Disc Brakes Explained Mechanical disc brakes are composed of brake cable, caliper, brake lever, brake pad and brake disc. The moment the brake lever is squeezed, the brake cable is pulled, which moves the actuation arm on the caliper. This action presses the brake pads against the rotor, creating friction that converts the wheel's kinetic energy into heat, thereby slowing the bicycle. Engwe e-bikes with the mechanical disc brake: Engwe L20 2.0, Engwe M20 and Engwe EP-2 Pro. Types of Mechanical Disc Brakes The two types of mechanical disc brakes are as follows: 1. Single-piston brakes Single piston disc brakes consist of mechanical disc brakes in which only one brake moves. It works when the brake lever is squeezed, and the cable pulls the actuator arm, which helps one brake pad move towards the rotor. It is very simple in design, easy to maintain, and affordable. 2. Two-piston brakes: Two-piston brakes consist of two brake pads that move towards the rotor. The actuation arm pulls or pushes the pads towards the rotor as soon as the brake lever is squeezed. This type of brakes offers improved braking efficiency. Pros of Mechanical Disc Brake The pros of mechanical disc brakes comprise the following: The components in mechanical disc brakes are smaller, and due to their simplicity, maintenance is very easy. They use cables rather than hydraulic fluid, and hence, there is no risk of fluid leaks. Mechanical brakes are cost-effective as their initial cost is low, and maintenance is also low. Their performance is not affected easily due to different weather situations. Cons of Mechanical Disc Brake Some of the cons of mechanical disc brakes are as follows: They need a high force compared to the hydraulic brakes to stop the bicycle. The cables in these brakes stretch over time, affecting their braking efficiency. The mechanical disc brakes are usually heavy and sometimes cause challenging situations in lightweight applications. Hydraulic Disk Brakes Explained Hydraulic disc brakes are a fluid system which is sealed. It helps to transfer the brake force from the lever towards the caliper. In this braking system, there is a cylinder and a piston that hold the fluid. The moment the brake lever is squeezed, the piston moves in the cylinder and pushes the brake fluid towards the brake caliper. This force then leads to the brake pads slowing down the wheels. Engwe e-bikes consisting of hydraulic disc brake systems: Engine Pro 1.0 and 2.0, Engwe X26/24/20 and E26. Pros of Hydraulic Disc Brake The pros of hydraulic disc brake system include the following: The braking power in the hydraulic disc brake system is high and consistent. The system has the ability to adjust the pad wear and there is no need for any type of manual adjustment. They have no cables to stretch, and hence, the maintenance requirement is reduced in these braking systems. Hydraulic fluid helps to reduce friction in the braking system, making the braking process smoother. Cons of Hydraulic Disc Brake Some of the downsides of hydraulic disc brake system are as follows: Hydraulic brake systems are expensive to invest in when compared to mechanical ones. The hydraulic disc brakes need special maintenance as they have complex repair requirements. Since these brakes rely on fluid, any type of leak may lead to loss of braking power. How to Choose the Right Type of Disc Brakes? It is always very difficult to decide between hydraulic vs mechanical disc brakes however; some of the aspects that you must look into when choosing between the two include the following considerations: Your cycling purpose is the first consideration, whether you will move about the basic terrains or if you need to bike over a mountain. If you are biking over a mountain, you need hydraulic brakes, whereas mechanical brakes are suitable for the usual terrain. If you are a fast rider, you will need hydraulic disc brakes as they can help you stop immediately; if you are a slow rider, mechanical disc brakes are suitable. E-bikes with hydraulic disc brakes are usually expensive compared to mechanical ones, and there is even a difference in maintenance expense. You must consider all these aspects shared here before you decide between choosing mechanical disc brakes vs hydraulic disc brakes. Conclusion The guide above has given you a detailed insight on mechanical vs hydraulic disc brakes; if you have understood everything in detail and are looking for the right e-bike, you must have a look at the Engwe bikes suggested. It is possible that you also want to know: Brushless vs. Brushed Motors for Electric Bikes Engwe L20 VS L20 2.0 | Comprehensive Bike Comparison How to Remove Speed Limiter on Electric Bike: Step-by-step Guide How to Charge Electric Bikes Effectively? How Much is an Electric Bike and What Impacts Final Costs?
