Brake Parts and Kits Review

Mountain bikers and serious hill racers generally have bikes with specialized disc braking systems to ensure their bikes slow down and stop when needed. The bike disc brake system is newer on the market today and replaces the more typical rim brake system, still used on cheaper department store bikes of today. Trail gurus will more than likely be the ones to work on their bikes, including the disc braking system that may be located on the front wheel assembly only, or both front and back wheels.

Discs brake systems on bikes are made up of several different and individual parts. These may include: Bike brake levers, bike brake cables, cable housing, calipers, discs pads, brake disc brake rotors, and other necessary hardware. For example, Shimano disc brakes are comprised of all of these parts. Sometimes it makes a lot of sense to buy disc brake kits. These kits generally will have lower prices on them compared to buying each piece separately. For example you can buy a disc rotor and caliper as a set or kit form, thus saving you money in the long run. Another advantage to buying various discs kits is that you know the two or three components in the kit are made specifically for one another. Another popular disc brake kit includes the caliper, brake line, and brake lever. Make sure you get help from a good bike shop mechanic if you’re not quite sure what disc brake parts or kits will fit your specific bike.

What It’s For

Disc brake levers are what you use as a handle to control your bike brakes and shifters. They come in a variety of style choices and can be adjustable in more than one way; a Tektro lever can adjust in several ways. Some levers allow you to dial in a leverage amount, or how hard the lever is to pull. Other levers have a small screw in the back that allows you to adjust the brakes themselves without any tools. Brake cables, such as Jagwire cables, are straight forward. They control the action from the brake lever to the brake caliper. Disc calipers can be connected by a manual cable or one that uses hydraulic fluid. The disc brake pads are connected to the calipers and usually can be found in metallic or resin material choices. Avid pads are a great aftermarket choice for brake pads. Disc rotors make up the last and largest item of the disc braking system. Rotors can be purchased stock size or oversize for those riders who need the best discs brake system possible.

Major Manufacturers

Shimano, Avid, Jagwire, Delta, TRP brakes.

Pricing

Prices on disc brake parts can range from $19.99 for a basic disc pad set to more than $200 for one of the multi-piece kits.