How do disc brakes work?


How do disc brakes work?You can find 2 types of disc brakes on the market:
1- Mechanical disc brakes
2- Hydraulic disc brakes

HYDRAULIC disc brakes can be found mostly on high end mountain bikes because they are very expensive. These types of brakes are not made with any cables or cable houses but they work with a hydraulic piston system: when braking, hydraulic liquid in a tube is driven to the brake caliper. This makes the piston pushing on the brake pads which are then being pushed on the disc. These kinds of disc brakes are more powerful than the mechanical ones but on another hand, they require a lot of maintenance.

Oryx bikes* are made of mechanical disc brakes only
(*some models only)

The disk brake system uses the same brake levers, brake cables and brake cable sheath as V-brakes or cantilever brakes.

This type of system has specific advantages, such as:
Water and/or mud on the rim do not hinder the brake efficiency. Even after hitting a pot-hole the disk brake remains robust; in the opposite of the standard v-brakes (or cantilever brakes), where the rim could be deformed.

Overtime cables stretch, which slightly weakens the braking performance and then, readjustment is necessary to fix the tension. Also corrosion, dust, water and mud can affect the cables and cable sheaths by causing friction and preventing optimal braking. These disadvantages can be minor with regular bike maintenance and proper storage of the bike.


DISK VERIFICATION:

Routinely verify your discs to ensure they are clean and that they have no cracks or any warp appearances. This can be observed by lifting the bike and spinning the wheel. Inspect the disk for friction between the brake pads. Should the disk be warped by 1mm or more you must replace it.

Keep the brakes clean and wash when necessary. DO NOT USE oily base products to cleanse the disk brake; this will compromise the braking action and may result in changing the brake pads. When cleaning use water or alcohol.

*SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS OR CONCERNS, CONSULT AN EXPERT.

CAUTION: NEVER PRESS on the brake lever when the wheel is off and the disk removed between the brake pads. This action could seriously hamper the installation of the wheel and the adjustment of the brake pads.

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