Disc brake tips: the complete guide

Disc brakes are now standard on road, gravel and mountain bikes. They brake better in the wet and need less force at the lever, but they also raise many questions. In this video our mechanic answers the ones we hear most often in the workshop.

What you will learn

• The difference between hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes.
• Rotor sizes (140, 160, 180 mm) and when it makes sense to go bigger.
• Resin (organic) vs metallic (sintered) pads and which one suits your riding.
• How to know when pads and rotors are worn.
• Why brakes squeal and how to keep them silent.
• When the system needs a bleed and what fluid it uses (mineral oil or DOT).

Tip: never pull the brake lever with the wheel removed. The pistons come out and you will have to push them back before refitting the wheel.