Choosing mechanical or hydraulic brakes?
You are looking to buy your first E – bike, there are a lot of things to care for and some of the knowledge you need to know well before making a buying decision. One of these is bike’ safety system. Because you will need to decide which brake you should take: mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes? And you need to know about what are the advantages and disadvantages of each type? And how it affects the price.
Mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes are both made to meet road safety conditions . But there is a little difference in the designs. This leads to the react ability of each type of brake on each specific case. Then understanding them well will help you feel more confident in buying.
Mechanical Disc Brake
The main components of mechanical disc brakes are cables, brake levers, calipers, mechanical discs or rotors. This system works simply when the riders pull brake levers, the force will mechanically be transferred through the cable lines to calipers .These calipers will slowly press on the rotor. Depending on how aggressive force the riders put on brake levers, the E- bike will slow down or stop immediately
Advantages
Mechanical disc brakes have a simple design. It is easy to maintain. You can change or fix brakes by yourself.
Mechanical disc brakes can adapt with various road conditions like sandy, muddy, snow , dry or wet conditions.
They are cheaper than hydraulic disc brakes
Disadvantages
Due to mechanical mechanisms. The sharpness of the brake will depend on riders’ force. The more force the riders put on brake levers, the more sharp and sensitivity calipers will effect on the rotors
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Hydraulic disc brakes are complete and closed systems, which include closed brake lines filled with fluid, brake levers, rotors, and calipers. This brake system works when riders pull brake levers. With only a small amount of interaction when riders put on brake levers is enough pressure that pushes fluid rushing inside the cable lines. And transfers force to calipers, helping them to stop rotors.
Advantages
This brake system works perfectly. It is very sharp. Only a small touch of riders on brake levers can create enough force to stop the E- bike.
They work fast and can stop E- bikes immediately. It is perfect for more complicated riding styles like downhill, road racing and more difficult road conditions.
Disadvantages
Due to advanced technology, it is hard to fix brakes by yourself if you do not have knowledge about this. You then need the support from a technician who can open to pump or change the oil inside brake lines.
They are more expensive than mechanical disc brakes
Summary
Both brake systems are made to be very safe for riders. However, hydraulic brakes will respond quicker than a mechanic one. So choosing mechanical disc brakes or hydraulic disc brakes will depend on your budget, riding styles and road conditions
Image: An E-bike of ADDMOTOR with mechanical disc brakes
