There are too many controversies around the types and choices of electric bikes and their parts. For example, some prefer a step-through, while others like their handlebars raised as high as possible or want them on the same level as their waist. Whatever the case, there are no right or wrong ways to ride or accessorize your eBike.
Even though your choice of eBike can often depend on individual preferences and lifestyle, you may waste more time playing a guessing game when it comes to your electric bike’s mechanical and electrical functions. You cannot rely merely on what you feel is right. There are specific rules and tips that you must abide by to guarantee a remarkable experience with your eBike.
This article focuses on the types of brakes that come with electric bike. We have mechanical disc and hydraulic disc brakes. But what differentiates them both?
Mechanical Disc Brake
Mechanical disc brakes work by using a brake lever to pull a brake wire. This modifies the caliper to force the brake pad securely against the rim and stop your eBike.
Because of their cable-driven construction, they are easy to alter and fix when you intend to run maintenance. In the long run, your wallet may benefit from the wires used on mechanical disc brakes do not require specialized equipment.
However, mechanical disc brakes’ simple design might result in significant drawbacks. Comparatively speaking to the parts of hydraulic brakes, the brake cable itself is prone to wear and tear. If a complete replacement is necessary, the first setup of mechanical disc brakes can be daunting.
Pros and Cons of Mechanical Disc Brakes
Some of the advantages and disadvantages of disc brakes include the following:
More affordable price
Electric bikes that use mechanical Disc brakes are more affordable than the ones with Hydraulic Disc brakes. This difference is good news for eBike owners outside the elite class. This is paramount to some, so when they intend to replace their electric bikes, they prefer eBikes with mechanical disc brakes since they are trying to be prudent.
Easy to replace
These brakes are found easily in any automobile store and easily fixed in your electric bike. Hydraulic disc brakes are more challenging to replace than mechanical disc brakes due to the mechanical complexities that may arise. The trick is to start the removal from the most accessible bolt to the more complicated ones.
Heavier weight:
Generally, electric bikes that use mechanical disc brakes are heavier than those with hydraulic disc brakes, making them difficult to lift. You can manage the weight by riding your electric bicycle in familiar terrain and lifting it only when necessary.
Tougher to ride
You must exert more squeeze power by hand to activate the brakes when riding an electric fat tire bike that uses a mechanical disc brake. This extra effort doesn’t mean the brakes do not work; it explains the tiny lag you might experience before the brakes kick in compared to the bikes using hydraulic disc brakes.
More maintenance
After some time riding your eBike, you would need routine maintenance, and this is not a walk in the park for mechanical disc brakes. Unlike the electric bikes accompanied by hydraulic disc brakes, these bike parts would require more maintenance and routine checkup. However, on the brighter side, it ensures you have constant updates on service.
Overstretched brake cable
The brake cable usually gets stretched after a prolonged time of use. This stretch occurs with an added squeeze of power needed to bring the bike to a stop. However, the brake cable is easy to replace when it has become overstretched.
Hydraulic Disc Brake
Hydraulic disc brakes are considered a more expensive alternative to disc brakes and offer excellent stopping force. Since they don’t require a cable to operate, hydraulic brakes consume less friction during the shopping process and provide a firmer stop than mechanical disc brakes. Additionally, they provide improved control by applying the same level of pressure to the inner and outer brake pads.
However, the hydraulic braking design’s complexity makes them more challenging to service and modify. Their fluid-driven system frequently requires specialized equipment, skill, and knowledge to repair or alter. They are more difficult to maintain, but you will need to do so much less regularly because they are more weather-resistant than mechanical disc brakes.
Pros And Cons Of Hydraulic Disc Brake
The advantages and disadvantages of the Hydraulic disc brake vary from that of the mechanical brakes. Here are some features describing the hydraulic disc brake:
More durable
Despite the high cost of Hydraulic Disc brakes, electric bikes with this kind of brakes are usually more durable and last longer than others without it. Electric bikes with hydraulic disc brakes make excellent electric off-road adventure bicycles. So if you are thinking long-term and not just immediate gratifications, get yourself an eBike that comes with this type of brake.
Less maintenance
If you are not used to regular maintenance or always need a reminder of the daily routine checkup, then you are in luck. Any electric bike that comes with the hydraulics disc brake has less need for servicing man maintenance. So you can ride your bike for a long time without worrying about routine checks.
More brake-stopping power
If you are adventurous and like to commute at high speed, the hydraulic disc brake offers you more stopping power. This advantage means you can stop your bike whenever possible, and your brake will respond almost immediately. Remember the use of your helmet.
Cost Implications
Nothing good comes cheap, so they say. Electric bikes with hydraulic disc brakes are usually more expensive than those with mechanical ones. This difference attributes to this brake’s durability and ease of use. Eventually, It would be worth every penny spent.
Complex maintenance
The maintenance required for the hydraulic disc brake is less, but it can often be unavoidable, and whenever you must, it’s quite a complex routine compared to mechanical brakes. There are technical procedures that should be done only by an expert, so this might pose a challenge if there are no experts nearby.
Oil spillage complexity
Still on the subject of complex routines, fixing an oil spillage is usually tricky and risky. Most times, the lubricant for the motor and brakes is generally applied in moderation and sits in a secure compartment. However, riding on uneven terrains, there might be a spill, which is typically challenging to fix.
Conclusion
Your eBike may be stopped safely and securely with the help of both hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your personal preferences and your intended use of your electric bike. But would you trade the affordable mechanical disc brakes with the firmer hydraulic ones?
Tyler Tafelsky is an adventure cyclist with an affinity for long-distance gravel races, bikepacking trips, and ripping your weekend shootout ride. Tyler seeks to race at the front just as much as he enjoys a good party pace. You can find him exploring Michigan’s backroads and tearing up the state’s gravel series.