Abstract: Mountain bikes often ride on complex roads, so it is necessary to configure a brake with superior performance. Mountain bike brakes include disc brakes, cantilever brakes, roller brakes, V brakes, etc. Different types of brakes have different advantages and disadvantages. At present, the most used mountain bike brakes are disc brakes. After installing a good brake, we also need to learn some mountain bike riding braking skills, including the braking posture, timing, rear braking skills, etc. Let’s find out together!

What Are the Types of Mountain Bike Brakes?

1.V brake
V-brakes are characterized by their lightness and ease of maintenance. But like all rim brakes, these brakes are susceptible to bad weather, which reduces braking efficiency.

2.Cantilever brake
Cantilever brakes can adjust the spacing of the brake pads to support wider wheels. But cantilever brakes are also susceptible to bad weather, which reduces braking efficiency.

3.Disc brake
There are two types of disc brakes: hydraulic disc brakes and mechanical disc brakes. Mountain bikes use more hydraulic disc brakes because they feel better and perform better.

4.Roller brakes
Roller brakes are characterized by high efficiency, fast braking response, easy operation, and low failure rate. But Roller brakes can’t withstand too complicated road conditions.

Mountain Bike Brake Tips

1.Balance of braking
Balanced braking is about applying the right amount of force to slow the vehicle without stopping the wheels or causing the bike to slip. When riding on flat roads, the configuration of the braking force should be 70% for the front wheels and 30% for the rear wheels. However, in an emergency, once the braking force is increased, the front wheel brakes should be fully used, and the rear brakes should not be used.

2.Posture of braking
The butt is lifted off the saddle and moved back, the upper body is lowered against the frame, and the arms are bent to remain elastic to absorb the force of the impact.

3.Timing of braking
The shock from the obstacle combined with the shock from the brakes will definitely make you overwhelmed. So when you’re leaning down the stairs, be sure to release the brakes so that your center of gravity isn’t too far forward.

4.Rear brake tips

Slippery road braking
On dry roads, tires rarely slip, but on wet roads, the situation is different. In this condition, if the rear wheel slips, it is easy to restore balance. In the event of a front wheel skid, there is no way to save it, so the rear brake must be used to stop the bike.

Soft road brakes
The situation is similar to that on wet roads, the possibility of tire slippage is greatly increased, and the rear brake must also be used to stop the car. Of course, the front brake can be used as appropriate at this time, as long as the front wheel does not slip.

Bumpy road braking
When riding on bumpy roads, the wheels are likely to jump off the ground, and the front brake should not be used in this case. If the front brake is used with the front wheel jumping off the ground, the front wheel will lock up. Landing with a locked front wheel would be a bad thing, so we might as well just use the rear brake.

Front tire blowout or front brake failureDo not use the front brake if the front tire suddenly blows out while riding. Otherwise, the tire may come off the rim and cause a rollover. And if the front brake cable is broken or the brake pad is too worn or any other problem that makes the brake front unusable, only the rear brake can be used.