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Hydraulic disc brakes are a popular choice for electric bikes; however, it can be difficult to decide if you should use them or not. While it may seem like a simple feature, the types of brakes you use should be one of your considerations if you are wondering if you should buy an electric bike. Another consideration you need to make is whether you are going to be riding your ebike at night or in bad weather. If so, your electric bike needs lights. Like having lights on your ebike, your brakes will help keep you safe while on your ride. So, follow these tips below to decide if hydraulic braking is right for you.
Key Takeaways:
In order to make the best decision on whether or not you should use hydraulic braking on your favorite electric bike, it’s important to understand your options and the pros and cons of each.
The two primary braking systems used for electric bicycles are mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical disc brakes use a cable system to facilitate braking. The hydraulic disc system uses compression to apply pressure to the brake disc. There are advantages and disadvantages to each system depending on your usage, needs, and other factors.
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Mechanical brakes are the legacy braking system that pulls a brake cable tighter in order to apply the brakes to the braking disc.
Mechanical disc brakes are the most affordable type of disc brakes. They are generally low-maintenance and, because of their affordability, easier to replace if needed. Mechanical disc brakes also tend to add less weight to a bike.
Insider Tip
Because mechanical brakes use a cable to brake, it requires riders to squeeze harder to stop. Additionally, the brake cable will stretch over time and need to be replaced. The brake controls of a mechanical system are less sensitive than hydraulics.
Hydraulic disc braking is a newer braking system that compresses the fluid in order to brake. There is no mechanical element involved, and no mechanical cables are needed.
Hydraulic disc brakes offer more braking power than mechanical brakes, which is especially important for electric bikes. The hydraulic system also performs better in bad weather. Additionally, hydraulic brakes offer more sensitive braking, allowing riders more control of the bike when operating.
Because of the components of the hydraulic disc system and its higher performance, it is also more expensive than mechanical brakes. While hydraulic brakes last longer and require little maintenance, they can be more complicated to maintain and fix on your own if needed.
To decide if you should use hydraulic brakes on your eBike, consider factors like usage, type of bike, and your budget. If you’re looking for high-performance braking and great control, then you should look at a hydraulic system for your electric bike. If you have a more lightweight electric bicycle and want to keep costs down, then you may want to consider mechanical disc braking.
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*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1wgZ8yhlnk