Bicycle disc brakes are a type of braking system that uses a rotor (disc) and a caliper to stop the bike. The rotor is attached to the wheel hub, and the caliper is mounted to the frame or fork of the bike. When the rider applies the brakes, the caliper squeezes the rotor, which slows the wheel and stops the bike.
There are two main types of disc brakes: hydraulic and mechanical.
Hydraulic disc brakes use a fluid to transfer force from the brake lever to the caliper. They are considered to be more powerful and offer better stopping performance than mechanical disc brakes. They also require less hand force to actuate and tend to offer more modulation and control.
Mechanical disc brakes use a cable to transfer force from the brake lever to the caliper. These brakes are typically less powerful and less consistent than hydraulic brakes, but they are also simpler and more durable. They also tend to be less expensive than hydraulic brakes.
Disc brakes are generally considered to be more powerful and consistent than traditional rim brakes, which use friction pads to grip the rim of the wheel. They also work well in wet or muddy conditions, since the rotor and caliper are less likely to get clogged with debris.
Another advantage of disc brakes is that they do not wear out the rim of the wheel. Rim brakes can wear down the rims over time, which can make the wheel weaker and more likely to fail. Disc brakes do not have this problem since the braking surface is separate from the wheel.
Disc brakes also have the advantage of being more adaptable, you can change the rotor size to adapt to different riding conditions. A larger rotor will give you more stopping power, while a smaller rotor will be lighter and easier to handle.
However, disc brakes have some disadvantages as well. They are heavier and more complex than rim brakes, which can make them less suitable for some types of riding. They also require more frequent maintenance and adjustment than rim brakes.
