How Do Brakes Work? The Science of Stopping

Video

by Hannah Dobson March 15, 2022 44

If you’ve ever wondered just how mountain bike brakes work but been too afraid to ask, this video might just bring you some answers.

Although it’s from SRAM, it’s not telling you to go and buy their brakes. Instead, it’s telling you that the brake that will be best for you depends on a whole variety of factors. Riding trails? You want trail brakes… right? Nope. Apparently it matters how fast you’re riding, how heavy you are, how often you ride… and a whole lot more.

Should you have mineral oil, or DOT fluid? Well, that depends too. There are no simple answers, but there’s a whole lot of science and information packed into this short video.

Your first task is to watch it.

And of course, your second task is to head to the comments section and regale us with tales of why it’s wrong, you’re right, and your own personal recommendations for which brakes work best for you and so will of course work perfectly well for the rest of us. Got it?

And your third task is to check out the colour of your rotors. Are you in camp brown, or camp rainbow? No idea what we’re talking about? Watch the video and all will become clear!

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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