When bicycle brands use components on specific models, there are usually significant differences, mainly to meet their profit margin requirements. In the process of large-scale production, even a difference of only a few cents in wholesale prices can have a crucial impact. That's why we sometimes witness peculiar component combinations in new cars, such as the combination of cheaper flywheels and well-known brands' rear shifters, each frame size only having a single size of lifting seat tube, and the focus of today's discussion - high-performance brakes paired with ordinary discs and brake pads.
For bicycles with affordable prices, brands generally choose smaller disc sizes and relatively cheaper brake pads. These discs and brake pads can adapt to the daily usage scenarios of most users, but may not be suitable for riders with more aggressive riding styles. Next, let's delve into the differences between various discs and brake pads to provide valuable references for future upgrades.
Brake pad material
Bicycle disc brake pads are mainly divided into two categories, namely organic brake pads (also known as resin brake pads) and metal brake pads (also known as sintered brake pads).
Organic brake pads are usually a mixture formed by bonding fiber particles together with resin adhesive. In contrast, metal brake pads are made of metal particles that are compressed and bonded together using heat.
In track cycling, organic brake pads often perform quieter. However, its braking effect is poor in humid environments, and over long periods of braking, it gradually loses braking force due to overheating. Metal brake pads have excellent braking performance in humid environments and good thermal management during long-term cycling, but are more likely to produce noise. In addition, some low-priced bicycles use discs that cannot be paired with metal brake pads.
Metal and organic brake pads exhibit very similar performance under dry, low-temperature, and moderate speed conditions. However, the braking feel of organic brake pads will be slightly softer. If you often go down steep slopes for a long time, replacing the brake pads with metal materials is an economical way to improve braking performance as long as the disc is compatible.
Most brands will identify the material of the disc by stamping pads on the metal backplate, but this is not absolute. At present, there is no practical and reliable method to distinguish metal brake pads from organic brake pads solely based on color or texture. Metal brake pads may have some shiny or reflective particles, but if organic brake pads are used, there may also be smooth enough material spots that can reflect light like metal. Some organic brake pads use aluminum backing plates, which can be easily distinguished due to the lack of magnetism in aluminum. Some metal brake pads use titanium backplates, which are also non-magnetic, but this situation is relatively rare.
Disc material
Large brand discs usually come with logos. If there is no label, one can still make a judgment by observing the disc itself. Cheaper discs are often manufactured through stamping rather than machining. The clues can be seen from the edges of the disc, and if they present sharp square edges, it is likely to be a higher quality disc. Users can freely choose brake pads according to their preferences. If the edges of the disc are slightly rounded or chamfered, this type of disc may only support resin brake pads.
Disc size
An effective way to increase braking power is to replace it with a larger diameter disc. Currently, the most popular disc diameters are 160, 180, 200, and 203 millimeters, respectively. Light XC and gravel trucks will still use 140mm discs, while 220mm discs are becoming increasingly common in the downhill and endurance racing markets. A larger disc can allow the clamp to exert greater leverage on the wheels, thereby providing stronger braking power. At the same time, it also provides more surface area, which is conducive to the dispersion and accumulation of heat. However, larger discs are heavier in weight and have a higher probability of being bumped while cycling on forest roads.
Before deciding to increase the disc size, please remember the maximum size that certain frames and forks can support. Most bicycles have larger discs on the front wheels and smaller discs on the rear wheels. If you find yourself applying excessive force on the brake lever or still unable to achieve effective braking even with metal brake pads, then it may be time to replace the disc with a larger diameter.
The vast majority of discs are fixed with six screws and can be disassembled with just one T25 hex wrench. However, Ximano has a mid lock version that uses a large hollow bolt concentric with the shaft, which must be disassembled with the help of specialized tools.
Of course, the brake itself can also be upgraded, but this usually costs several hundred yuan or even thousands of yuan. In contrast, the cost of replacing larger discs and adapters is much lower, and it can also improve braking performance to some extent.
We are Ningbo Shenglu Bicycle Industry Co., Ltd., a professional supplier and manufacturer of bicycle accessories. Our main products include bicycle axle pads, axles, brakes, bowl sets, flywheels, and five other series. Our products are exported to over 100 countries and regions overseas and are one of the world-renowned brands. Buyers are welcome to contact our online customer service or send an email for consultation. The website is: https://www.hubs-sf.com
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