Twelve years ago, a BIKE brake test stated: "More production bikes are still sold with V-brakes than with discs." A lot has happened since then: in 2015, there is practically no such thing as a mountain bike without hydraulic disc brakes. Regardless of whether it costs 500 euros or several thousand.
Most models from Sram, Formula, Magura or Shimano fall flat for bikes in the 1000 euro price range, where manufacturers haggle with suppliers for every euro. As a result, groupless disc brakes or entry-level versions are sometimes found on such bikes. But how do the cheapest hydraulic stoppers perform? How big are the differences to the top models that we tested in the Brake test in BIKE 2/2015 have tested?
We put three entry-level brakes from Avid, Hayes and Shimano to the test and put them through their paces in practice. The three hydraulic disc brakes can be retrofitted for well under 100 euros each. The brake discs are added to this, with 180 mm discs costing around 20 euros for Shimano and around 40 euros for Avid and Hayes.
If you compare the weights of the three brakes, you realise that the low-cost stoppers individually weigh around 50 grams more than comparable high-end models: at 469 grams, the Deore is only 50 grams more than an XTR Trail, while the DB3 from Avid weighs only 60 grams more than the Sram Guide RSC. On lightweight brakes, however, the three inexpensive discs lose significantly more than 100 grams.
The main difference between the inexpensive disc brakes is the two-part sensor housing. In addition, the pressure point cannot be adjusted on any of the three models. The lever width, on the other hand, can: with Avid this even works without tools, with Hayes and Shimano you need a small Allen key.
Revelation on the brake test bench
All brakes with 180 mm discs had to prove themselves on the test bench. The Shimano Deore was convincing in terms of both average braking force and stability. The RT66 disc made a particularly positive impression in the fading test: although it deformed briefly, it survived the test rig torture in comparison to the IceTech discs. The Deore brakes with the RT64 discs generated even more braking power. However, the 1.7 millimetre thin disc does not last as long as the RT66 version for 6-hole mounting.
The Radar from Hayes is always supplied with sintered pads, which quickly leads to squeaking at low temperatures. With good stability values, the Radar is right on target. Only the modulation and lever ergonomics could be a little better.
According to laboratory measurements, the DB3 has the lowest braking force. In practice, however, the Avid stoppers are very snappy and reliable. In very hot conditions, however, the thick centreline discs (1.82 mm) caused the same problems as in our test. Brake test in BIKE 2/2015. First there is severe fading, then the discs deform. But don't panic: This does not mean they are defective. The discs realign themselves when they cool down.
Conclusion: The inexpensive disc brakes don't achieve top marks anywhere, but they do decelerate reliably. If you are looking for particularly light or overly powerful stoppers, you will have to spend more money.
Measured values, data and the evaluation in detail can be found at Page 2 of this article.
Table: Braking forces at a glance
The following table shows the average braking force measured on the test bench in Newtons from wet and dry braking at 80 Newtons of manual force, determined with a 180 mm brake disc.
Avid DB3
299
Hayes Radar
327
Shimano Deore (RT66 disc)
335
Shimano Deore (RT64 disc)
347
Avid DB3
Price
70 Euro/piece
Weight/Size
511 gram/180 mm
info
www.sram.com/avid
details
Two-piston brake with two-piece caliper, organic pads, DOT 4 fluid, lever width adjustable without tools
Rating (maximum score: 6)
modulation
4,5
Stability
2
Braking power
2
Ergonomics
5
Conclusion:
The DB3 from Avid's entry-level line impresses with good ergonomics and tool-free lever width adjustment. In terms of braking force, it only achieves average values. The centreline discs deform in extreme heat, but straighten out again when they cool down.
Hayes Radar
Price
79 Euro/piece
Weight/Size
465 gram/180 mm
info
www.hayesdiscbrake.com
details
Two-piston brake with two-piece caliper, sintered pads and mineral oil. Lever width adjustable with a tool
Rating (maximum score: 6)
Dosability
4
Stability
4
Braking force
3
Ergonomics
4
Conclusion:
The Radar from Hayes decelerates powerfully thanks to sintered pads, but tends to squeak even in dry conditions. Hayes calls the two Allen screws with which the saddle can be finely adjusted "Crosshair" technology. Only the long lever could be a little more ergonomic.
Shimano Deore M615
price
approx. 70 Euro/piece
Weight/size
469 gram/180 mm
info
www.paul-lange.de
details
Two-piston brake with two-piece caliper, organic pads, mineral oil, lever width adjustable with tool
Rating (maximum score: 6)
modulation
5
Stability
4
Braking force
3
Ergonomics
5
Conclusion
The Shimano Deore benefits from the technology of the more expensive models. The short lever is very comfortable to grip and the braking force can be finely controlled. The Deore was the most powerful on the test bench. The RT66 disc is also very durable. It survived the fading test.
