For this test, we rummaged through our gear box. In addition to 16 disc brakes, we ran two V-brakes and a hydraulic rim brake from Magura for comparison. Because the demand for these tried and tested brakes is unbroken, if not increasing. And: More production bikes are still being sold with V-brakes than with discs.
The reason for this may not just be the lower price. Squeaking, grinding, wandering pressure points, problems with fading - disc brakes can cause trouble. We hear this on the trails, we read it in letters of complaint from our readers, and we also felt it during this test. And again and again the argument: they work on cars too. So do bike discs still have teething problems even after years of development?
No. Because the discs themselves are usually the least responsible for their sometimes inadequate function. Brake cylinders are bolted to forks whose mounts are not exactly flat. Discs are flanged to cheap hubs that warp under the high load. And then there's the temporary mechanic in the shop who, through carelessness, embalms the good piece with oil during servicing. Bike disc brakes are located in particularly exposed areas and are open to all kinds of influences. In contrast to cars, where they are protected behind the wheel arches - and above all: where weight plays a subordinate role. If you want to be happy with disc brakes, you don't need a degree in mechanical engineering, just a little awareness of the material. This starts with transporting the bikes: make sure that the chain of another bike in the car does not touch the disc and that no grease drips onto the brake during fork service. Observe the brake pads and listen out for scraping noises - before you brake on metal and ruin the disc. If the brake squeaks and grinds: Have a go. Adjust the brake calliper with thin washers. Fiddling that is worth it. If that doesn't help, have the dropouts milled flat in the shop.
However, if you're the type of rider who's not into bike maintenance and tinkering - then perhaps you should, like us, reach into your gear box and get yourself a rim brake like Magura's HS 33.
The brakes in this test:
All-rounder: Shimano Deore BR-M-525 and BR-M-555/556, Hayes HFX 9, Magura Julie
Cross-country brakes: Formula B4 SL, Hayes HFX-Mag Plus, Hope Mini, Magura Marta SL, Shimano XT and XTR
Freeride brakes: Formula 4 Racing FR, Hayes HFX Mag HD 8, Hope M4, Magura Gustav M. Magura Louise FR, Shimano XT DH
