Mountain Biking - Hydraulic Disk Brake System Recommendation & Installation

Hi All,

I'm looking to buy a complete set of hydraulic disk brake system for my bike. I want something that is in high quality and last for a long time.

And how would I know the set will fit perfectly on my bike?

Thanks in advance.

What's your budget?

What's your budget?

What price range for a top end set? I'm not going for a moutain biking competition. So I dont need something that is very very expensive.

I have no idea about hydraulic disk brake would cost. So I would say $200??

Does your bike currently have cantilever brakes (rim brakes)? If it does, you need to make sure it has mounting points on the fork and rear seatstay for hydraulic brakes. If it does, or if you already have disc brakes, any currently made disc brakes with the appropriate brackets will fit.

Magura Marta SL Magnesium front and rear set for $325! Can't be beat with a hella awesome brakeset.

My bike comes with hydraulic disk brakes and it leaks. So I want to replace it with something with better quality.

It seems Magura Marta is really high end product and out of my reach. What do u guys think about Shimano or Avid brakes? I would have to do more research.

I would go with Shimano SLX or XT hydros. Both get really positive reviews. I have heard of one specific XT model leaking oil in colder weather though. I forget which one it was (there are only 2 I think).

I will probably upgrade to one of these 2 when my Tektro Auriga Comps go out. So far I've been really happy with the Auriga Comps, but I would like to try something else eventually.

For ease of install and maintenance, it's hard to beat avids. You can probably find a deal on some juicys.

For ease of install and maintenance, it's hard to beat avids. You can probably find a deal on some juicys.
Not sure about ease of install on the Avids...i've installed a lot of brakes that are less finicky with initial set up. I think the CPS washer system has something to do with all the noise issues you hear from various owners. Supposedly they have ditched the conical washers for the newest Elixir line. However, they can be set up properly and be trouble free - my Elixir CR's have been great over the last few years.

I don't think you can go wrong with Shimano, Avid, or Magura - all have brakes that can be found in your price range. Maybe even check out Hayes, but that's the one brand I don't have much hands on experience with.

shimano xt trail. one of the best feeling and working brake sets right now, takes about 6 minutes to install, come pre-bled, and you don't have bleeding issues like you do with avid. (i love sram, i had avid brakes, we are constantly having to bleed avids, all the time). on top of all that, they are quite reasonably priced.

OP- If I had to buy new hydros right now for reasonable $, it would be XT's hands down. XC rider here.

I have heard of one specific XT model leaking oil in colder weather though. I forget which one it was (there are only 2 I think).

There have been at 4 generations of XT discs now, from the original M755, to M765, M775 and now M785. The M775's do loose some feel (the lever stiffens in use) when it is cold, below 0°C but don't leak.

Here is a link to the brand new M785. The front and rear set sold separately. So the complete set would cost around $300.
http://www.blueskycycling.com/product2409_70_-Shimano-XT-M785-Disc-Brake-w--Adapters-%26-Rotor.htm

Is there any decent hydraulic brake systems that would cost under $200?

What tools do I need for this installation?

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What tools do I need for this installation?

zip ties and allen wrenches.

Is there any decent hydraulic brake systems that would cost under $200?

SLX has been mentioned, the current version M666 are very good, just going in at $20 over your budget for the pair at the retailer you linked to http://www.blueskycycling.com/product457_70_-Shimano-Deore-SLX-M666-Disc-Brake-w--Adapters-%26-Rotor.htm

So I need to make sure my bike has 6 bolts disk setting.

The six bolts to bolt the disc to the wheel hub typically require a T25 Torx wrench too. Other than that, as previous said a set of hex wrenches and zip ties should be all you need.

How often should I bleed the brake? Let's say I bought a brand new set of brakes and when do I need to bleed it?

How often should I bleed the brake? Let's say I bought a brand new set of brakes and when do I need to bleed it?

you don't want to ever bleed brakes. you bleed them when there is air in the line and the brake isn't working. "bleeding" means bleeding air out of the system. the downfall of avids (right now) and the beauty of shimano (right now) is avid seems to need bleeding a lot, shimano comes pre-bled and ready to go and doesn't seem to need it.

you don't want to ever bleed brakes. you bleed them when there is air in the line and the brake isn't working. "bleeding" means bleeding air out of the system. the downfall of avids (right now) and the beauty of shimano (right now) is avid seems to need bleeding a lot, shimano comes pre-bled and ready to go and doesn't seem to need it.

Thanks for clarify.

So I need to make sure my bike has 6 bolts disk setting.

You should match your rotors to the attachment you have. Shimano also has centerlock rotors and hubs. If your current discs are not connected with 6 bolts then they are probably centerlock.

Ok, I will look. What about their weight? More expensive sets mean weight less as opposed to cheaper sets?

The weight difference between cheaper and more expensive brakes isn't huge. In your budget you will not find too much difference I would imagine, and a lighter brake may also be less durable. Moreover, even the most expensive disc brakes still won't weigh a significant amount less. The brake levers/calipers are pretty small, and there isn't really much room to trim much weight other than to simply use carbon. You should just go with something that is tough, reliable, and does the job.

I went to one of my LBS today. The owner told me Avid is a good buy as opposed to Shimano, simply because Avid has the best customer service and they have no questions asked policy on return/exchange items.

Does anyone had any experience with Avid's customer service?

After many replies in this thread. I think I better off go with Shimano XT M785 as based on your guys recommendation.

Is the front rotor supposed to be bigger than the rear one? I have not found any good deals on the M785, some of the sites are selling only the front set. I would need f & r complete set including rotors. My budget is $300.

Bump

Magura Marta SL Magnesium front and rear set for $325! Can't be beat with a hella awesome brakeset.
Seems like a very good deal.

http://www.hucknroll.com/magura-usa-marta-sl-magnesium-hydraulic-disc-brake-set-w-rotors-adaptors