Best Mountain Bike Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Having the best mountain bike hydraulic brakes is indeed a wonderful stroke of luck because it helps you ride with elevated confidence and enjoy the ease of slowing down quickly. MTB hydraulic disc brakes allow for smoother braking than mechanical disc brakes do. Therefore, hydraulic brakes will indirectly improve your speed by making you more confident to stop quickly if needed.

As a downhill mountain biker, I don’t care much about the budget because safety and longevity are much more important. Back in 2017, when I was new to mountain biking, I guess I broke the rules while purchasing the hydraulic disc brakes by choosing the priciest one with bad performance.

If you also wish to get the best hydraulic brakes for your mountain bike, you need to be careful while making the final decision. The cautious choice is because the market has a lot of low quality and pricy hydraulic disc brakes for you, which might seem the best but are poles apart when it comes to performance.

Best Mountain Bike Hydraulic Brakes Overview

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS
Best Overall	Best Overall	HOPE Tech 3 E4 Hydraulic Disc Brakes	Best For: Downhill Mountain Bikes Material: Aluminum Alloy Weight: 0.0625 lbs.	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	Editor’s Choice	SHIMANO Deore XT M8100 M8120 Hydraulic Disc Brakes	Best For: MTB Rides Material: Aluminum Weight: 1.3 lbs. Significant Feature: Best 4 piston MTB brakes	Check Price
Best for Enduro Bikes	Best for Enduro Bikes	Magura MT8 Pro 1 Piece Brake System	Best For: MTB Enduro Bikes Material: Aluminum Weight: 0.51 lbs.	Check Price
Best XC Brakes	Best XC Brakes	SHIMANO SLX M7100 Hydraulic Disc Brakes	Best For: XC Bikes Material: Alloy Weight: 1.3 lbs.	Check Price
Best for Beginner Bikers	Best for Beginner Bikers	Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brakes	Best For: Enduro and Trail Bikes Material: 3-Finger Steel Lever Weight: 1.85 lbs,	Check Price
Most Popular	Most Popular	Magura MT7 Pro Hydraulic Disc Brakes	Best For: MTB Bikes Material: Aluminum Weight: 0.57 lbs.	Check Price
Budget Friendly	Budget Friendly	CNC MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake Set	Best For: Mountain Bikes and BMX Material: Aluminum alloy Weight: 0.21 lbs.	Check Price
Highly Recommended	Highly Recommended	Clark’s Cable Systems Hydraulic M2 Brakes	Best For: Beginner Cyclists Material : Metal Weight: 1.25 lbs.	Check Price

Which factors to consider while purchasing the hydraulic brakes for the mountain bike?

When you purchase the MTB hydraulic brakes, following are some essential pre-purchase considerations that you should keep in mind so that you don’t end up buying hydro disc brakes that are a waste of money!

1. Type of mountain bike ride

2. Brakes modulation, performance and durability

3. Size of the rotor

4. Operational smoothness

5. Disc brake pads and your budget.

However, there are no worries because I have compiled MTB hydraulic disc brake review and buyer’s guide for you to make the right decision. Therefore, please keep reading to choose the best one!

Top 8 Best MTB Hydraulic Disc Brakes Review

When it comes to hydraulic disc brakes, I always get confused between Hope Tech and Shimano disc brakes because both build high quality hydraulic disc brakes according to the braking power requirements of mountain biking. But you may have noticed that Hope Tech have a sort of religious following across the mountain bikers. What makes Hope Tech superior is that they are specialized in disc brakes manufacturing. They are into bike disc brakes business when disc brakes were almost unheard of on bikes.

In terms of performance, the Hope Tech E4 hydro disc brakes are quite different than all other hydraulic disc brakes available in the market. Especially, the braking power is much more gradual and consistent.  During downhill rides, when I pull the lever, I know exactly what I’m going to get.

However, HOPE Tech 3 E4 disc brakes require a bit more maintenance. If you are shuttling and hanging the bikes up, the hope disc brakes let a little air into the system when the lever is up in the air. So, you will need to bleed them more frequently. Other than this, in the last 3 years I’ve had no issues.

Why I Recommended HOPE Tech 3 E4 Hydraulic Disc Brakes

I also own the mountain bike equipped with Shimano XT’s but I am in love with Hope 3 E4 hydraulic disc brakes because they have more adjustment option and made from single piece of aluminum on each part. I personally will not go to anything else if I have a choice.

Shimano hydraulic disc brakes are also competing Magura disc brakes because both have almost similar properties. Both of them use mineral oil, of which I’m a big fan. The only thing I hate about SHIMANO Deore XT hydraulic disc brakes is its big levers but when it comes to performance, XT levers do a wonderful job.

Shimano XT are my second love after Hope Tech 3 E4 brakes. However, out of convenience, I would stick to Shimano as compared to Magura. In a pinch, you’re much more likely to find service parts for Shimano than Magura.

Why I Recommended Shimano ‎Deore XT M8100 Disc Brakes

If you’re concerned with maintenance, don’t bother with Shimano XT disc brakes. They have bullet-proof construction and even a Starbucks guy can bleed it, whereas Magura and Hope Tech E4 hydraulic disc brakes and are very difficult to bleed.

After 700 miles of enduro ride, I have not had to mechanically center the brakes at all. I can’t say that about SRAM Guide hydraulic disc brakes or either of the Shimano models. The calipers are also forged out of one piece of material rather than being a split design which makes them stiffer.

Also, Magura actually makes brakes that are used on BMW motorcycles which are DOT rated and the other manufacturers only make bicycle brakes so there is more experience making units that are made to withstand more real world stress.

For mountain bike enduro rides, I will never choose Shimano or SRAM. Magura MT8 hydraulic disc brakes offers the high-end braking power and stability. Also, they braking performance is very smooth and are very easy to install.

Why I Recommended Magura MT8 Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Aside from the finicky bleeding, Magura MT8 hydraulic disc brakes are awesome and are the best brakes I’ve ever tried for enduro bike rides. Unfortunately, they have the worst maintenance/setup reputation!

If you are looking for cross country mountain bike disc brakes, go with 2-Piston Shimano SLX brakes. Because if you mostly ride XC and you don’t have an Enduro bike or Downhill bike for the crazy downhill stuff, 4-pistons is really not needed. Just added weight.

Personally I run 4-piston Shimano XT or Hope Tech 3 E4 because most of the time I’m riding enduro down a canyon or down some steep graded stuff when it just sucks your bike down with ease.

Why I Recommended Shimano SLX Disc Brakes

SLX is a great value, at a certain point some other brakes might be too pricey of a upgrade. If for you’re looking for XC bike disc brakes then go no further, Shimano SLX is the best option for XC Rides.

JGbike Shimano has remained in my use since it was released, and I must appreciate the makers of this bike for equipping these brakes with highly versatile passing. You will be glad to learn that these brakes are made with a three-finger steel lever.

Therefore, if you are an entry-level biker with smaller hands, these brakes will help you in easier accessibility to enjoy exclusive braking power. In addition to this, the versatility of these brakes also reflects from the lesser pad rattling, and thus the amount of noise is minimal.

Unlike other conventional mountain bike brakes, JGbike Shimano hydraulic disc brakes are admirable for their highly silent functionality, thus not distracting you while enjoying your mountain ride. The lever of these brakes is easily reachable, and therefore you will be at ease installing it quickly without facing any issues.

These brakes are highly reliable because they consistently give the best performance during our testing. Also, the durability of these brakes will amaze you.

Why I Recommended Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brakes

In light of our experience with premium-grade brakes like JGbike Shimano, I strongly recommend you to go for these great brakes. They offer you a wide range of features like quiet functionality, easier accessibility, remarkable durability, and ease of installation. Therefore, if you opt for this product, I assure you that it will be delivering its best performance. Therefore, this is a must-consider option!

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Thanks to the manufacturers of the Magura USA for using premium grade aluminum for making the handle of these brakes. At the same time, the rest of the body is also made with good-quality aluminum and other metallic components.

The four-piston caliper will be easier for you to install and use these breaks. The actuation type of these brakes is hydraulic, and thus they are highly compatible with a wide range of mountain bikes.

The most distinctive feature associated with the Magura USA is the ease these brakes provide you in stopping at any dimension. This is possible because the makers of these brakes have used highly innovative downhill and enduro rides.

Another plus point of these brakes is the lightweight design that does not add to the overall weight of the mountain bike and thus allows you to enjoy a comfortable journey.

Why I Recommended Magura USA MT7 Pro Brakes

Suppose you have checked the list of the mountain bike hydraulic brakes but cannot decide the final product. In that case, I have the best suggestion for you based on the results that I obtained after rigorous experimentation. I am indicating towards the premium quality option like Magura USA. If you opt to purchase these brakes, you will enjoy all the benefits I have just outlined here. Go for it!

When I purchased CNC MTB, I loved this set for all the features that it offered, but I was highly impressed by its complete braking system that offered a high-end performance in the face of extreme weather conditions.

Also, the smoother braking that I enjoyed with these brakes is far better than mechanical braking sets. You will be glad to learn that these hydraulic brakes are highly responsive whenever required compared with the conventional brakes available on the market.

Another praise-worthy feature associated with the CNC MTB is its excellent performance in case of the wettest weather conditions in addition to the steepest downhills. This outstanding performance is indeed attributable to the cable-pull type hydraulic caliper. This caliper on the frontal and rear side is prepared with superior-grade aluminum material.

Also, there is a brake pad movement facilitated by the presence of the oil cylinder arranged in the two-way position. So, the smoothest braking is guaranteed with these brakes.

Why I Recommended CNC MTB Hydraulic Disc Brakes

If you have checked the number of hydraulic brakes for your mountain bike but still are not satisfied with their performance, I have the best suggestion. I am indicating towards the premium grade brakes like CNC MTB. These brakes will give you the best performance no matter what steepest trails you are riding on. Therefore, I strongly recommend you to opt for these great brakes. This is a worth considering option!

Have a look at recommended mountain bikes under $750 with top-notch hydraulic disc brakes

I had shortly purchased these brakes when they were released, and I am highly satisfied with their consistently best performance. These are two-piston hydraulic brakes that allow you to enjoy an unparalleled level of smoothness in braking over challenging trials or wetter weather conditions.

These 160 mm hydraulic disc brakes are the best companions to opt for if victory and speed are your ultimate goals. In addition to these features, the more accessible lever accessibility adjustment feature is also admirable.

Another best feature associated with Clark’s Cable Brakes is its compactness and lightweight design. These two features make these brakes unbeatable when it comes to braking power. Also, I should be grateful to the manufacturers of these brakes for adopting the highly durable yet lightweight construction materials to make these brakes.

Why I Recommended Clark’s Hydraulic M2 Brakes

Clark’s Cable is a package of happiness for all-mountain bikers ranging from entry-level to professional because these brakes are unbeatable in terms of smoother performance, noise-free operation, and highly durable construction. Considering my experience with these brakes, I would like to strongly recommend you purchase them to have the best experience of braking.

Planning to change mountain bike brakes? If yes, make sure to use mountain bike work stand to repair bike perfectly

How to Choose Right MTB Hydraulic Brakes?

After reading about the top-notch and best mountain bike hydraulic brakes, I hope you will now be in a better position to opt for the best brakes for your bike. If you succeed in this decision, you will enjoy all the benefits that I have outlined about different high-quality brakes. However, carelessness about the essential features may cause you to waste money and time.

To help you with this important decision, I have compiled some essential factors that play a significant role in the quality determination of hydraulic brakes for mountain bikes. Therefore, please continue reading to know more about these pre-purchase considerations. Here we go!

Ease of Installation

Based on my experience with the wide range of hydraulic brakes, I feel you should always go for the brakes that are easy to install. If you opt for the right kind of brakes from the top brands, as we discussed, they will provide you with a step-by-step guide. In this case, you will not have to invest money in getting help from a trained mechanic. Therefore, you need to check this before clicking the purchase button.

All-Weather Performance

Another important pre-purchase consideration that you should not forget is to check the durability of your brakes. If you go for the high-end costly brakes, they will give you the best performance no matter what type of weather or terrain you are driving upon.

Such hydraulic brakes are made with premium quality materials that enhance the lifespan and perform well no matter how severe weather conditions. Therefore, you need to opt for brakes that are strong enough to function in all circumstances. Some good options are:

• HOPE Tech 3 E4 Hydraulic Disc Brakes

• SHIMANO Deore XT M8100 Hydraulic Disc Brakes

FAQs about MTB Brakes

What are the best mountain bike brakes?

Different hydraulic brakes perform well for your mountain bike. However, some of them have shown the best performance consistently, and thus I suggest you procure them. They include CNC MTB Front and Rear Line Pulling Hydraulic Disc Brake Set, JGbike Shimano MT200 MTB Mountain Bike Bicycle Hydraulic Disc Brake Set, Magura USA MT7 Pro Hydraulic Disc Brakes, and Clark’s Cable Systems Front Hydraulic M2 Brakes.

Why are hydraulic brakes preferable over the conventional brakes?

Several professional mountain bikers have indicated the suitability of the hydraulic brakes for mountain bikes based on their experience. The main reason for preferring them is their lightweight yet powerful performance and their smoothness in braking.

Final Thoughts about MTB Hydraulic Disc Brakes Review

It’s time to give our final thoughts about the review and buyer’s guide on the best mountain bike hydraulic brakes. I hope you will be in a clear position to opt for the best product that I have just outlined. I have also narrowed down our choice to the top product, and that is:

• HOPE Tech 3 E4 Hydraulic Disc Brakes due to its excellent compatibility, lightweight and robust construction, and high-end all-weather performance
• SHIMANO Deore XT M8100 Hydraulic Disc Brakes due to the excellent construction, powerful braking and are easy to bleed

You may share your worthy suggestions and thoughts with us in the comments section. Thank you and take care!