This is definitely an option that should keep your bike going for miles and miles to come. Extremely easy to set up and featuring dual sided actuation that forces the pads to produce equal clamping force, the SLCs have made their way into our top 5 most favorite road bike brakes. If you’ve ever tested the previous Spyre version, then you will tell that there is a huge improvement in terms of braking power. The bite point is very crisp, and modulation is decent enough for both on and off-road uses.

The Yokozuna Motoko is a great hydraulic braking system that provides you with pretty much everything you need to be able to fully rely on your bike when it comes to making a stop. You get everything you need in a single package: the 160 mm rotors, the cables, adapters and bolts that are needed to start mounting. If your bike usually runs a 140 mm rotor, you can use the adapter to fit the 160 one. Cable routing may present a bit of trouble, since it enters the barrel adjuster at the mounting bolt’s left side.

A solution for this problem would be to route the cable housing (which is pretty stiff) by using some insulation tape and a couple of zip ties to keep it out of the way. As long as you manage to get this problem solved, all you really need is a 5 mm Allen wrench and a T25 Torx. Overall, the Motoko is an ideal touring and road companion, with a simple pad adjustment and a caliper that weighs in at only 145 grams.

Available in beautiful metallic silver or black, the Shimano 105 is one of those products that manages to elegantly balance a smooth braking performance with a lightweight aluminum construction. The smooth operation is provided by the combination between the 2 pivot bearings and the dual-pivot caliper, managing to bring your bike to a stop with the performance of Dura-Ace and Ultegra. The braking pads should be very easy to change, just like it’s easy to adjust the brakes if needed.

These are possibly the best mechanical rim brakes that Shimano has ever manufactured and sold. They were the first brakes produced by Shimano to feature the dual-pivot design, which makes it super easy to mount the brakes on your bike. Even if they are a bit heavier compared to what you normally get from standard rim brakes, they are more powerful compared to the competition. In fact, its performance matches some road disc brakes we’ve seen, and that is nothing short of impressive. There is a combination of several elements (such as the solid architecture and the roller-guided upper arm) that work together to bring the cyclist true control over the bike’s braking system. Thanks to the cable clamp, you can make fine clearance adjustments when needed.

There was no way that we could leave SRAM out of this equation, so you must have seen it coming. SRAM always stands by its promises to deliver a good balance between the lightweight of their products and the superior braking power that every cyclist should be able to rely upon. The name isn’t just there for show: the front profile was designed to boost aerodynamics at a much higher level than its predecessors. Yes, the patented AeroLink arm that SRAM takes pride in was integrated into the design of the product. It’s here to give you great modulation without applying too much force to your handlebar braking lever. The cable clamp features spring adjusters and there is 4-position indexed release lever to allow fine adjustments to be made even as you ride. SRAM has really invested in the dynamics of this braking systems, to make sure that you can truly “ride like the wind”.

With a cable that runs all the way to the caliper and a super easy setup, these are some of the best road bike brakes you’ll ever feast your eyes upon. The pots and the hydraulic master cylinder are frame or fork-bolted to act as a single unit.  Thanks to the open hydraulic system, making an adjustment is as easy as pie. It seems that the only thing you will have to worry about on the long run is changing the pads as they wear out. The fact that the hydraulic system is enclosed means that there shouldn’t be any bleeding, unless the brake fluid somehow reaches a boiling point, which is highly unlikely since stress tests have proven this isn’t an issue.

What’s truly amazing about this system is the predictability it provides in most weather conditions. While it’s true that disc brakes are meant to perform well on dry and wet surfaces alike, the Hy/Rd mechanism will amaze you even on steep descents. It’s true that forcing the brakes downhill will result in a little bit of heat, but there is a minimal heat transfer to the caliper. You will notice that even if the rotors are hot, there is barely any warmth in the hydraulic system. Adjusting the filter will result in less lever force required to stop the bike. Even if this system is mounted on a road bike, you won’t be afraid to take on rougher roads with it. It can perform amazingly well in big road descents.

Available for both the front and read side of your bike, this braking set provided by Shimano is a favorite amongst people who like to go mountain biking and explore the roads away from the roads. They are a very good choice for people who find themselves racing downhill, because they provide excellent braking power and will make you feel a lot safer.

Mounting a set of these on your bike will make sure that you have just the right amount of braking force, even if you will have to sacrifice lightweight for it. But, as always, there are some downsides to having all this power. Aside from being a tad heavy, the braking force of this system also generated a lot of heat, so you might want to consider some sort of ventilation system (vented pads should do the trick).

Since there isn’t a whole bunch of modulation, you will experience some dead lever travel and might be annoyed by this stand-by point where nothing happens. In all fairness, there are lighter options available which can outclass the Shimano Saint brakes. This might be one of the reasons why this set has such a low price and allowed the products to be tested by some many mountain bike enthusiasts.

This brake set provided by Clark’s doesn’t really excel in terms of performance, meaning that the braking system is not as powerful compared to the juice provided by other manufacturers. The modulation itself is pretty average, but the long lever compensates for this just a little bit. There is a built-in dial that allows you to adjust the reach, but, sadly, it lacks the possibility to adjust the contact point. These brakes are more suitable for riders who are willing to sacrifice speed in order to get something cheaper. They aren’t recommended for those who like to take on steep downhill descents.

The Magura brakes impressed us the most so far. They provide a great balance between the braking power and the convenient price tag. There is a very short period of response between the moment the pads come in contact, which is excellent in dire situation where you feel you’re losing control of your bike. The small amount of modulation contributes to this benefit, as the second you start pressing the lever, you will feel the bike slowing down.

Since the lever itself is pretty long, it should be more comfortable to press, as well. You can easily use two fingers to brake, if you find it more comfortable. You can also adjust the lever reach if need be, but you will need the proper tools to do so.

The magnetic backing that’s present on the brake pads is a nice feature, as it allows you to snap them into position. The length of the hoses is more than enough and you will probably have to shorten them to keep them out of your way.

To set things straight right from the start: this is not a brake set for the low-budget shoppers. You will have to pay a pretty penny to get your hands on this hydraulic system that should fit snugly on every mountain bike. But if you so spring the extra bucks, you can rest assured that you’ll buy the best combination between performance and adjustability.

However, this purchase is not justified unless you’re a real mountain bike enthusiast that often find him/herself on complicated and bumpy trails. Since it integrates 2 sealed bearing, the lever is easily adjustable and smooth to operate. Due to the great modulation, you will have absolute control over your bike’s brakes.

But one of the true beauties of this braking system is the open caliper design that prevents overheating of the components with the help of a heat shield. Thanks to the titanium bolts that used in the system’s construction, you are able to benefit from a lighter product. Oh, and if you’re interested in regularly bleeding your system, you’ll be happy to know that these SRAM brakes integrate the Bleeding Edge technology.

A common feature of most Hope brakes is the single aluminum body that’s anodized in order to make sure the surface color doesn’t lose its shine and won’t easily get scratched. The performance of the V4 is quite consistent, as it should be considering how much you pay for it.

While we do like the fancy look on this particular braking system, we don’t like the fact that there is no mean to cool down the mechanism, as there is no technology integrated to prevent overheating. If you match this set up with a 200 mm rotor, you should be able to get just the right amount of brake power, in order to make sure you stop your bike in time. However, it is not the best performance we’ve seen to this day. You are free to customize the contact point and reach as you please, so that the lever will provide quite response and very little delay.

There’s a reason why Arlitz’s pads sell the way they do. Made from native Taiwanese rubber and don’t contain any asbestos or emery, which are quite a safety hazard. This particular set includes 3 pairs of 70 mm pads which are compatible with v-brakes for both mountain and road bikes.

Each of these pairs includes a pad for the left and one for the right side of your bike, so make sure you pay close attention to which is which before installing them on your bike. Since their design is slightly curved, they won’t hurt the wheel in any way. Every one of the break pads found in this convenient pack comes with 1 hex nut and 5 spacers. You will also receive an Allen wrench, for easy installation and removal of the pads.

Now here is a wide and generous variety of brake pads designed for different types of brakes. You have the possibility to choose from semi-metallic and metal compound brakes for Shimano, SRAM, Avid, Zee and more. The high number of compatible brake model are paired with quite some generous customer reviews that prove there’s something in this product page for everyone. Most of these pads are able to successfully withstand heat and perform with reduced noise levels. They are easily adaptable to most road conditions and durable enough to make sure they won’t need changing any time soon.

For a price that’s close to nothing, you can purchase this set that includes 2 pairs of right and left brake pads. They are easy to install and have been constructed in such a manner as to avoid that plasticky feel that leads to a lot of annoying squeaking. Since they are made of native rubber, they are able to perform well in just about any weather conditions, while also being heat and abrasive-resistant. The pack is complete with a set of dished washers and nuts that will allow easy adjustment and installing of the pads. However, you will have to bring your own tools to mount the pads on your bike.

Another very affordable set of braking pads is the one delivered by BASEEING. They are pretty similar in terms of characteristics to The Flying Wheels set we spoke of earlier. The kit includes 4 brake pads (2 sets) that are compatible with just about any type of v-brake.  Suitable for aluminum rims, the pads are made from a special rubber compound that guarantees a low level of noise.

The curved brake body is here to make sure that the pads won’t get in the way of your wheels. Sadly, the Allen wrench required to mount the pads isn’t included in the package. While it’s true that this set has a very low price, we feel that they are somehow too cheap (no wonder the seller’s page presents them as a “cheaper alternative”).

At double the cost of the previous 2 sets, you can get a beautifully-colored combination of brake pads from Pioneeryao. Be it black, silver, red, golden, blue of fiber, each one of these braking pads measure 55 mm in length, making them shorter compared to other models in this review round-up. The removable screw makes it easy to take the pads apart and remove them, which the grooves are meant to disperse the water to make sure that your feet won’t slip off the surface. Thanks to their all-weather compound, they should perform just as well in the fall as they do in the summer.

Aside from the 3 minutes spent trying to understand the “g” in “Pangda”, we found that this particular set of brake pads is fairly simple to use and decipher. You get 2 sets of both left and right pads, with an Allen wrench included for easy installation. Just like every other set in this round up, these babies also promised a reduced noise level thanks to the rubber construction. This should also translate in good breaking power in both dry and wet conditions, but we’ll leave that one for you to decide. Every pad comes with a nut and spacer, as well as a v-shaped pattern to allow water to roll off the surface of the pads.

If you are a fan of bargains, we’ve decided to add one more to this list: the Hotop brake pads. Available in black, blue and red, this 4 pad set is sold at a very good price, as long as you’re interested in products that are compatible with v-brakes. The curved brake body is here to make sure that the pads won’t get in the way of your wheels.

As with most similar models, these also have a curved design to prevent wheel contact. The combination between the rubber and the metal used in the construction of the pads should be able to provide you with a durable and anti-slip product. The grooves that are found on the surface of the pads should be able to get you rid of water that causes your feet to slip while pedaling in wet conditions. Each of the 4 pads in the set comes with its very own nut and 5 spacers for proper mounting.

With very good modulation and a decent combination between cold-forged arms and titanium bolts, the SRAM brakes should be pretty good for the average biker. The system comes with a spar that closes the gap between the caliper’s arm and the point where the cable goes inside the brake. This system will make sure that your bike can reach a halt without flexing that causes distraction. The caliper comes with a quick-release mechanism for those who are looking for an easy way to remove the wheel.

First thing’s first: the product in the link is the front brake developed by Hope, but there is also a rear model available if needed.  That being said, what makes this brake system so special? You’re going to love the adjustability and high-quality construction of the X2. Their dual piston caliper is oriented towards bikes that are taken on trails or cross-country roads. There are two large dials on the front that will help you adjust both the bite point, as well as the reach. There is a very good balance between the bulkiness and generosity of the construction. But even with its solid construction, the system doesn’t seem to perform all that well in wet and muddy conditions. There are some organic pads located within the caliper.

It is no secret that Shimano delivers some of the best bike brake systems in the world.  With a lever made from carbon fiber that feels both durable and pleasant to the touch, Shimano has paid attention to all the small details that form a product as good as this brake. So, what can you expect from this particular braking set?

Thanks to the insulated glass fiber piston that’s combines with a nice insulated pad coating, you can rest assured that heat won’t be a problem for this system. Heat control really is taken to the next level. Another feature that’s important for cyclist that are looking to lose some extra weight is the fact that the Shimano system doesn’t add that much on your bike. That’s because the components of the braking system use a combination of carbon with a magnesium caliper.

As we mentioned in the beginning of the article, v-brakes aren’t exactly a modern and very reliable choice. They are, however, preferred by veteran cyclist, who like to ride old-school on a mechanism they’ve known and understood since forever. These v-brakes are made from a combination of plastic and aluminum alloy which, surprisingly enough, doesn’t make them as light as you think. The set comes with its very own included brake pads. Due to their simplicity, the brakes are also easy to install, with a strong set of springs that allow a good level of adjustment.

The M9020 is giving us a lot to talk about and, as the price tag has probably suggested already, you’ll be paying a lot of money for one of the best endurance brakes we’ve ever seen. Thanks to the integrated Servo Wave technology, you have great braking power with a slight press of the lever. But let’s start at the beginning. Every brake system developed by Shimano has always been easy to install, provided you’ve previously held a screwdriver before.

There is a difference between the mounting of the front and back brakes. The front calipers are mounted with normal Shimano bolts, while the back ones have a particular set of lightweight ones. Shimano has a bleed kit that makes the process a lot easier.

But what about the performance of these brakes? We have to admit, they do provide a great balance between the performance and the lightweight of the system.  However, there is a noticeable difference between the performance of the front brake and the one placed at the rear. The level firmness feels a bit limited due to the lightweight design of its housing.

Another downside would be the not-so-generous housing of the reservoirs that allow a low volume of fluid to be added. As mentioned, the rear brake lever feels a bit stiffer and doesn’t provide good modulation, problem that could be fixable by a more generous amount of fluid. The good news is that you will most likely rely on the power of the front brake and no so much on the rear one. Overall, the M9020 is still one of the best kits we’ve ever seen.

A lot of you may have already heard that 2% of the world’s population holds 98% of the fortune. Things seems to be pretty similar on the bike brake market, since there are about 4 major players that sell 96% of the best bike braking systems. And SRAM is no exception, considering that yet another one of the braking systems has found its way into this review. There are lots of things you’re going to appreciate about this system.

The heat dissipation capability is one of them. Second, the modulation. In fact, the Code R performs so well at this chapter, it can even help you face winter’s wrath by making sure wet rocks and frozen mud won’t get in the way of your braking system working at optimal performance. Another thing you can’t complain about is the durability. No wonder these brakes cost so much.