Best budget MTB hydraulic brakes? I mean, with the incredible and top of the world performance of the hydraulic disc brakes, is it even possible to get a set for less than $100?
Hydraulic brakes are one of the two disc brakes available, other than the mechanical disc brakes. They are definitely more expensive than their counterparts, given the higher stopping power and efficiency they bring.
Nevertheless, we already have a list of budget MTB brakes that lie under $100. And not just pocket friendly, but the brakes are also highly competitive, and actually in most instances comparable with the more expensive types. As if that’s not enough, we got you a buying guide that comes in handy when trying to make an ideal choice.
Best Budget MTB Hydraulic Brakes
Without further ado, let’s skip to our top pick of budget hydraulic brakes. So, let’s get down to the list:
1. JGbike Shimano MT200: Best Budget Hydraulic Disc Brakes Mtb
A Shimano under $100? Of course, and, as always, the quality is still the reputable Shimano classy quality. To ease your installation process, the brakes further come pre-assembled and pre-bled.
Essentially, the brakes are compatible with 26″, 27.5″ and 29.5″er, complete for both the front and the rear wheels. While the front is for 180mm rotors, the rear is suitable for 160mm rotors.
More importantly, these brakes’ stopping power is from the top-end models, that is, XT and SLX.
Wondering whether the hose specifications are suitable for your specific bike? Well, the front brakes have a left hose that measures 800mm, while the rear comes with a right hose the length of 1500 or 1650mm.
Other than the hose and the brakes, the package further contains an IS mount bracket for 160mm rotors and a post-mount bracket for 180mm rotors. Then, there are four installation bolts to complete your mounting task.
Pros
- Pre-installed and pre-bled
- Excellent stopping power
- Suitable for most mountain bikes, fat bikes, and e-bikes
Cons
- You have to purchase the rotors separately
2. Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brake: Best for Front Brake Replacement
Are you skeptical about switching your mechanical brakes for hydraulic ones, so you would instead start with one? This Tektro front hydraulic disc brake set is a good start, given that the budget is also favorable.
In addition, the brake stopping power is incredibly generous, no doubt it will clear your doubts so that you can complete the brake system with hydraulic brakes. It uses a dual-piston system, which is open.
Besides, the hose length for the rear is 850mm, which is typical of most mountain bikes. Also, the rotor is 160mm, with a polygon airflow.
The brake caliper pad, which is for the front wheel, is a high-performance metal ceramic compound, which is quality and comfortable.
As for the whole package, you will get one brake caliper with its brake pad, a left brake lever, a hose, and a 160mm rotor.
Pros
- Aggressive stopping power
- High quality
- Easy to install
Cons
- Specific for the front wheel
3. Lixada HB-875 MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake Kit: No More Oil Leaks
Oil leaks are a significant complaint among hydraulic brake users, which is why Lixada has found a way to get around it. Therefore, the brakes come with the integrated brake lever and oil tube, which prevents the occurrence of oil leaks.
On top of that, these brakes’ braking performance is efficient and reliable, exceeding the cost expectations by miles. Compatible with 160mm bike rotors, the brakes are a good investment on your mountain bike.
Furthermore, the general construction is quality and durable, being of aluminium alloy. The brake levers are also two-way, facilitating the lifespan of the rotors on MTBs.
Then, the overall installation is simple and time-saving. The right and left brakes, and works well with handlebars measuring 22mm, ideal for ease in control.
Pros
- Design that prevents oil leaks
- Quality and durable design and material
- Easy to install
Cons
- The package does not include rotors
- Reversed hose assembly that could be confusing
4. Keenso Mountain Bike Hydraulic Disc Brake: Best for Beginners
If you are just starting out on mountain biking and want your bike spiced up with hydraulic brakes on budget, Keenso has your best pick. It is easy to brake and reset, which will keep you safe and confident in your ride.
Essentially, the bike is made from durable aluminum alloy, which does not rust, hence will not affect the braking efficiency even over time.
Besides that, the brake set is easy to install, as its design integrates the handlebar and the brake pipe. This aspect further adds to the safety and strength that the brakes bring.
Bringing smooth and comfortable handling is the exquisite piano paint, which leaves a delicate texture on the calipers. With a high-strength hose, the brakes become an efficient choice that you will love your new venture in.
For a suitable MTB fit, the front cable is 75cm in length while the rear cable is 135cm. Also, they are applicable to handlebars with a diameter of 22.2mm.
The package contains four screws, in addition to the two pairs of brake sets. Lucky for you, you have a color option with this brake set, from purple, green to silver.
Pros
- Quality and durable material and design
- Comfortable to handle and operate
- Easy to install and maintain
Cons
- There are no rotors in the package
5. Bucklos MTB Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Economic Brakes
The cheapest set of hydraulic brakes for MTB in this list, the Bucklos is still a better relief from mechanical disc brakes. Let’s have a look at the impressive specifications that the brakes have to offer:
First off, the brakes feature a light one-fingertip pull, which is the best option you can have in steep and wet downhill situations. The brake levers and calipers are an aluminum alloy which is quality. Coupled with thick anti-wear tubing and hydraulic hoses, fraying, rusting, kinking and breaking will be out of your way. Besides, compared to cable brakes, maintenance and adjustment of these brakes will be easier.
Over and above that, the brakes are simple to install. This comes from the front and rear brakes having a conversion seat AB column frame, which facilitates universal installation. The brakes are 2-way, thereby preventing faster rotor wear.
Using a three-finger brake lever, the brake system is more convenient to operate. In any case, the brake set is compatible with most MTBs available.
You should expect one hydraulic disc brake for the front wheel, and one IS front 160mm disc brake caliper mount adapter, and a pair of screws in the package.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install and maintain
- Quality and durable set
Cons
- Comes in only the front brake set
Buying Guide for Best Budget MTB Hydraulic Brakes
1. Cost
You are looking for hydraulic brakes on budget, right? For this reason, it is essential that you consider the cost of the brakes before purchasing them. The best part about today’s competitive market is that it works for your favor, as the buyer. The more the products on the market, the more the possibility of getting cheaper products.
Nevertheless, cheap is always associated with poor quality, and with good reason. Therefore, ensure that in your quest for cheap hydraulic brakes you do not compromise the quality. Ensure that the quality is competitive before getting the bait of the pocket-friendly cost.
As proven by the brakes in this list, you can get hydraulic brakes that are on budget, yet whose quality is credible.
2. Quality
Quality is the first factor that you need to consider when buying anything, and hydraulic brakes are no different. This is because when it comes to brakes, your life is also at hand. Therefore, you need brakes that you will be sure will not let you down mid-downhill.
The good part about hydraulic brakes is that they don’t rust or easily brake, but this is not a unoiversal statement. Especially when looking into budget brakes, be sure that the quality will be worth the hassle in the first place.
3. Stopping Power
The better the stopping power, the more efficient brakes are. Brakes that stop as soon as you brake give you a higher advantage with your safety, especially when riding MTB trails.
Therefore, invest in hydraulic brakes that assure you of better braking power. Lucky -for you, hydraulic brakes are better in this sector compared to mechanical brakes. But even so, get a competitive set!
4. Quantity
Brake sets are sold either in pairs or in singles. If you want just one brake set, say for the front, then invest in just that one. If you need both the rear and front brakes, then go for a set that guarantees you both. This way, you will not end up disappointed just because you didn’t know that this discrepancy existed.
5. Rotor
Mountain bikes use hydraulic brakes that are at least R160mm. These will be efficient for stopping the bike regardless of the steepness of the trail.
Moreover, hydraulic brakes come with rotors, while others require you to buy the rotors separately. Take note of this also when deciding on your best set.
6. Ease in Installation
Consider the ease in installation of the hydraulic brakes when making a purchase. You can get a pre-assembled set and even pre-bled, so if you are new to the use or dislike the process, get these. You will only have to mount them on your bike.
7. Hose Size
The hose size of the brakes will determine whether the brakes are suitable for your bike size. Get brakes that will not have a hose size that is too small for your bike for compatibility.
8. Your Bike Compatibility
Your bike has to be compatible with disc brakes for it to accommodate the hydraulic disc brakes. Ensure that the bike has disc mounts, which, fortunately, are in all MTBs today. But since yours may be older, or just without, simply confirm.
If the disc mounts are not available, you can buy disc brake adapters, which will allow you to use the hydraulic brakes on other bikes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are hydraulic brakes worth it?
Yes, they are worth it. Being disc brakes, they rarely wear out the rotor, hence a longer lifetime. Also, unlike mechanical disc brakes, hydraulic brakes have higher stopping power and are easy to maintain, and have a longer lifespan.
Are Shimano hydraulic brakes good?
Yes, they are good. Actually, Shimano hydraulic brakes are among the best set of brakes that you can get with hydraulic disc brakes.
They have high stopping power and are generally high quality. The best part about Shimano brakes is that they already have a name, so, if you are stuck with brakes, you can always trust a Shimano.
Are disc brakes better than V brakes?
Yes, they are better than v brakes, because they are more efficient. V brakes stop the wheel by stopping the rim and usually wear the rim out quickly. On the contrary, disc brakes use the rotor to stop the wheel, which lasts longer than the rim used in v brakes.
How often should you bleed hydraulic brakes?
How often you bleed the brakes will depend on how much you ride. If you just ride normally, then every 6 months will do. However, if you ride often and over long distances, and situations where you have to brake a lot, then you will have to reduce the duration.
In a Nutshell:
If looking for the best budget MTB brakes, then your search probably ends here. What, with a top list that considers your pocket as well as the quality and performance of the hydraulic disc brake suggestions?
You can now increase the performance and confidence on your mountain bike, and also venture into new trails that you feared out of an inefficient braking system.
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