So you’re shopping for brand-new hydraulic disc brakes? If you’re not a seasoned biker, you might be struggling to make a choice with the endless options available. Things get worse when you’re tight on budget. Luckily, there are some perfect budget-friendly hydraulic disc brakes out there.
We’ve tested some of the top hydraulic disc brakes on the market, and it turns out that the Shimano Deore BR-M6100 brakes are the best budget hydraulic disc brakes. Thanks to its decent price and outstanding modulation and stopping power.
If you want a more budget-friendly option, consider the Shimano BR-MT200. It’s an incredible upgrade from the traditional mechanical rim brakes at an affordable price.
BEST BUDGET OPTION
Shimano BR-M200
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3 Best Budget Hydraulic Disc Brakes
In this section, we’ll review some of the best budget hydraulic disk brakes in 2023. The best-overall hydraulic disc brakes are the Shimano Deore BR-M6100.
If you’re tempted to try other brakes, the Clarks M2 and the Shimano BR-MT200 are decent options.
1. Shimano Deore BR-M6100
Our top pick for the best budget hydraulic disc brakes is the Shimano Deore BR-M6100. Manufactured by the Japanese brand Shimano, the Deore BR-M6100 is a robust, reliable, and affordable option for budget-conscious bikers.
In terms of design, the Deore BR-M6100 features a two-piston caliper paired with Shimano’s compact lever. The lever is stiff and durable as it’s made of aluminum. It offers a comfortable ride feel and the extra support needed for aggressive riding. It’s also lightweight with decent braking power and explicitly designed for cross-country riding.
The brake pads are optimized to offer excellent control during braking. Regarding the brake fluid, the M6100 uses mineral oil as it’s an environmentally friendly option.
The Shimano Deore BR-M6100 utilizes the Servo Wave technology, in which the brake pads have a shorter pull time to reach the rotor, allowing for a quicker initial response.
This design allows for better braking control, making the whole braking process more efficient and accurate.
Another essential feature of the Shimano Deore is the One-Way-Bleeding technique. The brakes come with optimized hosing to ensure no air bubbles remain in the caliper after bleeding. The funnel also allows for a better and cleaner bleeding process.
Regarding performance, the M6100 offers decent braking power and plenty of bites. The resin pads are pretty noisy, but they provide excellent braking performance.
Key Features
- Two-piston caliper design providing top-notch feedback and superior braking power and sturdiness
- Sero Wave Technology for accurate and effective braking
- I-Spec EV: a connection method that allows you to control the shifter horizontally and vertically
- Compatibility: any Center Lock design rotor goes well with the M6100
If you’re after a budget-friendly hydraulic disc brake set that offers consistent and reliable performance, the Shimano Deore BR-M6100 is your best bet.
2. Shimano BR-MT200
If you’re tight on budget and can’t afford the Shimano BR-M6100, the Shimano BR-MT200 is another affordable option from the Japanese brand.
This entry-level hydraulic disc brake set is an upgrade from the old mechanical brakes that offers top-notch stopping power and decent performance at a reasonable price point.
While this model doesn’t have all the advanced features of higher-end disc brakes, it offers most beginner and casual riders the needed braking power.
The Shimano BR-MT200 features a two-piston design that delivers ample stopping power and decent modulation. The brakes come with a full set for front and rear wheels, with room to add two more adaptors.
The brakes are also pre-assembled with pre-installed resin pads, so you don’t have to worry about installation and extra modifications.
The lever is made from durable stainless steel and comes with a universally applicable 3-finger design suitable for most bikers. Regarding the braking power, it’s adjusted to be ideal for entry-level riders.
Shimano didn’t deprive its budget-limited customers of an excellent bleeding system. With the One way bleeding technology, the hydraulic system in these brakes ensures there are no air bubbles in the caliper.
On top of that, the BR-MT200 is designed to produce 40% less rattling noise, which is ideal for riders who value a quiet ride.
Another feature we like about this brake set is the adjustment option for the ‘reach’ distance, which goes from the grip to the handlebar.
This feature allows you to find the right lever position depending on your personal preference. That way, the brakes can suit all hand sizes and riding styles.
Key Features
- Versatile design that’s suitable for all bikes and riding styles
- High-quality build design in this price range
- 40% less rattling noise
- Perfect choice for entry-level and casual riders
3. Clarks M2
The M2 hydraulic brakes from Clarks are another affordable option that provides a high level of stopping power and a decent performance without breaking the bank.
Like the two Shimano models, the Clarks M2 boasts a twin-piston caliper design that provides great stopping power and smooth braking, even in harsh weather conditions. Of course, you won’t get all the high-end features in this set, but it has much to offer for its price.
The lever blade is long enough and well-designed to provide a good grip, perfect for all hand sizes. Moreover, the blade’s position can be easily adjusted with an Allen bolt.
The Clarks M2 operates with mineral oil, which is environmentally friendly and needs minimal maintenance. The rotors are made from stainless steel, so they’re thin, lightweight, and yet durable enough to handle aggressive riding.
Overall, the Clarks M2 hydraulic brakes are a budget-friendly set that doesn’t look or feel cheap anyway.
Key Features
- High-quality finish
- An adjustable lever to suit all hand sizes
- Twin piston design, offering excellent stopping force
- Excellent value for money
What to Look for When Buying Bike Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Bike parts can be pretty expensive, and not all bikers have unlimited budgets for their gear. With so many options, it can be hard to know what matters the most and what’s just marketing hype.
That’s why it’s crucial to understand what to look for when buying your bike’s hydraulic disc brakes.
Let’s break down the things you need to consider when shopping for this essential bike component.
Rotor Size
The disk brake rotor is the metallic part attached to the wheel’s hub. The primary function of the rotor is to act as the surface on which the caliper and the brake pads exert pressure.
When you apply brakes, friction is generated between the rotor and the brake pads, which produces heat. That said, when the rotor size is larger, it can absorb more heat and dissipate it faster. This prevents overheating and brake fade and results in better braking performance.
However, not all bikers are after the same level of braking. Some bikers might prefer a more aggressive braking style or a specific brake feel. So there are several rotor sizes and designs to choose from depending on your needs, bike, and riding style.
For example, road and cyclocross bikes require small rotors that range from 140 and up to 160mm. This size range allows road bikers to have an acceptable level of braking power while keeping their bikes lightweight.
On the other hand, modern mountain bikes often require larger rotors for more braking power (180 to 220mm). Some mountain bikers use two different rotor sizes; a 200mm front rotor and a 180mm rear one.
For downhill bikers, braking power is always an advantage; that’s why they usually opt for large 200mm and 205mm rotors.
When shopping for new hydraulic disk brakes, remember that larger rotors absorb more heat but are quite heavy for some riding types. That’s why you need to target the smallest rotors that suit your riding style.
Disc Brake Pads Types
Disc brake pads are an essential component of hydraulic disc brakes. Their function is to suppress the rotor at high speeds to stop the vehicle. They operate by converting the bike’s kinetic energy into thermal energy through friction. But how?
When you apply the brakes, the caliper squeezes the brake pads onto the moving rotor. When this happens, the bike starts to slow down until it eventually stops. When the brake pads come in contact with the rotor, the heat causes the friction material to transfer from the pad to the rotor.
Now that the brake pad and rotor have friction material, they stick to each other, providing the friction needed to stop the bike.
Looking at hydraulic disc brakes, you’ll find that they come with different types of brake pads. The two most popular types are organic and sintered brake pads. So what’s the difference?
Organic Brake Pads
Resin, or organic brake pads, are made of a blend of organic materials such as rubber, glass, fibers, and resins.
Most hydraulic brakes come with organic brake pads. They’re quite soft and offer an excellent initial bite, which means they have a fast initial response when you apply the brakes.
They also do an excellent job of managing heat. On the downside, they can wear out faster than other brake pads. Additionally, they usually don’t perform well in wet and muddy conditions.
Sintered Brake Pads
Sintered brake pads, also known as metallic pads, are made from a mix of metallic particles and other materials that are compressed under high heat and pressure.
As such, they are extremely durable and offer excellent heat dissipation. They’re more suitable for aggressive riding styles such as downhill riding. They also do well on wet and muddy terrain.
Conversely, sintered brake pads can be noisy and produce more heat than organic ones. Though, they usually last longer. So they’re better for riders who prioritize durability, longevity, and performance on highly demanding roads.
Disc Brake Rotor Design and Material
The design and material of your disc brake rotor play a significant role in the braking power and overall performance of your hydraulic disc brakes.
For instance, some brakes come with stainless steel rotors. They’re lightweight, thin, and offer good durability. However, they might not be as durable as other rotor types. They also produce more noise, which might be an issue for some riders.
Aluminum rotors are also popular among riders. They’re lightweight and offer excellent heat dispersion. On the flip side, they tend to melt at a slightly lower temperature than rotors made from other materials.
Regarding design, rotors usually come with recessed slots and cut-outs. Such features allow mud, water, and road debris to clear out quickly.
Some manufacturers opt for additional design features to improve the rotor’s ability to dissipate heat.
For example, some rotors come with heat-dissipating paint for better heat management. Other disc rotors feature a floating design in which rivets connect the braking surface to an aluminum carrier. This design allows the rotor to dissipate the heat better and resist warping without increasing the rotor’s weight.
If you’re a regular cyclist, standard stainless steel or cast iron rotors are usually sufficient for everyday rides. Meanwhile, if you’re an aggressive rider who enjoys riding on wet and muddy terrain, you should consider rotors with advanced designs for a better riding experience.
Rotor Type
The rotor type is another crucial aspect to look for when shopping for hydraulic disc brakes. There are two types of rotors on today’s market; 6-bolt and Centerlock rotors.
6-Bolt Rotors
6-bolt rotors are compatible with the majority of bikes on today’s market. They can be easily used with many brake models since they rely on hubs to operate.
Though, the installation process might not be the easiest, especially for beginners. That’s because fixing the bolts and points for the hub mounts is pretty complicated.
Centerlock Rotors
Centerlock rotors are installed with one large central bolt instead of six bolts. Though, center lock rotors might not be compatible with many hubs and brakes because every rotor size is unique.
There’s minimal difference between the two rotor types in terms of performance. But some users find that center lock rotors are a bit heavier.
Brake Fluid
The brake fluid is an essential component of hydraulic brake systems as it’s crucial to transfer the force from the brakes to the pads, calibers, and rotors. Hydraulic disc brakes rely on one of two main types of fluid to operate; mineral oil and DOT fluid.
The brake manufacturer determines the type of brake fluid, and you should never switch fluid on your own. So which is better, DOT fluid or mineral oil?
The main difference between the two fluids is how they deal with water within the hydraulic system.
DOT fluid tends to absorb water, so your brakes might feel spongy over time, and you might need to change the liquid frequently. On the other hand, mineral oil is hydrophobic, meaning it doesn’t absorb water. However, this hydrophobic nature will cause any water inside the brakes to pool in low spots causing erosion in some cases.
It’s worth noting that DOT fluid is corrosive; it damages paintwork and, more importantly, your skin. Meanwhile, mineral oil is friendly to your skin, paintwork, and the environment.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your priorities, budget, and riding style. If you want an environmentally friendly option, go for mineral oil. If you’re an aggressive rider who rides for long descents, you might benefit more from DOT fluid as it’s more resistant to extremely high temperatures.
To Sum Up
Now you have the best budget hydraulic disc brakes; the Shimano Deore BR-M6100. It’s a high-performing, reliable, and affordable disk brake set that offers outstanding braking power for most riding styles.
With a two-piston caliper design and durable aluminum lever, the Deore BR-M6100 provides a comfortable ride feel and excellent braking control, even on harsh terrain.
If you’re after a more affordable option, consider the Shimano BR-MT200 or the Clarks M2. They both offer solid stopping power and are cost-effective as well.
