With this article I will be giving you some of my thoughts on what the best mechanical disc brakes for gravel are.
Mechanical brakes are a very viable alternative for people who’re looking for an easier DIY maintenance of their brakes, the possibility of using mechanical brake levers, and as a much cheaper alternative to the average hydro setup.
And for those who’re into converting mountain bikes in do-it-all bikepacking and gravel rigs, mechanical brakes are a great way to save money and re-use existing brake levers. And since a lot of mechanical brakes are sold separately, even a mixed brake setup with a single disc brake up front with a large 180 or 200mm rotor is a viable option.
Mechanical disc brakes have been on the market for a very long time and were first introduced as an in-between solution for people who wanted to move away from rim brakes, without spending a fortune.
Mechanical disc brakes were especially popular in the cyclocross scene where people were already accustomed to riding with something else than your road brake calipers. And some brakes on this list can be seen in the competitive cyclocross scene.
I’ve already filtered possible options so this list contains only short-pull brakes which are compatible with road bike brake levers.
An element you do need to think about is whether or not you want to use hybrid brakes or not. Hybrid brakes operate the brake pistons using an oil reservoir. Although manufacturers might claim otherwise, maintenance of these oil reservoirs is necessary, whether it would be for a bleed or some other type of maintenance.
A lot of other information is brake specific, so let’s head over to my list of the best mechanical disc brakes for gravel riding.
Shimano Ultegra BR-CX77
The Shimano Ultegra BR-CX77 is the top choice for mechanical disc brakes from the Japanese giant, since I don’t know of the existence of any Dura-Ace mechanical disc brakes.
Shimano dubs these breaks as being meant for “cyclocross usage”, but I can’t think of any cyclocross-specific riding characteristic that has moved into the design of this brake. And the acceptance of disc brakes in general in the cyclocross community, where cantilever brakes still reign supreme, is disputed.
Wide-profile cantilever brakes are used in cyclocross for their exceptional mud-clearance, and obviously any disc brake, including the BR-XC77, will perform just as admirably in this respect if not better.
They’ve been on the market for ages and follow the traditional design of a fixed inboard pad and a single piston for breaking power, offering a sturdy and bulky look in a very nice-looking shiny gray finish.
At 159 grams for just the caliper, they are among the lightest mechanical disc brakes you can find. A comparatively priced Avid Shorty Ultimate cantilever brake, which doesn’t need a rotor and bolts, weighs 129 grams.
Both pads can be adjusted to even out wear, which is traditionally a bigger issue with single-piston mechanical disc brakes. And this can be done easily enough with 2.5 and 3mm allen keys. The fixed inboard pad is detented, which is a nice touch as well.
I would say that setting up these types of brakes correctly isn’t more involved than setting up your average cantilever brake. And even though mechanical disc brakes are still a very rare occurrence, both Shimano’s guidelines and online tutorials can show you a first-time user the way.
The brakes perform exceptionally well, both in terms of modulation and stopping power. Since you can lock up your wheel when mounted on a gravel bike, there really isn’t much more you could ask for.
The price can be a little deceptive, since it does not include brake rotors. Should you decide to fit a matching Ultegra 160mm, you’re looking at adding around another 100 USD.
- Excellent mechanical disc brakes, with great modulation, and adjustability. Worthy of the Ultegra monniker
- None
Paul Component Flat Mount Klamper
The Paul Component Flat Mount Klamper is the flat-mounted version.
- See post mount version
- See post mount version
TRP Spyre SLC
TRP has a number of excellent mechanical disc brakes in their lineup and the TRP Spyre SLC is their most premium dual-piston short-pull version, which operates purely mechanical (the HY/RD is a hybrid).
There are a number of reasons why you should want this as your go-to mechanical disc brake option for short-pull levers, e.g. road bikes. And there’s a good reason why you should want this more expensive one, over the cheaper TRP Spyre.
The first reason to choose a rather expensive brake, is that it feels very similar to your average hydraulic brake, yet is easier to set up, and easier to maintain. The dual piston action is similar to those found in every other hydraulic brake, and combined with compressionless housing, a necessity for these brakes, offers fantastic stopping power.
Though not the lightest out there, they are indeed very light at 146 grams, courtesy of a carbon fiber brake arm. Yet the brake also includes protective housing for the adjustment bolt that holds the brake pads, which are compatible with standard Shimano ones, in place.
A great feature that decreases the risk of debris, sand, and mud from being sprayed onto and into an area where you definitely do not want it to go. It also means less wear and tear on both pads and rotors, with increased stopping power.
While previously, the inclusion of the carbon brake arm alone couldn’t really justify the increase in price, this added piece of tech in a package which stills weighs less does in my mind, because it improves the brake’s functionality significantly in less than ideal conditions.
When compared to Shimano, and SRAM, these TRP brakes are being offered in a much less in-your-face package, which helps prevent incompatibility that might occur with certain frames.
Even pad wear is the promise of a dual-piston setup, and adjusting the pad alignment is made easier with a barrel adjuster sitting at the lever arm. The adjuster is bigger than where it sits at the arm, and it’s also made out of plastic. So it’s probably not the most long-lasting part of the brake, but barrel adjusters can be had separately.
All in all these disc brakes are probably the best dual-piston disc brakes money can buy.
- Fantastic dual-piston mechanical disc brakes providing long-term control and modulation in less than ideal conditions.
- Compressionless housing needed may make these fairly costly
TRP HY/RD
The TRP HY/RD is a hybrid mechanical disc brake, using a cable operated brake lever to move an oil operated dual-piston setup. These brakes were introduced years ago, when disc brakes on road bikes were just getting started. I’m not entirely sure, but I believe HY/RD stands for “hybrid/road”.
At the time these brakes made using disc brakes easier, since you didn’t need a very expensive brake lever overhaul. However, disc brakes on road bikes have replaced mechanically operated calipers as the go-to standard, so that particular requirement has become almost entirely obsolete.
It begs the question, whether or not these brakes are still relevant and whether you should consider them over the alternatives listed here. Especially since they are very expensive.
There is no doubt that these brakes are absolutely top-notch. Incredible braking power is held up with a forged aluminum body and bakelite pistons, which prevent excessive heat buildup and brake fading on long descents.
People often claim that hydraulic disc brakes always have superior braking power. That may be the case for a well-bled system, but you can’t brake any harder than locking up your wheels, and these brakes can do that and then some.
Dual pistons are easy to adjust and set up, as well as having a hydraulic braking feel to them.
Since these brakes have oil reservoirs, there’s a bleeding process involved. One of the key benefits of pure mechanical disc brakes is that you don’t have to bleed them. So at least the bleeding process for these ones have to be available in terms of tutorials, and easy to perform.
Easy is a relative concept, but at least I can objectively state that it’s much more involved and takes longer. If you’re familiar with bleeding brakes, you’ll know how these work and know what to do. That’s because you’ll need the exact same tools for the exact same steps, from syringes, to allen keys, to bleed blocks. If you don’t, and don’t want to learn, you should want to pay your LBS for it, or simply don’t buy these.
- Superior braking power in a hybrid mechanical disc brake package
- Lost the no-brainer maintenance with the introduction of the oil reservoir. Already expensive brakes need rotors and compressionless housing as well
Juin Tech F1
Unlike established brands like Shimano and SRAM, Juin Tech has managed to establish itself in the mechanical disc brake community on the back of the quality of their products. The Juin Tech F1 is their flat-mount dual piston hybrid mechanical disc brake, which is extremely popular for road, gravel, and cyclocross bikes.
In terms of performance, build quality, and design, it outstrips any other Asian competitor and has become a fan-favorite for online comparisons, hence its inclusion on this list as well.
There are a number of reasons why its popularity is well grounded. For starters, not only are the brakes offered in multiple flashy colors to match your bike, they are also otherwise great-looking brakes, with nice machining and premium looks. They clearly set themselves apart from other brakes, which can be pretty bulky.
Another attractive feature is that you have a dual-piston setup in the lightest body on the market (for the post mount version). At just 148 grams the brake is incredibly light making it an attractive option for people who’re into competitions or are simply attracted to saving as much weight as possible.
Brake feel and modulation is at the top-of-the-line, with only high quality hydro brakes offering a noticeable better performance, as is to be expected. Braking always feels predictable and controlled, and when set up correctly, long descents don’t introduce noticeable fading.
There are a number of things to keep in mind though. Because of the size of the body, the likelihood of decreased performance is higher than with heavier single-piston pure mechanical brakes. The smaller the piston, the quicker they can get stuck when contaminated. So a deep regular clean is recommended, especially after changing pads.
Another thing is that because it’s a hybrid brake common sense suggests that an occasional bleed is also necessary. I see comments floating around the internet that because it’s a closed system, the brake never needs a bleed, but I just don’t buy that. However, the lack of a manufacturer provided bleed procedure does support the notion.
And the last thing is that these brakes are pretty expensive as well for a mechanical brake only manufacturer, but price includes a set of rotors and bolts in multiple lengths. I recommend these if performance is at the top of your list. If you hate maintenance, go for Shimano or Paul Component Klampers.
- Very popular mechanical disc brake in lots of colors with chart-topping brake characteristics in one of the lightest bodies. Rotors are included
- Pretty expensive. High maintenance hybrid brakes that don't offer bleed procedure and have a number of issues assoicated with them.
Juin Tech GT-F
If you feel 2 pistons ain’t enough, why not go for 4 with the “grand tour” version of the Juin Tech F1, aptly called Juin Tech GT with an added “F” to denote you’re dealing with a flat-mount version.
In terms of design and looks, they are just as gorgeous as the F1, with multiple anodized versions available.
These brakes are expensive, but compared to some of the top-end hydraulic sets for road and gravel bikes, they’re still much cheaper, even after ordering a set of necessary compressionless housing to go with them.
A big adjuster bolt is used to move the pistons further inward as your pads wear, which can be considered to be only a minor disadvantage over regular hydraulic brakes that auto-adjust.
One of the biggest gripes with these brakes is the perceived lack of braking performance. But an accurately performed bedding-in procedure will do the trick of quickly getting your braking power at the level it should be. A single ride without any emergency braking in mostly dry conditions will do this for you.
Another issue that’s possibly more alarming is of pistons not or only partially moving. The 4-piston setup can be considered more delicate than a spring-operated single piston. And it seems this design runs a bigger risk of getting gummed up by road debris.
Cleaning pistons can be considered par for the course in disc brakes, but it’s good to be aware of the fact that it’s up to you to perform this operation to continue having a smoothly operating Juin Tech GT brake.
- More beautiful, more power, more modulation, more complexity, more maintenance is what sums up this gorgeous high-end mechanical disc brake.
- Not for the maintenance-adverse type
Specifications mechanical disc brakes for gravel
Name | Price | brake type | mount type | pistons | caliper weight | oil | rotor size | actuation | buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shimano Ultegra BR-CX77 | 79.995 USD | mechanical disc brake | flat-mount | 1 | 159 | short-pull | |||
Paul Component Flat Mount Klamper | 244.5 USD | mechanical disc brake | flat-mount | 1 | 211 | short-pull, long-pull, campy | |||
TRP Spyre SLC | 104.99 USD | mechanical disc brake | flat-mount, post mount | 2 | 146 | short-pull | |||
TRP HY/RD | 149.99 USD | mechanical disc brake | flat-mount, post mount | 2 | 205 | mineral oil | 140-160mm | short-pull | |
Juin Tech F1 | 168.95 USD | mechanical disc brake | flat mount | 2 | 148 | mineral oil | 160mm | short-pull | |
Juin Tech GT-F | 398 USD | mechanical disc brake | flat mount | 4 | 138 | mineral oil | 160mm | short-pull |
Johan van Seijen
FoundeR Restoration.bike
Johan van Seijen is the founder of restoration.bike. His passion for cycling in general, and restoring older bikes turned into a website to share his knowledge with a broader audience. Starting out on his father’s road bike and riding classics as the Amstel Gold Race and Liege Bastogne Liege he has shifted his attention to trail, XC, and gravel riding since. No matter how much he loves writing about everything related to cycling, nothing beats actually using his ever-expanding bicycle collection.
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