Editing Mountain bike (section)

===Disc brakes===
[[File:BrakeDiskVR.JPG|thumb|A front disc brake, mounted to the fork and hub]]
{{About||further information|Bicycle brake#Disc brakes|general information|Disc brake}}

Most modern mountain bikes use disc brakes. They offer considerably improved stopping power (less lever pressure is required providing greater braking modulation) over rim brakes under all conditions {{Citation needed|date=October 2022}} especially adverse conditions, because they are located at the center of the wheel (on the wheel hub).  They therefore remain drier and cleaner than wheel rims, which are more readily soiled or damaged. The disadvantage of disc brakes is their increased cost and often greater weight. Disc brakes do not allow heat to build up in the tires on long descents; instead, heat builds up in the rotor, which can become extremely hot.

There are two main types of mountain bike [[Bicycle brake systems | Disc brakes]]: mechanical disc brakes and hydraulic disc brakes. 

Mechanical disc brakes use a brake cable housed in a brake housing, which connects the brake lever to the brake caliper. When the lever is pulled, it tightens the cable, which in turn actuates the caliper and presses the brake pads against the rotor.

Hydraulic disc brakes, on the other hand, use a sealed hydraulic system instead of a cable. When the brake lever is pulled, it pressurizes the in-compressible brake fluid (typically mineral oil or DOT fluid), which forces the brake pistons to move the pads against the rotor. Hydraulic systems generally provide stronger and more consistent braking performance compared to mechanical brakes.