Almost Everything you Need to Know About MTB Brakes [Podcast #263]

Vittorio Platania explains how hydraulic mountain bike brakes work, and shares his tips for maximizing their performance on the trail.

By Jeff Barber
September 23, 2020 Last Updated: January 3, 2024

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On this Episode

Vittorio Platania is the marketing manager for the Formula group based in Italy, and he’s here to fill us in on everything we need to know about mountain bike brakes.

We’ll discuss how hydraulic disc brakes work, and the factors that going into making a more powerful brake. Vittorio explains why brakes need to be bled, how hose selection plays into the overall system, and how rotor and pad selection can affect the feel of a brake. We’ll also get tips for braking and talk about potential areas of improvement for modern mountain bike disc brakes.

Info about Formula brakes at rideformula.com

This episode is sponsored by Boeshield (boeshield.com), makers of Boeshield T-9, a lube designed to waterproof your bike chain, lubricate cables, and prevent rust with its unique and effective all-in-one formula.

This month Boeshield is giving away a free prize pack to a lucky listener! Visit singletracks.com/Boeshield to enter — open to anyone the contiguous United States, no purchase necessary.