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Best Mountain Bike Brakes

Updated September 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Shimano Rear V-Brake
Shimano
Rear V-Brake
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Bottom Line

This mountain bike brake offers smooth operation, mudguard, and a long lifespan.

Pros

Comes with a 90° noodle and rubber boot. Easy to install in seconds. Enables you to instantly lock up a mountain bike's rear wheel. Boasts strong retraction springs. Equipped with adjustment screws so brake won't rub against wheel.

Cons

Finish wears down quickly.

Best Bang for the Buck
Alritz Mountain Bike V-Brake Set
Alritz
Mountain Bike V-Brake Set
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Bottom Line

A first-rate mountain bike brake that's affordable and crafted to last.

Pros

Curved design helps limit noise. Made of rubber and aluminum alloy for performance in all weather conditions. Sand-guide grooves to reduce risk of wheel rim damage. Includes brake pads; each comes with 1 hex nut and 5 spacers.

Cons

Subpar rubber quality. Brake pads can be lumpy and bumpy.

Wake Mountain Bike V-Brake Set
Wake
Mountain Bike V-Brake Set
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Bottom Line

A high-end mountain bike brake that's expertly constructed from premium materials.

Pros

Aluminum alloy and plastic deliver an unbeatable mix of versatility and strength. Designed to fit 99% of V-brake bikes. Ideal for kid and adult mountain bikes. Easy to adjust as needed. Sold with brake pads.

Cons

Can be hard for first-timers to install.

AFTERPARTZ Mountain Bike Disc Brake Kit
AFTERPARTZ
Mountain Bike Disc Brake Kit
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Bottom Line

A mountain bike brake that delivers outstanding heat dissipation and durability.

Pros

Red copper and resin fiber brake pads can heat up to 650°F. Stainless-steel rotors are smooth and flat. Simple to install, even for novices. Features dual pad adjusters with floating pad holders.

Cons

Pricey compared to similar options. Not intended for heavy-duty cycling.

Ztto Mountain Bike V-Brakes
Ztto
Mountain Bike V-Brakes
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Bottom Line

This brake performs beautifully on both mountain and road bikes.

Pros

Provides instant upgrade over cantilever options. Works seamlessly on broad range of bikes. More affordable than many comparable options. Comes with user-friendly adjustment screws. Sold with handy installation tool.

Cons

May break easily, even after limited use. Springs often need tuning prior to installation.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

76
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
10
Hours
Researched
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The team that worked on this review