Mountain Bike Maintenance: Repairs, Brakes, and Gear Shifting

Keeping your mountain bike in peak condition involves regular adjustments to hydraulic disc brakes, chain tension, and Shimano shifters. Learn the difference between tube and tubeless tires and how to convert your mountain bike into a stationary exercise bike.

Two men riding mountain bikes on rocky ground

How to Get Mountain Bike Disc Brakes to Stop Squeaking

Published Jul,14 2011 | By Darla Ferrara

Disc brakes work differently than traditional systems you find on some multi-speed bicycles. They have a rotor, or metal disc, that turns with the wheel. Brake pads press against the rotor, as opposed to the rim of the wheel. A disc brake system on a mountain bike would be similar to one on any style of bicycle.