Brake fluids and mineral oils

Brake fluids and mineral oils are essential components of the brake systems of many modern bicycles, especially those with hydraulic disc brakes.

What types of bicycle brake fluids are there?

Hydraulic disc brakes typically use brake fluids that come in two basic types: DOT (Department of Transportation) and mineral oil.

DOT brake fluid: This type of brake fluid is a synthetic fluid that meets specific Department of Transportation standards. DOT brake fluids are known for their high boiling points, which help prevent brake fade during heavy braking. They are commonly used in mountain bikes and some road bikes. DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 are common grades of DOT brake fluid, with higher numbers indicating a higher boiling point.
Mineral oil: On the other hand, mineral oil is a non-corrosive and non-toxic alternative to DOT brake fluid. It is commonly used in Shimano hydraulic disc brake systems. Mineral oil-based systems are valued for their consistent performance and ease of maintenance. They are less prone to absorbing moisture compared to DOT brake fluids.

When choosing between brake fluids or mineral oils for your bike's brake system, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Mixing the two types can lead to damage or failure of the brake system. Regular maintenance, including bleeding the brake lines, is essential to ensure optimal brake performance and safety.

Check out our video "Quick way to bleed Shimano brakes"

99% of customers recommend MTBIKER

4.9 14 858 ratings

19 hours ago

Nothing new, simply a perfect shop

Verified customer

22 hours ago

Lightning-fast delivery speed .... I ordered one day and the next day they were in the box

23 hours ago

Everything works as it should. Thank you.

1 day ago

Top-notch

3 days ago

If you are not sure about the size, or if the sizes are different than you would expect, there is an option to order multiple sizes to a brick-and-mortar store, try them on there, and take the one that fits. The advantage is that you receive a notification about it, and therefore they have exactly what you chose. The disadvantage is that you have to make the trip for it, but that cannot be avoided, so OK.

You can buy everything in one place

Communication with the store is very good, and it is also in a quite good location in Banská Bystrica. The goods I ordered were in the central warehouse, and in the afternoon they were already prepared for me at the store. The opening hours are an advantage. So you can still manage to pick up your order even after work. Great for me. Overall, a wide range of goods, there is plenty to choose from.

I am extremely satisfied and recommend this store. The delivery speed is super.

4 days ago

Fast transaction.

I generally like this store very much (in my opinion, the best store in Slovakia), but I would have one suggestion for improvement regarding communication (hence only three stars in this category). Prioritizing emails over phone calls, in my opinion, costs much more time – both for clients and the store's staff. Of course, I am aware that often email is faster, for example, by sending a photo of the component being addressed, or a more detailed breakdown of the problem, but in the vast majority of cases, a call is a faster form of communication.