Raising the Bar in Bicycle Brake Performance

Over the past decade, hydraulic disc brakes have taken the mountain bike world by storm – and their influence has spread far beyond MTB into road, gravel, and e-bike segments. While their design shares some DNA with automotive braking systems, the demands of bicycle brakes are uniquely challenging.

One of the biggest talking points in the industry remains the choice between DOT brake fluid and mineral oil. Each has its strengths. Each has its advocates. And both can deliver exceptional performance when used in the right system. But when it comes to the needs of elite riders, there’s more common ground than you might think.

What Top Riders Demand

At the highest level, performance isn’t negotiable, it’s expected. Whether their system runs on DOT or mineral oil, riders are looking for three core attributes:

1. Outstanding brake feel
   Brake feel is more than just “stopping power”  it’s the fine-tuned feedback a rider gets through the lever. A fluid must deliver precise, responsive lever action with minimal sponginess. That requires low viscosity and low compressibility, and for both to remain stable even as temperatures soar during sustained braking on long descents.
   
   What it means to the rider:
   
   
   • On road bikes, this translates into smooth, progressive braking when scrubbing speed before a tight bend at 40km/h.
     
     
   • On downhill runs, it means you can feather the brakes without locking the wheel, maintaining traction and control over rough terrain.
     
     
   • On gravel and endurance rides, it helps avoid sudden “grabs” that can unsettle the bike, particularly on loose surfaces.
     
     
2. Instant piston release
   On premium brake setups, the gap between the piston and rotor can be as tight as 0.2mm. This makes seal lubrication critical for effective piston rollback. A fluid needs high lubricity, full compatibility with the seal material, and tight control over seal swell to keep everything operating smoothly.
   
    
3. What it means to the rider:
   
   
   • Quicker recovery between brake applications, so the rotor spins freely with less drag.
     
     
   • Reduced arm fatigue on long rides because you’re not constantly fighting friction.
     
     
   • Better heat management since the pads aren’t lightly dragging and building unnecessary temperature.
     
     
4. Minimal air and fast de-gassing
   Air in the system is the enemy of braking performance. During bleeding and maintenance, the fluid must resist air entrainment and release any trapped gas quickly to ensure consistent braking performance.
   
   What it means to the rider:
   
   
   • Confidence that your brakes will feel the same from the top to the bottom of a descent.
     
     
   • More predictable braking in variable conditions, whether it’s cold alpine passes or hot summer races.
     
     

Performance in the Real World

For the end user, the benefits of high-performance brake fluid are tangible:

• In road cycling: Brake later, with more confidence, knowing the system will respond instantly and predictably every time. That means more control through technical corners and descents, and a safer, faster ride overall.
  
  
• In downhill MTB: Attack the steepest, most technical sections with total trust in your brakes. The feel remains consistent, even after minutes of heavy use, without that dreaded “fading” sensation that can compromise control.
  
  
• In e-bikes and heavy-duty use: The extra weight and speed demand more from the braking system. A high-quality fluid keeps everything sharp and responsive, even under repeated hard stops.
  
  

Ultimately, it’s about rider confidence. The right fluid doesn’t just stop the bike — it lets the rider brake later, ride faster, and push harder, knowing the system will keep up with their ambitions.

DOT vs Mineral Oil – Myths Riders Should Forget

The DOT-versus-mineral-oil debate has been around for years, and it’s easy to get lost in brand loyalty or outdated information. Here are three myths worth clearing up:

“Mineral is always better.”

Not true. Mineral fluids are generally perceived to be more environmentally-friendly, but this isn't necessarily the case. While DOT fluids are tightly regulated and need to meet specific standards, mineral oils are not, so their performance can vary wildly from brand to brand.

“Mineral oil brakes need less maintenance.” 

Only partly true. Both systems require proper bleeding and care. While mineral oil is less hygroscopic (absorbs less water) than DOT, it is also more susceptible to air in the system. So, each requires proper care to guarantee the best performance.

“You can swap between DOT and mineral oil if you want.”
Never. The brake system is designed for one or the other, and mixing or switching can damage seals, reduce braking efficiency, and void warranties.

The real truth? For the rider, what matters most is that the fluid matches the brake design, and that the formulation has been developed to maintain feel, consistency, and safety under real-world riding conditions.

Where Orthene Fits In

At Orthene, we’ve spent decades at the forefront of brake fluid innovation supplying many of the brands riders already trust, often without them realising it. Our expertise in both DOT fluids and mineral oils means we can deliver the most advanced, precisely engineered formulations on the market, tailored to the exact needs of bicycle braking systems.

If you’re developing or refining a high-end braking system, we’d welcome the chance to discuss how we can help you deliver the performance your riders expect and deserve.