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Brakes are a very vital part of a bicycle from a safety perspective. It is not only a vital part with respect to safety concerns, but also well-maintained brakes enhance the comfort of the rider. And enhance the lifetime of the bicycle.
The cost to fix bike brakes can vary depending on the type of brake system, the extent of the repairs needed, and the location of the bike shop.
For basic brake adjustments, the cost can range from $20 to $50, but if the brake pads need to be replaced, the cost can range from $20 to $50 for a basic set of pads or $50 to $100 for higher-end pads. If the brake cables or housing need to be replaced, the cost can range from $20 to $50.
If the brake system needs a more extensive repair or replacement, such as a new rotor or caliper, the cost can range from $50 to $150 or more.
It’s important to note that some bike shops may charge a flat rate for labor, while others may charge by the hour, so it’s a good idea to call around and compare prices. Also, when doing repairs on a bike, some shops may charge for a full tune-up or service, so it’s best to ask for a breakdown of the costs.
There are different types of brakes with different cost which includes:
- Caliper brakes
- Cantilever brakes
- Disc brakes
- Linear Pull brakes
Caliper brakes which are also known as rim brakes are the most common type of brakes that are used in bikes. In fact, the most commonly used bicycles have these types of brakes and therefore they are the cheapest ones. Along with that, they are the cheapest to repair or replace.
Cost of Replacing Caliper Brakes (By Yourself)
Some of the YouTube videos can guide you to replace these brakes by yourself in your home. This will save you a lot of your money which would otherwise go into the replacement service at the shop. But keep in mind that the brake system is that simple to repair at home. You will need tools to open and repair the brake system.
Secondly, take proper guidance before opening or repairing the system as a small error can cause you a huge accident or injury. So be confident and get the necessary pieces of training.
The average cost of the caliper brake would be around 30 dollars (on Amazon marketplace) when you replace it at your home. But keep in mind that you will a repair toolkit which always costs much. But it is a one-time purchase. High-end rim brakes can cost you 600 dollars to 800 dollars for caliper brakes but in the end, it depends on the types of parts you are purchasing and their quality.
Replacing Caliper Brakes
Sometimes you need to replace one or two components of the brake system to replace not the whole system and that’s what should you replace not the whole system. There are two sets of brakes on the bicycle. One in the front and one in the rear which is usually used more than the front one. Common brake systems consist of pads, brake cables, and brake system levers.
How Much it Costs to Replace Brake Cables on a Bike
A brake cable is a component of cable that reaches from the caliper gripping to the brake lever but sometimes due to force or accident, it is worn out or frayed and therefore it is important to replace it. Here is the good news it is not difficult to replace it by yourself at your home. You can see particular videos on this on YouTube if you are doing it for the first time. Brake cable replacement will cost you around 10 dollars.
You can get a complete set of brake cables on the Amazon marketplace place which includes: Cable, cable housing, C clips, cable end crimp, and end caps.
Cost of Replacing Brake Pads on your Bike
Brake pads are a very important part of the brake system and it is worn with use in cars and trucks. So replacing it before its lifetime can save you from a lot of accidents or injuries. Its thickness is around 3 to 4 mm but as it goes down to 1 mm then you should replace it. As it may cause you a lot of trouble.
The replacement process for this component is very simple. Just loosen the screws on the outside of the pad that holds it and get it out. Replace it with a new one and tighten the screws again, simple. New brake pads can cost you under 10 dollars for the 4 sets, two for each tire.
Cost of Replacing Brake Levers on a Bike
The brake lever is also a component of the brake system that is cheap and easy to replace. It will cost you around 12 dollars. The process of replacement is simple, just disconnect the brake cables and remove the levers from the handlebar. Just take the new levers and place them onto the handlebars and reconnect them with the cables again and tight up the screws.
Also, read:
How to Cut Bike Brake Cable Housing?
Cost of Replacing Caliper Brakes at a Bike Shop
If you want to replace both the front and back brake system of the brakes at a professional shop then it will cost you around 80- 150 dollars or even maybe more depending on the material you want to use in the brake system. But keep in mind, that once you get the intuition that my brake system is not efficient or pads are worn out, replace it as soon as possible as it can save you from a lot of trouble.
Cantilever Brakes
Cantilever brakes are a commonly used braking system on bikes, especially on older models. While many riders have switched to linear-pull brakes as an upgrade, there are still many dedicated riders who prefer cantilever brakes, which is why they are still widely used today.
In terms of pricing, cantilever brakes are comparable to linear-pull brakes. You can find low-end cantilever brakes for as little as $10, while higher-quality sets may cost around $20.
If you need to fix your cantilever brakes, it can be a cost-effective option. As long as you have the right tools, the cost should not exceed $10 to $20. Alternatively, you can take your bike to a repair shop, where they will typically charge around $30 for a cantilever brake fix. When you factor in the cost of both labor and parts, the total expense will be around $40 to $50.
If you also need to address issues with the housing, you will need to add an additional $10 to the total cost. This means that including the housing, the repair will cost you approximately $50 to $60.
Cost to Fix Disc Brake
The cost to fix or maintain disc brakes on a bike can vary depending on various factors, including the type of disc brakes, the extent of the repair or maintenance needed, your location, and whether you do the work yourself or take it to a professional bike shop. Here are some general cost estimates for different types of disc brake repairs:
- Brake Pad Replacement: Replacing the brake pads for disc brakes is a common maintenance task. The cost of brake pads can range from $10 to $30 or more for a pair, depending on the quality and brand. If you do the replacement yourself, the cost is primarily the brake pad cost. If you take your bike to a shop, you may also incur labor costs, which could range from $10 to $30 or more per wheel.
- Rotor Replacement: If your disc brake rotors are damaged or worn, you may need to replace them. The cost of a single rotor can range from $20 to $60 or more, and labor costs may add an additional $10 to $30 or more per wheel.
- Bleeding (for hydraulic disc brakes): Hydraulic disc brakes may require bleeding if there’s air in the system. This process can cost between $30 to $60 or more per brake, including labor and the cost of brake fluid.
- Full Brake System Overhaul: If your entire disc brake system needs a comprehensive overhaul, including new brake pads, rotors, cables, housing, and adjustments, the cost can vary widely. You might be looking at $50 to $150 or more for this type of service, depending on the extent of the work required and the shop’s rates.
- DIY vs. Professional Service: If you have the skills and tools, doing the repairs and maintenance on your disc brakes yourself can save you money. However, if you’re not experienced with bike maintenance, it’s often best to have a professional bike mechanic handle the work to ensure that your brakes function safely and efficiently.
Please keep in mind that these cost estimates are approximate and can vary depending on your location and the specific requirements of your bike. To get an accurate estimate, it’s a good idea to obtain a quote from a local bike shop or mechanic. They can provide a more precise cost based on the condition of your disc brakes and the necessary repairs or maintenance.
Linear-Pull Brakes
One of the most popular brake systems commonly used on bikes is the linear-pull brakes. These brakes offer excellent stopping power with precise and smooth performance.
Whether you opt for a reputable brand like Shimano or choose a more affordable alternative, the functionality of the braking system remains the same. Repairing linear-pull brakes is relatively easy, and with some basic tools at hand, you can successfully fix them at home.
When selecting linear-pull brakes for your bike, you will come across various options that vary in quality, ultimately affecting the price. If you’re satisfied with a budget-friendly set of linear-pull brakes, you can find options as low as $14, making it one of the most affordable brake systems available. However, higher-end models for linear brake pads can also be found, costing up to $30. Consequently, a DIY approach to repairing linear-pull brakes will cost you between $14 and $30.
However, if you lack the necessary tools or prefer to have a professional handle the repairs, you can always take your bike to a repair shop. The average hourly wage for a bike mechanic is typically around $35 to $40 for a linear-pull brake system.
When factoring in both labor costs and the price of parts, the total cost can range from $50 to $70, depending on the type of linear-pull brakes you choose. If you also require brake housing, the total cost can increase to $60 to $80.
Conclusion
This guide was to apprise you of How Much does it Cost to Fix Bike Brakes. And I am fairly confident, I have been fortunate to describe easy and economical ways to fix your bike brakes.
Hopefully, this blog post will provide all the necessary information regarding the cost estimation of brake fixing as well procedure for the process of replacement. If you still have any quarry, feel free to ask in the comments section.
