Best Bike Brakes for Cyclocross Bikes of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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Bike brakes are a crucial component of any cyclocross bike. They allow the rider to control their speed and come to a safe stop, especially during steep descents or sharp turns. There are two main types of brakes available for cyclocross bikes: disc brakes and cantilever brakes. Disc brakes offer better stopping power and are more reliable in wet or muddy conditions, making them a popular choice among cyclocross riders. Cantilever brakes, on the other hand, are lighter and easier to maintain, but may not provide the same level of stopping power as disc brakes. It's important to choose the right type of brake for your specific needs and riding style.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross Cantilever Bike Brake Set, Front and Rear, Silver, MH1812 Cover #TOP 1
TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross Cantilever Bike Brake Set, Front and Rear, Silver, MH1812
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Juin Tech F1 Brake Caliper Set Cover #TOP 2
Juin Tech F1 Brake Caliper Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross Cantilever Brake Set Cover #TOP 3
TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross Cantilever Brake Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Bike Brakes for Cyclocross Bikes

TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross Cantilever Bike Brake Set, Front and Rear, Silver, MH1812

Oryx
Silver
TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross Cantilever Bike Brake Set, Front and Rear, Silver, MH1812 Cover
TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross Cantilever Bike Brake Set, Front and Rear, Silver, MH1812

TEKTRO Cyclocross Brake Set is a high-quality bike rim brake set designed for cyclocross bikes. It features forged aluminum arms that make it lightweight and durable. The brake set has a dimension of 23-37mm which makes it compatible with most cyclocross frames. It comes with 520.12 (55mm) standard pads that offer reliable stopping power and are easy to replace. The brake set is packaged in OEM packaging and includes one pair of front and rear brakes. With TEKTRO Cyclocross Brake Set, you can enjoy a smooth and safe ride on your cyclocross bike.

What We Like
Lightweight
Durable
Reliable stopping power
#TOP 2

Juin Tech F1 Brake Caliper Set

Gray
Juin Tech F1 Brake Caliper Set Cover
Juin Tech F1 Cable Actuated Hydraulic Bicycle Bike Disc Brake Caliper Set Extra Lightweight Hybrid Brake Set for Flat-Mount Road/Cyclocross/Gravel/E-Bike/Folding Bike use w/160mm 6" rotors (Gray)

The Juin Tech F1 Caliper Set is a hybrid brake system that combines the advantages of hydraulic braking with the convenience of cable operation. With these brakes, you can use them with any standard MTB or road-style integrated shifters, even those designed for rim brakes. This means you can enjoy increased power and better modulation without having to replace your entire groupset. The Juin Tech F1 Caliper Set is made of high-quality forged aluminum, making it lightweight and durable. Tested in demanding races, it offers outstanding braking performance and stopping power. With various color options available, these brakes are compatible with a wide range of bikes, including flat-mount road, cyclocross, gravel, e-bike, and folding bike models.

What We Like
Hybrid brake system
Increased power and modulation
Lightweight and durable
#TOP 3

TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross Cantilever Brake Set

Oryx
TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross Cantilever Brake Set Cover
TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross Cantilever Bike Brake Set, Front and Rear, Black, MH1811

This bike rim brake set features forged aluminum arms and comes with 520.12 (55mm) standard pads. It is available in black color and includes 1 pair (Front+Rear)/pack in OEM packaging. Suitable for cyclocross bikes.

What We Like
Durable forged aluminum arms
Comes with standard pads for convenient replacement
Stylish black color
#TOP 4

DIA-COMPE DC980 Brake Set

DIA-COMPE
DIA-COMPE
DIA-COMPE DC980 Brake Set Cover
DIA-COMPE DC980 Cyclocross Cantilever Brake Set (Front & Rear), Silver, DP2422

The DIA-COMPE Brake Set features durable forged aluminum arms that provide strength and stability, ensuring reliable performance during your rides. The included 1242 Straddle Cable Guide enhances cable management, making installation smoother and more efficient. With a sleek silver finish, this set not only functions well but also adds a stylish touch to your bike. Please note that this set comes in OEM packaging, so it is exactly as shown without retail packaging. This means you get exactly what you see, making it a straightforward choice for your cycling needs.

What We Like
Durable forged aluminum arms
Sleek silver finish
Efficient cable management
OEM packaging for convenience
#TOP 5

Juin Tech R1 Cable-Actuated Hydraulic Bicycle Disc Brake Set

Black
Juin Tech R1 Cable-Actuated Hydraulic Bicycle Disc Brake Set Cover
Juin Tech R1 Cable Actuated Hydraulic Bicycle Bike Disc Brake Caliper Set Extra Lightweight Hybrid Brake for Road/Cyclocross/Gravel/E-Bike/Folding Bike etc. use (Black)

The Juin Tech R1 is a cable-operated hydraulic brake that offers increased power and better modulation without the need to replace an entire groupset. It is easy to install and compatible with various bikes including Road/Cyclocross/Gravel/E-Bike/Folding bike. The brake caliper is made of forged aluminum and uses non-corrosive, high stability mineral oil. Available in different colors and is lightweight at just about 142g.

What We Like
Easy to install and compatible with various bikes
Increased power and better modulation without replacing the whole groupset
Forged aluminum caliper and high stability mineral oil
Available in different colors
Lightweight at just about 142g
#TOP 6

Akantor DB-700 Mechanical Disc Brake

Akantor
Rear brake
normal size
Akantor DB-700 Mechanical Disc Brake Cover
Akantor Road Bike Mechanical Disc Brakes DB-700 Bilateral Brake Piston Pull-by-Wire Brake Flat Mount Caliper Bicycle Accessories for Road/Cyclocross/Folding Bike (Rear Brake)

The Akantor DB-700 Brake offers a reliable double-sided mechanical braking system that ensures both brake blocks engage evenly, promoting consistent pad wear. This feature saves you from the hassle of frequent adjustments, as a simple barrel adjuster allows for quick and easy fine-tuning. Made from high-quality aluminum, the lightweight design enhances your bike's handling and flexibility, making every ride smoother. Additionally, the brake's optimized cable drive position provides precise control over braking force, giving you confidence in your stopping power.

What We Like
Even pad wear
Lightweight aluminum design
Easy adjustments
Precise braking control
#TOP 7

Juin Tech GT-P Hybrid Brake Set

Juin Tech GTP
Green
Juin Tech GT-P Hybrid Brake Set Cover
Juin Tech GT-P Cable Actuated Hydraulic Bicycle Bike Disc Brake Caliper Set Extra Powerful Hybrid Brake for Road/Mountain/Cyclocross/Gravel/E-Bike/Folding Bike etc. use(Green)

The Juin Tech GT-P Brake offers a unique hybrid braking system that combines cable operation with hydraulic efficiency, making it easy for you to install and use with standard MTB or road shifters. This powerful brake provides enhanced stopping power and superior modulation, ensuring a safer ride. Weighing just 133 grams per caliper, it is one of the lightest options available, contributing to better bike performance. The caliper is made from high-quality forged aluminum, and its compatibility with various bike types, including road and gravel bikes, makes it a versatile choice for any cyclist.

What We Like
Easy installation
Enhanced stopping power
Lightweight design
Versatile compatibility
#TOP 8

Dia Compe DC988 Cantilever Brake Set

Dia Compe
DC988
Silver
Dia Compe DC988 Cantilever Brake Set Cover
Dia Compe DC988 Cyclocross Cantilever Brake Set (Front & Rear), Silver, DP2567

The Dia Compe Brake Set features cold forged aluminum arms, providing durability and lightweight performance for your cyclocross bike. With dual spring tension adjustment, you can easily customize the braking feel to suit your riding style, enhancing control and comfort. The included OPC-12L pad ensures reliable stopping power, which is crucial during intense rides. Additionally, this set comes in an OEM package, making it convenient for direct installation without the need for additional retail packaging. These features together offer you a reliable braking solution that enhances your overall cycling experience.

What We Like
Durable aluminum construction
Customizable tension adjustment
Reliable stopping power
Convenient OEM packaging
#TOP 9

DIA-COMPE GC 999 Brake Set

DIA-COMPE
DP2566
DIA-COMPE GC 999 Brake Set Cover
DIA-COMPE GC 999 Cyclocross Cantilever Brake Set (Front & Rear), Silver, DP2566

The DIA-COMPE Brake Set is designed for performance and adaptability. With forged aluminum arms, this brake set is both lightweight and durable, ensuring reliable stopping power. You can easily adjust the rim, brake pad, spring, and straddle wire to suit your specific riding style, making it versatile for various conditions. The included OPC-12 pads enhance braking efficiency, providing smoother and more responsive stops. This set comes in an OEM package, which means you receive exactly what you see, without extra retail packaging, simplifying your purchase experience.

What We Like
Lightweight forged aluminum arms
Customizable adjustments for performance
Efficient OPC-12 brake pads
OEM packaging for simplicity
#TOP 10

Juin Tech GT-F Hybrid Brake Set

GT-F
Black
Juin Tech GT-F Hybrid Brake Set Cover
Juin Tech GT-F 4-Piston Cable Actuated Hydraulic Bicycle Bike Disc Brake Caliper Set Hybrid Brake Set for Flat-Mount Road/Cyclocross/Gravel/E-Bike/Folding Bike use (Black)

The Juin Tech GT-F Brake offers a unique hybrid design that combines cable operation with hydraulic advantages. This means you can easily install them with standard cyclocross or road shifters, making your setup more versatile. With powerful braking performance, you’ll experience enhanced stopping power and better control, allowing for a safer ride. Weighing in at just 138 grams per caliper, these brakes are the lightest 4-piston options available, ensuring your bike remains lightweight. Additionally, they have been rigorously tested in competitive settings, providing you with confidence in their reliability and effectiveness.

What We Like
Hybrid design for easy installation
Powerful braking performance
Lightweight construction
Tested in competitive races
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you use disc brakes in cyclocross?

Editor's Note: Disc brakes are here for cyclocross in a big way. Nearly every manufacturer is offering at least one disc-ready frame and many of the sport's heavyweights are adopting the technology for 2012-13.

2. Why do cyclocross bikes use cantilever brakes?

There's a logical explanation behind this phenomenon: Cantilever brakes have been an integral part of cyclo-cross because they're UCI approved, compatible with drop bar brake shifters, lighter than disc brakes – all while offering greater tire clearance than all other forms of rim brakes.

3. Can you turn a cyclocross bike into a road bike?

In all seriousness though, it's perfectly acceptable to ride your cyclocross bike as a road bike and just use a spare set of wheels with narrower road tires.

4. Are V-brakes better than cantilever?

Cantilever brakes offer better tire clearance than V-brakes and decrease the chances of mud accumulation. Unlike V-brakes, cantilever brakes are compatible with brake-shifters. This is one of the main reasons why we find cantilever brakes on touring and cyclocross bicycles.

Editor's Notes

During our bike brake for cyclocross bikes research, we found 24 bike brake for cyclocross bikes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,269 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bike brakes for cyclocross bikes list. We found that most customers choose bike brakes for cyclocross bikes with an average price of $58.31.

The bike brakes for cyclocross bikes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bike brakes for cyclocross bikes, including TEKTRO, Juin Tech, DIA-COMPE, Akantor. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 6 consumers with an average rating of 4.3.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.