Bicycle brakes become a required component that must be considered. As is well known, the brakes on a bicycle serve a crucial purpose: slow or stop the bike safely and pleasantly.
Bicycle brakes consist of three primary mechanisms:
- Activation is the component that operates to activate the brakes via levers, levers, pedals, and other controls.
- Consisting of cables, hydraulics, and chains, this system is used for transfer.
- Brakes, which hold the wheels via clamping, consist of drums and calipers.
Bicycle brakes have evolved into a variety of forms that are also model-specific, as an example of a bicycle with drum brakes, which are exclusive to jengky and onthel models.
Here are some types and functions of bicycle brakes that cyclists should be aware of:
1. Rim Brake
Rim brakes, sometimes known as rim brakes, are a form of bicycle brake that has existed for a very long time. Despite this, rim brakes are still utilized on many bicycles today.
There are also numerous bicycle rim brakes, ranging from everyday bicycles to race bicycles.
In addition to the low price, the design is pretty simple and lightweight. This is the reason why rim brakes remain popular among many individuals.
There is no doubt that the rim brake can stop the bicycle wheel because the rim brake will immediately rub the rim or bicycle wheel upon application of the brake lever.
Rim brakes have evolved into various styles that can be chosen and adapted to the type of bicycle. The following types of rim brakes are available on the market:
Caliper Brake
This style of rim brake is commonly found on racing or road bicycles. Caliper brakes consist of two arms that wrap around the top mount.
A steel cable moves the brake device or caliper of this kind through the brake handle. There are two distinct categories for caliper brakes:
Side Pull Caliper Brakes
This style of caliper brake uses a side-pull cable system. In other words, the brake cable and caliper arm meet on either the right or left side. This style of caliper brake is commonly found on racing bicycles.
The advantage of the side pull caliper brake is that it is gripping and easy to adjust. However, this brake restricts tire use and reduces its effectiveness on wet surfaces.
Center Pull Caliper Brakes
Center-pull caliper brakes have a single mounting to the frame and two pivots on each arm. This type of brake is commonly found on old mountain bikes.
The advantages of the center pull caliper brake include better clearance than twin pivot brakes, compatibility with varied tire sizes and grips, and the usage of a timeless design.
V Brake
V brake is a registered brand owned only by the bicycle manufacturer Shimano. This style of rim brake is also known as a direct pull or a linear-pull brake.
The V brake resembles a cantilever brake model, except for the arms. A separate cable does not connect this sort of V brake’s right arm and left arm.
An additional arm on the caliper enables the brake cable to reach both arms without needing a different cable.
Therefore, when the caliper is moved from the side, this brake will resemble a V. V brakes are commonly found on lower-middle-class mountain bikes due to their excellent stopping power.
However, this brake has the disadvantage of being less effective on wet roads or when it rains.
Cantilever Brake
Cantilever brakes are commonly utilized on mountain bikes. This style has two arms on the right and left, with distinct mounting conditions and a pivoting frame.
Like center-pull caliper brakes, the two arms are connected by a steel cable, and the brake cable is pulled at the center point.
When the two brake arms come together, the brake shoe part, which is attached to the top of the rim, will be dragged in the opposite direction. Adjusting the brake shoes might be tricky in some instances.
2. Drum Brakes
Because it is enclosed, the internal bicycle brake on drum brakes has remarkable resilience to all weather conditions. This sort of brake is frequently found on Onthel and Jengky bicycles.
The function of drum brakes is to generate friction on the drum within the hub. Two brake shoes cause friction.
In addition, the brake handle is connected to a lever that, when pulled, moves the lever and causes the brake shoes to extend and rub against the drum wall. To reduce the speed or velocity of the bicycle wheel.
3. Coaster Brake
Coater brakes, sometimes known as torpedo brakes, are frequent types of brakes. These brakes are commonly used on tandems and transport motorcycles.
Eventually, coaster brakes were added to fixie and single-speed bicycles.
A coaster brake is a form of brake that is connected to the internal freewheel via the rear hub. The function of the freewheel on this brake is identical to that of the system; however, when pedaling backward, the brakes will activate after a certain number of revolutions.
In other words, coaster brakes are pretty convenient because you do not need to pull the brake lever to stop the bike. However, the complexity of this brake repair necessitates particular talents.
4. Disc Brake
Disc brakes or disc brakes are bicycle brakes that are becoming increasingly popular today.
Initially, disc brakes were exclusive to mountain bikes or MTB because it was demonstrated that these brakes were sufficient to stop the bicycle wheels’ rotation.
Disc brakes have two components: the rotor or disc and the caliper. The brake rotor is often constructed of steel, while the brake pad in the caliper is composed of a substance harder than rubber.
This form of brake has disadvantages. Due to the small size of the brakes’ rotor, it heats up rapidly, especially when braking.
If left unchecked, the brakes’ effectiveness may diminish, and the brakes may even fail.
5. Band Brake
It is possible to say that the band brake is a distinct bicycle brake. Numerous band brakes are installed on midi bikes and bicycles that often have a front basket.
In terms of their operation, band brakes are comparable to disc brakes (disc brakes). However, the disc is cylindrical, and the brake pad is shaped like a belt.
Later, when the brake handle is pulled, the belt will likewise be drawn and clamp the cylinder, slowing the bicycle wheel’s speed.
These are some of the varieties of bicycle brakes that cyclists should be familiar with. Ensure that the brakes are compatible with the bicycle’s model and requirements. Hopefully, the information provided above will be of use.