What are bicycle brakes? What types are included? Note when choosing to buy bicycle brakes

Bicycle brakes (bicycle brakes) are parts that help users reduce speed when traveling by bicycle on the road. So what are the types of bicycle brakes, what to pay attention to when choosing to buy, please refer to the following article.

What are bicycle brakes?

Bicycle brakes are also known as bicycle brakes. This is the part that helps to slow down the vehicle or prevent the vehicle from continuing to move. Thanks to this unit, the user can control the car at a slow speed or stop it completely by squeezing the brake lever. However, if you want to stop, the driver should gradually reduce the speed of the vehicle first and then apply the brake to stop the vehicle. Avoid emergency braking that endangers yourself and other road users.

The bicycle brake system consists of three main components, namely the bicycle brake lever (the part that is mounted on the bicycle handlebars), the bicycle brake line (the wire connecting the brake lever to the front wheel), and the bicycle brake pad. (placed under the front wheel rim) creates friction that slows the wheel down.

What are the types of bicycle brakes?

Rim brake (braces)

The rim brake line works based on the friction mechanism acting on the wheel rim, helping the vehicle to gradually slow down until it comes to a complete stop. For brake pads, they are usually made from materials such as leather, rubber and surrounded by a piece of metal. It is usually activated by a brake lever mounted in the handlebar position.

There are many different types of rim brakes on the market today, including:

• Brake Rod: This type of brake is heavy and has a complex structure, used to move on rough and slippery roads.
• Cantilever brake: This type of brake Easy to control, has the ability to quickly adjust the speed, commonly used for mountain bikes.
• U brake: The brake is widely used on mountain bikes, the disadvantage is that it is easily blocked by mud when riding in rainy and windy weather.
• V-brake: Easy to install and modify, can be found on traditional bicycles.
• Delta Brakes: Usually triangular in shape. With a large rim contact area, the brake provides better braking quality, and is simpler to replace and repair.

Advantages of rim brake	Disadvantages of rim brakes
The driver only needs to gently squeeze the brake lever to be able to brake the car, without using too much force. Some models have a simple, compact brake structure that is easy to maintain and replace. Can be used for many different types of bicycles, such as traditional bicycles, racing bikes, mountain bikes.	Brakes require regular maintenance and replacement because friction with the rims causes brake pads to wear out.

Disc brake

Disc brakes are composed of a brake disc fixed on a rotating shaft, this disc will move around with the wheel when moving. The brake disc part will be perforated or grooved, helping the disc to dissipate heat well when it is friction with the wheel rim. Brake pads usually have 2 pairs, installed symmetrically on both sides of the brake disc.

If you want to brake the car, the user will squeeze the brake lever. At this time, the brake pads will clamp the brake disc, helping the vehicle to slow down.

Advantages of disc brakes	Disadvantages of disc brakes
The ability to brake effectively because of the large contact area between the brake pads and the brake disc. When you squeeze the brake, you will not feel locked and do not need to use much force. Works well in all types of weather, even wet and slippery weather.	More expensive than mechanical brakes. When you want to repair or replace, you need to have a specialized tool kit with a skilled repairman.

There are two common types of disc brakes, which are mechanical disc brakes and hydraulic (hydraulic) disc brakes, each of which has its own outstanding features as follows:

• Mechanical disc brake:

For mechanical disc brakes are usually heavier than oil disc brakes, when used does not heat the rim, it is part of the brake surface.

Advantages of mechanical disc brakes	Disadvantages of mechanical disc brakes
Sleek, precise wins. Brakes are not affected by mud and water, the driver can easily replace components by themselves when the brake fails. Friction brake directly on the disc, does not cause wear of braces. Brake weight is light, maintenance costs are cheaper than oil disc brakes, when the cable is broken you can buy a cable to replace it yourself.	Because mechanical disc brakes use cables, so the durability is not like oil disc brakes. Cables are susceptible to oxidation and rust, break easily, or harden when braking.

• Oil disc brake (hydraulic):

Oil disc brakes have a light brake weight, with a rather complex structure, but in return, the impact force of this type of brake is very large, due to less force loss in the transmission line.

Advantages of oil disc brake (hydraulic)	Disadvantages of oil disc brake (hydraulic)
Smoother and stronger operation than mechanical disc brakes. Because this type of brake uses hydraulic oil, it is durable, does not leak or oxidize. Using oil disc brakes, when squeezing the user will feel light and not locked.	High price. If the user does not know how to open, or opens the wrong oil pipe, the oil will spill out.

Criteria to compare 3 types of brakes:

Comparative Criteria	Rim brake (braces)	Mechanical disc brake	Oil disc brake (hydraulic)
Usually used for cars	Rim brakes are commonly used on racing and city bikes.	Mechanical disc brakes are commonly used on mountain bikes, city bikes, and folding bikes.	Oil disc brakes are commonly used with mountain bikes, city bikes and folding bikes.
Safety	Low safety, because users have to regularly maintain and replace brake pads, as if new to ensure more safety.	Safe when using.	High safety.
Reliability	Low durability, because the brake is easily worn by friction.	Mechanical disc brakes are highly lateral but not as durable as oil disc brakes.	Hydraulic brake with high strength, no leakage.
Price range	Several hundred thousand to one million dong.	Several hundred thousand to one million dong.	About a few hundred thousand to two million dong.

Some notes when choosing to buy bicycle brakes

Choose the right brake for the intended use

If you use racing bikes in matches or want to ride at high speeds, rim brakes will be the first choice to consider because they have a simple design, light weight and easy to use. Although the deceleration ability of the rim brake is not as effective as that of the disc brake, it still meets the braking requirements well. Most riders still choose this type because during the race, they rarely use the brakes.

If you want to install brakes on your bike for everyday use, disc brakes or mechanical brakes are both suitable options. Mechanical brakes are lightweight, easy to use when the driver moves at a moderate speed. Disc brakes bring high efficiency when users go on slippery roads.

Carefully check the details of the car brake

Bicycle brakes are one of the important parts, so they need to be meticulously checked before the rider moves and uses. When choosing to buy or install bicycle brakes, users need to pay attention to details such as whether the screws are carefully screwed, whether the brake is eaten or not and whether it is difficult to use.

Select brake with clear origin, good warranty

To keep yourself safe, you need to find out as well as make a choice of places that sell brakes with clear origin, full of labels as well as staff to advise on the right type of brake for you. . In addition, you should also pay attention to the warranty when buying brakes, make sure to use genuine parts and have a good after-sales service.

Above is an article about what is a bicycle brake? What types are included and the notes when choosing to buy bicycle brakes. If you are passionate about bicycles, want to know more information, please leave a comment below.