Brakes(875 products)

Braking systems for safe cycling

Rim brakes

Rim brakes grip the rim of the wheel and are lightweight and simple. Sidepull and centerpull brakes are used on road bikes and city bikes. Cantilever brakes offer more braking power and are used on cyclocross and touring bikes. Rim brakes require regular replacement of brake pads and a clean rim for optimal braking.

Disc brakes

Disc brakes offer more braking power and are less sensitive to wet conditions than rim brakes. They are the standard on mountain bikes and e-bikes. Braking force is applied to a rotor mounted on the hub. The disc brake pads are available in organic, semi-metallic, and metallic compounds.

Hydraulic versus mechanical brakes

Mechanical brakes use brake cables to transmit braking force from the brake lever to the brake. Hydraulic brakes use fluid and hoses, providing more braking power and finer control. Hydraulic disc brakes are popular on mountain bikes and higher-end road bikes.

Maintenance and safety

Regular maintenance of the braking system is essential for safe cycling. Check brake pads and disc brake pads for wear, replace worn brake cables, and clean braking surfaces with brake cleaner. The brake levers should fit comfortably for optimal control.

A properly functioning braking system is the most important safety component on a bicycle. In addition to brakes and pads, the right tires with sufficient tread are important for braking distance. Hydraulic brake fluid must be replaced periodically.