

They attach to the frame or the fork of the bike via a single bolt and are typically activated with a cable.

Caliper brakesĬaliper brakes are most commonly found on road bikes, especially on high-end lightweight models and inexpensive models. The two most common subtypes of rim brakes are caliper and cantilever brakes. However, more and more road bikes come with bicycle disc brakes nowadays as well. Rim brakes are most often seen on road bikes, cheap mountain bikes, and some hybrid and city bikes.

The caliper attaches to the frame or the fork and brake pads squeeze the rim when you press the brake levers. Let’s dig deeper into the details of each type and learn about a few common subtypes as well.Īs the name suggests, rim brakes use the rim of the wheel as the braking surface. The most important ones include the quality of the components, the weather, the weight of the bicycle and the rider, tire grip, road surface, terrain, and so on.Įven though rim and disc brakes are the two most common types of bike brakes, there are a few other less common types that you should also take into consideration.Īll of these brake systems differ in terms of the braking power they provide, the way they attach to the bike, their intended use, and price, among other things. The amount of stopping power and braking precision you get from a particular model of bicycle brakes depends on a lot of things. Hydraulic disc brakes have a sealed hose with hydraulic fluid that compresses once the lever is pulled and activates the brake caliper. Mechanical brakes use a steel cable that connects the lever to the brake caliper, activates the caliper, and applies brake pads to the braking surface. With the countless different types of brakes for a bike, it seems like a headache to figure out which one would fit your needs the best. In terms of working principles, the two main bicycle brake types are mechanical and hydraulic brakes. Most bicycle brakes work in a similar way and consist of similar bicycle brake parts. Bicycle brakes allow you to control your speed, corner properly, descend safely and stop on a dime in case of any obstacle or emergency. If they work well, they will improve your confidence, increase your safety, and might even save your life.īike brakes provide stopping power and control, both of which are incredibly important.

We’ll tell you the basics of bike brakes, give you a rundown of different types (disc, rim, coaster, etc.), and compare some of the most popular options to help you make an informed decision.īike brakes are easily one of the most important parts of a bicycle. We get it, navigating through a sea of options is a daunting task, which is why we’ve created this guide - to simplify your choices. Surprisingly, they are also often overlooked and not given enough thought. Our guide explains everything you need to know about the different types of bike brakes out there. Choosing the right brakes for your bike is a complex task that will influence your safety and determine your riding experience.
