What Are the Different Types of Bicycle Brakes?

For the novice cyclist, bicycle brake systems in Naples, FL might seem to be a pretty straightforward concept. After all, you squeeze the lever attached to your handlebars, and a small clamp stops your wheel in its tracks. Pretty simple concept, right?

In fact, bicycle brakes come in a wide variety of styles to suit an equally wide variety of bike riders. Here are the most common.

Caliper brake

When most bike riders—amateurs and seasoned veterans alike—picture bicycle brakes, they picture the good, old-fashioned caliper brakes. When activated, these brakes clamp down on the metal rim of your bike’s wheel, thereby slowing your speed.

Cantilever brakes

Cantilever brakes are popular bicycle brake systems in Naples, FL for those following the cyclo-cross boom. These avid cyclists take their road bikes on light off-road terrain. As a result, they require a potent brake for the sudden stops required when your bike has less traction than usual.

Cantilever brakes work similarly to caliper brakes, with one exception: where a caliper brake is one solid piece, a cantilever brake uses two opposing mechanisms on either side of your rim. The result is a stronger, if less aerodynamic, stopping force than calipers.

V brakes

At the most powerful end of the rim brake spectrum lies the V brake, commonly referred to as linear-pull brakes or direct-pull brakes. V brakes get their increased power from increasing the stopping surface (and power) of the overall mechanism. These improvements allow V brakes to stop wet or muddy tires with minimal effort. As a result, they are the preferred option for bicycle riders who spend their days riding up and down mountain slopes or cruising on rough terrain.

Disc brakes

For those people who aren’t in the market for rim brakes like calipers and cantilevers, there are disc brakes. Disc brakes focus their stopping power on the disc at the center of your wheel. This shift in braking focus brings several advantages.

Because they stop your wheel at the center, not the outside rim, disc brakes require much less force to completely stop your bike. Typically, you can bring your bicycle to a complete stop without entirely depressing the brake. Disc brakes provide much more consistency in their braking than most rim brakes. Advocates argue that this consistency allows for a greater sense of control when out riding.

Your bike pros

Want to know more about the different types of bike brakes in Naples, FL? We can help! For the last 15 years, Big Momma’s Bicycles has offered comprehensive service to bicycle riders throughout the area. We do it all—repairs, rentals, secondhand sales, tune-ups, parts and more! We have a massive selection of accessories, too, including helmets, pads, seats and more.

When you want a fantastic selection of bicycles sold and care for by a dedicated team of enthusiasts, you need look no further than Big Momma’s Bicycles. Stop by or contact us today to learn more about our shop. We look forward to assisting you soon!

Categorised in: Bicycles