Brakes are a crucial part of any road bike. Brakes allow riders to come to a safe stop and control their speed on descents. But with so many different types of road bike brakes on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of road bike brakes and their pros and cons.
Different Brake Types
Rim Brakes
Rim brakes are a common type of road bike brake that use brake pads to grip onto the wheel’s rim to slow down the bike. They come in two main types: caliper and cantilever brakes. Caliper brakes attach to the frame via a central bolt and are used on road bikes with a more aerodynamic design. Cantilever brakes attach to the frame via two separate bolts and are often used on touring and cyclocross bikes. Rim brakes are lightweight and easy to maintain, but their stopping power can be affected by wet weather conditions.
Disc Brakes
Disc brakes are becoming increasingly popular on road bikes. Offering more stopping power and better performance in wet conditions than rim brakes. They work by pressing brake pads onto a rotor attached to the wheel hub. There are two main types of disc brakes: mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical disc brakes use a cable to activate the brake, while hydraulic disc brakes use fluid to transfer the braking force. While more powerful than rim brakes, disc brakes are typically heavier and can be more complicated to maintain.
Coaster Brakes
Coaster brakes are a type of brake that’s integrated into the rear hub of a road bike. They work by pedalling backward, which engages the brake. Coaster brakes are commonly used on cruiser and children’s bikes. However, they are not recommended for road bikes due to their limited stopping power.
Drum Brakes
Drum brakes are a type of internal brake that’s integrated into the hub of a road bike. They work by pressing brake pads onto the interior of the hub. While they offer more stopping power than coaster brakes, they are heavy and can be challenging to maintain.
Combined Brake Systems
Combined brake systems are a type of brake that use both rim and disc brakes to offer improved stopping power and control. They are often used on high-performance road bikes. Allowing riders to choose between rim and disc brakes depending on the riding conditions.
Choosing the Right Brake for Your Road Bike
When it comes to choosing the right brake for your road bike, it’s important to consider your riding style and the conditions you’ll be riding in. Rim brakes are a good choice for road bikes used primarily for racing or recreational riding in dry conditions. Disc brakes offer more stopping power and better performance in wet conditions. They are a good choice for road bikes used for touring or commuting. Coaster and drum brakes are not recommended for road bikes due to their limited stopping power and weight.