Understanding the Brakes on Your Bicycle

April 4, 2019 8:16 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

In order to remain safe every time you go for a ride, it is very important to understand the way the braking mechanism on your bicycle functions. It is also helpful to know what types of braking system options are available to you so that you can find the one that you are most comfortable with. Follow along with this guide from your local bicycle repair shop to learn more about just how your bicycle brakes work, how to know when you might need bicycle brake repair in Boca Raton, FL and about some of the most efficient options.

Bicycle braking

When a brake pad makes contact with the braking surface on the wheel or disc of your bicycle, enough friction is generated to stop your bike’s momentum. These brake pads are connected with cables to the hand lever located on the handlebars, and the friction on the brake pad is increased as more pressure is placed on the lever. The location of the braking mechanism will vary based on the braking system that is used. Disc brake pads grip down on a rotor that is commonly placed near the center of the wheel, while the pads for traditional braking systems are placed near the rim on the outer edge of the wheel.

Advantages of disc brakes

If you are riding in rainy or wet conditions, a traditional rim brake will need a few extra seconds to displace any of the water that may be on the brake pad that is located on the wet tire. As a result, there may be a delay between when you apply pressure to the hand lever and when your bicycle actually stops moving. These types of braking delay issues are minimized with disc brakes, as the rotor location and caliper position keep the brake pad protected from excess water in inclement weather.

Because the disc brake technology can be a bit more complex, the maintenance can be a little more involved than that of a standard rim brake. Occasionally, tiny air bubbles can get trapped within the braking system, which will require the brake to be bled with specific tools. However, unless you consistently ride in adverse conditions, you can expect a set of disc brake pads to last longer than rim brake pads. With the increased power of disc brakes, less pressure is required to stop your motion each time, extending the life of the components as well.

Here at Bicycle Doctor Inc. – House Calls, it is our goal to make sure you have an understanding of the various bike braking systems and the way they operate. Whether you need bicycle brake repair in Boca Raton, FL or you would like to learn more about some of the braking options that are available to you so that you are able to find the best fit for your bike, we are the team to call. Pay us a visit or contact us today to schedule an appointment so we can get right to work tailoring your bicycle braking system to your riding style!

Categorised in:

This post was written by Writer

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Bicycle Doctor House Calls