When riding a bike it is important to be able to stop. And that’s where brakes come in hand.
There are four main types: rim, disc, roller and coaster brakes. Disc brakes are the most powerful and they are operated either by a cable or the fluid that is pushed in the closed system of hoses and reservoirs into the caliper. There are different types of rim braking systems. The most common and powerful is a V-brake. This is found on most hybrid and town bikes. Road bikes come fitted with dual pivot calipers.
Although brakeless bikes are illegal in most of the cities some single speed bikes and track bikes do not have them installed, instead the rider slows the bike down by putting the pressure on the pedals and dropping the cadence.
Brakes are operated by levers placed on the handlebars. In the UK, the right hand lever operates the front brake and the left hand side lever the back one. However in Europe and the United States the brakes are operated the other way around.
If your brakes work properly they will provide you with great stopping power. However to work to their optimum they need to be checked and maintained on a regular basis. Poor brakes will lose their braking power and/or may make a squeaky noise. Here, you will find all the answers to your stopping problems. You will be able to learn how to change brake pads, learn how to stop disc brakes squeaking as well as set up the calipers and bleed hydraulic systems.
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