Bicycle brakes

Buying advice for: Bicycle brakes

• Types of brakes

  When cycling, brakes play a decisive role in safety and control. The most common types of brakes include rim brakes, disc brakes and drum brakes. Rim brakes are widely used and are available in two main variants: side-pull and V-brakes. Side-pull brakes are often used on racing bikes, while V-brakes are mainly found on mountain bikes and everyday bikes. They work by pressing brake pads against the rim of the bike, which results in reliable deceleration. Disc brakes are becoming increasingly popular, especially on mountain bikes and high-quality touring bikes. There are mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes. Mechanical disc brakes are actuated by a Bowden cable, while hydraulic systems work with brake fluid and offer stronger and more sensitive braking power. They have the advantage of braking reliably even in wet and muddy conditions and cause less wear on the rim. Drum brakes are less common, but are mainly found on city bikes and cargo bikes. They are located inside the hub and are therefore well protected from the weather.

• Brake brands

  There are many renowned brands that produce high-quality bicycle brakes. The best known include Shimano, SRAM, Magura and Tektro. Shimano is a leading manufacturer in the bicycle component market and offers a wide range of brakes, from simple rim brakes to powerful hydraulic disc brakes. The Shimano Deore and Shimano XT series are particularly popular with mountain bikers. SRAM is another big name that is known above all for its innovative gears and brakes. The SRAM Guide and SRAM Level series offer excellent braking power and control for a range of applications, from cross-country to downhill. Magura is a German manufacturer specialising in hydraulic brake systems. Magura brakes are known for their reliability and strong braking power. The MT series in particular has many fans in the mountain bike sector. Tektro offers good value for money and manufactures both mechanical and hydraulic brakes.

• Materials and workmanship

  The materials and workmanship of the brakes play a decisive role in their performance and durability. Rim brakes are usually made of aluminium or carbon, which makes them light and robust. Disc brakes often use stainless steel for the brake discs and aluminium or carbon for the brake levers. Hydraulic systems use high-quality seals and hoses to ensure reliable function.

• Technical features

  Modern brakes offer a variety of technical features that improve braking performance and ease of use. Hydraulic disc brakes have a closed system that requires less maintenance and delivers consistent braking power. Many models are equipped with adjustable brake levers that allow customisation to the size of the rider's hand. The size of the brake discs also varies and influences the braking force: larger discs offer more braking power, but are also heavier.