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Types of bicycle brakes. Main types of bicycle brakes. Their pros and cons

Brakes for a bicycle are just as necessary as for other vehicles. Safety depends on the presence and operation of brakes on a bicycle. All bicycles are equipped with brakes, except track bicycles and those that slow down by slowing down the pedals.

At the moment, there are many types of brakes, radically different in design and principle of operation. Bicycle brakes come in disc, rim, drum, roller and stirrup types. Some are not used at all, while others are rare. Brakes vary in braking power, maintainability and durability. If you are a cycling enthusiast and prefer to repair your bike yourself, then you just need to know what kind of bicycle brakes there are and the design of bicycle brakes. In this article we will look at all existing types of bicycle braking systems in order of least popularity.

Bicycle stirrup and roller brakes

Stirrup brakes in their principle of operation they are somewhat reminiscent of the brakes of railway cars; the brake pad comes into contact with the wheel tread, the part that forms the contact patch with the road. There is no point in discussing the pros and cons of such a braking system, since they have not been produced for a long time. You can only find stirrup brakes on very old Soviet bicycles produced before the 1960s.

Roller brakes in their operating principle they are similar to drum ones (will be discussed later), but differ in that they can be installed on high-speed bicycles. There were great hopes for roller brakes and it was believed that in the future they would replace all existing types. But during operation it became clear that such a brake system has significant drawbacks and a complex design.

Disadvantages of roller brakes:

  • Heavy weight, more than all other brake systems.
  • Complex design and high price.
  • Does not fit all suspension forks.
  • When the brake is depressed, the wheel may spin backwards.
  • They are not popular in Russia, so it is difficult to find them on sale.

Advantages of roller brakes:

  • Wheel geometry does not affect brake performance. You can use the brakes even with a figure eight on the wheel.
  • Complete protection against dirt, dust and water.
  • Almost no adjustment is required; these brakes last for years and require no maintenance.
  • Some of the most powerful brakes available without affecting rim wear.

Drum - foot brake for bicycle

The bicycle foot brake is familiar to everyone, and this type of brake was very common on Soviet bicycles. But even now, such a drum brake is successfully used on single-speed bicycles of all types. The drum coaster brake is located in the rear hub, an example is the most popular “torpedo” hub. The body of such a bushing is a drum, and the pads are located inside. When the brake is applied, the pads are pressed against the body and provide smooth braking. You can learn more about the operation of the rear foot brake from the article about rear hubs for bicycles. Drum brakes are divided into two types based on the type of drive:

  1. Manually driven- the brake is activated by a cable. Nowadays this type of drive can be found very rarely.
  2. Foot operated- very convenient and does not require unnecessary details. Braking is carried out by twisting the pedals in the opposite direction.

Drum brakes have significant advantages and many disadvantages.

Advantages of drum brakes:

  • Sufficiently powerful brakes that allow you to slow down smoothly.
  • Due to their design, drum brakes are not subject to contamination, which allows them to be used for a long time without maintenance.
  • Drum brakes have no effect on rim wear. In addition, the figure eights on the wheel do not in any way affect the operation of such a brake.

Disadvantages of drum brakes:

  • Drum brakes are only suitable for single speed bikes and speed bikes with planetary gear shift hubs. They are not compatible with other types of bicycles. This drawback is the main reason why such brakes are not widely used.
  • They may overheat during prolonged braking.
  • The drum foot brake is most effective when the connecting rods are positioned parallel to the road. Accordingly, if the connecting rods are vertical, then it is almost impossible to brake - this is called the dead zone of the brakes.
  • When braking, there is a significant load on the wheel hub and spokes.
  • If the chain falls off while driving, the bike ends up without brakes, which is very dangerous. This problem can be solved by installing additional front rim brakes. Drum brakes can only be installed on drive wheels.
  • It is very difficult to maneuver and still use the brakes.

Rim brakes

Such brakes are called rim brakes because braking occurs due to the friction of the brake pads on a special track on the rim of the bicycle wheel. Rim brakes are the most popular type of brake today. They provide good braking power and have good maintainability. The design of all rim brakes is the same, but the principle of operation may be different. Rim brake systems consist of a handle, cable, levers and brake pads. These brake systems are ideal for beginners as they are easy to install, adjust and even repair in the field.

There are four types of rim brake systems - pincer, cantilever, hydraulic and V-brake. Let's look at each type in more detail:

  • V-brake - vector rim brakes. The levers of such brakes are attached in a V shape, and the cable approaches one of the levers from the side and connects both levers. This system provides the best braking power among rim brakes. The vector brake levers are mounted on special mounts on the frame (brake - bosses), if they are not there, then you can install removable adapter mounts. V-brake brakes are by far the most in demand and are even ahead of disc brakes in popularity.
  • Cantilever - predecessors of vector brakes. Once upon a time, such braking systems were the most popular among all types of bicycles. But with the advent of V-brake brakes, they began to decline in their position and are now almost never used. These brakes are a little more difficult to set up, but if done correctly they are as effective as other rim brakes.
  • Tick-borne - the name comes from the shape of the levers, which resemble pliers. Currently used mainly only on road bikes. The weight of such brakes is less, but they have only one mount, which makes them less durable.
  • Hydraulic - this is a braking system in which the force from the handle is transmitted to the levers using a hydraulic line. The hydraulic fluid can be brake fluid or special oil.

Let's note the pros and cons of the most popular rim brakes - V-brake.

Disadvantages of V-brake:

  • Dirt, water, sand and snow trapped between the rim and pad reduce braking efficiency and even affect rim wear.
  • They affect the geometry of the frame and can push the frame stays apart.
  • On bicycles intended for extreme disciplines, an accelerated process of wiping the wheel rim occurs.
  • Rapid wear of the pads, and therefore their frequent replacement.
  • Rim geometry greatly affects brake performance.

Advantages of V-brake:

  • Light load on the spokes and hubs of the bike.
  • Significantly low price relative to disc brakes.
  • They do not heat up during prolonged use.
  • Low weight relative to the same disc brakes.
  • Very easy installation, configuration and repair.

Bicycle disc brakes

The most modern type of brakes, borrowed from motorcycles and cars. A disc brake system consists of a handle, cable or line, rotor, caliper and pads. The rotor is a brake disc that is attached to the bicycle hub and is clamped by the pads using a caliper, which is attached to the bicycle frame in the area of ​​the fork dropouts. The pads are compressed by transmitting force from the handle to the caliper through a hydraulic line or cable. The fluid in the hydraulic line can be brake fluid or special oil.

Advantages of disc brakes:

  • The rotor and pads of disc brakes are almost not subject to contamination as they are located in the center of the wheel.
  • The disc brake allows you to brake more smoothly.
  • The geometry of the rim and the figure eight do not affect the performance of such brakes.
  • The rim does not wear out, and the disc brake system itself requires almost no maintenance.

Disadvantages of disc brakes:

  • Due to the huge number of brake pads, it is quite difficult to find them in the store.
  • Large load on the spokes, hubs and fork of the bicycle.
  • Difficult maintenance and difficult repairs in the field.
  • The weight of a disc brake system is higher than that of a rim brake system. In some disciplines this is a deciding factor.
  • High price of the kit. Moreover, simple inexpensive disc brakes can be much worse and more expensive than a good set of rim brakes.
  • The disc brake caliper may interfere with the installation of the rack on the bike.

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When choosing a bike, brakes are one of the fundamental criteria, because their quality determines the safety of the rider. There are several types of brakes, so making a choice is not easy.

Brakes are divided into types depending on the working surface:

  • rim, having the following variations: U and V-breaks (widespread), cantilever and pincer;
  • drum sleeve and roller;
  • mechanical disk, hybrid, hydraulic.

Types of disc brakes

Motorcycle brakes are their prototype. Braking occurs due to the clamping of the pads around the wheel or disc located at the hub. The braking force depends on the pressing force of the pads to the disc.

There are three varieties:

  • mechanical;
  • hydraulic;
  • hybrid.

Bicycle disc brakes (mechanical) resemble rim brakes: they have a cable that is pulled by a lever-driven device, thanks to which the pads are pressed. Such a mechanical device can be made in the form of a running screw, wedge, or cam.

The last two are structurally similar, but the cam moves along the axis, and the wedge rotates around it. The movement of the blocks with the cable occurs in parallel planes.

Bicycle disc brakes (hydraulic) consist of a cylinder-shaped control center and a piston. They are installed in the brake handle (on the handlebars of the bike). They control the pads, which are connected to each other by a durable sleeve. Oil is leaking inside the wear sleeve. Many models do not have an expansion barrel, so maintenance is quite complicated, requiring certain tools and skills.

In hybrid disc brakes for a bicycle, mechanics are combined with hydraulics, which consists of two pistons washed by oil: one is regulating, the second is power. The cylinders are located in the brake housing, and the cable acts on the pistons using a lever.

About the advantages and disadvantages of different types of brakes

Disc brakes for bicycles have a number of advantages over rim brakes:

  • longer service life;
  • the ability to travel even in bad weather, since they are not clogged with dirt or snow;
  • a greater coefficient of friction (compared to mechanics) between the metal disc and the abrasive;
  • on high-speed descents they work faster;
  • the rim does not wear out;
  • the discs do not heat up and behave well under heavy braking;
  • do not require adjustment (it is enough to adjust them once for the entire operational period);
  • Even if the rim is damaged, the damage does not affect operation.

There are also negative sides:

  • maintenance requires a special tool;
  • tangible weight negatively affects the durability of the bike’s spokes and hubs, which are additionally loaded;
  • high price; difficulties that arise if you need to replace the pads;
  • create difficulties when installing the trunk.
  • Currently, hydraulics are recognized as the best type of disc brakes for a bicycle, so the advantages listed above apply more to it. This reliable system, which ensures safe riding, is being installed by an increasing number of riders on their bikes.

Comparative characteristics of the hydraulic type with other bicycle disc brakes

The differences between them are explained by the design features. Quick response and precise operation are the undeniable advantages of hydraulics, which compress the pads with greater force. In mechanical analogues, when you press the brake hard, the cable stretches. Hydraulic disc brakes for bicycles do not have it. The cable is replaced by a liquid that does not compress (unless it boils).

There is no friction between the elements in this type of disc brakes on a bicycle due to lubrication. They do not have the scourge of mechanical devices - backlash. The braking force is adjusted and dosed.

This type differs from the others in its immediate response, since the oil does not experience resistance when moving through the system, unlike mechanical models, where the cable rubs against the jacket. A cyclist whose bike is equipped with hydraulics can easily brake by pressing one finger on the brake, which is very sensitive and operates clearly. Powerful bikes are equipped with them.

How do hydraulic disc brakes work on a bicycle?

In mechanical analogues, the pads and cable fail during prolonged operation. This is not the case in hydraulics. The main thing here is to ensure that the tube through which the liquid flows does not bend. Otherwise, on the road you will be left without brakes, which cannot be repaired far from civilization.

If this happens, then, albeit for a short period, the ability to brake is retained. In mechanical ones, if the cable breaks, an immediate failure occurs.

When choosing hydraulic brakes for a bicycle, ask the seller where to buy spare parts so that you don’t have to completely change the set if one part fails.

The cost of these disc brakes for a bicycle cannot be called low, so it is recommended to buy it for those who love extreme riding and cross-country riding. In other cases there is no need to spend money. The choice of mechanical and hybrid disc brakes for a bicycle is justified if you plan to ride around the city, as well as for cycling. You won't regret choosing these options because of their ease of use and reliability.

Braking efficiency directly depends on the size of the rotor, so pay attention to this when purchasing. The larger the rotor diameter, the better the response, although this will increase the weight of the bike.

The smoothness of braking is determined by the brake pad filler, which can be organic or mechanical. Braking with organics is softer and grinding in is easier. The second includes metal filings, so such pads are resistant to wear, but in order to work better, they are more difficult to fit.

To understand that you are purchasing reliable brakes that will not let you down in a difficult situation, you should pay attention to the markings, which should contain the abbreviation: DH, Trail, FR, AM.

Manufacturers of the main disc brakes for bicycles and their prices

As mentioned, bicycle disc brakes are divided into hydraulic and mechanical, which differ in their features, advantages and disadvantages. The cost depends on these criteria, and also the brand.

The pricing policy for them is classified as follows: cheap - mechanical disc brakes. The cost is between 20-30 US dollars. They are produced by the following companies: Shimano, Tektro Tektro Novela, Aquila and are equipped with a rotor; average cost, which does not go beyond 30-100 dollars. These are hydraulics from the following manufacturers: Avid Elixir, HAYES, Magura, XLC, Tektro Draco, Shimano. Available with or without a rotor; expensive - costing from $100 to $525. Companies that make them: SRAM, Formula and a few mentioned above.

Disc brakes for aggressive driving are the right choice. But it makes no sense to buy them if you plan to ride city bicycles. In the best case, it is advisable to purchase a mechanical version, the cost of which is lower than its hydraulic counterpart - an indispensable assistant when traveling over rough terrain.

Budget models are considered hydraulics “HAYES nine” and “HAYES sole” - $35-38. Next comes Tektro Draco with its products, which range in price from $38 to $45. The next company is “Shimano” - $45-240: depends on the chosen model: if you have to pay a considerable price for the XTR M9020 Enduro/Trail, then the BR-M395, costing $45-50, will allow you to save.

The middle option is considered to be hydraulic disc brakes from Avid Elixir ($95-$105). Further, in increasing order, they are distributed as follows: “Magura”, the models of which are distinguished by numbers in the marking. The report starts at $95 for the model and ends at $320 (MTS model), as does the cost of the Formula model. SRAM products are considered expensive - $50-525.

Company manufacturer type of drive Cost per piece, rubles
CLARK`S 2P/160R hydraulic 6000
CMD-8 mechanical 2500
CMD-11R -//- 2100
Skeletal SX (set) hydraulic 13000
TEKTRO GEMINI -//- 4800
DRACO2 -//- 4750
Auriga Pro HD-M700 -//- 8300
Avid BB7 mechanical 5800
Shimano XTR BR-M965 hydraulic 6700
Deore M535 -//- 5000

Today we'll learn how to set up V-Brakes, which are otherwise known as linear brakes. For this job you will need a 5mm hex socket as well as a Phillips screwdriver. To better understand the process of setting up V-Brakes on your bike, check out the pictures that show each step in order.

1. Loosen the anchor bolt.

Loosen the mounting bolt, causing the brake cable to slide as shown in the picture to open the brake.

2. Secure the wheel.

Attach the front wheel according to the installation instructions

3. Align the brake pads parallel to the rim

Loosen the brake pads as shown in the illustration. Align the pads parallel to the rim. Tighten the brake pad bolt

4. Connecting the cable to the brake lever

Connect the brake cable to the handle according to the steps shown in the figure.

5. Lay the cable with the brake cable and tighten the anchor bolt

Squeeze the brake caliper and firmly secure the cable as shown in the figure, observing the order of actions.

6. Perform a bike brake test

Press the brake handle at least 3 times and, if necessary, repeat step 5

7. Brake balancing

Adjust the spring tension as shown in the figure using the adjusting screw and a square screwdriver. Achieve a distance of 2mm on both sides between the brake pad and the bicycle rim

8. Insert the cable

Adjust cable tension if necessary

Repeat all the steps to adjust the front and rear brakes of your bike.

Opening and closing the brakesV-Brake for wheel removal

Pull the rubber siphon to the right

Squeeze the brake caliper and pull the brake cable (as in the picture to the left and up)

Move the unlocked brake pads apart

Repeat the reverse steps to close the brake.

If you still have difficulty adjusting and adjusting the brakes V-Brake bicycle, then watch this video:

In the summer of 2010, a landmark event occurred: the International Cycling Union (UCI) allowed the use of disc brakes in cyclocross. Does this indicate their effectiveness? Without a doubt. The last bastion of conservatism remains road racing, where the use of disc brakes is still prohibited.

There are four main types of brakes: drum, rim, disc and roller. Let's talk about each type in more detail.

Drum brakes.

They are located in the rear hub and the principle of their operation is very simple. The mechanism spreads the pads, which are pressed against the drum. Braking occurs due to the friction of the pads on the drum. There are two drives: manual and foot. Nowadays it is almost impossible to find a manual one, but a foot-operated one is still quite popular in urban and urban areas.

Advantages:
– the mechanism is closed and dirt, dust, water do not get into it,
– there is no process of wear of the rims on the wheels,
– the most reliable mechanism, lasts for years, does not require constant adjustment and maintenance,
– the presence of a figure eight on the rim or an egg on the axle does not in any way affect the operation of the brake.

Flaws:
– heavy weight of the brake mechanism,
– requires more braking force than any other type of brake,
– cannot be used with multi-speed switches,
– there is a braking “dead zone” when the connecting rods are positioned vertically,
– the hub and spokes experience large overloads during braking,
– if the chain falls off the front or rear, the brakes will not work,
– it takes some time to transition from driving mode to braking mode.

Rim brakes.

Despite the constant increase in popularity of disc brakes, rim brakes are still perhaps the most common in the world. The principle of their operation is simple: the handle is connected to the pads via a cable; by pressing it, you pull the cable and the pads move closer together. There are three main types of clamp brakes:

Cantilever brakes.

Cantilever brakes are slightly outdated, but still used in non-extreme disciplines. They have the smallest weight and the lowest braking efficiency. The transmission of force to the pads is carried out by loading a pair of rods. The advantage of this subtype of rim brakes is that both pads are loaded simultaneously and evenly.

Claw brakes.

Pincer - just like cantilever ones - are used less and less, gradually being replaced by more modern models. The principle of operation is in the name, they work well only on a perfectly flat rim, the slightest figure of eight and the efficiency of the brakes drops exponentially. This type of brake is most often found on road racing bikes.

V-brake.

Vector ones, better known in Russia as V-brake, are based on the principle of operation and are improved cantilever ones. Of all types of rim brakes, vector brakes have the highest braking efficiency and are least dependent on rim defects. The most popular type of rim brakes. The advantages and disadvantages that I will talk about now relate specifically to vector brakes.

Advantages:
– simple design and maintenance,
– adequate braking force,
– light weight,
– low price of both brakes and components,
– large selection of brake pads.

Flaws:
– braking quality decreases when dirt, snow, water gets on the brakes,
– when you press the brakes hard, the power levers bend,
– constant wear of the rim, especially in sand and mud conditions,
– during prolonged braking, the rim heats up, which leads to damage to the tire and pads, as well as a decrease in brake efficiency,
– cannot be used with high-volume extreme tires.

There is a very rare type of hydraulic rim brake in Russia. They are mainly used in trials, where powerful braking force is required and there are practically no external factors, such as weather.

Disc brakes.

They come in two types - mechanical, using cables, and hydraulic - using mineral oil or DOT4 for braking, depending on the manufacturer. Disc brakes have the highest braking efficiency (directly dependent on the rotor diameter).

Advantages:
– highest braking efficiency,
– braking efficiency is not affected by rim damage,
– the operation of the brakes is not affected by weather conditions: snow, mud, water,
– the rim does not wear out, since the brake disc is mounted on the hub,
– allows the use of high-volume aggressive tires.

Flaws:
– many models and modifications do not allow the creation of interchangeable parts, such as pads, which makes them difficult to find and purchase,
– if a brake disc is damaged, it is very difficult to return it to its previous geometry,
– increased load on the spokes,
– difficulties with installing the trunk,
– heavy weight,
– high price (for hydraulics).

For hiking, disc brakes are the best purchase. But to choose mechanical or hydraulic ones is a matter of finances and preferences. From the point of view of braking efficiency, hydraulics undoubtedly win here; moreover, it does not require constant adjustment of the pads, since it is a self-regulating system. Mechanics are easier to operate, lighter and much more maintainable in field conditions, but are slightly less efficient in terms of efficiency when braking and the complexity of settings.

Roller brakes.

Roller brakes are a hybrid of disc and drum brakes. On the one hand, the pads themselves are located inside the bushing, like on drum brakes; on the other hand, the guide and mini-disc are mounted on the bushing from the outside. Braking is carried out using a cable. Taking into account a combination of factors, the use of roller brakes is limited to city bikes and recreational bicycle hybrids.

Advantages:
– there is no abrasive wear of the rim,
– high reliability of the mechanism,
– does not require constant adjustments,
– very high wear resistance.

Flaws:
– incompatible with most suspension forks,
– not recommended for extreme disciplines,
– difficult to maintain and repair,
– average braking modulation,
– heavy weight.

So, here we are, looking at all the main types of bicycle brakes. In the future, we will examine each type in more detail.

Thank you for attention,
Alexey Evdokimov

Today we will discuss which brakes are better for traveler bikes: disc brakes or v-brake, and why? We will also discuss all your questions.

Previously, touring bicycles in the USSR were equipped with old claw brakes. Or, as they were also called “crabs”. Such brakes were good on the road versions of the HVZ, they were light, and there was no need to stop suddenly in road cycling.

What are the responsibilities of a touring bike's braking system? It is the search for an answer to this question that we will engage in. And when we find the answer, we’ll make the right choice of brakes.

Brakes, first of all, must be reliable, secondly, powerful, and thirdly, easy to maintain.

Why reliable? On a hike, you won’t have a set of super keys, a dry garage with excellent lighting, and a bicycle maintenance manual downloaded from the Internet. A hike is a trip in which all the stops and overnight stays are timed, which is why no one likes to simply waste time and energy on a hike. After all, the goal of the hike is to get the maximum amount of positive energy.

Why powerful? Because while hiking on a bicycle there is still a trunk, the weight of which can reach 30 kg or more. So, as the weight of your vehicle increases, the requirements for brakes also increase in order to stop you and your horse in time.

Why are they easy to maintain? Because even the most reliable brakes tend to break. Unfortunately, no one and nothing is eternal... Also, no one has repealed the law of meanness. During the hike it manifests itself approximately as follows. You will need something that you forgot to take and something that you did not have time to check will break. Therefore, the complex design of brakes often puts the bicycle owner in an awkward position when it is impossible to repair the brake without special tools.

Let's move away from the topic a little and we will tell you a similar case. We were on a short bike trip along the banks of the Southern Bug. Evgeny was on a simple single-suspension aluminum bike, and everyone else was on top-end bikes. We were driving through the forest, and one of the participants ran over a stick. The stick broke and one of the halves hit the rear derailleur hard. The brand was Shimano Deore LX or something similar, I don’t remember exactly, in short, at that time that unit was very fat. So this is what happened due to the fact that the top versions of bicycle components.

And so, we declare our competition for the title “Brakes for a touring bike” open!

Today's candidates:

2. Disc brakes. Mechanical or hydraulic brakes? Let's sort it out!

Here are all our candidates. Why don't we take cantilever brakes into account? This is already an outdated option. Read more about the types of brakes.

V-brake is the most popular type of brake of the late 20th century and early 21st. They are simple, inexpensive, and reliable. Only a few, after reading our outline of the article, will notice that we did not specify what kind of vibration breaks there will be - hydraulic or mechanical. Yes, I did this on purpose, because rim hydraulics are used only by the elite of road cycling.

What is the advantage of V-brake brakes? It's all about the “braking” shoulder. The braking point on the wheel when using vibration brakes is the point on the wheel rim. Accordingly, the length of the braking arm is almost equal to the radius of the wheel. With this type of braking, forces arise that deform the wheels. The first element that receives braking force is the rim. The thickness of the rim is made with an appropriate margin, which is why the weight of the wheel increases. Read about the material and the correct choice of rims. Now we will only clarify that the best option for hiking would be two or three chamber rims, not of Chinese origin. Aluminum rims, shockproof (two-chamber) are very common. From the personal experience of our team, it is worth saying that even aluminum single-chamber rims from 10 years ago, with the correct tension of the spokes, calmly perform their functions during bicycle trips and rides.

The next element of the wheel that can be deformed are the same spokes. As stated above, proper spoke tension will ensure the reliability of the entire wheel. Remember - the reliability of the whole is determined by the reliability of the weakest link. Rim brakes are much more tolerant of hubs than disc brakes. All this is due to the fact that part of the braking force is dissipated by the tension of the spokes. In other words, the bushing does not receive the load so sharply, which is an important advantage when your bicycle has a large inertial force (for example, a bicycle is equipped with a trunk).

We examined the principle and action of forces during braking with v-brake brakes, and also clarified all the pros and cons of these processes.

What are the disadvantages of such brakes? Why does everyone want to install disc brakes? We will talk about the advantages of disc brakes in the second paragraph of the plan, but now read about the disadvantages of v-brake brakes. The whole point is that the braking force of such brakes is quite high, but the response speed is low. That is why these brakes are considered ineffective by everyone. We figured out that they have a lower response speed, but not insufficient braking force. In addition, we have already talked about the braking arm; stopping the wheel by “grabbing” the rim is easier than grabbing the brake disc.

Eights on the wheel are a hindrance for rim brakes. This is perhaps the biggest drawback of v-brake. For smooth operation of such brakes, you need a perfectly smooth rim.

Another significant disadvantage is a squeaking sound during braking and a decrease in braking efficiency after driving through a deep puddle, swamp, or when.

Dirt easily gets onto the rim and then into the braking zone. Due to pieces of dirt, water, or ice that freezes in winter, the brakes practically do not slow down. Fortunately, this is all fixable. When driving through a deep puddle, it is worth drying the brakes by briefly pressing the brake handle.

To prevent dirt from interfering with braking, you should choose pads with dirt-dispersing grooves. It is better to buy a rim with a ceramic coating. If you want to extend the life of your rim, you should buy a high-quality rim and brake pads that are not too hard.

Another disadvantage of v-brake is the ability to burst feathers during heavy braking. This can be easily eliminated by installing a special arc, which is called a brakebooster.

And so, the final disadvantage of vibration brakes is the inability to install wide tires (wider than 2.5″). Although, this problem is also contrived by marketers in order to attract attention to disc brakes.

Installing very wide tires occurs in two cases: if you ride in extreme discipline, or you drive on sand and snow. Yes, in the first case, disc brakes are simply necessary; v-brake is not rated for many reasons. But in the second case, you can solve the problem by installing cantilever brakes. We wrote about them in an article about.

Well, now, with a baggage of new knowledge, let’s move on to the review of disc brakes in order to make an objective choice in the “Best brakes for a touring bike” category.

So, disc brakes have a number of properties that make everyone want to install them.

Speed ​​of response is their strong point. Thanks to the short lever of disc brakes, the handle travel is much less than when braking with vibration brakes, which means there is no point in clamping the handle all the way.

The second advantage of disc brakes is their excellent performance in all road and hiking conditions. Dirt and water rarely get on the disc. It’s easy to deal with icing; just drying the disc removes the ice crust for the entire ride.

Adjusting the gap between the brake pads and the disc is very simple and takes a long time. Also, it is worth saying that brake pads for disc brakes are more wear-resistant than pads for v-brake. And yet, for disc brakes, the presence of eights on the wheel does not matter. The final benefit of disc brakes is the disc itself. During braking, it is the rim that heats up, not the rim. This means that prolonged braking will not damage the rim and tire, as is the case with v-brake. In addition, the brake disc has cooling grooves and holes.

If disc brakes are so practical, what's the catch? There is no catch, there are a number of disadvantages. The fact is that the braking arm when using disc brakes is much smaller, and accordingly the load on and on is much higher. This is not so noticeable when you are alone on a bicycle, but if you have a large bag with you, this is already a load on the braking system. The problem is that nothing will happen at once, but after long trips with the trunk, problems will begin to emerge.

The next disadvantage of disc brakes is the cost of maintenance. Brake pads are much more expensive than rim brake pads, but that's not all. Not only does each manufacturer have its own brake pad shape, but also individual models from the same manufacturer have different types of brake pads. If pads for top brake models are easy to find, then for budget models you will have to select pads at random.

Another significant disadvantage of disc brakes is oil. Accidentally falling a drop of oil while lubricating a bicycle - and the brakes will slow down poorly or squeak, because the brake pads will quickly become saturated with oil, and the disc itself will be covered with a thin film of oil. Is it hard to believe these lines? Enter the search query “creaking disc brakes” into Google or Yandex and see how many discussions there are on this topic. And all because of some oil that accidentally got into it. It turns out that everyone avoids V-brake brakes because of squeaking, but they themselves end up with squeaking disc brakes :)

And so, disc brakes are also mechanical and disc. Which ones are better? From practice, I would like to note that good mechanical brakes are much better than budget hydraulic brakes, that’s for sure. Hydraulics are worth the money - braking power, precise operation - it's very pleasant while driving. But hydraulics require care and special tools for maintenance. Replacing a hydraulic line is a very risky business. While it is possible to bleed the brakes in dry weather, it is almost impossible to do this in rain and mud. Disc brakes are good for competitions, city bikes and DHs, but not for touring. It’s like driving a parked car on our roads; it seems cool, but it’s not practical or efficient.
Let's sum it up?

The main advantages of v-brake brakes are the minimum load on the wheel when driving with a luggage bag and easy, both economical and physical maintenance.

The main advantages of disc brakes are quick response and trouble-free operation in all weather conditions.

So what to do in such a situation? Which brakes are better: v-brake or disk? If we ask a question in a comment, a verbal spat will begin between supporters of disc and rim brakes. And we will offer you the best option - ride without brakes! You will lose all your problems at once :)

Jokes aside, the best option is to install a disc brake in the front and a v-brake in the rear. This way, the rim brake at the rear will not have a negative effect on the wheel loaded with luggage, and the disc brake at the front will provide reliable braking in all weather conditions. It’s not for nothing that cars have disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear; the principle is almost the same.

That's the whole secret of rational use of brakes and achieving effective results on a hike.

Thank you all for your attention and have a good trip :)