Brakes

In the world of bikes, brakes are one of the most  needed part to ride well. There are many different types of brakes for different riding styles and bikes.

Clamp brakes
The most common brakes seen on bikes are clamp brakes, these brakes are attatched to the frame and clamp down on the side of the rim of the wheel, thus causing your wheel to stop. When you pull on the brake, it pulls a cable that clenches two arms, bringing the brake pads in to touch the rim. There are different arm configurations, but this one is the most common-

Mechanical Disc brakes

These brakes are becoming more and more common on bikes and are replacing clamp brakes. This brake technology works a little better then clamp brakes. When you pull the brake, it pulls a cable causing two pads to clench on a rotor, which is attached to the middle of your wheel. When the rotor stops, the wheel stops. This technology is better then clamp brakes because it preforms better in wet conditions, and has less problems. If your wheel is not in true, then it can mess up your allignment on clamp brakes, but this problem does not occur with disc brakes.

Hydraulic Disc brakes

Hydraulic disc brakes are the same as mechanical disc brakes except for one thing. Instead of using a wire to  move the brake pads, hydraulic brakes use a cable housing with brake fluid inside. when pulling the brake, the pressure pushes hydraulic fluid against the brake pistons, causing the pads to move in, stopping the bike.

Coaster brakes

Commonly found on cruiser bikes and BMX bikes, Coaster brakes are the most simple of brakes. Technology is built into the rear hub so that when you pedal in the reverse motion, it stops the rear tire. You can only have one coaster brake, in the back. For people who have never ridden a coaster, it can be a weird expiereince. 

Hydraulic Clamp brakes

These are more uncommon brakes, but they are around. These brakes are basically regular clamp brakes with a hydraulic function. Its basically a more powerful clamp brake. Since road bikes dont use disc brakes, this is an option for people who want really powerful brakes on the road. They are found on road bikes, trials bikes, and street bikes.

Brakeless

Finally, some people ride brakeless, This causes people to learn how to control their speed without the aid of something stopping them. Its simple and carefree. For most of us though, brakes are a must on the bike.

No brakes? no problem