Brakes: History & mechanics.

Disc brakes SEEM TO BE PREFERRED BY RIDERS, DO YOU KNOW WHY?

Stopping power: Disc brakes generally provide more stopping power than rim brakes, especially in wet or muddy conditions. As they’re elevated from the ground, they tend to steer clear of the mud and puddles.

Modulation: Disc brakes offer better modulation, meaning the rider can apply varying levels of braking force more precisely than with rim brakes.

Maintenance: Disc brakes generally require less maintenance than rim brakes, as the brake pads are not exposed to the elements and do not wear down the rim over time. Disc brakes are found in the form of hydraulically actuated pistons or the lever pulling a cable. Either way, having a qualified technician maintain them is the safest option: BEDFORD: BOOK MAINTENANCE HERE

CAUSES OF REDUCED BRAKING POWER:

Worn brake pads, pads or wheel: Over time, the brake pads on your bike can wear down and become less effective. If your brake pads are worn, they may not be able to grip the rim or rotor properly, which can reduce your stopping power. Be aware that allowing brake pads to wear beyond their limits will cause damage to your wheels and rotor, potentially quadrupling the repair cost, compared to simply replacing the pads when they needed to be replaced.

Loose or worn brake cables: If the brake cables on your bike are loose or worn, they may not be able to apply enough pressure to the brake pads, which can reduce your stopping power. If the cables are excessively worn, they may also break, which will make it impossible to brake.

Misaligned brake pads: If your brake pads are misaligned, they may not be able to grip the rim or rotor properly, which can reduce your stopping power. This can occur if the pads are not positioned correctly, or if the rim or rotor is bent or damaged. Noisy brakes, either a loud squeal or sharp vibration is caused by misaligned brake pads, resulting in resonance.

Glazed brake pads: If you ride your brakes for long periods of time, the heat generated can cause the brake pads to become glazed or hardened, which can reduce their stopping power. Irrespective of the amount of material, lower quality pads can potentially glaze.

Dirty or contaminated brake pads: If your brake pads are dirty or contaminated with oil or grease, they may not be able to grip the rim or rotor properly, which can reduce your stopping power. Noisy brakes, often a loud squeal is a sign of contaminated systems.The history of bicycle brakes:

THE HISTORY OF BRAKES:

In the early 1800s, the first bicycles were simple machines that lacked any sort of braking system. Riders would have to use their feet to drag along the ground to slow down or stop.

The first rudimentary braking system was developed in the late 1800s, with the introduction of spoon brakes. These brakes used a lever attached to the handlebars that pressed a curved metal plate against the front tyre to slow it down. However, this system was not very effective and was prone to wearing the tyre very quickly.

In the early 1900s, the coaster brake was introduced, which used a mechanism inside the rear hub to engage a brake when the rider pedaled backwards. This system was more effective and became the standard for many years.

In the 1930s, the cantilever brake was developed, which used a pair of brake arms mounted on the frame that pulled on the brake pads to slow the wheel. This system was more effective than earlier designs and was widely used until the 1980s.

In the 1970s, the sidepull brake was developed, which used a single brake cable to pull on two brake arms mounted on either side of the wheel. This design was more efficient and became the standard for road bikes.

In the 1990s, disc brakes were introduced to mountain bikes, which used a rotor attached to the hub and a caliper mounted on the frame to provide greater stopping power and control. Disc brakes are now used on many types of bicycles, including road bikes and commuter bikes, and continue to evolve with new materials and designs. Hydraulic actuation is starting to be implemented to both disc and rim brake applications.

Today, companies like Shimano, SRAM & Hope are leading the way with technology, improving stopping power, reduced weight and brake feel.