The braking system of a bicycle
 

At present, the common braking system in the market is mostly divided into hydraulic braking and mechanical braking or other, what is the difference between them?

Perhaps there would also be differences in disc vs rim brakes.

And rim brakes are divided into several styles.

Calipers, V-Brakes, Canti-Brakes, U-Brakes, Direct Mount, etc.

There have been attempts to make hydraulic rim brakes, but the technology has never taken off.

Cable activated rim brakes are a very simple and mature technology, and work very well. They are also lightweight. But, they have downsides, in particular susceptible to grit, and rim wear. Also heating in certain conditions. Cable runs can also be problematic in some situations.

Hydraulic disc brakes seem to be preferable to mechanical cable activated disc brakes, I think due to responsiveness of the brakes. The hydraulic systems are also not constrained by tight angles, and can be run through the handlebar stem/headset, and around tight bends with internal routing.

It's mostly divided between "disc" and "rim" brakes actually. They are all "mechanical" systems in the bigger picture.

Hydraulic uses brake fluid or brake oil and mechanical uses a cable.

But that's not where the current "big divide" is with bicycle braking systems. It's all about "Disc" vs "Rim" brakes, whether hydraulic or cable actuated. It just happens that most rim brakes are cable actuated and most higher-end disc brakes are hydraulic. They are all forms of a "mechanical system", so "hydraulic" vs "mechanical" braking is misleading. The 2 main braking systems of interest here are:-

1. Cable actuated rim brakes
2. Hydraulic actuated disc brakes

These ^ are what all the fuss is about.

The other forms are:-

3. Hydraulic actuated rim brakes
4. Cable actuated disc brakes

There is little current interest in the former and the latter is mostly low-end gear, with a few notable exceptions.

Don't forget drum brakes.

And coaster brakes. And rod-actuated rim and spoon brakes.

And air brakes and electric brakes, but I doubt anyone has ever adopted either of them to a bicycle...

Hydraulic brakes are just like the brakes in your car. It has fluid in it that puts pressure on the pads to make you stop. And if you ever disconnect the system for maintenance, repair etc. you'll have to bleed the air out of the system (same as on your car).

CheGiantForLife is back!

Awwww, man, and I even made a helpful post in the thread! I let my "trolldar" defenses down!

No one mentioned dragging one's foot.

Does letting aerodynamic drag bring you to a stop count? Technically your using a fluid to slow you down.

Problem is with the cost of sneaks replacement pads will really run up the costs.

I was under the impression that there would be no compare and contrast essay questions on BF tests.

John

Eventually, someone would get around to it.

What happened to the Fixie crowd...

NO BRAKES?

There's also cable actuated hydraulic disc brakes, where the entire hydraulic system is contained within the brake caliper. Get many of the benefits of hydraulic brakes with the ease of setup of cable actuated brakes.

Breaks.

Yep, Flintstone brakes. I had them on my bike as a child.

That joke took me a beat to get. Nice!

You betake to it!
And don't forget the simple crash, which all of us have used, but may not like to admit it.

Somewhere on the Rivbike website is an old photo showing a cyclist descending a hill whilst dragging a tree branch as a brake. Probably preferable to dragging a foot in some situations.

Otto