
A characteristic feature of calliper brakes (also known as side-pull or centre-pull calliper brakes) is that they are connected to the brake bridge or fork crown using a single bolt – this way, they function as a single unit. The two most important types of rim brakes are calliper and cantilever brakes. There are many different types of rim brakes with different designs and mounting types. Rim brakes have brake pads that press against the wheel’s rim once the brake lever is activated. RIM BRAKES: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CALLIPER AND CANTILEVER BRAKES Rim brakes and their sub-types as well as disc brakes are more modern and therefore widely popular. However, some of these – such as backpedal or coaster brakes and roller brakes – are very old types of bicycle brakes and largely obsolete. Disc brakes are a particularly common type of hub brakes.īoth rim and hub brakes can be divided into further sub-types. Hub bike brakes are actuated with a brake lever or by rotating the pedals in reverse. Hub brakes use a brake mechanism located inside or close to the wheel’s hub.The calliper is controlled via a brake lever on the handlebar. Rim brakes use brake pads that are pressed to the rim.There are two main types of bicycle brakes: On a bicycle, the bicycle brakes are used to reduce speed.


The principle of any vehicle brake is simple: They use friction to slow down and stop a moving vehicle. Proper and well modulated braking increases riding enjoyment and can determine victory or defeat for competitive riders. However, bicycle brakes are not only used to slow down a bike, but they also contribute to an efficient ride. Apart from that, the importance of properly functioning brakes should be obvious to anyone: They are the key to a safe ride on your bicycle. In Germany and many other countries it’s even a legal requirement for bicycles used on public roads (see e.g. A bicycle needs two independent brakes to be safe on the road.
