Bicycle Brake Systems

USJ Cycles would like to share with you some knowledge about the bicycle brake systems. Certain people may complain that their bicycle brake does not work effectively and uneasy to press the brake levers to stop the bike, especially the kiddy bicycles, they may think that since their kids do not ride so fast and so well, brake systems may not be so important to them. NOoo! It could endanger their lives, if one day when they know to cycle but the bike does not equip with a "good" brake.

There are many reasons to cause an inefficient brake. In order in having a efficient brake system, first, to ensure having a smooth running brake cable. A smooth running brake cable always drive a smooth and efficient braking power. Second, to pay attention on the Brake Levers, brake levers made of soft material such as plastic may resulting soft brake contact on the rims. A good pair of brake levers is made of either alloy, steel or plastic with steel inserted.

Besides that, brake arms as shown in diagram above. Nowadys, V-break(5) is the most common use on every bicycles such as MTB, Kid bike, Bmx, etc. Good quality v-break always equiped with a good spring back in order to prevent the break shoes tocuhing the rims. It can be adjusted if lucky. Normally, v-brakes arms material is made by steel or alloy.

Cantilever arms(2) always not recommended by us. Why say so, the brake cable from the lever is not directly to the cantilever arms and its rely on the cross cable. Thus, v-brake always preferable. Some kid bicycles(nylon wheel) are using caliper brake (3). But the caliper brake can differentiate to 2 types, 1 for kid bicycles, 1 for racing bicycles. Normally, caliper brake for the kid bicycle not as good as v-brakes, even though pressed the brake, the bike takes a short time to stop.

Lastly, the rest of the brake systems such as coaster brakes and u-brakes are not so commonly used on every types of bike. The trend of MTB brake systems is disc brakes. Disc brakes always good for all weather, its like a car's break technology called ABS(anti locking system).

Improve you road safety by using effective brake systems!