Brake

What type of brake choose?

A good braking system is essential for safety and control when driving a bike. It allows to slow down, stop and avoid accidents. Different types of brakes are used on bicycles:

• Skating brakes (lever brakes): These brakes use rubber skates that tighten the rim when the lever is actuated. They are common on road and urban bikes.
• Disc brakes: they use discs attached to hubs and calipers with pads that tighten discs to slow down the bike. They offer excellent braking power, especially in wet weather.
• Hydraulic brakes: a variant of disc brakes, they use oil to transmit the lever's force to the pads, offering increased modulation and power.
• Retropedal brakes: commonly referred to as "remote brakes", they act when you pedal in the opposite direction to slow down the bike.

For optimal safety, choose a braking system adapted to your driving style and conditions. Rêve de Vélo offers a wide range of braking systems and accessories to meet your needs.

1. The importance of brake maintenance

Before diving into the choice of brakes, it is essential to understand why brake maintenance is so crucial:

• Brakes are your main way to control your bike and ensure your safety, especially in emergency stop situations.

• Badly maintained brakes can lead to serious accidents.

• Weather conditions, such as rain, can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of your brakes.

2. Quality brake skates

Brake skates are an essential component of any braking system. Here's what you need to know about them:

• Regularly inspect your brake skates to ensure that they are neither badly adjusted nor worn.

• Modern skates are equipped with grooves designed to evacuate water during braking, thus improving wet weather performance.

• Some brake skates have replaceable cartridges or several types of gums to provide more effective braking.

3. Robust brake cables

Brake cables are an essential link in your bike's braking chain:

• They are subject to significant constraints and can be used over time, which can cause their rupture.

• It is recommended to always have spare cables at hand, available in 50 meters lot.

• You can also customize the appearance of your bike by opting for color brake sheaths.

4. Selection of brake type according to your practice

The choice of brake type depends on your cycling style and the intended use of your bike. Two main categories of brakes are common:

a. Jaw or rim brakes

• Powered by a lever placed on the handlebar, they brake by pressing rubber skates against the rims.

• Benefits: They are light, easy to handle and affordable.

• Disadvantages: They are less effective in wet weather and can easily enclose.

b. Disc brakes

• They work thanks to a metal disc attached to the wheel hub, and the pads rub on both sides of the disc during braking.

• Benefits: They offer constant braking quality, regardless of weather conditions, and are particularly suitable for ATV and VTC.

• Recommended for freeride and aggressive routes.

5. Trusted brake marks

The choice of a renowned brake brand can guarantee you optimal performance and increased safety. Among the trusted brands are:

a. Avid

• Founded in the United States in 1991, this brand, a subsidiary of the SRAM group, became a leader in the bike brake market. Its innovative designs are widely recognized in the world of cycling.

b. Magura

• With experience in the field since the 1980s, Magura is renowned for the high quality and reliability of its products, particularly appreciated by demanding cyclists.

c. Shimano

• Founded in Japan in the early 20s, Shimano offers innovative and efficient products, ranging from brakes to wind turbines to speed gauges, thus becoming an essential reference.

Also make sure to keep your brakes in good condition for an optimal cycling experience, and remember that safety is paramount at each bike exit.