| Sometimes it seems like there are more brake | | | | regularly, so they will need to be replaced on a |
| systems in the mountain biking world than there are | | | | regular basis. Pads are available in harder and softer |
| types of bikes. But in spite of all the brands, | | | | materials. The softer pads have more braking power, |
| descriptions and models you'll see there are really | | | | but wear out faster, while harder pads will last longer |
| only two basic types. | | | | but require more hand pressure to slow the bike |
| Rim Brakes | | | | down. |
| Rim brakes have been around for over 100 years, | | | | Disc Brakes |
| when metal bicycle wheels first become widely used. | | | | Disc brakes overcome most of the problems that |
| But even though they're over a century old, they're | | | | are associated with rim brakes. They still work by |
| still the most common design. | | | | having calipers squeeze against metal to slow down |
| Rim brakes work by having a pair of pads, usually | | | | the bike, but the metal is not the wheel itself but a |
| some type of synthetic rubber, squeeze the metal | | | | disc that is attached to the wheel. These type of |
| rim of the wheel. The pads are generally actuated by | | | | brakes use the same principles as disc brakes in a car. |
| a hand lever on the bike. Rim brakes use a simple, | | | | Cost, weight and other issues kept disc brakes from |
| low-cost design that is quite effective, but there are | | | | becoming widely used on mountain bikes for a long |
| a few drawbacks to them. | | | | time. But as the technology improved, this has |
| If the bike is travelling at high speed, it can take a lot | | | | become less of an issue. And with the cost of a |
| of force to slow it down. And it can also be hard to | | | | good mountain bike being quite high already, the cost |
| slow it down quickly, especially on a mountain bike | | | | of the brakes relative to the bike overall is really not |
| which is often travelling downhill. | | | | that great. |
| Another problem with rim brakes is that they often | | | | Disc brakes will work in almost any environment. Mud, |
| squeal. Because there is a lot of friction between the | | | | water and even snow or ice don't lessen the braking |
| brake pads and the rim, it can cause the metal to | | | | power. And because the discs are close to the axle |
| vibrate which results in the squealing sound. This is | | | | at the center of the wheel, they don't come into |
| obviously not a problem that can be solved with a | | | | contact with as many environmental materials |
| little grease! As a matter of fact, even mud or water | | | | anyway. |
| - both of which are common when mountain biking - | | | | Because disc brakes have a larger surface area, along |
| can decrease the effectiveness of rim brakes. | | | | with higher friction materials, they give the rider more |
| Brake pads also tend to wear out quickly when used | | | | braking power, keeping them safer overall. |