Guide to Bicycle Brakes Components Types and Safety

Why are brakes the core of bicycle safety?

When discussing bicycle safety, most people's first thought is protective gear like knee pads and helmets. While these can reduce injuries in accidents, the true core of safety lies in the bicycle's inherent performance, particularly the braking system. It carries the responsibility of bringing you to a halt in critical moments – effectively preventing accidents from occurring.

So, how exactly do bicycle brakes halt the vehicle's forward motion? What are the common types of bike brakes? How do different brake types yield varying stopping effects? And what kind of brakes are fitted to electric bikes on the market? Fret not—this guide will take you step by step through the principles and usage, unravelling the mysteries of ebike braking.

Components of the Braking System: How Does It Stop the Bike?

A bicycle's braking system is more complex than what meets the eye. Any malfunction in the components that make up the system reduces overall braking performance. 

Brake Pads (ebike brake pads / bike brake pads)

These serve as the primary friction points, generating stopping force by rubbing against the wheel rim or brake disc. However, due to constant friction, brake pads gradually wear down with use. Regular inspection and replacement are essential to prevent accidents.

Brake cable

In mechanical brake systems, the brake cable transmits the rider's hand-applied tension. If the cable becomes slack or rusted, it can cause sluggish braking response or even complete failure.

Brake Levers 

Stopping a bicycle requires more than pads and cables. The rider’s squeeze on the levers triggers the complete system, consisting of levers, cables or hydraulics, pads, and calipers. These components deliver the prompt stopping power needed when it matters most, only when working together.

Primary Types of Bicycle Brakes

Different bicycles feature distinct brake configurations. Common bike brake types include the following:

Mechanical disc brakes

Mechanical disc brakes rely on bike brake cables to pull brake calipers, clamping brake pads against the rotor. Their advantages lie in simple construction and low maintenance costs, though braking feel can be affected by cable condition. Should the cable break or become inoperable, this poses significant safety risks.

Hydraulic disc brakes

Hydraulic disc brakes transmit pressure via hydraulic fluid, delivering smoother braking and greater stopping power. Commonly found on high-end ebikes, they require specialised tools for maintenance but offer vastly superior performance to mechanical brakes. This upgrade is frequently undertaken on premium bicycles.

Traditional V-brakes

Traditional V-brakes directly clamp the wheel rim to slow the bike. They are lightweight, low-cost, and commonly found on standard city bicycles. However, braking performance significantly deteriorates in wet or muddy conditions; they are unsuitable for outdoor mountain bikes.

So, different brake types offer distinct advantages and disadvantages in terms of braking power and maintenance. For regular urban commuting, mechanical disc brakes provide reliable performance. However, if you ride an e-bike or a faster model, hydraulic disc brakes deliver greater peace of mind.

Advantages of Birch Braking Systems

Should you be considering a higher-performance braking system for your electric bicycle, Birch's braking configuration merits particular attention.

Hydraulic Dual-Piston Brakes

Compared to standard mechanical brakes, Birch's hydraulic brakes deliver superior stopping power with a smoother, more consistent feel – eliminating erratic tightening or loosening. This stability is crucial for daily commuters and high-speed riders alike. As a power system independent of the motor, hydraulic brakes consume no motor power, eliminating concerns about battery drain on electric bikes. Furthermore, their modular design facilitates easier cleaning and maintenance, extending the brakes' service life.

Stable performance at 28 mph

Many riders worry whether brakes can respond swiftly when e-bikes reach top speeds, Birch's hydraulic braking system maintains exceptional stopping performance regardless. It precisely converts pedal force into hydraulic pressure transmitted to the brakes, delivering a smoother, more responsive braking process that instils greater confidence in complex road conditions.

Equipped with Brake Lights

Beyond rider safety, Birch also takes surrounding drivers and cyclists into account. The rear brake light illuminates promptly during braking, alerting vehicles and pedestrians behind—even in twilight or low-light conditions—to reduce rear-end collision risks.

Overall, Birch's braking system excels in safety, stability, and refined details, delivering more reliable protection for riders.

How do I check if my bike brakes are working?

It is extremely important to verify brake functionality before you ride.While some may think of this process as a nuisance, it identifies crucial problems in the brake system before accidents have a chance to occur:

• Inspect the brake pads (bike brake pads / e-bike brake pads) If the brake pads are worn thin, or the friction layer is barely visible, replacement is required. New brake pads typically measure around 3-4 millimetres thick. If less than 1 millimetre remains, exercise caution and consider replacement.
• Inspect the brake cables (bike brake cable)  For mechanical brakes, slack or rusted cables directly affect braking feel. If pulling the lever produces significant ‘free play’, the cable may require adjustment or replacement.
• Test braking response  Push the bicycle forward and sharply squeeze the brake lever to see if it halts immediately.If you hear squeaking noises or notice delayed response when braking, this indicates potential issues with the brake system.
• Assess performance in varying conditions  Braking effectiveness differs between dry and wet surfaces, particularly with traditional rim brakes or V-brakes.If conditions allow, test to see how the brakes respons to different surfaces and slopes for optimal safety.

Safety stems from choice and maintenance

Whether you ride a conventional bicycle or a more powerful ebike, the brake system remains a decisive factor of safety. Timely inspection of brake pads and maintenance of brake cables prevent critical failures.

For greater peace of mind and convenience, opting for brands like Birch with advanced braking systems not only enhances your riding experience but also provides an extra layer of safety assurance with every journey.