Brakes (disc)

Choosing the right brakes for your bike used to be simple - every bike had cantilever brakes! These days, things are a bit more complicated, but we have also have the benefit of having many more braking options. If you're shopping for a new frame or fork, make certain that it's compatible with the brakes you plan to use. If you're just looking to upgrade your existing brakes, make sure you order a compatible replacement.

You can identify the types of brakes you need by inspecting your frame and fork. (Fig. 1) Depending on the make and model, you may have cantilever (v-brake) bosses, disc brake bosses, or both.

Fig. 1 - Identifying brake bosses

V-Brakes

The most common type of brakes are still V-brakes (Fig. 2). These brakes are typically cable operated and work by squeezing brake pads to the rim. In order to use V-brakes, you need to have the appropriate braze-ons on your frame and fork (Fig. 1). Most bikes are equipped with V-brakes and braze-ons as they come from the factory, and can be easily upgraded to different V-brakes if you desire. Any type of hub can be used on a bike with V-brakes.

Fig. 2 - Typical V-brake

Since all V-brakes are pulled with standard brake cables, any V-brake compatible brake lever can typically be used.

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes are gaining in popularity. This style of brakes (Fig. 3) works by squeezing brake pads against a rotor mounted on the bike's hub. Because disc brakes offer more powerful braking, they are typically used on more aggressive bikes, such as those used for downhilling and freeriding. Some systems are actuated by a steel cable, while others use hydraulic fluid.

Fig. 3 - Typical Disc brake

Since the rim surface is no longer used as a braking surface, rims on disc brake bikes can typically be stronger and/or lighter than conventional rims.

In order to use disc brakes, your frame or fork must have appropriate mounting holes (Fig. 1). You'll need a set of discs which are compatible with your frame's mounting holes. Additionally, your hubs must be disc brake compatible so that the rotor can be mounted. Disc brakes are typically sold as a set which includes the calipers, rotor, and brake lever. Please review the following disc brake compatibility matrix prior to ordering. To use the chart, find the intersection of the brake/fork you plan to use and read the compatiblity notes.

Choosing the right brakes for your road bike

Choosing the right brakes for your road bike is easy! Virtually all modern road bikes accept caliper brakes with recessed mounting bolts (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1 -Typical caliper brakes for road bikes

Some carbon and aluminum forks are noticeably thicker than older steel forks. Because of this, a slightly longer mounting nut is needed. The longer nut is typically supplied with forks that require it.

Some info sourced from our affiliate partner: Jensonusa