Types of bicycle brakes: Choosing the right brakes for you

All cyclists understand the importance of brakes, but not everyone is well-versed in the different types available and how to choose the best one. The right option depends on the bike you have, where and how you ride, the weather and terrain, how much maintenance you’re comfortable doing, and your budget. 

In this guide, we highlight the different types of brakes, including rim brakes and disc brakes and discuss which option is best for you. We’ll also share some bike brake maintenance tips. 

What are the main types of bicycle brakes? 

There are several types of bike brakes to be aware of, with two main categories: rim brakes and disc brakes. The main types are: 

• Calliper brakes 
• V brakes 
• Cantilever brakes 
• Mechanical disc brakes 
• Hydraulic disc brakes 
• Rim brakes 

Rim brakes

Rim brakes work by pressing brake pads against the bicycle's wheel rim, bringing the bike to a stop by creating friction. There are three main types of brakes in this category: calliper brakes, V brakes, and cantilever brakes. 

Calliper brakes 

Calliper brakes are commonly found on road bikes as they’re lightweight and easy to maintain. They are less suited to hybrid and mountain bikes as wet or dirty rims can easily affect their performance. Calliper brakes are relatively inexpensive but can be less powerful than high-quality disc brakes depending on the conditions you’re cycling in. 

V brakes 

V brakes are another type of rim brake and are commonly found on hybrid bikes, commuter bikes, and some older mountain bikes. They boast strong stopping power, are easy to adjust, simple to maintain, and relatively cheap to repair.  

Cantilever brakes 

Cantilever brakes use a central straddle cable positioned above the brake arms to pull the pads against the wheel rim. They offer more stopping power than calliper brakes and are fairly easy to maintain, but their design tends to make them heavier. This means that they’re less likely to be found on modern bikes than other brake types. 

Disc brakes 

Disc brakes use pads that grip a metal rotor attached to the wheel hub rather than the rim itself. They’re more commonly found on modern bicycles than rim brakes as they perform better in wet or muddy conditions and are less likely to overheat and get damaged. There are two types of disc brakes: mechanical and hydraulic. 

Mechanical disc brakes 

Mechanical disc brakes are operated by a traditional brake cable and are both easier and cheaper to maintain than hydraulic braking systems. You’ll often find them on entry-level and mid-range bikes. 

Hydraulic disc brakes 

Hydraulic disc brakes use hydraulic fluid rather than a cable and are known for providing strong, consistent braking. These brakes are particularly popular with mountain bike owners, but they can be more expensive and trickier to service than other bicycle brake types. 

Hydraulic vs mechanical disc brakes 

• Mechanical brakes are operated by a cable, whereas hydraulic brakes use hydraulic fluid 
• Maintaining mechanical disc brakes is relatively simple, while hydraulic brakes are more specialist 
• Mechanical brakes are typically cheaper  
• Braking generally feels smoother when using hydraulic brakes vs mechanical brakes 
• Mechanical disc brakes are commonly found on commuter and hybrid bikes, whereas hydraulic brakes are typically found on mountain and performance bikes 

Other types of bicycle brakes 

While we’ve covered the most popular types, there are a few others that you may come across, which are less common on modern adult bikes. 

• Coaster brakes - Coaster brakes activate when you pedal backwards, making them a simple, low-maintenance option sometimes found on city and children's bikes. 
• Drum brakes - Drum brakes use brake shoes inside a sealed hub to slow the wheel, helping protect the braking mechanism from rain and mud.  
• Roller brakes - Roller brakes use a set of rollers inside the wheel hub to create braking force, offering a reliable, low-maintenance option for everyday cycling.  

Disc brakes vs rim brakes: Which are better? 

There isn’t necessarily a best bicycle brake type, and the right option for you will depend on what you use your bike for and the features you prioritise. 

Disc brakes may be best if you regularly ride in wet conditions or off-road, often tackle steep descents, are looking for consistent braking performance, and have a mountain or performance bike. 

Rim brakes may be preferable if you’re looking for lightweight, easy-to-maintain, and cost-effective brakes. They are a good option if you ride a road bike and want easily accessible replacement parts. 

How to choose the right bike brakes for you 

To choose the best brakes for you, consider the bike you ride, where you usually ride, how often you cycle in wet weather, how much maintenance you’re happy with, and your budget. 

As discussed, a road bike is typically best suited to rim brakes as they’re lightweight and you’ll be less likely to ride through mud and dirt, while a mountain or hybrid bike may benefit from disc brakes which handle wet weather well and won’t be as affected by muddy conditions.  

Essentially, rim brakes offer simplicity, low weight, and affordability, while disc brakes provide excellent performance and consistency, particularly in challenging conditions. 

Looking after your bicycle brakes 

Whichever brakes you choose, it’s really important to properly look after and maintain them. Ineffective or broken brakes can easily lead to accidents, injuries, and bike damage. 

Make sure that you frequently:   

• Check brake pads for wear 
• Test your hydraulic systems 
• Inspect rotors or rims 
• Listen out for unusual noises 
• Look out for reduced braking performance 
• Consider getting your brakes checked by a professional if something doesn’t feel right 

Keen to learn more about bike maintenance? Discover how to pump a bike tyre and how to clean rust off a bike.  

Bicycle brake types FAQs 

Which type of bicycle brake is best? 

The best bike brake depends on how and where you ride. Disc brakes offer strong, consistent stopping power and perform well in wet conditions, while rim brakes are often lighter, simpler and more affordable. Think about your bike type, riding conditions, and maintenance preferences when choosing your brakes. 

Are disc brakes better than rim brakes on a bike? 

Disc brakes can offer advantages over rim brakes, particularly in wet weather, on steep descents, and during off-road riding. However, rim brakes can be a good choice for road cyclists and commuters who prioritise lower weight, straightforward maintenance, and affordability. Neither type is automatically best for every cyclist, so consider your priorities before making a decision. 

How often should brakes be replaced? 

There isn't specific guidance on how often you should replace your brakes. Wear depends on how frequently you ride, how you ride, and the conditions you cycle in. Check your bike’s brake pads regularly for signs of wear and replace them when they're worn down or you notice a decline in braking performance. Always ask a professional for advice if you’re unsure, as ineffective brakes can lead to accidents, injuries, and bike damage. 

Specialist cycling insurance by Cycleplan 

Whether you ride a road bike, mountain bike, hybrid, or commuter, and whichever type of brakes you have, it's worth considering how you'd cover the cost of replacing or repairing your bike if it's stolen or damaged. 

Specialist cycling insurance by Cycleplan helps to provide financial cover if your bike is lost, damaged, or stolen. Find out more about specialist cycling insurance or get a quick online quote today.