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Overview

A bicycle brake reduces the speed of a bicycle or prevents it from moving. The three main types are
rim brakes, disc brakes, and drum brakes. There have been various types of brakes used throughout
history, and several are still in use today.
Most bicycle brake system consist of three way main components: a mechanism for the rider to
apply the brakes, such as brake levers or pedals; a mechanism for transmitting that signal, such as
Bowden cables, hydraulic hoses, rods, or the bicycle chain; and the brake mechanism itself, a calliper
or drum to press two or more surfaces together in order to convert, via friction, kinetic energy of the
bike and rider into thermal energy to be dissipated.

Description of the Three Braking Systems
DISC BRAKES
The disc brake is a systematic mechanism that requires hydraulic energy
in order to slow down the wheel of the bicycle. In a disc brake, kinetic
energy of the wheel is converted into thermal energy to slow and make
the bicycle come to a complete stop.
In a hydraulic disc braking system, the disc brake is triggered by first by
squeezing the brake lever towards the handlebar. By doing so, pushes
down a perpendicular piston that pushes down brake fluid in a hydraulic
cable, creating pressure, activating the second piston at the brake pads.
The two pads then compress and come into contact with the disc brake
which through friction, slows down the wheel gradually until it stops.
In a mechanical disc braking system, squeezing the brake lever, pulls and applies tension to the
Bowden cables. The cables then pull onto the brake pad fitted callipers, which then interacts with
the disc brake, slowing the bicycle down.
RIM BRAKES
Rim brakes work in almost the same way as disc brakes do, in that the system
is almost identical, but the pads used are frictional, and the pads apply force
onto is the rim of the bicycle in order to slow it down; thus the name. The
friction pads in a rim braking system are typically made from leather, rubber
or cork.
The hydraulic rim braking system begins by compressing the brake lever and
the handlebar, which using a piston, compresses brake fluid, pressurising the
cable, which then pushes the pads onto the moving wheel, slowing it down
through friction. The kinetic energy of the wheel in motion is transformed
into thermal energy which as a result, slows the bicycle down until a
complete stop.
The mechanical rim system starts by first clasping the brake lever, pulling onto the Bowden cable
attached to one half of the calliper. Pulling this half rotates it, until it comes into contact with the
bicycle rim and through friction, eventually stops the bicycle.
DRUM BRAKES
Drum brakes obey the same principle as rim and disc brakes, where
friction slows down kinetic energy of the wheel, and changes it into
heat energy. However, the drum brake is different as it applies the
friction in a different way, but like disc brakes, the heat is focused at
the hub. What makes the drum braking system unique is that the
systematic components are all kept inside a round, metallic drum. The
drum braking system can also be powered hydraulically or
mechanically.
The drum braking system is also activated through the initial brake
lever, triggering the springs inside the metallic drum. The springs then push the brake pads
outwards , expanding inside until it comes into contact with the interior wall lining. The wall then
applies frictional force on the surrounding wheel, slowing it down until it stops.
Comparison and Constrast of the Three Systems
Disc, rim and drum are all types of brake systems that apply frictional force in order to reduce speed
of a vehicle. The three brakes all work by converting motion energy into heat energy, but slow
bicycles down in different ways. The brakes are all triggered by applying compression onto a brake
lever attached to the handle bar, which makes two pads come into contact with their main brakes to
apply friction to a wheel. However, the process that results in the reduction of speed in the bicycle is
different in each brake. Both the rim and disc braking system utilise callipers that interact with their
brake pads, but the disc brake involves the use of hydraulic pressure to transfer energy from piston
to piston, while rim brakes convert kinetic energy to thermal energy through a cable. Unlike the rim
and disc braking systems, by applying pressure to the brave lever in a drum brake system, brake
pads inside a hub shell push outwards to apply friction to the wheel. All braking systems are able to
operate with the use of hydraulics or mechanics, and are all initiated by squeezing a brake lever
attached to the handlebar.
Different to rim and drum brakes, the disc brake has a more complicated system and is less affected
by mud and water; therefore their pads last longer and their rims can be slightly stronger. Compared
to other brakes, disc brakes are able to dissipate heat energy better, and brake fade occurs more
slowly, guaranteeing a longer lasting consistent stopping power. Instead of having the major
components within a metal drum, or converting energy through a cable, the disc brake uses a slim
iron rotor and a small calliper to hinder further movement on the wheels. Disc brakes are generally
considered superior to both rim and drum brakes for their ability to undergo severe usage and
repeated sudden stops without losing effectiveness quickly. In wet weather conditions, disc brakes
work better than drum and rim brakes because centrifugal force can fling water off the brake disc
and keep it dry, whereas drum brakes tend to collect water on the inside and rim brakes start to
respond slower. In addition, disc brakes have holes in their rotor, allowing water and debris to
eventually get out from under the pad. Disc brakes stop more safely than rim and drum brakes,
which tend to put the bike in a spin or lock up, causing the cyclist to lose control. With high durability,
great heat dissipation and consistent brake force, the disc braking system is a reliable way of
stopping a bicycle.
Like the disc brake, the drum brake has two brake pads and a piston. However, the drum brake
system also includes an adjuster and emergency brake mechanism, all set off through the use of
springs. What sets the drum brake apart from the rim and disc brakes is its design; where the
components are housed inside a metallic round drum. With more parts than a disc brake, the drum
brake is much harder to maintain, but is less expensive to manufacture. In addition to this, the
design and arrangement of components easily enables an emergency system to be incorporated into
the drum braking system. A problem that the drum brake faces that the disc and rim brakes do not is
the tendency to get hotter with each use, thus losing the effectiveness and speed in which the
bicycle is stopped. Because of this, the drum braking system is more prone to brake fade than the
others, and experience a sever loss of brake power after time, especially regarding braking on
inclines. Although the components required to trigger a halt is stored inside a drum, water can still
gather on the drums interior between the outer lining and brake pads. The drum brake is the
heaviest, but is much smaller than the disc brake and does not depend on hydraulic energy. The
drum brake is a compact, small but complex system that works well and it cheap to manufacture,
but has many problems.
Compared to the design of the drum and disc braking systems, the rim brake is a simple, standard
system composed of cheap, replaceable blocks. For this reason, the effort required to stop the
bicycle is very little, thus the mechanical advantage of the break is much higher than other systems.
Furthermore, composition of the components in the rim brake is rather straightforward, meaning
that it doesnt require as much maintenance as the complex drum and disc systems. Unlike the disc
and drum brakes, the rim brake has no hub and therefore bears no risk of hub overheat. On the
other hand, rim brakes carry the possibility of a tyre blowout and wear and tear under heat. As well
as this, mud and water wear away the rim of the bicycle, decreasing the braking efficiency of the
system. All in all, the rim braking system is simple and practical that is more suited for cheaper,
lightweight bikes.
Preferred Braking System
After researching and evaluating the three different types of braking systems, due to its superior
longevity, consistent high performance and beauty I believe that the disc braking system is the best
system for braking.
The main problem that rim brakes experience that disc brakes do not is the wearing away of the rims
on the bicycle. Compared to the drum and rim braking system, the disc braking system is able to
dissipate heat better, ensuring a consistent strong brake power. Having less brake fade and better
modulation, the disc braking system is proven is last much longer than the rim brake. In wet weather
conditions, the disc braking system have shown to be the most capable, being the least affected by
mud and water of the three. Its long lasting brake pads and high durability under extended periods
of heavy braking confirm its reliability for dependable braking. On the other hand, rim brakes
maintain high pressure on the rims, wearing them away. As well as that, the danger of blowing a tyre
that the disc brake does not experience poses a higher risk than the effects of heat onto the hub in
the disc braking system. In addition, the disc brakes aesthetic beauty compliments any bicycle
guaranteeing the attention of the rider-attracted gender, whereas the rim braking system has been
shown to repel such people.
The disc brake is superior to the drum brake in that it dissipates heat energy better and under severe
usage, takes longer to lose effectiveness. In wet weather, disc brakes are almost always dry due to
the centrifugal force flinging water off, keeping it dry whereas drum brakes have a tendency to hold
water in the interior outer lining. The disc brake is also lighter than the drum brake, making the bike
easier to carry around; in the case where you are too lazy to ride up a hill, though it wouldnt be a
problem riding up the hill since they perform better than drum brakes on inclines. The disc brake is
also stronger and more durable, and easier to maintain having the components outside.
Contamination and cleaning is therefore much simpler, and the annoyance of dust and cobwebs are
not as problematic for the disc brake.
Therefore, I have concluded that the disc brake is the most effective and reliable braking system of
the three because of its overwhelming number of pros. By being able to perform the best in all
cycling conditions, and proving its superior ability to dissipate heat, the disc braking system displays
both durability and efficiency. Its compatibility and beauty with a wide range of bicycle models set a
high standard for exterior magnificence in action. Its long lasting endurance and ease in
maintenance further highlights its durability and practicality, and indicates that the disc brake is in
fact the best way brake.
INDEX / GLOSSARY
durability
the ability to withstand wear, pressure or damage
hydraulic
relating to a liquid moving in a confined space under pressure
mechanical
operated by machine or machinery
centrifugal force
a force arising from the bodys inertia that appears to act on a body moving in a circular
path and is directed away from the centre around which the body is moving
incline
a hill on an angle; slope
BIBLIOGRAPHY
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?page_id=8174
The Art of Bicycle Touring (2003-2010) Neil Gunton
http://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/769054-rim-vs-disc-vs-drum-brakes.html
Bike Forums : Rim vs Disc vs Drum Brakes (2011) ces
http://sheldonbrown.com/brake-choices.html
Stop! / Gimme 2 Brakes (1997-2007) Sheldon Brown revised by John Allen
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-types/drum-brake1.htm
How Drum Brakes Work (2011) Karim Nice

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