Whats the difference in brakes

[royal23]

Hey

 

So whats the difference between V-brakes and disk breaks? And further more what are hydraulic breaks?

 

I wouldn't know the difference between any of these.

 

Also as a novice I would really like to know what specs to look for in an entry level bike.

 

I am truly struggling with all this jargon and I really don't know where to begin.

 

Thanks!

 

[traaidmark]

Best advice I can possibly give you is to head on over to your local bike shop, and ask them all the questions you have. Not only will they be able to give you expert advice, but also show you what they are talking about, let you try out some of the bikes they have and generally sort you out.

 

 

 

I have had only good times with Fritz Pienaar cycles (http://www.fritzpienaarcycles.com/) and have heard good things from Cyclelab (www.cyclelab.co.za). But I guess most bike shops should be able to sort you out.

 

 

 

Don't worry about sounding like an idiot with all your questions. Everybody has to start somewhere, so ask away!

 

 

 

I agree, it is pretty hectic to catch up on all the jargon and tech speak when you are just coming into the sport, but I guess that's true for most sports!

[Mutt]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_brake_systems

[AndreZA]

You also get tea breaks, lunch breaks and dinner breaks. I think you can figure those out by yourself.

 

 

 

[ShaughnK]

Perhaps mention where you are from.

Probably find somebody can recommend a Bike shop in your area that is newby friendly.

[royal23]

Hey

 

Yeah I know that but the thing is my time is so limited that I just don't have the time right now to get out to a cycle shop. I don't live or work in town so it makes things tricky for me.

 

I am looking 2nd hand options but I need to know what I need to look for so that I know whether I should bother to make the trek out to go and see the bike after work...

 

 

[Christopher Brunsdon]

Big difference is price. A good disc-brake (not breaks) setup has more value in its fork than V's.

 

My entry level Giant Rock was R4,5K with V's - to go to a safe disc version (where the fork will not give you grief) was at least R2k more.

 

Rather go for good Vs than crap discs

 

[royal23]

I live in Jhb, about 25km North of Fourways and work near Hartebeespoort dam. Close to Van Gaalens.

[Mrs Colonel]

Seriously people.  SPELLING.

Brakes - things that help you stop

Breaks - when it is broken, does not work

[Mudsimus]

You also get tea breaks' date=' lunch breaks and dinner breaks. I think you can figure those out by yourself.

[/quote']

 

Ah...so a hydraulic break would be the same as a taking a piss? And a pneumatic break is when you go outside to fart?

[royal23]

Haha

 

Sorry about that. Lack of sleep getting to me...

 

[Andyr249]

Ah Mud Dee, that is great!!

[Pappa Bear]

V-Brakes:  Rubber braking pads used to brake on the rim of the bicycle.  Quite light (mass) but lacks braking power (will take you longer to brake over a certain distance).  Lacks braking power in wet conditions

 

Disc (cable):  Has a disc that is used for the braking area.  Has good braking power - will bring you to a stop in a shorter distance than a V brake.  Also wet weather has almost no effect on the braking distance.  The brakes is activated by a cable that pulls on usually a worm gear system.  Need some grip to operate the brakes / pull the lever

 

Disc Hydraulic:  Same as above except that thebrakes is activated by a hydraulic line...... brake levers feels "soft" to pull

 

With out question go for Hydraulic disc brakes the system is the best and offers the most .......

[TNT1]

Usually the difference in breaks comes down to who's the strongest rider at the end. Even if you have some team mates with you in the break, you will still probably have to work harder than if you were back in the bunch, and more than likely have to ride away solo to secure the win. The other option is to fake it, either soft pedal when you roll through, or be the ticket collector... Soft pedalling on your turn at the front is cool, if you know how to get away with it. Ticket collecting and sprinting for the win will probably just guarantee you a pump in the spokes in the next race.

[Wernervdmerwe]

 

Disc (cable):  Has a disc that is used for the braking area.  Has good braking power - will bring you to a stop in a shorter distance than a V brake.  

 

 

Not sure I agree with that though? I would think in dry conditions v-brakes will be more effective than disks due to the leverage on the center? The whole torque times distance thing?

 

Disks is definately a better option for mtb as you invariably ride through mud or water which deteriorate v-brakes effectiveness substantiably.

 

Also, if you damage a rim and have disk brakes, it does not affect your braking capability.

[SwissVan]

Seriously people.  SPELLING.

Brakes - things that help you stop

Breaks - when it is broken' date=' does not work

[/quote']

 

LOL so it's official...I get broken at least 3 times a day...

 

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea time...

I do object to being an it tho...