Rim brake (caliper)
Also called · caliper brake · dual-pivot brake
A rim brake that squeezes two pads against the sides of the wheel rim, built as a compact two-arm caliper bolted above the tire from a single point. It has been the road-bike standard for decades.
How to spot itTwo curved arms reaching down from one central bolt to meet the rim just above the tire, tucked under the fork crown or behind the seatstays.
Best forRoad bikes and lighter, drier-weather riding, where its low weight and simplicity shine.
Watch outIt loses bite in the wet and slowly wears the rim as a braking surface; it is outmatched by discs for heavy loads and long steep descents.
You might say“the brake that pinches the wheel rim”“the little caliper brake on a road bike”“the two curved arms that squeeze the rim”“the brake bolted just above the tire”
Source · Bicycle brake manufacturer category documentation (Shimano, Tektro); Sheldon Brown bicycle glossary — brakes · 2026-07
V-brake (linear-pull)
Also called · linear-pull brake · direct-pull brake
A rim brake with two tall arms mounted on bosses on the frame or fork, pulled together by a cable crossing the top through a curved tube. Strong and cheap, it is common on hybrids, commuters, and older mountain bikes.
How to spot itTwo vertical arms straddling the tire, joined at the top by a cable and a curved metal noodle.
Best forHybrids, commuters, and touring bikes that want plenty of rim-brake power for little money and easy upkeep.
Watch outIt is still a rim brake, so wet-weather bite and rim wear apply, and the pads need occasional aligning as they wear.
You might say“the tall brake arms on the sides of the wheel”“the rim brake on a hybrid or older mountain bike”“the two long arms bolted to the frame with a cable across the top”“the powerful rim brake on a commuter”
Source · Bicycle brake manufacturer category documentation (Shimano, Tektro); Sheldon Brown bicycle glossary — brakes · 2026-07
Mechanical (cable) disc brake
Also called · cable disc brake
A disc brake operated by a steel cable, clamping pads onto a metal rotor at the wheel hub. It trades some power for simplicity, adjustability, and easier repair away from a workshop.
How to spot itA caliper at the hub gripping a metal rotor, fed by a bare cable rather than a sealed hose.
Best forRiders who want disc-brake stopping with cable simplicity, especially tourers and anyone who services their own bike.
Watch outIt needs occasional manual adjustment as the pads wear, and it is a little less powerful and smooth than a hydraulic disc.
You might say“the disc brake pulled by a normal cable”“a disc brake with a bare brake cable running to it”“the cable-operated rotor brake”“the disc brake you can adjust with a hex key”
Source · Bicycle brake manufacturer category documentation (Shimano, TRP, Tektro); Sheldon Brown bicycle glossary — disc brakes · 2026-07
Hydraulic disc brake
Also called · hydraulic brake
A disc brake operated by fluid in a sealed line, so a light pull at the lever becomes a strong, smooth, evenly modulated clamp at the rotor. It self-adjusts for pad wear and needs little routine attention.
How to spot itA sealed hose, not a bare cable, running from the lever down to a caliper gripping a rotor at the hub.
Best forAll-weather, loaded, and hilly riding, where strong braking for little effort and low fuss matters most.
Watch outBleeding the fluid is an occasional shop job rather than a roadside one, and repair away from home is harder than with a cable.
You might say“the disc brake with fluid instead of a cable”“the powerful self-adjusting disc brake”“the brake with a sealed hose to the lever”“the strong disc brake that needs little hand effort”
Source · Bicycle brake manufacturer category documentation (Shimano, SRAM); Sheldon Brown bicycle glossary — disc brakes · 2026-07
Coaster brake (backpedal)
Also called · backpedal brake · foot brake
A brake built into the rear hub that engages when you pedal backwards, with no lever or cable. It is common on kids' bikes and simple cruisers.
How to spot itA bike with no rear brake lever or cable at all; the rider stops by pressing back on the pedals.
Best forKids' bikes and simple single-speed cruisers, where its lack of cables means very little upkeep.
Watch outYou can only brake when a pedal is in a usable position, and it skids the rear wheel easily, giving less control than hand brakes on hills.
You might say“the brake you work by pedaling backwards”“the bike with no brake levers”“the brake built into the back hub of a cruiser”“the kids' bike brake with no cables”
Source · Bicycle hub and brake manufacturer documentation (Shimano); Sheldon Brown bicycle glossary — coaster brakes · 2026-07
Drum / roller brake
Also called · roller brake · hub brake
A brake enclosed inside the wheel hub and worked by a cable, sealed away from rain and grit and close to maintenance-free. It is a hallmark of Dutch city bikes and hub-geared town bikes.
How to spot itA smooth metal drum at the center of the hub with a cable running to it, and no rim pads or exposed rotor.
Best forLow-maintenance city bikes ridden in all weather, often paired with a hub gear and a fully enclosed chain.
Watch outIt is heavier and less powerful than a disc and not made for long steep descents, and if it ever fails it is awkward to service.
You might say“the sealed brake inside the wheel hub”“the enclosed brake on a Dutch city bike”“the low-maintenance brake you cannot see pads on”“the weatherproof hub brake”
Source · Bicycle hub and brake manufacturer documentation (Shimano roller brake); Sheldon Brown bicycle glossary — drum and hub brakes · 2026-07
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