Hydraulic brakes
In hydraulic brakes, braking power is
transmitted not by Bowden cables, but through
the medium of oil. Their operational principle is
the following: through a mechanical system the
brake lever exerts pressure on the master
cylinder, which in turn squeezes the oil through
the brake line onto the brake cylinder with a
specific leverage. Due to the difference
between the diameters of the piston rod and of
the brake piston, the braking pressure will be
higher at the latter, which presses the attached brake pads to the rim.
Hydraulic brake systems have several advantages. Brake cables are not
exposed to rusting, and even if they are routed along the frame with several
sharp bends, there is no loss of braking power. Braking power is between good
and very good, with good manageability and controllable application. Hydraulic
brakes require only minimal maintenance, and should maintenance become
necessary (e.g. because of a fall or the special position of the brake pipe),
special service sets exist to assist with it.
The correct setting of the brake requires dexterity and experience. If you
would rather not perform this setting by yourself, turn to a specialist
service centre. An incorrectly adjusted brake can cause serious mechanical
damage to your bicycle. To ensure the correct setting, please read the user
guide provided by the manufacturer of the brake system.
Brakes
Cantilever brake and V- brake
Today's modern bicycles are equipped with
a so-called V-brake, which exerts the
braking force on the wheel rim. This brake
system makes the braking triangle of former
cantilever brakes obsolete, and the brake
cable can be routed to the brake pads
without having to secure it to the frame or
fork. Centering of the brake is assisted by
dust-protected stretch springs and
fine-tuning screws.
Most V-brakes are equipped with rubber brake pads situated – as
with cantilevered brakes – in front of the brake body. Imprecision in
the setting of brake pads can be simply corrected with the
semicircular washer.
Attention: V-brakes have great braking power! Brake carefully
at first, so that you can get to know your brake system. For a
controlled brake path, regulate the braking power simultaneously
with the two brake levers.
The correct setting of the brake requires dexterity and experience. If
you would rather not perform this setting by yourself, turn to a
specialist service centre. To ensure the correct setting, please read
the user guide provided by the manufacturer of the brake system.
Figure 24
Figure 25
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