Braking & Steering Page: 2 of 3 Drum and Disc Brakes Drum and
disc brakes are less common braking systems for bicycles. Drum
brakes work by applying friction from a pad inside an enclosed
drum. The drum is part of the hub of a wheel. These type of
brakes generate a great deal of heat and warning labels appear
on the outside of the hubs warning the rider not to touch the
hub for a time after the brakes have been applied. Disc brakes
work very much like caliper brakes, with a separate disc
attached to the hub. The main benefit is that the disc is away
from the wheel spray and consequently any liquid, dirt or other
materials. Both of these types of braking systems add more
weight to the bicycle, but drum brakes are especially heavy.
These types do appear on professional downhill bikes where the
added weight is not a concern and the added braking power
|IMAGES COURTESY OF CANNONDALE BICYCLES| Missy "the Missle"
Giove Missy "the Missle" Giove is known as one of the top women
downhill mountain bike racers in the wo