Bike Handlebar Buyer's Guide

Brakes are one of the most important parts of your bike, keeping you safe and in control on every ride. The type of brake you need can depend on your bike and how you ride — whether it’s casual weekend rides, commuting, road racing, or tackling rough mountain trails.

In this guide, we’ve outlined every style of bike brakes and the benefits of each, so when it comes to buying a new set of brakes for your bike, you’ll be well prepared.

Types of Bike Brakes

There are multiple different styles of brakes to choose from, but ultimately, a combination of your bike and riding style will decide which type of brake is right for you.

Rim Brakes

These brakes work by pressing pads against the wheel rim to slow you down. They’re lightweight, easy to maintain, and cost-effective, making them ideal for road bikes, commuter bikes, and casual riding. However, their performance can drop in wet or muddy conditions, so they’re not so good for off-roading or mountain biking in the winter.

Clarks Single V-Brake Callipers 

The Clarks Single V-Brake Callipers are an excellent rim brake option; they’re compatible with all V-brake levers with adjustable spring tension to suit your bike. This brake also features all-weather brake pads for ultimate stopping power exactly when you need it.

Disc Brakes

These brakes use pads that clamp onto a rotor attached to the wheel hub. They provide powerful, consistent stopping in all weather conditions, making them ideal for mountain bikes, all-weather commuting, and high-performance road bikes. They are heavier, require more maintenance, and are generally more expensive than rim brakes.

There are two different types of Disc Brakes:

• Mechanical (cable-actuated)
• Hydraulic (fluid-actuated, more powerful and responsive)

Clarks React 4 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set 4 Piston 

The Clarks React 4 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set is an excellent hydraulic disc brake option. Featuring a robust 4-piston calliper design that delivers exceptional stopping power, giving you confidence and control no matter the terrain or weather conditions.

Built to withstand intense demands, it provides a responsive and reliable braking experience, perfect for tackling steep descents and rugged trails. The brake also features self-adjusting pistons that automatically adapt to pad wear, ensuring that the lever bite point remains consistent over time.

Avid BB5 Road Platinum CPS Mechanical Disc Brake

The Avid BB5 Road Platinum CPS Mechanical Disc Brake is an excellent mechanical disc brake option, ideal for road biking. This disc brake has been designed for use with short cable pull levers and drop bars. The platinum finish will give your bike a high-quality look and feel.

Coaster Brakes

Although less common, these brakes are often seen on kids’ bikes or casual cruisers. They engage when you pedal backwards, making them simple, low-maintenance, and easy to use.

Things to consider

There are a few things you should consider before purchasing new brakes for your bike to ensure you get the best safety and performance from your bike.

• Riding Style: Your choice of brakes should match how you ride. Casual riders may prefer simple, low-maintenance options, while road racers and mountain bikers may need high-performance brakes for precision and power.
• Weather & Terrain: Wet, muddy, or hilly conditions can affect braking performance. Disc brakes perform better in all weather, while rim brakes can struggle in wet conditions.
• Maintenance: Consider how easy it is to adjust, replace, or service pads, rotors, and cables. Low-maintenance brakes save time and keep your bike reliable.
• Weight & Performance Trade-Offs: Lighter brakes reduce overall bike weight but may compromise stopping power. High-performance brakes are heavier but offer stronger, more consistent braking.
• Compatibility: Make sure the brake type you choose fits your bike frame, wheel size, and fork. Some brakes require specific mounts or rotor sizes, so checking compatibility is essential.

Safety Tips

Your bike's brakes are one of the most important components of your bike – especially if you find yourself in a situation where you need to stop immediately. You should ensure you do the following before heading out on your bike:

• Always check brakes before each ride – this can prevent any damage to your bike's tyres, so ensure your brakes are in good working condition and aren’t sticking to your tyres before every ride.
• Replace worn pads or rotors promptly – if you notice your brake pads are excessively worn, then make sure you replace them before heading out on your ride.
• Adjust tension and alignment for optimal stopping power – make sure your brakes are well adjusted, so that when you need to brake, you're able to stop immediately and without delay.

Fitting Service

Here at Halfords, we offer an expert accessory fitting service from just £10. By letting an expert handle it, you won’t run the risk of fitting your new brakes incorrectly or causing your bike any damage, meaning you can ride away with extra peace of mind.

If you’re still unsure, visit your local Halfords store, where a friendly expert can help you choose the best brakes for your bike and riding style.

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