Whether you're on the road or biking a mountain, run rim brakes or disc brakes, we have you covered with a range of brake callipers and bike brake pads that'll ensure you ride hard and stop safely.
At CYKOM, we know the importance of stopping safely. Especially when you're breaking speed barriers. Our growing selection of bike brakes and parts includes top-quality choices from industry-leading manufacturers such as Shimano and Pinarello, trusted by professional cycling teams in major races worldwide.
And if you need help, our skilled bicycle mechanics can assist you with brake replacement or upgrades, whether for disc brakes or rim brakes.
Read more about our bicycle workshop in Copenhagen.
Can't make the trip to Copenhagen? Don't worry. Our team can provide the exact guidance and helpful information you need to do it yourself.
That includes help choosing the right brake equipment for your road, mountain, tour or gravel bike. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and expert advice to give you the best riding experience possible.
How to adjust bike brakes?
Before you start, drop our team of bike mechanics and cycling pros a line with any questions you have about adjusting your brakes.
In the meantime, here's a breakdown of the essential steps.
Adjusting your bike's brakes lets you ensure that the brake pads are properly aligned with the rim or rotor and that the brake levers provide the right braking power. This process will vary depending on the type of brakes your bike has (rim or disc brakes), but here are the basic steps for adjusting both types.
Rim brakes:
- Check the brake pads' alignment. Make sure they are centred over the rim and parallel to it.
- Adjust the distance of the brake pads from the rim by turning the barrel adjuster on the brake lever or the adjustment screw on the brake caliper.
- Test the brakes by squeezing the brake levers and ensuring they provide enough stopping power without rubbing the rim.
Disc brakes:
- Check the brake pads' alignment. Make sure they're centred over the disc rotor and parallel to it.
- Adjust the distance of the brake pads from the rotor by turning the barrel adjuster on the brake lever or the adjustment screw on the brake calliper.
- Test by squeezing the brake levers and making sure they provide enough stopping power without rubbing the rotor.
- If your brake levers feel too loose or too tight, adjust the brake lever's reach.
The specific instructions for adjusting your bike's brakes depend on the make and model of your bike. To be safe, always consult the manufacturer's instructions or one of our bike mechanics if you have any doubts.
What are rim brakes?
Rim brakes (rim-brake callipers) are bicycle brakes that use brake pads to press against the wheel's rim to slow or stop the bike. They're one of the most common types of bike brakes and are found on road bikes, touring bikes, and some mountain bikes.
Rim brakes use brake pads (made of rubber or similar material) mounted in a brake calliper, a U-shaped or V-shaped device that straddles the wheel. When the brake lever is pulled, the brake pads move towards the rim and press against it, creating friction. It's the friction that slows or stops the rotation and brings you safely to a full stop.
Rim brakes can either be cable-actuated or hydraulic. Cable-actuated rim brakes use a steel cable to connect the brake lever to the brake caliper. Hydraulic systems use a sealed, fluid-filled system to transfer force from the brake lever to the brake calliper.
There are different types of rim brakes, such as side-pull brakes, centre-pull brakes and dual-pivot brakes. Each has pros and cons, so it's important to know which one is more suitable for your bike and your riding style.
The biggest con of rim brakes is that they have less stopping power when the braking surface is wet or muddy, and they don't work as well if the rim is bent or worn. Plus they can wear out the rim more quickly than disc brakes.
What are bike disc brakes?
Disc brakes use brake pads to press against a rotor (a metal disc) mounted on the hub of the wheel to slow or stop the bike. Disc brakes are found on a wide variety of bikes, including mountain bikes, road bikes, and some hybrid and touring bikes.
Disc brakes work by using brake pads (made of rubber or similar material) mounted in a brake calliper, which is a device attached to the bike's frame or fork. The calliper surrounds a rotor, a metal disc attached to the hub of the wheel. When the brake lever is pulled, the brake pads move towards the rotor and press against it, creating friction that slows or stops the wheel. Just like with rim brakes, it's the friction that brings you to a halt.
Disc brakes can be either cable-actuated or hydraulic. Cable-actuated disc brakes use a steel cable to connect the brake lever to the brake calliper, while hydraulic disc brakes use a sealed, fluid-filled system to transfer force from the brake lever to the brake calliper.
Disc brakes have more consistent stopping power in wet or muddy conditions than rim brakes. And they don't wear out the rim as quickly. Plus, they can handle more heat and stress than rim brakes. Overall, you'll get better-stopping power, more durability, and can ride safer in all types of weather — even wet weather.
Disc brakes aren't just a slam dunk, however. They're more complex, heavier, and more expensive than rim brakes. They also require more maintenance, such as changing the brake pads and bleeding the brake fluid. Disc brakes also need specific frame and fork designs, meaning that not all bikes are compatible.
What are bike brake pads?
Bike brake pads are replaceable friction pads that press against the brake rotor (in the case of disc brakes) or the rim (in the case of rim brakes) to slow or stop the bike. They're a crucial component of any bike's braking system and must be replaced as they wear down — this can be often if you ride a lot.
Brake pads are made of a mixture of rubber, resin, and other materials and are designed to be durable and provide good stopping power in a variety of weather and road conditions. You'll find them in different shapes and sizes depending on the type of brake system and bike they're used for. Some brake pads are made of sintered metal, organic and ceramic composite.
When the brake lever is pulled, the brake pad is forced against the rotor or rim, creating friction that slows or stops the wheel. As the brake pads wear down over time, they become less effective at slowing or stopping the bike and need to be replaced. You'll have to replace brake pads regularly, as worn-out pads will damage the rotor or rim and reduce the bike's overall braking power.
Most bike manufacturers recommend replacing brake pads every few hundred miles or when the pads are worn down to a certain thickness.
Stop and shop the best bike brakes and more at CYKOM
From riding hard to stopping safely, you'll find everything you need to stay on the road longer in our evolving selection of cycling equipment, clothing and products. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a daily commuter, the cycling kit you need to improve your performance and reach your goals is here.
For bike brakes, shop industry-leading brands like Shimano and Pinarello. From disc brakes, cantilever brakes and rim brakes, our in-stock assortment is designed to provide the smooth and efficient stopping power you need. And we stock all sizes and styles to suit your bike.
At CYKOM, we want to be part of your cycling journey from before you get on the bike all the way to the finish line. That's why we stock everything from bike helmets and bib shorts to framesets, water bottles, used road bikes and more.
We understand the importance of having the right equipment to achieve your cycling goals. And we promise to work hard to offer the best selection of products at the most competitive prices. Browse our collection today and see why we are your go-to source for all things cycling.
