What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Disc Brakes on Bikes?

1. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Disc Brakes on Bikes? Year after year, the pace and power of bikes goes on increasing. Nowadays, a bike is a superb and speedy vehicle offering many thrills. Because of this, the right brakes on a bike are even more important than before. Precise and quick stopping power is vital. Especially in a country where traffic can be chaotic. It is important that you know the right braking system to choose. In general, you will find two types of brake systems on bikes nowadays. Drum brakes and disc brakes. Disc and Drum: A Closer Look If you’re taking a bike loan to purchase your dream vehicle, you need to know the difference between drum brakes and disc brakes. In a drum brake system, there are hydraulic wheel cylinders, brake shoes and a brake drum. When you press the brake pedal, the two curved brake shoes are pushed against the inner surface of a rotating brake drum by hydraulic wheel cylinders. This produces friction, which makes the vehicle slow down or stop. In a disc brake system, there is a brake disc, a brake calliper and brake pads. When you press the brake pedal, pressurized hydraulic fluid squeezes the brake pad against the surface of the rotating brake disc. This produces friction which reduces speed or brings the bike to a halt. Now, let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of each system.

2. 1. Stopping Ability A disc brake provides more stopping power than a drum brake. Bigger pads, multiple pads, and dual discs can further increase this ability. 2. Heating and Cooling Disc brakes are located outside the wheel. So, they can cool down faster than a drum brake, which is inside the wheel. 3. Wheel Damage In drum brakes, there is a spring that connects the brake shoe to the drum. With time, the friction's heat can slowly cause damage to the wheel. The disc brake system is different, and the damage is minimized. 4. Maintenance With a disc brake system, you will need only to clean the disc and the pads with appropriate material. But to maintain a drum brake, you need to remove the entire wheel. If maintenance is not done properly with drum brakes, the possibility of damage to the wheels is greater. 5. Wheel Lockup Wheel lockup is what happens when the driver applies the brakes harder than the tyre can handle. This can occur with disc brakes in sudden braking situations. Nowadays, some disc brakes come with ABS, or anti-lock braking system, to prevent this from happening. 6. Affordability As disc brakes are a newer technology, bikes equipped with this tend to have a marginally higher price point. With two wheeler loan, this factor is minimized. 7. Brake Failure With disc brakes, the brake fluid pipe is typically exposed. If this is damaged, the brakes will fail. Needless to add, this can result in a dangerous situation. 8. Fluid Maintenance The fluid in a disc brake system needs to be regularly checked and if need be, replaced. Since a drum brake system is purely mechanical, this is not needed. Conclusion

3. With some bikes, you get the advantage of both systems. The Bajaj 125cc bike, for example, has a front drum brake and a rear disc brake. Both are effective braking systems, but since disc brakes are more modern in terms of technology, they are considered to be better. This better performance, however, comes at a premium. Since brakes are such a vital part of riding a bike, do think carefully before making a choice.