Bicycle brake systems

Sure thing! So, you know how when you pedal a bike it goes forward, right? But what happens when you need to stop or slow down? That's where the brake system comes in!

A bicycle brake system is like a special handle that you squeeze or press down on to slow down or stop the bike. The brake system is made up of several different parts that work together to make the bike stop.

First, there are the brake pads. These are little rubber pieces that press against the metal rim of the wheel when you pull the brake handle. This creates friction, which slows down the wheel and eventually stops it.

The brake pads are attached to something called the brake caliper. This is like a little holder that keeps the brake pads in place on either side of the wheel. When you squeeze the brake handle, the brake caliper squeezes the brake pads onto the wheel rim.

But how does the brake handle make the brake pads squeeze onto the wheel rim? That's where the brake cable comes in! The brake cable is a long, skinny wire that runs from the brake handle down to the brake caliper. When you press the brake handle, it pulls on the brake cable which then pulls the brake caliper and squeezes the brake pads against the wheel rim.

So, when you're riding your bike and you need to slow down or stop, you squeeze the brake handle, which pulls on the brake cable, which then squeezes the brake pads against the wheel rim, creating friction and slowing down the wheel until you come to a stop.

And there you have it - that's how a bike brake system works!