KAN-tuh-lee-vuhr BRAYKS
Noun
A type of bicycle brake that operates by pressing two arms against the rim of the wheel.
Example usage: My bicycle has cantilever brakes for added stopping power.
Most used in: North America and Europe.
Most used by: Mountain bikers and commuters.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 6/10
Also see: Caliper Brakes, V-Brakes, Direct-Pull Brakes, Linear-Pull Brakes,
What are Cantilever Brakes?
Cantilever brakes are a type of bicycle brakes used on cyclocross, touring, and mountain bikes. They are designed to provide superior stopping power and are especially useful in off-road biking. Cantilever brakes consist of two arms that are connected to either side of the wheel and pull the brake pads into the rim of the wheel.
Cantilever brakes are known for their strong braking power, allowing cyclists to stop quickly and efficiently. They are also great for off-road riding, as they are more resistant to mud and debris than other types of brakes. Additionally, cantilever brakes are easy to adjust and maintain, making them a popular choice among cyclists.
In terms of popularity, cantilever brakes are used by more than 50% of mountain bikers and more than 30% of cyclocross and touring bikers. This makes them one of the most popular types of brakes among cyclists.
Overall, cantilever brakes are an excellent choice for cyclists looking for superior stopping power and reliability. They are easy to adjust and maintain, and they are popular among a variety of cyclists. For these reasons, cantilever brakes are a great option for any cyclist.
.A Brief History of Cantilever Brakes in Cycling
Cantilever brakes are a type of braking system used on bicycles and are commonly found on mountain bikes, touring bikes, and cyclocross bikes. The term “cantilever” is derived from the Latin word “cantare”, meaning “to sing”, and the English word “lever”, meaning “a bar used to turn a wheel or other device”.
The first cantilever brakes were developed in the early 1900s in France, and were known as “V-brakes”. These brakes used two arms that were positioned on either side of the wheel, and were connected by a cable. The arms were designed to be long enough to provide leverage, while the cable provided tension, allowing the cyclist to apply the brakes.
In the early 1980s, the cantilever brake system was further developed in the United States. Known as “linear-pull brakes”, this system used two arms that were connected to the wheel at the same time, providing a stronger braking force. This system was adopted by mountain bikes, and is still used today.
Today, cantilever brakes are one of the most popular types of brakes used on bikes. They are lightweight, reliable, and offer superior braking power compared to other braking systems. They are also easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for cyclists of all levels.