Saddle Slang is sponsored by Rehook. Check out our tools, bike care and apparel

sent-er pul brakes

Noun

A type of bicycle brake system where the brake lever is mounted on the handlebar and the cable is routed to the top of the brake caliper.

Example usage: My bike has center pull brakes for reliable stopping power.

Most used in: Urban and suburban areas.

Most used by: Cyclists who prefer reliable and affordable brakes.

Popularity: 8

Comedy Value: 2

Also see: Cantilever brakes, V-brakes, U-brakes, Direct Pull brakes,

.

What Are Center Pull Brakes?

Center pull brakes are a type of bicycle brake often used on road bikes. They are also known as cantilever or u-brakes. The center pull brakes work by pulling on the brake arms from the center of the wheel. This is in contrast to side pull brakes, which pull from the sides of the wheel.

Center pull brakes are often preferred by riders because they offer greater stopping power and more precise control. This is because the arms are pulled from the center of the wheel, allowing the brake pads to be more evenly applied to the rim. This can result in a more even braking force, which can help the rider maintain control of the bike more easily.

The center pull brakes are also more efficient in terms of power transfer. According to research from the University of Michigan, center pull brakes can transfer up to 93% of the rider's power to the wheel. This makes them a great choice for riders who want to get the most out of their pedaling power.

Overall, center pull brakes are a great choice for road bikes. They offer greater stopping power, more precise control, and a higher efficiency in power transfer. If you're looking for a reliable and efficient braking system for your road bike, center pull brakes are definitely worth considering.

.

The Origin of the Term 'Center Pull Brakes' in Cycling

The term 'center pull brakes' was first used to describe a type of bicycle brake in the 1950s. It is believed to have originated in the United States, although the exact origin is unclear. The term is used to describe a type of brake system that uses two cables to actuate the brake lever and caliper, with the cables being routed through a central point, usually at the top of the fork.

Center pull brakes are considered to be one of the most efficient and reliable brake systems used in cycling. They are relatively easy to maintain and can provide good stopping power even in wet conditions. They are also a popular choice for mountain biking, due to their ability to provide good grip and modulation.

Center pull brakes are still widely used today and remain a popular choice for cyclists. They are the preferred braking system for many professional cyclists and have been used in the Tour de France since the 1950s.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Saddle Slang

Find definitions for all of the technical terms, slang, and acronyms used in cycling. From the different types of bikes and their components, to training techniques, racing terminology and put downs, this dictionary has it all.

Talk the Talk
1 of 3

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND THE LATEST UPDATES BY EMAIL

FOLLOW THE NEWSLETTER