What is the difference between drum brakes and disc brakes?
4 Answers
Here is an introduction to the differences between drum brakes and disc brakes: Drum Brakes: "Drum brakes" are a type of hub brake. Generally, a drum brake system consists of rotating parts, fixed parts, actuating parts, and a positioning adjustment device. It includes components such as the brake backing plate, brake wheel cylinder, brake shoes, related linkages, springs, pins, and the brake drum. Currently, they are primarily used on rear wheels. Disc Brakes: Disc brakes consist of a brake disc connected to the wheel and a brake caliper at the edge of the disc. When braking, high-pressure brake fluid pushes the brake pads to clamp the disc, thereby generating the braking effect.
The drum brake is the type hidden inside the wheel, shaped like a small drum. It doesn't need frequent maintenance and isn't much affected by rain or dust, often lasting years without repair. However, its braking power is relatively weak, feeling inadequate during downhill rides or emergency stops, and it's prone to overheating—prolonged braking can make the tire feel sluggish. In contrast, V-brakes are exposed, using two calipers to clamp the wheel rim, providing immediate stopping power when the lever is pulled—quick and responsive. They're easy to maintain; replacing brake pads is a DIY job, saving time and money. V-brakes are ideal for urban commuting—lightweight and efficient—though they can get noisy when the rims are dirty or muddy, requiring extra checks on rainy days. Overall, for practicality and daily use, V-brakes suit frequent riders better, while drum brakes are better for lazy riders or harsh conditions. That's the key difference.
I often swap bike parts when cycling. The biggest difference between V-brakes and coaster brakes lies in performance. V-brakes deliver strong braking by directly clamping the rim with noticeable lever effect, offering rapid response—just a light squeeze ensures a firm stop, making them ideal for mountain biking and emergency braking. Downsides include reduced efficiency in muddy conditions and faster rim wear requiring maintenance. Coaster brakes rely on internal drum friction, providing gentler but consistent braking force with excellent water resistance for reliable performance in harsh weather, though poor heat dissipation poses fading risks on long descents. Comparatively, V-brakes' lightweight design dominates with clear performance gains, making them nearly universally recommended for modern bikes. While coaster brakes boast higher durability, they're largely obsolete—riders should choose based on intended use.
On a tight budget? Here's the deal: Coaster brakes are expensive mainly due to installation costs, as they're built into the wheel and require professional mechanics for repairs, with harder-to-find parts at higher prices. V-brake components are affordable, with brake pads costing just tens of yuan, making DIY replacements worry-free and cost-effective. For daily commuting, V-brakes are economically practical with fewer failures and longer maintenance intervals. While coaster brakes last longer, repair costs add up over time—unless you frequently ride in rain or snow. Comparing cost and convenience, V-brakes are undoubtedly the top choice, saving money while delivering efficiency.
