Disc brakes: It's not without reason that disc brakes are the most commonly used brake on cargo bikes. This type of brake works, as the name suggests, by pressing brake pads against a disc connected to the hub of the respective wheel. They can be actuated hydraulically or by cable. Hydraulic brakes in particular are characterized by high braking power with relatively moderate leverage. This enables powerful braking in almost any riding situation. Compared to rim brakes, the disc is many times smaller and doesn't get as dirty in wet and bad weather. This ensures high and reliable braking performance even in bad weather. Due to its open design, compared to drum and roller brakes, disc brakes can dissipate waste heat very effectively and are therefore durable even under frequent use. In addition, disc brakes offer the option of increasing the brake pad surface by using four brake pistons (two per side), thus providing even more braking power. Where there is light, there is also shadow? Of course, disc brakes have their disadvantages. Firstly, they are very sensitive to oil and grease contamination, resulting in noise and reduced braking performance. Secondly, this braking system requires somewhat more maintenance, as the pads on cargo bikes can easily wear out after just 1,500 km. The disc brake is the current "gold standard" for high-load applications. Models with four pistons, such as the Magura MT5 or comparable models from Shimano, offer enormous power reserves. In addition, disc brakes offer consistent braking power during longer and more intense braking thanks to the ventilated brake disc. This is offset by the slightly increased maintenance effort and the necessary caution when handling grease and oil, which must not come into contact with the brake disc.
Overview of brake types for cargo bikes
Disc brake | Rim brake | Drum brake | Roller brake
With this introductory guide, we want to provide you with important information about braking. The differences between the various brake types are clearly noticeable depending on their use.
We will show you the strengths and weaknesses of each system and give you our personal recommendations regarding cargo bikes and trailer operation.
Rim brakes
For many years, the rim brake has proven itself to be a reliable and cost-effective brake. It benefits from its simple design and thus its low purchase price. Rim brakes also have lower wear parts, especially in terms of the brake pad. In cycling, the rim brake has long been the "gold standard" because it is lighter and can be better integrated into the overall system than disc brakes. What disadvantages do these advantages have?
The most well-known disadvantage is the imprecise braking performance in wet conditions, which is reduced for the first few meters. The brake must first "free" the large surface area of the rim before then applying its usual braking power. Combined with the larger pads and thus reduced leverage, rim brakes have a weak braking performance in wet conditions. On a lightweight bike, this can be compensated for by anticipatory riding. The disadvantage is rim wear and the need for a rim with brake strips. With intensive use, with many kilometers per year, a significantly more expensive part is subject to wear than with, for example, a disc brake.
On a cargo bike or when towing a trailer, greater and, above all, precise braking forces are required. Rim brakes are therefore not the first choice in this area, but they can be used with careful riding and a low load. Especially in wet conditions, driving with particular caution and foresight is essential.
Drum brake
Drum brakes play a minor role in bicycles. Their functionality is simple: The brake is a closed braking system with two internal brake shoes. The drum is firmly attached to the hub of the respective wheel and thus rotates at the speed of the wheel. Braking power is achieved by pressing the internal brake shoes against the drum wall. What are the advantages? The weatherproof design makes it a durable and weather-independent braking system. However, this design has one major disadvantage: With intensive use or prolonged braking in mountainous terrain, the brake heats up immensely.
Weather protection and low wear are advantages of drum brakes. However, they are also characterized by their high weight, high heat generation, and low stability under heavy loads or stress. This type of brake is not recommended for use on cargo bikes or heavy bicycle trailers. It does not offer sufficient power reserves. Drum brakes should be avoided, especially in mountainous regions such as the Paderborn area.
Roller brakes
Like the drum brake, Shimano aims to offer a low-maintenance, weatherproof, and safe braking system with the roller brake. Braking power is generated by a ring of rollers in a closed system. These are pressed against a brake jacket from the inside. To effectively dissipate the heat generated by friction braking, a special roller brake grease is combined with external cooling fins. At first glance, this makes the roller brake similar to a disc brake.
Similar to the drum brake, Shimano's roller brake is a low-maintenance and weather-resistant braking system. Especially for bikes that are only occasionally used on flat terrain, the roller brake is an attractive alternative to rim brakes or disc brakes. Under heavy loads, this brake type also suffers from poor heat dissipation due to its enclosed design. Therefore, the drum brake is not recommended for heavy cargo bikes or trailer towing.
