Brake systems

The 10 bicycle brakes are: The V-brake, the road bike brake, the disc brake, the hydraulic V-brake, the hydraulic disc brake, the cantilever brake, the coaster brake, the band brake, the roller brake, and the stamp brake.

Nowadays, three braking systems can be distinguished: Rim brakes, disc brakes and drum brakes. 
Depending on the braking system, the other construction parts of the wheel are also aligned and selected. 

Rim brakes
In terms of rim brakes can be distinguished between three systems: Cantilever brakes, V-brakes and side-pull brakes. Side-pull brakes are found almost exclusively on road bikes, as this type of brake only works with thin tires. As the name suggests, this system is operated by a cable attached to the side. There is a C-shaped arm and a Y-shaped arm, which move against each other and thus press the brake pads to the brake flank of the rim. In the other two systems, there are two separate brake arms positioned to the left and right of the wheel and operated by a cable. Cantilever brakes are pulled together by a cross cable, whereas the arms of the V-brake are connected to a brake cable running through a guide tube and bellows.
The low weight and easy maintenance speak in favor of rim brakes. Against rim brakes speak the poorer dosage and a lower brake strength, since the braking process triggers an elongation of the brake cable. 

Disc brakes
The classic brake disc is made of one piece, but there are also multi-piece discs made of different materials at the friction ring and at the bolting. This allows for better heat conduction, depresses the weight and reduces noise.
An advantage of disc brakes is the good dosage and the constant braking power, regardless of the weather. Disadvantage is the increased maintenance effort, should the brake once draw air or water. 

Brake pads
With regard to brake pads, there are three different versions: Organic, semi-metal or sintered metal pads. The individual versions can have different compositions depending on the manufacturer, which can lead to different values in terms of durability, braking force and noise. In general, however, it can be said that organic pads are very good to dose, give off little heat to the brake system and squeak less. In contrast to sintered metal pads, however, wear is increased. Sintered metal tends to squeak. Semi-metal linings show the least wear, but these are particularly prone to unpleasant noise.

The above-mentioned lining types can also be applied to different backing plates. Aluminum, steel and titanium have become established here, with these differing primarily in terms of thermal conductivity and weight. In order to conduct the heat even better, some manufacturers equip their pads with cooling fins. It is important for all pads to be braked in carefully before the first "serious" use. Many manufacturers recommend braking 30 times at moderate speed (about 30 km/h) almost to a standstill. 

Drum brakes
Drum brakes (or coaster brakes) are seen today only on isolated city bikes and children's bikes. 
One disadvantage of drum brakes, however, is that they do not easily match the braking power of modern disc or rim brakes. In addition, overheating is possible during long descents. What is practical is that they are weather resistant and inexpensive.