Why “brakes” is being discussed
The most recent Hacker News stories and comments contributing to this topic's mentions.
Brilliant for folks in flat cities riding to and from work. That's the environment in which they got popular 100y ago. For hills def need rim brakes or discs for flexibility of…
by zoom6628 · Sep 2, 2026
One of the earliest 'mountain biking' trails, before real mountain bikes existed, is called Repack because they were using Coaster brakes and you'd basically have to rebiuld…
by to11mtm · Sep 1, 2026
TBH I don't care for hydraulic disc brakes much. My -favorite- setup for Discs, at least use to be, Avid BB7s with Avid Speed Dial levers, with Flak Jacket Housings. That combin…
by to11mtm · Sep 1, 2026
Personally, I wouldn't want to ride a bike with only rear brakes - or do you also have a front brake with these?
by switchbak · Sep 1, 2026
We used to call coaster brakes "torpedo" when I was a kid and, yup, they're totally horrible. If you've got coaster brakes I don't even know if you can learn to trackstand (you…
by TacticalCoder · Sep 1, 2026
> I've only once in my life worn out a set of rim brake pads I wore one set out... But I bought a new old stock bike that was made the same year as me... the tubes were ok and t…
by toast0 · Sep 1, 2026
Interest
Proportion of Hacker News items mentioning "brakes" over time.
Mentions
Total number of Hacker News items mentioning "brakes" over time.
A brake is a mechanical device that inhibits motion by absorbing energy from a moving system. It is used for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, wheel, axle, or to prevent its motion, most often accomplished by means of friction. Read more on Wikipedia