The History of Bicycle BrakesThe first successful pedal bicycle was built in 1869 and was named "The Boneshaker" because of its rigid components. It consisted of a rigid iron frame and wooden wheels surrounded by iron tires. Although it was not the most comfortable way to travel and was almost useless on anything other than a flat, smooth surface, this innovation was a major step forward in the development of transportation. Since The Boneshaker, the structure of bicycles has come a long way in terms of comfort, but also safety with the development of braking technology. The initial method of slowing down bicycles was to resist the pedals, as they originally did not have the option of freewheeling. The pedals were connected directly to the front drive wheel, which caused problems if the bike went too fast. Sudden braking often results in the entire bike tipping over onto the front wheel. The bike was equipped with a braking system known as "Spoon Brake" shortly after the innovation. This system was most often operated by a lever or cord connected to the handlebars, which extended to the front or rear wheel. When the lever was engaged, a leather pad or metal shoe pressed on top of the wheel and successfully slowed the bike. This braking mechanism significantly increased wheel wear and was not very powerful compared to current technology. The band brake was another system that appeared on bicycles as early as 1884. This system incorporated a band, strap or cable that wraps around a drum attached to the wheel hub. When the belt is tensioned, the friction between the belt and the drum increases and the wheel slows down. This meth...... middle of paper ......r of the tire in relation to the spoon brake. Disc brakes are the newest installation in bicycle braking. A metal disc is attached directly to the wheel hub, which rotates accordingly. Calipers that are connected to the fork or frame of the bicycle on the disc, which slows the rotation of the wheel. Disc brakes can be triggered mechanically, hydraulically, or a combination of both. Mechanically activated brakes operate similarly to the previous cable brakes discussed in this report. A lever arm attached to the handlebars receives force that stretches a Bowden cable and engages the brake calipers. Hydraulically released disc brakes consist of a fluid in the brake system, as opposed to a cable. When the lever arm is engaged, the fluid is pressurized and applies force to the pistons attached to the brake calipers..