Wireless braking on your bike
As kids I think most of us had wireless braking. It did lead to rather worn heels and possibly was not as effective as hydraulic disc brakes. The Germans – natch – want to take it a stage further.
Saarland University has developed a wireless, or maybe that should be hoseless, brake system. Apparently it’s 99.999999999997% reliable, which is nice. Whether or not there is any rumour in the truth that Northern company, On-One and Brant Richards, are developing a competing retro system have yet to be confirmed. You can read about wireless bicycle brakes on CNET.
About the author
Dave's been riding seriously since about 1997 and is one of the founding Molefathers — along with Matt and Mark — that came up with the idea of a MTB website for Mole Valley riders.
He's had several different bikes but it's now mainly 29ers in Dave's stable, apart from an Orange 5.
Current Bikes: Orange 5, Salsa Spearfish and Kona Big Unit
There are 5 comments on ‘Wireless braking on your bike’
We love to get comments from our readers - if you've spent a few moments to comment, thank-you.
If you haven't had a chance yet, jump to our comments form if you have something to say.
Leave a comment…
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
paul901 says:
Blimey Dave, I know I haven’t seen you for a while but that’s some makeover!
(nice clogs BTW)
Add a new comment, or
Posted on October 17, 2011 at 10:55 am
Matt says:
LOL @ Paul!!
I saw this in BIkeradar and thought about writing it up but Dave’s done it for me. Nice one! I can’t help thinking that the whole idea is fundamentally flawed, using pressure sensors to activate and so on. And it might be a tad delicate.
It’s pretty basic tech really, a simple switch and a process that can be motorised, it just happens to be wireless – but then again, so’s my garage door!
Looking at those forks the whole idea is intended either for old, arthritic Hells Angels with weak wrists that have switched to riding hog-style cruiser bikes (quite niche) or the bluetooth sensor only works when it’s a set distance away from the sender.
Crazy Germans…
Add a new comment, or
Posted on October 17, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Dave says:
I think I’d just have a lever instead. How many of us have come off a scary trail with hands that hurt from gripping the bars too tightly. Pressure sensitive grips would be a nightmare!
….and your Cateye wireless speed was soooo reliable Matt! ;o)
Add a new comment, or
Posted on October 17, 2011 at 12:44 pm
KevS says:
Having spent most of Sunday around Pitch and Holmbury with the Moles trying to survive the relentless steep switchbacks, near vertical drop offs and rooty trails with my saddle dropped and arse hung out over the back of the bike, I for one would prefer the good old comfort factor of a nice solid brake lever!
Add a new comment, or
Posted on October 17, 2011 at 8:28 pm
Guacamole says:
Surprised they did not put the pressure devices on the outside of the saddle to pick up those buttock clenching moments. Completely absurd development.
Add a new comment, or
Posted on October 18, 2011 at 5:41 pm