Pronunciation: [ɹˈɪm bɹˈe͡ɪk] (IPA) 
The spelling of the term "rim brake" is represented in the International Phonetic Alphabet as /rɪm breɪk/. The first syllable, "rim," is pronounced with a short 'i' sound followed by an 'm' and a silent 'e'. The second syllable, "brake," is pronounced with a long 'a' followed by a 'k' sound. The term refers to a type of brake used on bicycles, where the brake pads squeeze the rim of the wheel to slow it down.
A rim brake is a type of braking system used on bicycles and other vehicles with a rotating wheel. It is designed to slow down or stop the rotation by pressing brake pads against a metal rim that is attached to the wheel. This is achieved through a mechanical mechanism or a hydraulic system that applies force onto the rim, generating friction and reducing the speed.
In a typical rim brake setup, there are two brake pads positioned on either side of the rim. When the rider pulls the brake lever, a cable or hydraulic fluid transfers the force from the lever to the brake caliper, which in turn squeezes the brake pads against the rim. The resulting friction between the pads and the rim causes the wheel to slow down or come to a complete stop.
Rim brakes offer several advantages, including their simplicity, lightweight design, and ease of maintenance. They are commonly used on road bikes, hybrid bikes, and older models of bicycles. However, they may have some limitations, such as reduced braking power in wet conditions and potential for heat buildup during extended braking periods.
In recent years, rim brakes have been gradually replaced by disc brakes on many modern bicycles, as disc brakes are known for their superior braking performance, especially in adverse weather conditions. Nonetheless, rim brakes remain popular and continue to be used in various cycling disciplines and applications.
The word "rim brake" is a compound noun in English, composed of the words "rim" and "brake".
The term "rim" refers to the outer edge or circumference of a circular object, typically used in reference to the circular metal structure of a bicycle wheel. The word "rim" has Old English roots, derived from the Old English word "rima", meaning "a border or edge".
The word "brake" refers to a device used to slow down or stop motion. It can be traced back to the Middle English word "brake", which originated from the Old English verb "brecan", meaning "to break". In the context of a bicycle brake, it refers to any mechanism that applies friction to the rim of a wheel, thereby slowing down or stopping the rotational motion.
