Find HS Code and trade information for mountain bike brake handle

Mountain Bike Brake Handle

A mountain bike brake handle (also commonly referred to as a brake lever) is a crucial component of a mountain bike's braking system, enabling the rider to control the bike’s speed and descent via mechanical or hydraulic actuation of the brakes.

Material

Brake handles are commonly constructed from:

• Aluminum Alloy: Lightweight, strong, and provides good corrosion resistance. The most common material for mid-to-high end brake levers. Different alloys (e.g., 6061-T6, 7075-T6) offer varying levels of strength and weight.
• Carbon Fiber: Extremely lightweight and stiff, used in high-performance and competition-level brake levers, but generally more expensive and can be more susceptible to damage from impacts.
• Plastic/Composite: Found on lower-end bikes, offering affordability but typically less durability and feel compared to metal levers.

Purpose & Function

The primary purpose of a brake handle is to translate the rider’s hand force into braking power. This is achieved through:

• Mechanical Actuation: A cable connects the brake handle to the brake caliper, pulling the cable to engage the brake pads.
• Hydraulic Actuation: The brake handle pumps hydraulic fluid through a brake line to the brake caliper, forcing the brake pads against the rotor.

Key functions include:

• Speed Control: Allowing the rider to regulate speed on descents, climbs, and flat terrain.
• Modulation: Providing control over the braking force, preventing lock-ups and maintaining traction.
• Stopping Power: Enabling the rider to bring the bike to a complete stop quickly and safely.

Usage Scenarios

Mountain bike brake handles are used in a wide variety of riding conditions:

• Downhill Riding: Requires powerful and consistent braking for navigating steep, technical terrain.
• Trail Riding: Demands reliable braking for varied conditions, including loose surfaces and obstacles.
• Cross-Country Riding: Needs lightweight and efficient braking for climbs and descents.
• Enduro Riding: A balance of power, modulation, and reliability for demanding trails.

Common Types

• Short Pull vs. Long Pull: Refers to the cable throw ratio. Short pull levers are typically used with hydraulic disc brakes, while long pull levers are common with V-brakes and some mechanical disc brakes.
• 2-Piston vs. 4-Piston: This refers to the number of pistons in the brake caliper. 4-Piston calipers offer more stopping power and better modulation, commonly found on more aggressive riding styles.
• Integrated vs. Separate: Integrated levers combine the brake and shifter functions into a single unit, offering a cleaner cockpit appearance. Separate levers are more common and allow for independent adjustment.
• Ergonomic Variations: Different lever shapes and designs cater to different hand sizes and riding preferences. Common examples include short reach levers, long levers, and adjustable reach levers.
• Disc Brake Levers: Designed specifically for use with disc brakes, featuring hydraulic or mechanical actuation.
• V-Brake Levers: Designed for use with V-brakes, utilizing a cable-pull system.

Mountain Bike Brake Handle Classification

Based on the provided information, classifying a mountain bike brake handle requires careful consideration of its components and function. The following HS codes are potentially relevant:

• 8714.94.30.80: Parts and accessories of vehicles of headings 8711 to 8713: Other: Brakes, including coaster braking hubs and hub brakes, and parts thereof: Drum brakes, caliper and cantilever bicycle brakes, and coaster brakes; parts thereof (including cable or inner wire therefor, fitted with fittings) Other.

  • 87: Chapter 87 – Vehicles and parts thereof. This chapter covers motor vehicles, bicycles, and other land transport vehicles.
  • 14: Heading 8714 – Parts and accessories of vehicles of headings 8711 to 8713. This heading specifically covers parts and accessories for bicycles.
  • 94: Subheading 8714.94 – Brakes, including coaster braking hubs and hub brakes, and parts thereof. This further narrows down the classification to bicycle brakes and related components.
  • 30: Further specifies drum brakes, caliper and cantilever bicycle brakes, and coaster brakes; parts thereof (including cable or inner wire therefor, fitted with fittings).
  • 80: Other. This indicates a more specific categorization within the bicycle brake components.

• 8714.94.90.00: Parts and accessories of vehicles of headings 8711 to 8713: Other: Brakes, including coaster braking hubs and hub brakes, and parts thereof: Other.

  • 87: Chapter 87 – Vehicles and parts thereof.
  • 14: Heading 8714 – Parts and accessories of vehicles of headings 8711 to 8713.
  • 94: Subheading 8714.94 – Brakes, including coaster braking hubs and hub brakes, and parts thereof.
  • 90: Other. This is a broader categorization for bicycle brake components not specifically listed elsewhere.

• 7326.90.25.00: Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Cable or inner wire for caliper and cantilever brakes and casing therefor, whether or not cut to length.

  • 73: Chapter 73 – Iron or steel articles.
  • 26: Heading 7326 – Other articles of iron or steel.
  • 90: Subheading 7326.90 – Other.
  • 25: Further specifies cable or inner wire for caliper and cantilever brakes and casing therefor, whether or not cut to length.

Important Note: According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'mountain bike brake handle' are limited, with only the following 3 found.

Proactive Suggestion: When declaring under HS code 8714.94.30.80 or 8714.94.90.00, it is important to note that the brake handle may contain components made of iron or steel, which could also fall under HS code 7326.90.25.00. Additionally, cable or inner wire for caliper and cantilever brakes and casing therefor, whether or not cut to length may require separate declaration under HS code 7326.90.25.00.