Bike Brakes from Hell

I've figured it out!!

One of the things that causes no end of irritation to expats in Japan is "that bicycle sound." Or more specifically: how can it be that a society with a sufficiently advanced technology to construct most of the planet's electronics equipment, just can't seem to make a bike brake that doesn't shatter the enamel on your teeth every time it's used?

After seven years living here, I finally found out what the deal is!

Most bicycles have caliper brakes that slow the bicycle down by clamping down onto the wheel rims.

But look closely at the rear wheel of a generic Japanese "mom"-type bike (the ones that lack any remnant of coolness.) Where the caliper brake should be is where the "lock" (such as it is) is. However, on the opposite side of the chain guard on the axle is a mysterious little . . . can, I guess you'd call it.

This little can is a drum brake!

And that is the source of the hideous screech! Why not use another caliper brake on the rear wheel, I don't know.

But I'll bet you sleep better tonight, huh? (: