Shimano Roller Brakes
01-31-10, 12:38 PM
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Shimano Roller Brakes
I tried searching for info, but the search just kicked out an error about the term being too long or too common.
What are the general thoughts on Shimano's Alfine roller brakes as compared to normal disc brakes? I've gotten a vague impression that the roller brakes aren't as good, but I haven't really read much about them.
What are the general thoughts on Shimano's Alfine roller brakes as compared to normal disc brakes? I've gotten a vague impression that the roller brakes aren't as good, but I haven't really read much about them.
01-31-10, 01:18 PM
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I use Shimano roller brakes on my "city bike" (Redline R530) The stock front brake was the anemic IM-41F. I would not recommend that one to anybody. I now have upgraded to a dyno hub with the IM-70F which does a much better job of stopping. I have only ridden a couple of disc brake bikes, but my general take on them is that they are very powerful and should stop you in most if not all conditions.
Roller brakes are totally enclosed and are not affected by weather at all. Discs are affected at least a bit by nasty road conditions.
Another problem with roller brakes in the US is availability. I have had to source parts for mine from the Netherlands when I could not get items from any US distributor.
I don't believe they offer Alfine with roller brakes only discs and those are hydraulic discs in the US. The roller brakes seem to only be compatible with the Nexus hubs.
I like my roller brakes fine and they stop me and my fully loaded bike with no fuss at all. FWIW I seldom exceed 15mph and my fully loaded weight is ~300#. YMMV
Aaron
Roller brakes are totally enclosed and are not affected by weather at all. Discs are affected at least a bit by nasty road conditions.
Another problem with roller brakes in the US is availability. I have had to source parts for mine from the Netherlands when I could not get items from any US distributor.
I don't believe they offer Alfine with roller brakes only discs and those are hydraulic discs in the US. The roller brakes seem to only be compatible with the Nexus hubs.
I like my roller brakes fine and they stop me and my fully loaded bike with no fuss at all. FWIW I seldom exceed 15mph and my fully loaded weight is ~300#. YMMV
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
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"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
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01-31-10, 10:14 PM
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Another problem with roller brakes in the US is availability. I have had to source parts for mine from the Netherlands when I could not get items from any US distributor.
I don't believe they offer Alfine with roller brakes only discs and those are hydraulic discs in the US. The roller brakes seem to only be compatible with the Nexus hubs.
I don't believe they offer Alfine with roller brakes only discs and those are hydraulic discs in the US. The roller brakes seem to only be compatible with the Nexus hubs.
I was wondering because I was looking at the Trek Soho as a commuter/trail bike. It looks good, except I wanted disc brakes vs. it's roller brakes. It's using an Alfine IGH, so take that as you will.
I'm specifically looking for disc brakes because the winter weather here tends heavily towards snow and ice.
02-01-10, 10:25 AM
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Thanks. The parts sourcing is a bit troubling.
I was wondering because I was looking at the Trek Soho as a commuter/trail bike. It looks good, except I wanted disc brakes vs. it's roller brakes. It's using an Alfine IGH, so take that as you will.
I'm specifically looking for disc brakes because the winter weather here tends heavily towards snow and ice.
I was wondering because I was looking at the Trek Soho as a commuter/trail bike. It looks good, except I wanted disc brakes vs. it's roller brakes. It's using an Alfine IGH, so take that as you will.
I'm specifically looking for disc brakes because the winter weather here tends heavily towards snow and ice.
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
