Will you ever go disc?
Likes For sancocho:
#228
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Redmond, WA & Bangkok, Thailand
Posts: 566
Bikes: 1999 Giant ATX MTB, 2002 Lemond Zurich, 2018 Fuji Transonic 2.3, 2019 Specialized Tarmac Disc Expert
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 171 Post(s)
Liked 393 Times
in
227 Posts
I bought a new carbon fiber road bike in March which came with disc brakes. I love the bike and I'm happy with the performance of the disc brakes.
#229
Full Member
Seeing as most makers now make road bikes with discs I wonder if most people will transition to discs or simply continue to run rim brakes until the end of time.
Personally I've been on discs since 2008. And I kinda like them. I only have one bike with rim brakes and I pretty much only use it when its dry and sunny outside so I have no problems with them. They work just as good as discs in those conditions.
Personally I've been on discs since 2008. And I kinda like them. I only have one bike with rim brakes and I pretty much only use it when its dry and sunny outside so I have no problems with them. They work just as good as discs in those conditions.
Likes For noodle soup:
#231
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 8,922
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4717 Post(s)
Liked 1,882 Times
in
998 Posts
I'm sure it's been said in 10 pages of replies by someone else. I went disc and now the question in my mind is why would you NOT run discs? SO much better in the wet and on descents. I realize there's some top tier competitive rules that prevent it, that's one thing, but for most of us? Man I love them.
#232
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Layton, UT
Posts: 1,606
Bikes: 2011 Bent TW Elegance 2014 Carbon Strada Velomobile
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 626 Post(s)
Liked 701 Times
in
418 Posts
We refer the manual transmissions as millenial anti-theft devices.
As for disc brakes, I bought my commuter (recumbent) when I was living in Seattle, and I am very glad I went with (cable) Avid BB7s. They work better in the rain than any rim brakes.
When I get my velo in a few weeks, it will have drum brakes on the front.
#233
Jedi Master
For a commuter, where weight isn't really that important, I'd go drums over disks every time. Drum brakes work well enough in all weather and require a tiny fraction of the maintenance of disks.
#234
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,520
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 354 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20810 Post(s)
Liked 9,456 Times
in
4,672 Posts
What kind of maintenance have your disc set-ups needed? A tiny fraction of my disc maintenance is, well, so tiny that it might as well be zero, which just isn't feasible in the real world.
#235
Jedi Master
We have had very different experiences. I have BB7's on the bike I have used for randonneuring for that last 7 seasons so it has a lot of miles on it in all kinds of weather. The front brake always seems to be getting out of alignment and rubs, so I have to loosen all the bolts and re-align it to stop it from rubbing. I frequently have to fiddle around with the clicker adjustments to balance rubbing and freeplay at the lever which I can never seem to get just right, always either too much freeplay or too much rub. The pads get contaminated or whatever and start squealing, which drives me nuts so I have spent a bunch of time and effort trying to figure out how to get that to stop stop to no avail. Eventually, I give up and replace the pads so they'll stop squealing for a while, which works for a few hundred miles or so depending on the conditions. I've been riding different bikes on brevets this year primarily because I'm so sick of those BB7's.
#236
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,520
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 354 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20810 Post(s)
Liked 9,456 Times
in
4,672 Posts
We have had very different experiences. I have BB7's on the bike I have used for randonneuring for that last 7 seasons so it has a lot of miles on it in all kinds of weather. The front brake always seems to be getting out of alignment and rubs, so I have to loosen all the bolts and re-align it to stop it from rubbing. I frequently have to fiddle around with the clicker adjustments to balance rubbing and freeplay at the lever which I can never seem to get just right, always either too much freeplay or too much rub. The pads get contaminated or whatever and start squealing, which drives me nuts so I have spent a bunch of time and effort trying to figure out how to get that to stop stop to no avail. Eventually, I give up and replace the pads so they'll stop squealing for a while, which works for a few hundred miles or so depending on the conditions. I've been riding different bikes on brevets this year primarily because I'm so sick of those BB7's.
#237
Senior Member
Disc brakes are, to me, an additional tool for cyclists. They are beneficial in situations.
I also think that like a lot of technology, disc brakes have been added to things outside of the beneficial situation because they are a way to differentiate and justify sales thru 'innovation'.
Its totally understandable- this happens in industries all the time. Marketing and advertising exist to drive interest in products we didnt know we needed(and often times dont need, but just want).
I have hydraulic brakes on my MTB. I ride that thing probably a dozen times a year and always in dry conditions...its incredibly unnecessary to have hydraulic disc brakes based on how I ride, but its also my 1st new bike in 25 years, so it came with disc since thats what is on a bike with an air fork, 1x11 drivetrain, etc. Discs dont help me around here...at all. Even the most technical singletrack in the region can be ridden perfectly fine with V brakes since its only ridden in dry enough conditions to not ruin the trail.
I will build a gravel frame this fall to replace my current gravel bike and itll have disc brakes. Right now i plan on QR discs because I dont think I need a massively stiff 44mm head tube to handle a TA tapered fork. I want disc brakes because I am curious if its any 'better' than my canti brakes that have kept me safe all these years. I doubt itll be better, but I still want to see because I have an itch to build a frame.
I just built a road frame last year and it has calipers since I dont choose to ride in rain storms and dont have descents that make caliper brakes feel dangerous. All the rest of my road frames are from 1990 or earlier so no discs there. Perhaps I will move to disc brakes on my road bikes, but i cant imagine itll be soon.
With no interest or need to buy a new bike from a shop, change will come slowly.
I also think that like a lot of technology, disc brakes have been added to things outside of the beneficial situation because they are a way to differentiate and justify sales thru 'innovation'.
Its totally understandable- this happens in industries all the time. Marketing and advertising exist to drive interest in products we didnt know we needed(and often times dont need, but just want).
I have hydraulic brakes on my MTB. I ride that thing probably a dozen times a year and always in dry conditions...its incredibly unnecessary to have hydraulic disc brakes based on how I ride, but its also my 1st new bike in 25 years, so it came with disc since thats what is on a bike with an air fork, 1x11 drivetrain, etc. Discs dont help me around here...at all. Even the most technical singletrack in the region can be ridden perfectly fine with V brakes since its only ridden in dry enough conditions to not ruin the trail.
I will build a gravel frame this fall to replace my current gravel bike and itll have disc brakes. Right now i plan on QR discs because I dont think I need a massively stiff 44mm head tube to handle a TA tapered fork. I want disc brakes because I am curious if its any 'better' than my canti brakes that have kept me safe all these years. I doubt itll be better, but I still want to see because I have an itch to build a frame.
I just built a road frame last year and it has calipers since I dont choose to ride in rain storms and dont have descents that make caliper brakes feel dangerous. All the rest of my road frames are from 1990 or earlier so no discs there. Perhaps I will move to disc brakes on my road bikes, but i cant imagine itll be soon.
With no interest or need to buy a new bike from a shop, change will come slowly.
Also it doesn't take rain to make discs better, morning dew will make the first few moments of a decent hairy enough to warrant discs. Good brakes are there for a reason, you may not see the value in not having to wait around for your rims to dry on the first few rotations, but let that sink in as you repeat that statement a few times.
#238
☢
You forgot to include the joking emoji. But I figured out you couldn't be serious nonetheless.
#239
Life Is Good
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Central Massachusetts
Posts: 1,695
Bikes: Zipp2001 Carbon Belt Drive SS, Kestrel RT900SL, Kestrel KM40 Airfoil 1x10, Orbea Occam H30, Trek Stache 5 29 Plus, Giant Yukon 2 Fat Bike
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 277 Post(s)
Liked 870 Times
in
443 Posts
I still have friction shifting on my TT bike, and no disc brakes on any of my road bikes. But I have disc. brakes on all my trails bikes.
#240
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,613
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10956 Post(s)
Liked 7,486 Times
in
4,187 Posts
Both your replies are incredibly specific and anecdotal. I haven't even ridden the MTB in the rain, and I know V brakes won't cut it after the first few minutes. I'm not even a downhiller either. Modulation is super easy on disc, its not just the speed and angle of descent, it's the terrain.
Also it doesn't take rain to make discs better, morning dew will make the first few moments of a decent hairy enough to warrant discs. Good brakes are there for a reason, you may not see the value in not having to wait around for your rims to dry on the first few rotations, but let that sink in as you repeat that statement a few times.
Also it doesn't take rain to make discs better, morning dew will make the first few moments of a decent hairy enough to warrant discs. Good brakes are there for a reason, you may not see the value in not having to wait around for your rims to dry on the first few rotations, but let that sink in as you repeat that statement a few times.
That is clearly me saying they are situationally beneficial and the response is obviously anecdotal since, you know, it's about only my experience and need.
I probably dont ride fast or aggressive enough for there to be an issue if a couple wheel rotations happen before the good braking starts.
Let's go with that.
#241
Jedi Master
#242
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Music City, USA
Posts: 4,444
Bikes: bikes
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2622 Post(s)
Liked 1,429 Times
in
711 Posts
I feel I ride fast enough and aggressive enough for there to be an issue, but I still haven't ever have one. Tire contact, though, I've had lots of issues with that in the wet (and dry).
#243
Señor Blues
This is really the issue. Tire adhesion will always be the limiting factor when it comes to braking. In terms of significance, the ability of the tire to grip the given riding surface, at the tire patch, far outweighs clamping power and (oh brother) modulation.
#244
I eat carbide.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627
Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times
in
560 Posts
We have had very different experiences. I have BB7's on the bike I have used for randonneuring for that last 7 seasons so it has a lot of miles on it in all kinds of weather. The front brake always seems to be getting out of alignment and rubs, so I have to loosen all the bolts and re-align it to stop it from rubbing. I frequently have to fiddle around with the clicker adjustments to balance rubbing and freeplay at the lever which I can never seem to get just right, always either too much freeplay or too much rub. The pads get contaminated or whatever and start squealing, which drives me nuts so I have spent a bunch of time and effort trying to figure out how to get that to stop stop to no avail. Eventually, I give up and replace the pads so they'll stop squealing for a while, which works for a few hundred miles or so depending on the conditions. I've been riding different bikes on brevets this year primarily because I'm so sick of those BB7's.
This said - mechanical are not hydraulic. Hydraulic will compensate while mechanical won't. Whole different ballgame. That said - poor compensation in hydraulic setups leads to all sorts of centering and rotor rub issues. A non-starter for a true roadie.
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
#245
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,520
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 354 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20810 Post(s)
Liked 9,456 Times
in
4,672 Posts
#246
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,646 Times
in
6,054 Posts
Everybody who's used disc brakes and instantly realized they were better - look at all the "I won't go back" reported in here - is just hallucinating? No, that's not it. In theory is worth a lot less than in practice.
Likes For Seattle Forrest:
#247
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 707
Bikes: Specialized Diverge E5 Comp, Specialized AWOL Comp, Scott Solace 10
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 137 Post(s)
Liked 27 Times
in
20 Posts
Disc brakes don't make it any harder, but It can take longer with through-axles, particularly the rear wheel. And since almost all disc brake frames now come with through-axles it may be something worth noting.
It's not a show stopper, but I find it is more work getting the rear wheel back on as compared to a bike with QR skewers. It's just a bit finicky getting everything lined up then threading the skewer through the axle.
As I said, not show stopper, but certainly a bit more work than a bike with QR skewers.
It's not a show stopper, but I find it is more work getting the rear wheel back on as compared to a bike with QR skewers. It's just a bit finicky getting everything lined up then threading the skewer through the axle.
As I said, not show stopper, but certainly a bit more work than a bike with QR skewers.
#248
Señor Blues
Everybody, meaning those within earshot of you or those un-named who post on the internet? Who's hallucinating here? When it comes to science and reasoning vs opinions of invisible people, I'll take science every time. Care to address my points? I didn't think so.
#250
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,520
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 354 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20810 Post(s)
Liked 9,456 Times
in
4,672 Posts