disk vs rim brakes?
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
disk vs rim brakes?
So getting back into biking by riding my ten y/o diamondback, I notice that a lot of new bikes uses disk brakes instead of the caliber brakes my bike has. Are they any better at stopping? How hard to change? More expensive?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Likes For ClydeClydeson:
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,538
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3251 Post(s)
Liked 2,537 Times
in
1,520 Posts
I don't know if the subject has ever been discussed before. I'd like to hear what people think.
#4
Newbie
Oh man 100% toss them all. But really in my opinion disc brakes are way better for anything with a descent. For commuting and general use the v-brakes/cantilever brakes are just fine. I'm 245lbs and ride relatively fast in the city and I have never had any issues stopping but for the hills I find disc brakes so much better.
Likes For Outrider1:
#7
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,665
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: 11022 Post(s)
Liked 7,568 Times
in
4,222 Posts
Disc brakes are not difficult to change.
Disc brakes are typically more expensive, if quality/level stays equal.
Close the thread, the questions were answered.
Likes For mstateglfr:
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,369
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18467 Post(s)
Liked 15,730 Times
in
7,393 Posts
I popped extra. Dig in!
Likes For indyfabz:
#9
Newbie
They are heavier and more expensive. They brake better. I don't see the point to them. The CAAD13 I was looking at recently was $400 cheaper for the rim brake version compared to the disk brake version. I would buy the rim brake version. Never had an issue with them.
Likes For Atlas95:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 1,606
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 581 Post(s)
Liked 921 Times
in
518 Posts
Ya know, now that I have had a chance to think about it, I don't believe rim brakes or disc brakes are the answer. Take the brakes off and stop your bike by jamming your shoe inbetween the front tire and the fork crown.
/thread
/thread
Likes For ClydeClydeson:
#11
Fredly Fredster
I like both rim and disk brakes. Both work well for me. I have rim brakes on my Trek Domane road bike and disc brakes on my Trek X-Caliber mountain bike and Motobecane gravel bike. Never had any trouble with either of them.
#12
Senior Member
I have both and like both. I also have mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes.
Given the choice if I could only choose one bike? It would have rim brakes for the simplicity. If I was given the choice to have a second bike, I'd choose mechanical disc brakes. But, those Shimano XTR hydraulic brakes on my MTN bike are really something special. Powerful, feather/modulate well and can lock up the wheel on demand if I want to. In other words the best darn brakes I've ever had.
Given the choice if I could only choose one bike? It would have rim brakes for the simplicity. If I was given the choice to have a second bike, I'd choose mechanical disc brakes. But, those Shimano XTR hydraulic brakes on my MTN bike are really something special. Powerful, feather/modulate well and can lock up the wheel on demand if I want to. In other words the best darn brakes I've ever had.
Likes For drlogik:
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,932
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2612 Post(s)
Liked 1,956 Times
in
1,226 Posts
After 10 years, I'd recommending changing your brake pads. Then they'll work just as well for most riders as newer disc brakes.
I'm willing to make an exception if you're commuting in Seattle; then disc brakes are clearly superior because they won't wear out your rims. Otherwise, making a choice between brakes is just about as important as picking your new bike's color.
I'm willing to make an exception if you're commuting in Seattle; then disc brakes are clearly superior because they won't wear out your rims. Otherwise, making a choice between brakes is just about as important as picking your new bike's color.
Likes For pdlamb:
#14
LR÷P=HR
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 2,201
Bikes: 1981 Holdsworth Special, 1993 C-dale MT3000 & 1996 F700CAD3, 2018 Cervelo R3 & 2022 R5, JustGo Runt, Ridley Oval, Kickr Bike 8-)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 870 Post(s)
Liked 1,220 Times
in
705 Posts
Rim/Disc
Rim brakes
Tend to lose grip in the wet
Lighter and cheaper (historically)
Disc Brakes
Out stop even the best rim brakes
Tougher to maintain
Cost more for both initial purchase and replacement discs and brake pads.
"How hard to change?"
If you mean changing discs and pads, not too bad, but more involved than changing rim brake pads.
If you mean, swap a bike from rim to disc. Generally, it can't be done economically and it some cases safely.
Barry
Tend to lose grip in the wet
Lighter and cheaper (historically)
Disc Brakes
Out stop even the best rim brakes
Tougher to maintain
Cost more for both initial purchase and replacement discs and brake pads.
"How hard to change?"
If you mean changing discs and pads, not too bad, but more involved than changing rim brake pads.
If you mean, swap a bike from rim to disc. Generally, it can't be done economically and it some cases safely.
Barry
Likes For Barry2:
#15
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,645
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3710 Post(s)
Liked 5,549 Times
in
2,807 Posts
#16
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,095
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5026 Post(s)
Liked 8,215 Times
in
3,885 Posts
Be aware that there are different types of disc brakes - mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical (cable-actuated) disc brakes are the lower-performing of the two types, and are widely considered not to be a significant improvement over good-quality rim brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes are superior in stopping power to both mechanical disc and rim brakes.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
Likes For Eric F:
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 22,991
Bikes: old ones
Mentioned: 304 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26456 Post(s)
Liked 10,417 Times
in
7,232 Posts
.
...with disc brakes, you'll never need to true your wheels. But drum brakes are your best bet, if you pedal to the beat of a different drummer. And they can be retrofitted to your ten year old Diamondback by changing out the wheels. Which, if properly built, will never need truing.
...with disc brakes, you'll never need to true your wheels. But drum brakes are your best bet, if you pedal to the beat of a different drummer. And they can be retrofitted to your ten year old Diamondback by changing out the wheels. Which, if properly built, will never need truing.
Likes For 3alarmer:
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 22,991
Bikes: old ones
Mentioned: 304 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26456 Post(s)
Liked 10,417 Times
in
7,232 Posts
.
...I hope someone esplains "brake modulation", and how one sort of brake is clearly superior in this regard.
...I hope someone esplains "brake modulation", and how one sort of brake is clearly superior in this regard.
#19
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,095
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5026 Post(s)
Liked 8,215 Times
in
3,885 Posts
For anyone with even moderate mechanical competence, swapping disc brake pads is a pretty easy process.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#20
Newbie
Join Date: Apr 2023
Location: SF Bay
Posts: 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
9 Posts
They do brake better with less brake fade....so to me that is the point. Having said that, if you don't ride too many hilly terrain, I think the advantages do not outweigh the negatives.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,996
Bikes: Colnago, Van Dessel, Factor, Cervelo, Ritchey
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3978 Post(s)
Liked 7,422 Times
in
2,986 Posts
Likes For tomato coupe:
#22
Pennylane Splitter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 1,890
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1823 Post(s)
Liked 1,466 Times
in
1,004 Posts
I don't have any bicycles with disc brakes, only rim brakes and one with a coaster brake. Rim brakes seem to work well for me, no problems with stopping. I'll keep them until the bicycles wear out or parts are no longer available. Coaster brake bicycle is a beach cruiser, it works for its 'beach cruisn' function.
Likes For skidder:
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hacienda Hgts
Posts: 2,117
Bikes: 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 827 Post(s)
Liked 1,967 Times
in
948 Posts
Depends on the bike and you?
Heavy 29'er with heavy old me? Deore 4 pistons work great.
Lightweight carbon road bike? Ultegra rim brakes work great too!
There is no one answer.
Heavy 29'er with heavy old me? Deore 4 pistons work great.
Lightweight carbon road bike? Ultegra rim brakes work great too!
There is no one answer.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,829
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5848 Post(s)
Liked 2,680 Times
in
1,494 Posts
It depends on how and where you ride.
As a 50yr, 200k mile road rider I remain a fan of caliper rim brakes for general road use. I also commute, and while still OK with my rim brake bikes, I'd be more open to discs for all weather urban use. Keep in m ind that minimum brake distance isn't dependent on brakes, since I have no problem achieving the maximum theoretical brake power with my rim brakes, except when wet.
Thee key is what you prioritize. On the open road, where hard emergency stops are the exception rather than the norm rim brakes work fine, and their simplicity is a bonus. Even on loaded touring long descents, I find my rim brakes more than adequate. OTOH, I've never worn out a set of brake shoes. After a few years and many thousands of miles, I end up replacing shoes because they're drying out.
For urban riding, where there are surprises at every intersection, and potential emergencies in between, any loss of brake power in the rain is a concern, and for that reason, and that reason alone, I'd consider going with discs if building a new commuter bike.
Unfortunately, my opinion, and preference barely matters because the industry prefers selling more expensive to buy and maintain disc brake bikes.
As a 50yr, 200k mile road rider I remain a fan of caliper rim brakes for general road use. I also commute, and while still OK with my rim brake bikes, I'd be more open to discs for all weather urban use. Keep in m ind that minimum brake distance isn't dependent on brakes, since I have no problem achieving the maximum theoretical brake power with my rim brakes, except when wet.
Thee key is what you prioritize. On the open road, where hard emergency stops are the exception rather than the norm rim brakes work fine, and their simplicity is a bonus. Even on loaded touring long descents, I find my rim brakes more than adequate. OTOH, I've never worn out a set of brake shoes. After a few years and many thousands of miles, I end up replacing shoes because they're drying out.
For urban riding, where there are surprises at every intersection, and potential emergencies in between, any loss of brake power in the rain is a concern, and for that reason, and that reason alone, I'd consider going with discs if building a new commuter bike.
Unfortunately, my opinion, and preference barely matters because the industry prefers selling more expensive to buy and maintain disc brake bikes.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 1,606
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 581 Post(s)
Liked 921 Times
in
518 Posts
For the vast majority of riders and riding, good quality and properly set up rim brakes are perfectly adequate. Even for most 'extreme' riding they will work fine. But at the absolute far end of the conditions spectrum, like slippery roots and rocks on a steep chute down a mountain, hydraulic discs are superior.
I have been riding offroad hundreds of hours per year for more than 30 years, and I have used U-brakes, cantilever brakes, V brakes, hydraulic rim brakes, cable actuated disc brakes, and hydraulic disc brakes. THe ability to fully control speed and therefore safely traverse the roughest trails is far better with hydraulic discs. In fact, there are trials and terrain I ride regularly that would have been beyond my ability to ride safely in all but absolute ideal conditions with rim brakes.
Also, the claim that disc brakes take more maintenance or are more difficult to maintain is not, in my experience, true. Discs are easier to maintain, generally speaking, because you don't have to worry about rim trueness. Cable disc maintenance is on par with rim brake maintenance. Hydraulic discs are on the whole less maintenance because they are a sealed system, and the very occaisional bleeding required isn't all that difficult either. And pad replacement on disc calipers is generally easier than on rim brakes.
I have been riding offroad hundreds of hours per year for more than 30 years, and I have used U-brakes, cantilever brakes, V brakes, hydraulic rim brakes, cable actuated disc brakes, and hydraulic disc brakes. THe ability to fully control speed and therefore safely traverse the roughest trails is far better with hydraulic discs. In fact, there are trials and terrain I ride regularly that would have been beyond my ability to ride safely in all but absolute ideal conditions with rim brakes.
Also, the claim that disc brakes take more maintenance or are more difficult to maintain is not, in my experience, true. Discs are easier to maintain, generally speaking, because you don't have to worry about rim trueness. Cable disc maintenance is on par with rim brake maintenance. Hydraulic discs are on the whole less maintenance because they are a sealed system, and the very occaisional bleeding required isn't all that difficult either. And pad replacement on disc calipers is generally easier than on rim brakes.
Likes For ClydeClydeson: