sidevalve
Über Member
Just got to wondering how good are modern cycle brakes. I mean yes I know you can "jam all on" and fall off [we cold always do that !] and discs are great in the wet but do you reach a point where it either exceeds tyre adhesion [skid] or locks the wheel, likely fall ?
Many are happy to ride at 30 mph but in an emergency how fast can you REALLY stop. Curious really as to wether brakes are that much better than they were twenty years ago [and yes we did have alloy rims etc, I'm not refering to the 1900's here] in actual "stop you on the road" terms. Is it a case that they may be too powerfull ? I mean car brakes are much more powerfull than they were and most have anti lock so can be used hard in an emergency.
This is no dig, just a question ie if a car stops in front of you or a child runs out, how much room would you need to stop in and the real question I suppose is, is this less than it was twenty years ago ?
If the answer is no or not much then are we being conned by the manufacturers again ?
If you have an older bike and a new 'un give it a try [if you fall off it sort of proves my point, but don't blame me].
Anyway the results could be interesting.
Many are happy to ride at 30 mph but in an emergency how fast can you REALLY stop. Curious really as to wether brakes are that much better than they were twenty years ago [and yes we did have alloy rims etc, I'm not refering to the 1900's here] in actual "stop you on the road" terms. Is it a case that they may be too powerfull ? I mean car brakes are much more powerfull than they were and most have anti lock so can be used hard in an emergency.
This is no dig, just a question ie if a car stops in front of you or a child runs out, how much room would you need to stop in and the real question I suppose is, is this less than it was twenty years ago ?
If the answer is no or not much then are we being conned by the manufacturers again ?
If you have an older bike and a new 'un give it a try [if you fall off it sort of proves my point, but don't blame me].
Anyway the results could be interesting.