Disc brakes on road bikes

[Vapin' Joe]

The argument in favour of disc brakes is better modulation. in other words the ability to avoid wheel lockup.

Brake modulation describes the rider’s ability to precisely control braking force between full engagement and complete release. Rather than focusing on maximum stopping power, modulation determines how smoothly and predictably braking force can be applied, allowing riders to maintain traction, control speed, and avoid wheel lockup across varying terrain and conditions.

Exactly that.

The last time I locked the wheels on a car was on a Marina with front drums, because the poor modulation with drum brakes made it difficult to judge the pressure needed on the pedal when you had to stop quickly. With discs just feathering the pedal (Or lever) can scrub off a lot of speed quickly.

You can still by bikes with rim brakes, but in another decade they will be ancient technology.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

If you have to brake hard enough you will lock up rim and disc brakes. I have had occasions on both types where I have had to pull hard for emergency braking. Both locked up the rear wheel, although it does appear to require slightly less force to lock up a disc brake.

 

[Alex321]

My rim braked old best bike is 6:45 kilos and it cost £3,500 To get that in a disc braked I would need to get a mortgage and if you don’t notice the difference clearly you are not going up hills round where I live.

The difference between a rim braked bike and a similar disc braked bike is generally 250-500 grams.

That really isn't enough for most of us to notice.

 

[Exlaser2]

Like them or not disc brakes have 3 great advantages. First better braking when wet, second discs do not scab up high priced rims, and third, rims on disc brake bikes can be lighter and more aero.

One out of three isn’t bad . 😀

 

[kingrollo]

My rim braked old best bike is 6:45 kilos and it cost £3,500 To get that in a disc braked I would need to get a mortgage and if you don’t notice the difference clearly you are not going up hills round where I live.

Specialized Aethos pro is pretty close to the weight listed above - £4800.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I don’t think in 40 plus years I’ve locked up a rim brake bike. As for discs😱

Same here. With any type of brakes, you just need to know how to use them properly.

 

[AndyRM]

I dislike them, for many reasons, but mostly because they're ugly.

 

[Mike Ayling]

I dislike them, for many reasons, but mostly because they're ugly.

Agree 100%

 

[Punkawallah]

Like them or not disc brakes have 3 great advantages. First better braking when wet, second discs do not scab up high priced rims, and third, rims on disc brake bikes can be lighter and more aero.

The nice boys at GCN did a test. Rolled two bikes (same model) down a hill, reaching 56kph. The rim brake version stopped in four seconds, the disc brake version in three seconds.

 

[matticus]

ONE argument in favour of rim brakes is the ability to control wheel lockup.

Brake modulation describes the rider’s ability to precisely control braking force between full engagement and complete release. Rather than focusing on maximum stopping power, rim brakes allow riders to maintain traction, control speed, and avoid wheel lockup across varying terrain and conditions.

FTFY :-)

 

[BrumJim]

I dislike them, for many reasons, but mostly because they're ugly.

The brakes aren't the ugliest thing on my bike.

 

[Alex321]

FTFY :-)

No you didn't, smiley or not.

It IS much easier to control the level of braking (modulation) with disc brakes, because you don't need to pull as hard for the same braking effect.

 

[Alex321]

I dislike them, for many reasons, but mostly because they're ugly.

"Ugly" is of course, a matter of opinion.

Personally, I don't find them any more ugly than rim brakes, but that is my opinion and you are obviously entitled to your different opinion.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

"Ugly" is of course, a matter of opinion.

Personally, I don't find them any more ugly than rim brakes, but that is my opinion and you are obviously entitled to your different opinion.

I think disc brakes look better myself.

 

[matticus]

No you didn't, smiley or not.

It IS much easier to control the level of braking (modulation) with disc brakes, because you don't need to pull as hard for the same braking effect.

I don't see how one follows from the other. (certainly I don't seem to be strong based on any other metric, and I've never had an issue/accident due to poor brake modulation).

You're certainly not alone in claiming "better modulation" for disc brakes, but that simply helps explain why so many people seem to like them - it doesn't make it true, or indeed logical!