Rim vs Discs - again.

[Ian H]

New bike, specced with rim brakes. Stops fine in all weathers.

 

[GuyBoden]

How do disk brakes handle big descents with a loaded bike. My Shimano disk brakes can get burning hot on a short, steep descent. Only once have I had my rim brakes heat up to dangerous temp.
Do rotors ever warp, melt or otherwise fail due to over heating ?

In my experience, when I had Hydraulic disc brakes a few years ago, they are very good, but do tend to squeal more down extremely steep descents with my 16 stone weight, I prefer quieter rim brakes for a more peaceful day out.

 

[GuyBoden]

That's because you don't need proper brakes when climbing. I doubt any of the National Hill descending riders have anything other than disc brakes

Yes, National Downhill MTB is where disc brakes have the advantage. Crazy speeds, crazy steepness.

 

[fossyant]

Yes, National Downhill MTB is where disc brakes have the advantage. Crazy speeds, crazy steepness.

View attachment 705349

I cooked my rear disc recently coming down a long hill. Absolutely stunk and turned blue !

 

[Jody]

I cooked my rear disc recently coming down a long hill. Absolutely stunk and turned blue !

My mates done that a couple of times.

 

[DogmaStu]

I cooked my rear disc recently coming down a long hill. Absolutely stunk and turned blue !

Can't say I've even come close to doing that. But I try not to brake and prefer to gently feather to avoid scrubbing off hard-earned speed.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I found a couple of years ago that the very best brake is a big pothole. That stopped my bike dead. I carried on for a bit, mind. My bike wasn't very usable afterwards.

 

[cyberknight]

I found a couple of years ago that the very best brake is a big pothole. That stopped my bike dead. I carried on for a bit, mind. My bike wasn't very usable afterwards.

i find a hedge row works pretty good too

 

[DogmaStu]

New bike, specced with rim brakes. Stops fine in all weathers.
View attachment 705348

I love my rim-braked bike too.

My disc bikes are still better at braking though.

 

[Alex321]

I found a couple of years ago that the very best brake is a big pothole. That stopped my bike dead. I carried on for a bit, mind. My bike wasn't very usable afterwards.

I suspect you wouldn't have been very usable for a while afterwards either

 

[matticus]

"Those that prefer rim brakes have been to specsavers. Fact."

Fixed it. Pretty sure one of my sets of rim brakes are way more expensive than your discs ! I have discs on the MTB.

It's true - I went just 2 weeks ago!!! And they said I need glasses.

Oh I already wear glasses. That explains a lot. Anyways, I'm going back SOON to get new ones. x

 

[SpokeyDokey]

How do disk brakes handle big descents with a loaded bike. My Shimano disk brakes can get burning hot on a short, steep descent. Only once have I had my rim brakes heat up to dangerous temp.
Do rotors ever warp, melt or otherwise fail due to over heating ?

These guys tried hard and the brakes stood up to some extreme testing:

View: https://youtu.be/q3FCLdiVGWc?si=63W1oNJr10N2B9Le

 

[Jody]

These guys tried hard and the brakes stood up to some extreme testing:

These guys went one step further and attached it to a lathe

View: https://youtu.be/v3sPuf-Dlmg?si=lNUNxGHHPWNTb-v_

 

[fossyant]

I did cook mine on a tricky descent with a loaded up bike (off road). They were perfectly fine after - it was just one particular decent that needed a bit of brake due to higher than ideal pressures in the tyres as we were riding for 8 hours per day, all off road.

 

[T4tomo]

These guys went one step further and attached it to a lathe

pretty sure that would unbalance the bike badly