Road bikes - Disc Brakes

[Louch]

Hello

looking at next bike, and given even at peak of training I only get down to 15 stone, im fancying disc brakes to help the stopping distance/time come down a bit. Has anyone went disc's on a roadie yet? if so what are your experiences?

cheers

 

[mattobrien]

I have two disc brakes road bikes, the latest being a CAAD12, which I like very much. One bike is mechanical discs (Avid BB7) mad the other hydraulic. Both systems work well and have enough stopping power, preference is hydraulic though.

Both bikes are winter / bad weather focused and I have a rim braked summer bike. I do feel glad to have discs when I hear friends braking in wet and gritty conditions, there is just a rim wearing grinding sound from them and nothing from my discs.

 

[smutchin]

I'm a fan of disc brakes on road bikes (as long as they're full hydraulics) but I'd say they're a luxury purchase rather than an essential upgrade - much like Di2, nice to have if you can afford it.

Rim brakes are more than powerful enough though - if you're having trouble stopping, you might want to consider upgrading your brake blocks and cables first before splashing out on discs. Try SwissStop Flash Pro BXP brake blocks, they're incredible.

 

[Louch]

NOt having great trouble stopping, have used Swiss stops for last couple of years and they do a good job. Just looking at new bikes and seeing discs aren't that much more expensive on the bikes I like .

 

[Drago]

Smutchin is right. I'm currently 262lbs (too many mince pies this Christmas) and have zero problem stopping on rim brakes, wet or dry.

Conversely, if your looking at a new bike anyway the Hell yeah, go for it.

 

[smutchin]

Just looking at new bikes and seeing discs aren't that much more expensive on the bikes I like .

Cool. What have you got your eye on?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

I've went fully disc on both winter/trainer and summer bikes**. Wouldn't go back to rim brakes

**Both Sram Rival 22 Hydro w/ 160mm discs F+R

 

[Louch]

Cube agree c:62 race is what had me looking at discs, as it caught my eye a while back. Problem with it is is that it isn't out until end of April, and I wanted to upgrade earlier than that, as have 3 pistes at end of may, and would prefer to bed bike in more than 4 weeks before that.

Alternatives are looking like specialised roubaix and a trek bike that I have saved on laptop but not on iPad. So carbon, ultegra and discs around 2k mark.

 

[vickster]

This chap has just bought something similar specced (mechanical discs though)

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/late-xmas-present-to-myself.193697/

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Cannondale Synapse, Planet X RTD90, Giant Defy Advanced Pro3 etc etc

There are also loads of lovely Scotts, Boardmans Ridley and Colnago

 

[jay clock]

I have just replaced two road bikes. For winter I have gone for hydraulic discs and they are excellent and particularly for cleanliness. One of these with top spec and mudguards http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbd/r...part=SE15RIBBLECR3SHIM&sub=conf_BB_ALL&bike=1

For summer I am happy with calipers - Ultrega with decent pads and good wheel surfaces are fine..These ones will be put on once the stock ones need a change http://www.discobrakes.com/?s=0&t=2&c=52&p=283&tb=001

 

[smutchin]

Cube agree c:62 race

Nice.

Alternatives are looking like specialised roubaix and a trek bike that I have saved on laptop but not on iPad. So carbon, ultegra and discs around 2k mark.

I'm guessing the Trek is the Domane 4.3 Disc, which is what I did the Windsor-Chester-Windsor 600 on last May. Very lovely bike it is too. Comfortable and quick. Superb audax bike. It had the TRP Hy/Rd brakes, which are good, but the 2016 model has been upgraded to full hydraulics, which will be even better. It would be high on my list if I had £2k to spend.

At that price, discs are well worth having.

 

[Louch]

Had my heart set on the cube for a long time. So looking at others is hard to favour them over it. Decisions, decisions

 

[outlash]

I can heartily recommend discs, mechanical (Hayes CX expert) on my Genesis Day One and hydros on my MTB. Both inspire confidence, espeically in wet conditions. After completing the White Chalk Hills Ultracross on Monday on my 'crosser with Canti's that were nowhere near powerful enough, any further bike purchases will have discs (Another CAADX with discs will do me fine thanks ).

 

[smutchin]

Had my heart set on the cube for a long time. So looking at others is hard to favour them over it. Decisions, decisions

The Agree is a cracking looking bike. I was hoping to get the exact same model in for a test ride before Christmas but alas, as you say, not available yet. If you've set your heart on it, it's probably worth waiting for.