Cycling tips - Disc brakes or not

Disc brakes have many benefits but also disadvantages, for this reason, in this post we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of these and why there are still cyclists who do not accept this new braking system.

Road cycling is evolving slowly compared to mountain biking, as these cyclists find it difficult to accept new technologies such as tubeless, wider rims and disc brakes. Mountain bikes are no longer conceivable without disc brakes, which have become indispensable in MTB, cyclocross and gravel. However, they have met with a lot of resistance on road bikes.

Disc brakes have managed to make a big place for themselves in the market and have marked a before and after, although there are still many cyclists who do not want to change their caliper brakes. Disc brakes have many benefits but also disadvantages, for this reason, in this post we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of these and why there are still cyclists who do not accept this new braking system.


Advantages


I think we all know almost all of its benefits and virtues, but let's remember them:

  • Greater braking capacity when there is water or humidity in the environment.
  • They reduce the effort needed to brake, which is very useful on long descents.
  • More precise braking thanks to its greater progressiveness.
  • They free the rim from the task of braking, limiting its deterioration and the heating of the cover and the chamber, thus avoiding delaminations in carbon rims and tires or tubulars burst or detached by high temperatures.
  • They allow wider tires up to 28 or even 32 mm.
  • This will make you more comfortable and reduce fatigue caused by ground vibrations.
  • We will increase braking power.
  • The larger section of the tyres also allows for safer riding, as the bike whips around less.

Disadvantages


  • Disc brakes and weight. The weight of a bike with a disc brake is usually between 400 and 500 grams higher than that of the same bike with caliper or shoe brakes. Manufacturers claim that thanks to the location they do not affect the dynamics of the bike.
  • Alignment and dirt. Disc brakes tend to rub, whether due to dirt or poor alignment it is very common for them to squeak. This is because the brake caliper assembly must be perfect and often requires adjustments, although it is not usually a complicated repair.
  • Maintenance. Disc brakes require more and more complex maintenance: adjusting brakes, changing pads more frequently, changing wiring, bleeding brakes and changing oil.
  • Brake pads, as I mentioned, the pads wear out quickly and it is advisable to get good advice on which is the best option for you in terms of quality/price. In addition, the discs also wear out and need to be changed.
  • Higher price, whether it is the initial price of the bike, as well as the components and maintenance.

In conclusion Disc brakes or not?



The benefits of disc brakes are many and manufacturers are clear: disc brakes yes. Nowadays, practically no new bikes come out without disc brakes, especially mid-range and high-end ones. For this reason, even if cyclists are not very convinced about the change in the braking system, they will have no choice but to adapt to the new model of bicycles or continue using the old one.