Rim Braked Road Bikes - Better Than Disc?

Are Disc Bikes Worth It?

Brake systems are one of the most crucial components of a bicycle, playing a vital role in ensuring the safety and performance of the bike. Understanding the different types of brake systems and their respective advantages and disadvantages can help cyclists make informed decisions about maintenance, upgrades, and overall bike care. This guide explores the two primary types of bicycle brake systems: rim brakes and disc brakes, including their pros and cons, maintenance requirements, and the impact on other aspects of the bike, such as tyre width.

Rim Brakes

Rim brakes have been the standard for bicycles for many years. They function by using brake pads to clamp onto the rim of the wheel, creating friction that slows the bike down. Despite the increasing popularity of disc brakes, rim brakes remain prevalent due to their simplicity and efficiency.

Pros of Rim Brakes

1. Simplicity: Rim brakes are mechanically straightforward, making them easier to understand, maintain, and repair. This simplicity translates into a lower likelihood of mechanical failure and easier troubleshooting when issues arise.
2. Cost: Generally, rim brakes are less expensive than disc brakes. This includes both the initial purchase cost and the cost of replacement parts. Their affordability makes them a popular choice for entry-level and budget-conscious cyclists.
3. Weight: Rim brakes are lighter than disc brakes, contributing to an overall lighter bike. This can be particularly advantageous for road cyclists who prioritize speed and efficiency.

Shop ride on a Tifosi Mons:

Cons of Rim Brakes

1. Rim Wear: Constant friction from the brake pads can wear down the rim over time, potentially leading to the need for wheel replacement. This is a significant consideration for cyclists who ride frequently or in demanding conditions.
2. Tyre Restrictions: Rim brakes typically require the use of skinnier tyres, limiting the bike’s versatility. Cyclists who prefer wider tyres for added comfort or off-road capabilities might find rim brakes restrictive.
3. Wet Weather Performance: Rim brakes tend to perform poorly in wet conditions, as water can reduce friction between the brake pads and the rim. However, upgrading to advanced brake pads, such as ABS pads, can significantly improve wet weather braking performance.

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes have gained popularity in recent years, especially in high-performance and off-road cycling. They operate by using brake calipers to squeeze brake pads against a rotor attached to the wheel hub, providing stopping power.

Pros of Disc Brakes

1. Improved Wet Weather Performance: Disc brakes are more effective in wet conditions compared to rim brakes. The braking surface is higher off the ground and less affected by water, allowing for more consistent braking power.
2. Less Heat Fade: Disc brakes are better at managing heat, which can be a crucial factor during long descents. Reduced heat fade ensures more reliable braking performance over extended periods.
3. Tolerance for Rim Imperfections: Disc brakes do not rely on the rim for braking, making them more forgiving of wheel imperfections. Cyclists can ride with slightly bent or damaged rims without a significant loss in braking performance.
4. Stronger and More Rounded Rims: Since the braking surface is on the rotor rather than the rim, disc-braked wheels can be built stronger and rounder. There is no need for a machined braking surface, allowing for more robust wheel construction.
5. Compatibility with Carbon Rims: Disc brakes are particularly advantageous for carbon rims, which do not perform well as a braking surface due to heat build-up. Disc brakes allow cyclists to enjoy the benefits of carbon rims without compromising braking performance.

Cons of Disc Brakes

1. Weight: Disc brake systems are heavier than rim brakes, adding extra weight to the bike. While this might not be a significant issue for casual cyclists, weight-conscious road cyclists might prefer the lighter rim brake setup.
2. Cost: Disc brakes are generally more expensive, both in terms of initial purchase and replacement parts. The higher cost can be a barrier for budget-conscious cyclists.
3. Maintenance: Disc brakes require more maintenance than rim brakes. This includes regular adjustments, brake pad replacements, and occasional rotor truing. The maintenance can be more complex and time-consuming, requiring more mechanical knowledge or professional assistance.
4. Standards and Compatibility: There are various standards for disc brakes (such as rotor sizes and mounting types), which can lead to compatibility issues when upgrading or replacing parts. Although the standards have become more stable, it remains a consideration for cyclists looking to upgrade or replace components.

Rim Brake Bike Maintenance

Maintaining rim brakes involves several key steps to ensure they perform optimally and last as long as possible.

1. Keep Rims Clean: Regularly cleaning the rims is crucial for maintaining braking performance. Dirt and debris can reduce friction and cause premature wear on both the rims and brake pads. Use a damp cloth or a specific bike cleaning solution to wipe down the rims regularly.
2. Lubricate Caliper Pivot Points: The pivot points on the brake calipers can become stiff or corroded over time. Occasional lubrication with a light oil can keep them operating smoothly and ensure consistent braking performance.
3. Use Stainless Steel Cables: Stainless steel cables are more resistant to corrosion and provide smoother braking action compared to regular cables. Regularly check the cables for fraying or damage and replace them as needed.
4. Check Wheel True and Spoke Tension: Ensuring that your wheels are true (perfectly aligned) and that the spoke tension is even is essential for preventing brake rub and maintaining optimal braking performance. Even if your wheels appear true, uneven spoke tension can cause the wheel to flex under load, leading to inconsistent braking.
5. 
   

Disc Brake Bike Maintenance

Disc brakes require more attention and maintenance compared to rim brakes due to their complexity and the additional components involved.

1. Regular Pad Checks and Replacement: Disc brake pads wear out over time and need to be replaced when they become too thin. Regularly check the thickness of your brake pads and replace them before they wear down completely to avoid damaging the rotors.
2. Rotor Maintenance: Keep the rotors clean and free from oil or grease, which can significantly reduce braking performance. Use a specific disc brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to clean the rotors regularly. Additionally, check the rotors for warping or damage and replace them if necessary.
3. Bleeding Hydraulic Brakes: If your bike is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, the brake fluid can become contaminated with air or moisture over time, reducing braking efficiency. Regularly bleed the brakes according to the manufacturer's recommendations to maintain optimal performance.
4. Adjusting Brake Calipers: Ensure that the brake calipers are aligned correctly and that the brake pads make even contact with the rotor. Misalignment can cause uneven wear on the pads and rotors, reducing braking performance and increasing maintenance needs.

Impact on Tyre Width

The choice between rim and disc brakes also affects the range of tyre widths that can be used on a bike. Disc brakes generally offer more flexibility in tyre choice compared to rim brakes.

1. Disc Brakes and Tyre Width: Disc brakes do not require a specific rim surface for braking, allowing for the use of wider tyres. This is particularly beneficial for off-road and gravel cycling, where wider tyres provide better traction, comfort, and control. The ability to use wider tyres can also enhance the versatility of a bike, making it suitable for a broader range of terrains and riding conditions.
2. Rim Brakes and Tyre Width: Rim brakes typically limit the maximum tyre width due to the need for a specific rim surface for braking. This can restrict the bike to skinnier tyres, which may not be ideal for all riding conditions. However, for road cycling where narrower tyres are preferred for speed and efficiency, this limitation is less of a concern.

Availability and Future of Rim Brakes

While many bike manufacturers have shifted their focus to producing disc brake bikes in recent years, rim brakes are far from obsolete. There is still a significant population of rim-braked bikes in use, and parts and support for these bikes remain widely available.

1. Continued Availability: Despite the shift towards disc brakes, rim brake components and bikes are still available. Retailers like Cheshire Bikes stock a variety of rim-braked bikes and replacement parts to cater to cyclists who prefer or still use rim brake systems.
2. Legacy and Longevity: The extensive existing population of rim-braked bikes ensures that parts will continue to be manufactured and available for the foreseeable future. Cyclists can maintain and upgrade their rim-braked bikes without concern about parts becoming scarce.
3. Nostalgia and Preference: Some cyclists prefer the simplicity and feel of rim brakes, and manufacturers continue to produce high-quality rim-brake components to meet this demand. For those who appreciate the traditional aspects of cycling, rim brakes remain a viable and enjoyable option.
4. 
   

Conclusion

Choosing the right brake system for your bike involves weighing the pros and cons of each type and considering your specific needs and preferences as a cyclist. Rim brakes offer simplicity, cost savings, and light weight, making them a great choice for many road cyclists. However, they come with limitations in terms of tyre width and performance in wet conditions.

On the other hand, disc brakes provide superior stopping power, especially in wet conditions, and allow for greater flexibility in tyre choices. While they are heavier and more expensive, their advantages in terms of braking performance and wheel durability make them a popular choice for off-road, gravel, and high-performance cycling.

Regardless of your choice, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of your bike's brake system. Keeping your rims or rotors clean, checking and replacing pads, and ensuring proper alignment and adjustment will keep your brakes functioning optimally and ensure your safety on the road or trail.

At Cheshire Bikes, we offer a wide range of both rim and disc brake bikes, along with the expertise and support to help you maintain and enjoy your bike to the fullest. Whether you prefer the traditional feel of rim brakes or the advanced performance of disc brakes, we have the products and knowledge to meet your needs. Visit us or check our website for more information on our selection and services.

Available bikes

While bike manufacturers largely stopped producing rim braked bikes several years ago, we still have stock. There'll be stock of parts forever as there is still such a huge population of rim braked bikes out there. Just use the search facility on our website, type 'rim brakes':

Or, by brand, we have a good selection of Focus, Bianchi, Cervelo and Storck bikes:

We're more than happy to take you through things if you wanted to set time aside to visit us at Cheshire Bikes.