Disc or rim brake on road bike
Discussion
Personally, I'd have discs.
I have 2 road bikes - my "good" bike is on 105 and the older "winter" bike is on Ultegra (it was my first "good" bike). I'll make no bones about it, the Ultegra bike shifts better than the 105 bike. It's noticable. The thing is, who really cares about the smoothness of shifting? In the grand scheme of a morning out, I'm shifting like <1% of the time.
The other difference between the 2 is that the 105 bike has carbon wheels and decent pads. The Ultegra bike has ally and whatever the OEM pads are. The carbon wheel bike brakes are a gajillion times better - I didn't realise until swapping back for winter. I expect that better pads will bring the 105 bike back into closer contention but it's kind of not my point.
When descending, the difference in enjoyment due to braking confidence is massive. Since I tend to try to ride hilly routes, I'm descending maybe 20% of the time. This means I'm comparing a big impact on 20% vs a slight impact on 1%. I've not owned a disk bike but have ridden one - and I think that would be a step again (especially since you could then run your good wheels in the wet because there's not expensive grinding paste to worry about).
Personally, I expect my next bike (might be some time away) to be equipped with disks. If I have to compromise to 105 to do so, I'd not hesitate for a second. If my "good" bike had them, I'd ditch the wet weather / winter steed in a flash because it'd become pretty much redundant.
I have 2 road bikes - my "good" bike is on 105 and the older "winter" bike is on Ultegra (it was my first "good" bike). I'll make no bones about it, the Ultegra bike shifts better than the 105 bike. It's noticable. The thing is, who really cares about the smoothness of shifting? In the grand scheme of a morning out, I'm shifting like <1% of the time.
The other difference between the 2 is that the 105 bike has carbon wheels and decent pads. The Ultegra bike has ally and whatever the OEM pads are. The carbon wheel bike brakes are a gajillion times better - I didn't realise until swapping back for winter. I expect that better pads will bring the 105 bike back into closer contention but it's kind of not my point.
When descending, the difference in enjoyment due to braking confidence is massive. Since I tend to try to ride hilly routes, I'm descending maybe 20% of the time. This means I'm comparing a big impact on 20% vs a slight impact on 1%. I've not owned a disk bike but have ridden one - and I think that would be a step again (especially since you could then run your good wheels in the wet because there's not expensive grinding paste to worry about).
Personally, I expect my next bike (might be some time away) to be equipped with disks. If I have to compromise to 105 to do so, I'd not hesitate for a second. If my "good" bike had them, I'd ditch the wet weather / winter steed in a flash because it'd become pretty much redundant.
Thankyou. That's very helpful. From quite a large shortlist I've come down to 2, both from Wilier. Had a test ride today albeit on a rim braked example with campag but the fit of the bike was the best of any one tried.
It's down to these 2 really,
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/wilier-g...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/wilier-g...
It's down to these 2 really,
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/wilier-g...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/wilier-g...
gazza285 said:
TheTrash said:
g7jhp said:
Pulling a wheel off a bike with rim brakes to mend a puncture is much easier.
Nope, you don't have to do anything with disks other than remove the wheel. With rims you have open the calliper. Discs on my mtb, rim brakes work great on my road bike.
I was riding last week in heavy rain, on extremely flooded roads, with aluminum rims, Ultegra rim brakes and Swisstop navy blue brake blocks. They had instant bite, more than sufficient power and very good modulation. Are most people struggling in the wet with carbon rims?
I was riding last week in heavy rain, on extremely flooded roads, with aluminum rims, Ultegra rim brakes and Swisstop navy blue brake blocks. They had instant bite, more than sufficient power and very good modulation. Are most people struggling in the wet with carbon rims?
I've got carbon rims on my 'cross bike, with Reynolds pads, the braking power is very good in the dry, but comically bad in the wet. I don't use them in the wet anyway, the thought of mud and grit grinding away my investment is enough to have me swap to cheaper to replace alloy rims. I do have a disc 'cross bike, but I tend not to use that much as it is nearly two kilograms heavier.
I'll throw my (unwanted) 2p into the debate.
I have both, Ultegra disc and rim brake, admittedly on two very different bikes, however there is a big difference between them.
Rin brakes are undoubtedly easier to maintain, lighter and arguably better look/traditional. Ultegra rims will still provide enough power to lock your wheels, offer great braking and are as good at stopping you as discs in most conditions.
Discs are easier to modulate in wetter conditions, stop you quicker, allow for better braking into and through corners when required. But are a bit ugly and arent generally accepted by the "Rapha' crowd. They are however, the future, look at pro cycling, this year saw the first TDF stage win on discs and British cycling have now allowed them in races. They allow for bigger tyres in the winter or for you to make your bike more versatile and I think, they make your drop outs neater with thru-axles.
I would say, usually go for discs, all my future bikes will most certainly have them, even though 99% of the time they perform the same, that 1% could save your life...
Although, be aware the 505 brake shifters on the 105 your looking at have been reported to feel very unnatural and uncomfortable by some reviews due to the fluid reservoirs in the hood's.
Both of those bikes are lovely and you'll be very happy with either, you just have to decide which you prefer.
I have both, Ultegra disc and rim brake, admittedly on two very different bikes, however there is a big difference between them.
Rin brakes are undoubtedly easier to maintain, lighter and arguably better look/traditional. Ultegra rims will still provide enough power to lock your wheels, offer great braking and are as good at stopping you as discs in most conditions.
Discs are easier to modulate in wetter conditions, stop you quicker, allow for better braking into and through corners when required. But are a bit ugly and arent generally accepted by the "Rapha' crowd. They are however, the future, look at pro cycling, this year saw the first TDF stage win on discs and British cycling have now allowed them in races. They allow for bigger tyres in the winter or for you to make your bike more versatile and I think, they make your drop outs neater with thru-axles.
I would say, usually go for discs, all my future bikes will most certainly have them, even though 99% of the time they perform the same, that 1% could save your life...
Although, be aware the 505 brake shifters on the 105 your looking at have been reported to feel very unnatural and uncomfortable by some reviews due to the fluid reservoirs in the hood's.
Both of those bikes are lovely and you'll be very happy with either, you just have to decide which you prefer.
Kawasicki said:
Discs on my mtb, rim brakes work great on my road bike.
I was riding last week in heavy rain, on extremely flooded roads, with aluminum rims, Ultegra rim brakes and Swisstop navy blue brake blocks. They had instant bite, more than sufficient power and very good modulation. Are most people struggling in the wet with carbon rims?
I find my carbon rims brake fine in the wet, but I don't like it because wearing the rims with grit would cost too much!I was riding last week in heavy rain, on extremely flooded roads, with aluminum rims, Ultegra rim brakes and Swisstop navy blue brake blocks. They had instant bite, more than sufficient power and very good modulation. Are most people struggling in the wet with carbon rims?
mcelliott said:
Unless you're s
t/hamfisted at descending, rim brakes are perfectly fine.
bt/hamfisted at descending, rim brakes are perfectly fine.ks.There are some hills where you have no option but to drag the brakes on the way down.
Discs offer reliability, consistency and repeatability.
If you're solely a fair weather rider in a predominately flat area I'd agree they are not required, if you venture out into the hills with 15+% declines then to me discs are a no brainer.
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