Disc Brakes - Yes or No ??

[NealM]

Hi Everyone

Hoping to purchase a real bike (as opposed to the BSO I currently own); using the cycle to work scheme. .

My question is :
I'll be doing a combination of approx. 60% roads and 40% cycle paths / farm type tracks . .In this situation would disc brakes be of any real benefit ? ?

Appreciate all comments / thoughts

Edit
Apologies for the terrible spelling / grammar in the wording of the poll .. I can't workout how to edit it ? ? ?

 

[vickster]

I'd say so, especially if you are going to be riding in all weathers

However, not if the bike with disc brakes isn't the right bike for you...

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I'd say yes for that mix as you can get the tyres and rims as muddy as you like without affecting the braking.

I had to put a new wheel on my knockabout bike last August and because the winter conditions were exceptionally muddy & gritty this time, the braking surface is worn pretty much down to the limit already.

 

[skudupnorth]

I am not a fan of discs due to them being a pain to maintain and they seem to be always making some sort of damn noise ! V-brakes on my Hybrid feel just as capable and the traditional ones on my Fixie are also great.I have all three types on my MTB ( Disc ) Hybrid ( V ) and Fixie ( Traditional ) and the discs are definatly not top of the tree and just hassle !

 

[Paul99]

Yes, but try and get get Avid BB7 if they are mechanical.

 

[BSRU]

Avid BB7's, easy to maintain and reliable braking in wet or dry conditions.
My road bike brakes, 105's with Koolstop blacks, are better than my BB7's in the dry but useless in the wet.
My tourer with Koolstop salmons, as good as BB7's in the dry but not as good in the wet.

 

[NealM]

Many thanks for all the info .. I can see I've got a bit of research to do

I'd say so, especially if you are going to be riding in all weathers
However, not if the bike with disc brakes isn't the right bike for you..

. . . Very good point . . Having been trawling round this forum for a couple of weeks (before eventually signing up), I have picked up on the fact that the absolute primary concern when buying a bike is that it fits you correctly ..

@Paul99 @BSRU . . Can you guys recommend any hybrids that come with the BB7's fitted ? ?

Would I be right in thinking that mechanical are easier to maintain than hydraulic ? ?

Keep the votes coming guys (and gals !!! )..

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Would I be right in thinking that mechanical are easier to maintain than hydraulic ? ?

Not necessarily. Assuming no actual failures, the hydraulic system only needs the pad & disc wear checking from time to time and fluid replacement at the recommended intervals. (In my experience). The only thing I had to do on the rickshaw in 4 years was to tinker with the pads to stop a squeak that developed

Mechanical isn't usually self adjusting so you'll need to do that yourself at intervals. (I understand this is where the BB7s score as they are easy to adjust).

 

[PocketFrog]

I commute in all weathers and i'm a big advocate of disc brakes for this sort of riding.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

Owning both an MTB and road bike, I can't see one advantage that rim brakes have over discs apart from the lighter weight

 

[Chutzpah]

I have BB7s on one of my bikes, a big advantage of them is that you can adjust the positioning of both pads. If you're looking at a bike it's worth checking whether you can do that with the ones it'll come with.

 

[GlasgowGaryH]

Disc brakes everytime for me too

 

[gavgav]

Purchased a bike with Disc brakes for the 1st time around 15 Months ago and they are so much better than "V" brakes. Have so much more control and response upon braking. Would not go back now.

 

[Kins]

I just retro fitted my MTB/Commuter/Shopping Trolley with discs and the difference is quite a bit. Saying that if it was just a road bike or if I didn't have to haul loads of crap around I wouldn't bother.

 

[F1fan]

I would say disc brakes all the way. I used to ride with v brakes but disc are so much better. Also consider what type of discs. I had a bike with cables disc brakes and i have a bike now with hydraulic disc. There is quite a bit of difference in my opinion. Hydraulic needs a bike more care i think otherwise you lock up the back or are over the handlebars if you slam them on. Hope that helps