Do You Need Bicycle Disc Brakes?
I’ve enjoyed riding my mountain bike for more than ten years. Over time it could qualify a lot more as a hybrid bicycle a result of the alterations I’ve made to add more comfort to the ride. This grows more important to us once we grow older.
One area in which I sensed it was continually lacking was the brakes. Despite the fact that they are Shimano center pull caliper brakes, they simply never perform well in damp weather or muddy conditions. I really was impressed when I recently borrowed a friends bicycle with new disc brakes. One of the major benefits of bicycle disc brakes is the fantastic all-weather operation. Another point I really like is the fact there is no maintenance necessary as opposed to the regular adjustments required on cable activated traditional brakes. Once you install the disc brakes, setup the calipers you are able to merely forget about them.
Naturally should you choose to upgrade to disc brakes you’ll find them more pricey then traditional rim brakes. But their effectiveness is so good that most will gladly pay the price. Another negative is that the disc brake assemblies and rotor do add a little bit of weight to your bike. Once again, you have to determine if considering your riding habits, this can be suitable. Generally to switch to bicycle disc brakes you will require new wheels also. Disc rims cannot be set up on regular hubs used with standard rim brake wheels.
Although it will require some effort and extra cost to up grade to bicycle disc brakes, if you would like far better and consistently improved brake overall performance in all conditions, disc brakes are a great investment. But you need to determine if the cost is worth it. Honestly speaking, not everybody truly needs to upgrade to bicycle disc brakes. Many riders are quite very pleased with their rim brake and ride in an environment where rim brakes handle the job like in flat and dry ground. Yet as you take to more steeper trails and wetter conditions, disc brakes become most valuable. One more issue to consider is if you are a 200 lb rider like me, you will really appreciate the improvement in braking power.
I have tested the Shimano disc brakes and as with all Shimano bicycle parts, they performed beautifully under any kind of conditions from mountain trails to riding through creek beds.
Besides Shimano, in line with reports, Avid disc brakes, Hayes disc brakes, and Tektro disc brakes are all easily obtainable in kits and as separate components making it possible to match almost any application desired.