Rim Brake or Disc Brake ?
The Basics
Disc brake and rim brake mainly differ in where the brake force is applied. With a rim brake system, the brake caliper is mounted to the frame and fork nearest the outer diameter, and the brake pads squeeze the braking track on the sidewall of rims.
With a disc brake system, calipers are mounted on the frame and fork closest to the hubs. Rotors are attached to the hubs and the brake pads squeeze against the rotors opposed to the rim.
Rim Brake Track (3K Weave):
Disc Brake Carbon Rim:
Advantages of rim brake:
1. Lighter weight
2. Slightly more aerodynamic
3. Simpler to maintain and install for the average user
4. Cleaner look
Disadvantages of rim brake:
1. The pads wear against the sidewall of the rim, so eventually, the whole rim will be worn out and require replacement
2. Less power
3. Less predictable performance in wet weather
4. Rim brake calipers and pads limit the width of rim and tires you can run
5. Possible overheating on long descents
6. If your rim is out of true or has a hop, you will feel that while braking
Advantages of disc brake:
1. Disc brake performance is not affected by rim trueness
2. Less affected by wet weather and extreme ride conditions
3. Improved heat dissipation with a rotor
4. Larger tire clearance can lead to safely running lower pressures
5. Greater stopping power with comparatively less effort
6. No wear on the rims - rotors rarely need to be replaced
Disadvantages of disc brake:
1. Rotors increase weight to the wheel
2. Maintenance of disc brake is more complicated
3. Disc brakes, especially the hydraulic variety, can be expensive
Do you feel a bit more educated on which direction to go? Have even more questions now? Let us know in the comments below!
