Rash, thanks for posting this thread.
Guys the disc versus rim brake debate started life on the Specialized forum in the new Tarmac disc thread and Rash I believe rightly moved it here for more general discussion. Nobody in the Tarmac disc thread wanted the debate and I understand that on one level as this is one of the more divisive subjects related to road bikes…rivaling electric shifting and aero versus conventionally shaped bikes.
As backdrop, many know the rim brake Tarmac is the best selling high end race bike of all time and won the TdF twice in recent years with two separate riders.
I want to register my vote for rim brakes. My position doesn’t have a lot to do with potentially slicing a rider in the pro peloton because we aren’t pros. Pro racing many know is a blood sport and more sharp edges over and above chainrings is a real concern for simple reason that riders end up on the deck in a pile up all the time in pro racing. So a lottery if your leg, arm or face ends up in proximity to a spinning sharp disc in a common crash. But many are divided on this issue as well and perhaps even questionable that this ‘experiment’ is currently in effect in pro cycling. I would hate to the pro that ends up being a reason for a ban on disc brakes until somebody can figure out how to put a decent guard over the disk edge that doesn’t add too much weight or aero deficit.
With the advent of dual pivot brakes with excellent brake pad material, I am strongly in the rim brake camp along with 98% of all racers in professional cycling. Disc brakes even now allowed to be raced are about as common fenders and headlight on a race bike aka almost unseen in pro racing.
Amateurs even more than pros will appreciate the 1 lb weight savings because of UCI weight minimum and of course there is fractional aerodynamic advantage of rim brakes as well.
But for the average rider who doesn’t do 60 mph descents like pros do who do just fine with rim brakes, biggest issue over and above how much cheaper high quality rim brakes are compared to hydro disc, maintenance is big difference. Opus nailed it. My experience as well. Maintenance is needlessly more fussy with hydro brakes.
Point of contention between the two braking types is, disc brakes just aren’t necessary…like putting Brembo 4 piston calipers and heavy rotors on a Toyota Corolla. Average Corolla rider will appreciate the weight savings and lack of cost not to mention added maintenance.
So I would like to put a query out to prospective buyers of road bikes in the future. What will you buy? My theory is…disk brake high end road bikes are typically bought by weaker riders aka 16mph MUP riders. Joe six pack seduced by big brand companies getting into pocket…what they do well. Among stronger riders I ride with, disc brakes aren’t desired. So I would like to ask riders that are CAT 3 or better. What type of brakes do you prefer and what kind of brakes will be on your next road bike?
Cheers to all persuasions.