A disc brake provides excellent stopping power and also provides for good modulation and feel. Disc brakes are either cable actuated or hydraulic actuated – which means the cable has either a cabled wire inside or fluid. Disc brakes usually retain a constant feel and stopping power thru a range of environmental conditions or when wet. They are usually on both wheels of the bike, and not just the front or rear. Also, front discs should be installed on a fork designed to handle the disc braking system and withstand the force generated by the brake. Disc brakes have a greater contact area for braking and increased ability to dissipate heat caused in prolonged braking as in downhill riding or racing. However, the disadvantages include more weight, possible rubbing due to disc drag, the need for special hydraulic cables, the need for appropriate mounting hardware on your bike, and the high cost. Also, they do require more maintenance than regular brakes, and fluid may leak out if damaged or the cable is ruptured. Disc brakes may be harder to set up and adjust, but usually require little maintenance if not damaged. One thing to always remember about discs is to not squeeze the brakes when the wheels have been removed or you may dislodge the brake pads. It is usually relatively simple to replace the disc pads when needed, and this is the bulk of the maintenance if you don’t bend the discs or damage the system in a wipeout. Most riders that use disc brakes seem to prefer them over cantilever brakes - so our overall opinion is that the pro's outweigh the con's. If you can buy a bike that has them, it is probably a nice upgrade you may want to check out if you have the $$$. It may not be worth it to retrofit your bike for them - and some bikes may not have the frame supports to be disc compatible anyhow... but for downhill riders it seems they are a must have item!! |
