Why Rim Brakes Have Limited Time Left

The superiority of disc brakes has become evident. The birth of disc brake bicycles was full of controversy. First, there was the weight issue; there's no doubt that using a disc brake system increases the overall weight of the bike. However, with the UCI 6.8 kg weight limit remaining unchanged, the weight advantage of rim brakes is not as clear as it once was, and with technological advancements, disc brake bicycles are becoming increasingly lighter.

ICAN A9 Disc Brake Road Bike - Learn More

Next is aerodynamic performance. The initial impression of disc brake bicycles was that the discs and calipers would create air resistance. However, since this is a "dirty" airflow perturbed by the wheels, the aerodynamic performance loss is small. Instead, the ability to design a simpler fork and head tube connection without brake pads will likely lead to significant dynamic gains. Furthermore, disc brakes allow for completely hidden cables, and integrating them can further reduce air resistance. Ultimately, the aerodynamic performance of disc brake road bikes surpasses that of their rim brake counterparts.

In professional group competitions, disc brakes were initially considered a safety hazard, and the UCI even suspended testing. The final solution was to use discs with rounder edges, and now the safety issues with discs have largely been resolved.

For amateur riders, the biggest benefit of disc brakes is easier braking operation and a better feel for the brake contact point. When descending, it's necessary to grip the drops, and the braking power and control of disc brakes can significantly boost confidence. Especially now, with carbon fiber materials being widely used in rims, the use of disc brakes eliminates problems such as rim wear, overheating, and weak braking power in wet conditions. It's clear that carbon fiber wheels are also driving the widespread adoption of disc brakes.

The superiority of disc brakes is clear, and with manufacturers proposing new innovations and opening new markets, rim brakes don't have much time left. However, if you still prefer rim brakes, what kind of rim brake road bikes can you buy in 2020?

Recommended Rim Brake Road Bikes

Specialized

Specialized has already stated that all their future road bikes will be disc brake, so in 2020, only three rim brake road bikes remain, all entry-level Allez models, including Allez, Allez Sport, and Allez Elite. If these don't satisfy you, you'll have to consider the 2019 Tarmac models, including the S-Works Tarmac race bike and the slightly more affordable Tarmac Comp.

Giant

Giant's Defy endurance road bikes have already fully transitioned to disc brakes, but five models of their Propel aero road bikes still use rim brakes. The rim brake Propel has truly been modified for rim brake enthusiasts, though the brake cable routing feels a bit off. This is because its frame is based on the Propel Disc, which was designed for disc brakes.

Thankfully, Giant still has the TCR. This classic ultralight bike retains seven rim brake models. The rim brake TCR looks harmonious.

Trek

While Trek hasn't transitioned to disc brakes as completely as Specialized, both their Madone aero road and Emonda road bikes now have rim brake versions. However, Trek has fewer high-tech rim brake bikes this year than last. The Domane endurance road bike is only available with disc brakes.

Trek's most expensive rim brake road bike is the 2019 Madone SLR 8. It comes equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace groupset and Bontrager Aeolus Pro 5 carbon wheels.

The rim brake Emonda SL 5 is the most affordable carbon Emonda, using a Shimano 105 groupset. If you like climbing and have a smaller budget, this might be a good choice.

Merida

Merida's Reacto aero road bikes and Scultura road bikes are divided into two series: disc brake and rim brake. The bike shown above offers a clean and modern carbon fiber frame, featuring a Shimano Ultegra mechanical groupset and an aluminum alloy wheelset.

If you're chasing speed, the Reacto Team-E is perfect for your aspirations, featuring the red and black paint scheme of the Bahrain-Merida (now Bahrain-McLaren) team, Fulcrum Speed carbon fiber wheels, and a full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain.

Bianchi

The long-established Italian manufacturer Bianchi still offers rim brakes, and in fact, their lightest Specialissima is only available as a rim brake model. The Specialissima pictured uses a Campagnolo Super Record 12-speed groupset. If you're looking to buy a traditional high-end rim brake bike, Bianchi is an excellent choice.

Cannondale

Cannondale is also changing, becoming more modern and radical. Don't even think about finding rim brakes on their SystemSix aero road bike. It's a shame that while the new SuperSix Evo retains rim brakes, there's no Hi-Mod version for the rim brake frame. Cannondale only offers two rim brake bikes on their new platform, equipped with Shimano Ultegra and 105 groupsets, respectively.

Fortunately, you can still buy the 2019 SuperSix models, which are actually a better choice. The older models look more fitting with rim brakes. Among them, the most affordable SuperSix Evo uses only a Tiagra groupset, but it possesses all the characteristics of a top-tier Evo.

Canyon

Canyon doesn't disappoint rim brake enthusiasts, with rim brake versions available for their Endurace endurance road, Ultimate road, and Aeroad aero bikes.

The new Ultimate CF Evo 10.0 LTD is a rare rim brake bike featuring a top-tier SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset, weighing only 6 kilograms.

A more practical choice is the Ultimate CF SL 8.0 Di2, which uses a Shimano Ultegra electronic shifting groupset and DT Swiss P 1800 Spline wheelset.

For a more comfortable endurance road bike, rim brakes are still available. The Endurace CF 8.0 uses a Shimano Ultegra groupset and DT Swiss P 1800 Spline wheelset, with a claimed weight of 7.46 kg.

BMC

The BMC Teammachine has always been one of the best ultralight road bikes, and its latest version is designed for both rim and disc brakes. Rim brake fans will be pleased that BMC retains five rim brake Teammachine models, from the SLR 03 One to the SLR 01 Two.

ICAN

ICAN's main models in 2020 will be disc brake road bikes. If you're looking for a rim brake road bike, we recommend the full-carbon Aero A8. It's equipped with Novatec hubs and Sapim CX-Ray spokes. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty, ensuring excellent after-sales service.

ICAN AERO A8 Rim Brake Road Bike - Learn More

For a more affordable rim brake road bike, the Taurus is recommended. It offers a carbon frame that balances strength and rigidity, and at 160,000 yen, it's an incredibly good value road bike.

ICAN Taurus Rim Brake Road Bike - Learn More

As you can see, the options for rim brake road bikes are no longer plentiful, especially if you're looking for high-end models, you might need to act quickly.

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