"Should I choose disc brakes or rim brakes for my road bike?"

The debate between these two braking systems has always been a topic in road cycling. While disc brake road bikes are increasingly popular, traditional rim brake road bikes haven't disappeared. Some people might be struggling with how to choose. Let's compare them and see which brake is right for you.

So, which is better: disc brakes or rim brakes?

The perception of which brake is easier to use likely varies from person to person. In reality, both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let's compare them from a few perspectives below.

Riding Conditions

There's no doubt that disc brakes can provide more stable and responsive braking power than traditional rim brakes when the ground is wet, and they won't produce the dreadful screeching noise.

Also, less force is required to squeeze the brake lever (the brake lever arm of disc brakes is smaller). Just a lighter squeeze can provide sufficient braking power, relieving muscle tension during long descents and reducing fatigue.

ICAN A9 Disc Brake Road Bike - View Details

Reliability and Daily Maintenance

Traditional rim brakes have a simple structure and reliable performance that won't disappoint. If there's an issue with the bike, parts are readily available, brake pads are easy to replace, and the cost is low. Of course, with advancements in technology, disc brakes have also become reliable and easier to maintain. However, if a problem does occur, it can be more difficult to resolve than with rim brakes.

Another point to note is that while squeezing a rim brake lever won't have a major impact, with disc brakes, you must ensure that there isn't an issue where the disc brake caliper leaves a gap and "hugs" the rotor.

Maintenance of rim brakes largely depends on technical skill, but even a beginner can easily replace brake pads by simply removing the sliding screw, inserting new brake pads, and retightening the screw. It's very simple!

Disc brake maintenance can be more complex. Issues like brake piston displacement or gasket wear may require caliper realignment, and older models may also need seat replacement. Unlike V-brakes, hydraulic disc brakes require an oil change once a year, rather than just easily replacing the brake line. Unless you have strong technical skills, it's more reasonable to ask a professional technician at a bike shop to perform the maintenance.

ICAN AERO007 Rim Brake Road Bike - View Details

Appearance

Regarding aesthetics, this is clearly a matter of perception, and everyone has their own opinion. "Flat-mount" disc brake mounting standards and Ice-Tech disc technology are both designed to improve cleanliness and aesthetics. The front fork and seat stays are also designed with improvements to align the routing.

The most easily overlooked factor is that the two braking systems use different types of axles. Traditional road bike wheels are fixed with an open quick-release system. While this traditional method has been tested and proven safe, it does have certain drawbacks, as the wheels are prone to deformation if the braking load is too high.

Many disc brake road bikes adopt a thru-axle system, and their forks use a closed design. The thru-axle system is more robust, increasing the safety and strength of the wheels. Disc brake road bikes can achieve better steering performance, which is especially noticeable when cornering.

Cost

Disc brake versions of road bikes typically cost more than similarly equipped traditional rim brake road bikes, for several reasons. Since braking power is generated on the non-drive side of the bicycle, rather than by traditional calipers in the center of the bike, and because thru-axle fixation is becoming an industry standard, the cost of producing and designing disc brake road frames has increased.

Additionally, the brake itself has a complex structure, especially with the prevalent hydraulic brakes that incorporate 11-speed adjustable mechanical control levers. Such complex systems naturally lead to higher production costs.

ICAN A9 Disc Brake Road Bike - View Details

Summary

Advantages and Disadvantages of Disc Brakes:

Advantages

1) Not affected by extreme weather conditions like rain or snow.

2) Disc brakes do not damage the rim.

3) Easy to install and set up.

4) Disc brake road bike tires are relatively easy to remove.

5) Rim condition (wet or dry) does not affect braking or braking performance.

Disadvantages

1) Disc brakes are heavier and often more expensive than rim brakes.

2) The bike's front fork must be compatible with disc brakes.

3) Disc brakes can complicate the installation of rear racks or fenders (for long-distance road bikes).

4) Disc brakes increase the pressure on wheel spokes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rim Brakes:

Advantages

1) Rim brakes are much cheaper than disc brakes.

2) Easy to maintain and replace, even during travel.

3) Rim brakes do not increase tension on wheel groups or spokes.

4) Generally do not affect the installation of racks or fenders.

5) Spare brake pads and brake parts are readily available in the market.

Disadvantages

1) Rim brakes are prone to causing wear on the wheel rim.

2) Braking performance is susceptible to water and slurry.

3) Brake pads need to be replaced regularly.

ICAN A8 Rim Brake Road Bike - View Details

So, which one should you choose?!

If you're unsure which path to take, my suggestions are determined by the following factors:

・If you only ride in the best weather, choose a rim brake road bike. In dry weather, rim brakes can provide sufficient braking performance.

・If you can only have one road bike and ride regardless of the weather, choose a disc brake road bike. You'll get stable braking power regardless of the cycling environment, and your wheels will last longer.

・If bike weight is your biggest concern, choose a rim brake road bike. Rim brake road bikes are lighter.

・If you have a budget and want the best road bike, and you also want to optimize disc brake performance, choose a disc brake road bike.

・If you're a beginner, it's best to go to a physical store and see which one you prefer.

 Whichever you choose, you can't go wrong. However, when making a decision, it's best to prioritize your preferences and what matters most to you, and ultimately choose what suits you best.

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