Discovery

I’d always been a bit doubtful of disc brakes on bikes: I’d always thought that the idea of braking at the centre of the wheel would mean less performance, given the torque needed, but I was proved wrong: even my cheap hybrid bike with simple, cable brakes (I was amazed to discover hydraulic brakes on a bike…) offers much better braking that the old one with rim brakes, surprisingly so: I’d guess that the leverage can be greater as the gap between the friction surfaces can be closer (as there’s no need to take account of a out-of-true rim).

Tonight though, I discovered the best advantage: the rim brakes on the old bike fouled the tyre when removing the wheel, which meant removing the shoes or deadjusting the brake, a right pain in the arse. Disc brakes? no bother- undo the quick-release and the wheel drops out (mental note: this must be a theft potential…). This means that when I had the puncture fairy’s first visit in 12 months of having the bike, I got it fixed quick, and still had time for a quick spin taking in the delights of Brownhills, even after the tedium of finding the tyre levers and patches.

[edit: fixed my woeful grammar and typing]

3 Responses to “Discovery”

  1. BrownhillsBob Says:

    Disc brakes? Best thing since sliced bread.

    Insensitive to dinked and buckled rims; weather resistant, pads last ages, very little adjustment required, ease of wheel removal.

    Only disadvantage is sharp disc edges can be like razors.

    Wouldn’t buy a bike with anything else.

    Cheers
    Bob

  2. stymaster Says:

    You convinced me that the small extra cost was worth it. Glad I listened.

  3. Willenhall Lad Says:

    I must upgrade….