Disc brakes on Road Bikes? New data! The debate over the benefits of disc brakes on road bikes has been raging for the last 18 months - often with a lack of real data. Those in favour cite the benefits of greater braking power, improved modulation, no loss of braking in wet/muddy conditions and the fact you will no longer wear out your rims. Those against claim increased weight, poor aerodynamics, and the fact most braking limits are from the tyre losing traction rather than not having enough braking force. Well, Specialized has just released this video of a wind tunnel test comparing the aerodynamics of identical frames, one with disc brakes and one with traditional rim brakes. https://youtube/watch?v=HXQuSnKkS-I The bottom line is 0 difference with a straight headwind and 8 seconds over 45 km (28 miles) with a side wind. So, unless you are a time trialist, this is negligible. Another study evaluated the weight difference between bikes set up with discs and rim brakes, and its going to be between 250 - 750gm (0.5 - 1.5 lbs). velonewspetitor/2013/11/bikes-and-tech/the-torqued-wrench-12-road-disc-questions-answered_308954 I have to admit, I was one of the skeptics, but it looks like the arguments against rim brakes only apply at the extremes of racing and time trialing. For most road cyclists, rim brakes offer more benefits than down sides. Our 2015 Giant, Trek and Specialized road bikes are available with disc brakes, and you can see them here. Specialized Roubaix: stows.co.uk/productdetails.asp?productid=19831 Giant Defy: stows.co.uk/productdetails.asp?productid=19859
Posted on: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 12:22:06 +0000
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