Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, once said: "In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes." But if he had lived in this era, he probably would have added everything related to bicycle brakes to the list. Because regardless of their type — coaster or hand brakes, traditional or disc, mechanical or hydraulic — brakes have always been at the center of a heated debate that literally ignites cycling enthusiasts.
Jokes aside, today's discussion about bike brakes revolves around the choice between hydraulic disc brakes and traditional rim brakes. We're not here to add more fuel to the fire (there's already plenty!), but rather to lay out some of the key differences between the two systems — helping to clear up any doubts for those reading these lines.
Disc Brakes: Advantages and Disadvantages
How did disc brakes come about, and how do they work? Disc brakes entered the world of road cycling after many cyclists grew frustrated with mud and dirt clogging traditional brakes. The first models date back to the mid-1970s, with Shimano creating the first braking system for road bikes. From that moment on, manufacturers began gradually switching to a new type of brake that worked on the same principle as those used in cars and motorcycles since the early 1900s: instead of acting on the rim, they would stop a rotating disc mounted on the wheel hub. Since then, disc brakes have become increasingly common, efficient, and lightweight, thanks to technological advancements that have made them suitable for mountain bikes and gravel bikes as well.
Today, there are two types of disc brakes: mechanical disc brakes, which use a cable system to engage the caliper (just like traditional brakes), and hydraulic disc brakes, which use brake fluid to activate the caliper. But what are the pros and cons of disc brakes? Let’s break them down together.
The Advantages of Disc Brakes
Although the debate around disc brakes is still very much alive, let's break down their main advantages:
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More stopping power - Disc brakes are applied to a device specifically designed to stop the entire bike, making them more powerful than rim brakes;
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Better modulation - Discs allow for more precise and smoother braking, so cyclists can better control the amount of force they apply, reducing the risk of unwanted wheel lock-ups. Compared to mechanical disc brakes, hydraulic disc brakes are even more powerful and "mechanically" superior in modulating braking force;
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Reliable in all weather conditions - While traditional brakes struggle to grip wet wheels, disc brakes have no such issue. The rotating disc is much smaller than the wheel rim, meaning water is easily displaced by the caliper's action;
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Less wear and tear on rims - The constant pressure from traditional brakes can cause overheating or excessive rim wear, potentially leading to rim failure. This issue is eliminated with disc brakes, as they are generally unaffected by any wheel deformation;
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Unlimited tire size options - Since tire size is not restricted by brake calipers, disc brakes allow for wider tires — a crucial advantage for those seeking improved comfort and bike stability.
The disadvantages of disc brakes
Although disc brakes seem to outperform traditional ones in many ways, it's important to consider their drawbacks before making a final choice:
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Price - Since they consist of more components, disc brakes are more expensive, as are their maintenance and replacement costs. Hydraulic disc brakes, in particular, are quite complex, as changing the brake fluid is a time-consuming process that should be done approximately every six months;
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Weight - With rotors, hoses, and additional reservoirs, disc brakes can add up to 500g more than traditional versions. At first glance, this might not seem like a huge difference, but for professional cyclists and advanced amateurs, it's a crucial factor;
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Less aerodynamic - All these extra components not only affect the total weight of the bike but also have a significant impact on its aerodynamics. Again, this might not matter to some, but for many riders, it's a critical consideration;
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Heat buildup - Where there's friction, there's heat — and with disc brakes, the "victim" is the rotating rotor. Heat can build up in extremely rare cases, but manufacturers like Shimano ensure it is efficiently dissipated;
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Noise - While disc brakes perform better in adverse weather conditions, a buildup of dirt (sand, mud, soil, etc.) can cause them to "squeal" quite loudly. Some cyclists complain about disc brake noise without any apparent reason, which is why additional and regular maintenance is always recommended.
Traditional Brakes: Advantages and Disadvantages
For over 100 years, road bikes have been equipped with so-called traditional brakes — a simpler yet still fairly effective variant. When you pull the brake lever, tension increases on the cable, causing the brake caliper to clamp onto the rim. The brake pads create friction on the braking surface of the rim, stopping the wheel. Simple and straightforward.
The Advantages of Traditional Brakes
The setup of traditional brakes works very well, which is why they are still widely used today. But what has made traditional brakes the top choice for cyclists until now?
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Simplicity - You only change them when they break. Despite decades of research and technological advancements, their basic mechanism has remained the same. It’s no coincidence that they are the global standard;
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Ease of maintenance - The components of traditional brakes and their upkeep are simple, making them easier to repair compared to more complex braking systems;
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Affordability - A simpler braking system means a more affordable bike. Beyond that, repairs are easier, and replacement parts are less expensive, saving both time and money.
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Lightweight - Traditional brakes require fewer components, resulting in a lower overall weight. Lighter doesn’t always mean better, but if you're aiming to cut weight, they are the right choice.
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Wheel condition indicator - Since the caliper makes contact with the rim, it’s easy to spot when the wheel needs realigning by adjusting the spokes. If one brake pad touches the rim's braking surface more than the other, it’s a clear sign that the wheel isn’t spinning correctly.
The disadvantages of traditional brakes
Even though traditional brakes still dominate the market, that doesn’t mean they are perfect. Here are some of their drawbacks:
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Less power - Despite significant improvements over time, traditional brakes still provide less braking power compared to disc brakes due to their design;
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Reduced modulation - With traditional brakes, controlling the pressure applied during braking is more challenging. It’s harder to manage speed without the wheel suddenly locking up — something professional riders know all too well, especially on rainy days and with carbon wheels (and braking surfaces);
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Sensitivity to weather conditions - When brake pads get wet, they lose much of their effectiveness, significantly affecting both power and modulation. During the rainy Road World Championships in Oslo — won by Lance Armstrong — the Italian national team and their legendary coach Alfredo Martini rubbed a mix of onions and lemons on the rims of their bikes to boost braking power. This old trick helped remove some of the grease that the rain had accumulated, increasing stopping power but further reducing the already limited modulation. Talk about "making a virtue out of necessity";
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Wear and tear - All the friction generated by traditional brakes directly affects the braking surface, causing gradual wear. As the brake pads wear down, braking efficiency and power decrease. The bottom line? Eventually, you’ll have to replace the entire wheel rim;
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Limited tire size - The brake caliper must wrap around the wheel to reach the rim. Unfortunately, due to their design, wider tires are not compatible with bikes equipped with traditional brakes.
Disc brakes or traditional brakes?
Although disc brakes are rapidly gaining a significant share of the market, we’ll still be seeing rim brakes around for a while. Both options have their pros and cons, so every cyclist must choose based on their own needs. Even among professional riders, you'll still find supporters of both traditional and disc brakes. Ultimately, it's good to know that both systems are reliable and effective. The key — as car and motorcycle racers, who have a special bond with their brakes, often say — is to stick to the famous motto: "If in doubt, keep it open!"
