Disc Brakes Or Rim Brakes

This can be a very important decision when you

are buying a mountain bike. There are actually

two answers to the question of disc brakes or

rim brakes.

If you want better, more consistent brake performance

in all conditions, disc brakes are what you should

be choosing. On the other hand, if you want the

lightest set up you can have and you are willing to

accept small variances in brake performance, or you

want the lowest price possible, rim brakes are

what you should be choosing.

Over the years, mountain bikes have gone through

many design changes. They started out with the

original cantilever brakes, then went through the U

Brake years, and are now with V Brakes. In most

conditions, the V Brakes seem to work well.

In wet or muddy conditions, rim brakes will perform

poorly. Over time, they can wear right through the

side of your rim, causing the side of the rim to

blow right off.

Disc brakes on the other hand have been around for

a long time in cars but weren't used on bikes much

until the late 1990's. There were some issues in

the earlier models, although the cable actuated or

hydraulic brakes of today seem to work quite well.

In terms of performance, disc brakes seem to work

better than rim brakes, especially in wet or muddy

areas. Disc brakes normally require less force

to apply and aren't effected by the rim or wheel

condition.

Cost is an issue, as disk brake systems tend to be

more expensive than rim brakes. Mechanical or cable

actuated brakes are a closer match, although they

will still cost more. Hydraulic brakes on the other

hand cost a lot more.

When you make that final choice, weight out the above

options then make your decision. Some riders prefer

disc brakes, while others prefer rim brakes - making it

a matter of opinion.