Mountain Bikes – Disc or Rim Brakes?
One of the important decisions you will have to make when you buy a new mountain bike is the type of brakes. Should you choose rim brakes or disc brake? This will depend on a number of factors including price and performance. The cheapest type, and the lightest are rim brakes although you will have to accept some variation on performance. For better consistency and good all round performance in a wide range of conditions you will need the more expensive disc brakes.
Designs of brakes have evolved over the years from cantilever brakes in the original mountain bikes through U brakes to the type of brakes used today, known as V brakes. Rim brakes were originally used on bikes but are not ideal especially in muddy or wet riding conditions. They can also wear away at the rim which can cause catastrophic damage to the rim. Disc brakes have been used on cars for a long time but were only introduced to mountain bikes towards the end of the 1990′s. Hydraulic or cable manipulated disc brakes work well and are the preferred option for today’s mountain bikes. They work much better than rim brakes in muddy or wet conditions and need less force applied. They are unaffected by the condition of the rim or wheel.
Cost Considerations
Disc brakes, although the preferred system, are more expensive than rim brakes. The cost of disc brakes varies, with the type with cable manipulated disc brakes being cheaper than the hydraulic type. So choice may come down to what you are prepared to pay for the performance you need. For competition biking, of course, you will need the best performance possible so there is really no option except for the better performing hydraulic disc brakes but if you are using your bike for recreational purposes, in mild conditions, rim brakes may be adequate.
Conclusion
Be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of both rim and disc brakes and purchase a bike with a braking system suitable for your purpose. It is well worth paying more for a better braking system if you will be using your bike for competitions or in adverse weather conditions.
Image by bitninja