Brake Interface for Road

What are the differences between rim and disc brake systems?

The reason for the trend towards disc brakes is a question of safety: disc brakes improve control. But what are the differences between disc and rim brake systems?

DISC BRAKES

ADVANTAGES

•   Reliable, immediate braking performance, in particular in wet conditions. Especially in combination with carbon wheels, the good braking performance gives cyclists a sense of safety.
•   Option of fitting wider rims and tires which ensures greater space between the bicycle fork and the wheel (greater clearance).
•   Easily controllable braking system that requires less manual force.
•   No overheating of the rims due to the loss of braking power on the side of the rim itself.
•   As a load-bearing component the rim is not be damaged by its mechanical wear of the rim brake.

Disadvantages

• Minimal negative effect on aerodynamics due to the fact that the brake disc is mounted on one side only.
• Greater weight.

RIM BRAKES

Advantages

• Easier to maintain and mount.
• Equal aerodynamic behavior on both sides as the rim brake mount is attached to both sides.

Disadvantages

•   Weak, delayed braking performance, in particular in wet conditions and especially with carbon wheels because the water film must first be displaced from the rim.
•   Overheating of the rim due to mechanical friction from the brake pad towards the rim which can cause the tube to burst as a result of overheating.
•   Mechanical abrasion of the rim during braking can cause the rim to collapse.
•   Increased wear and tear of the rim brake pads, especially in wet weather conditions.