Winter Cycling - Disc Brakes

Are disc brakes generally considered better than rim brakes for snow riding? I'm talking about Scandinavian conditions - heavy snow, temp from 5 C (41 F) down to -20 centigrade (-4 F).

If so, should you use resin or sintered pads?

What are the effect of gritted/salted roads on disc brakes as opposed to rim brakes?

Are disc brakes generally considered better than rim brakes for snow riding? I'm talking about Scandinavian conditions - heavy snow, temp from 5 C (41 F) down to -20 centigrade (-4 F).

If so, should you use resin or sintered pads?

What are the effect of gritted/salted roads on disc brakes as opposed to rim brakes?

Welcome to an Ohio winter...I always thought Scandanavian winters were much worse, temperature-wise, listening to my Finnish co-workers talk about it.

Discs are generally better in the snow, the pads last much longer, they stop more reliably when wet, and don't freeze up (though the cables can freeze on mechanically actuated discs just like rim brakes). On salty/sandy/ash covered roads, the longevity of the pads compared to rim brakes are especially apparent. I normally went through a set of brake pads a month with rim brakes here, where salt is used big time.

Depends how mucky it will be. At -20c, all brakes are crappy but discs are better. Consider changing out the hydraulic oil for one more suited for cold climates. I learned last winter that -30c plus discs = very frequent bleeding because the air bubbles would find there way in when the oil volume decreased. I also had some coworkers who blew seals in their suspension due to cement-like hydraulic oil.

the cables can freeze on mechanically actuated discs just like rim brakes

The lines can freeze on hydraulic discs also, if you have any water in the lines. The guys at the LBS say they've seen it happen.

Hayes Mags with DOT-4 fluid felt the same at -25C as they do normally. At least as much as I could tell with big mitts on. Not sure about brakes that use mineral oil.

Are disc brakes generally considered better than rim brakes for snow riding? I'm talking about Scandinavian conditions - heavy snow, temp from 5 C (41 F) down to -20 centigrade (-4 F).



yes

and road junk is a bigger problem with rim brakes than discs

but if you are really riding in a lot of snow you rarely get rolling fast enough to need any brakes

Ask any MTB'er - disc brakes are fantastic in the muck. The disc is generally far enough away from the road and spray to avoid the worst of the muck and even if it does wear out, can be replaced for a couple of dollars rather than an expensive wheel rebuild with new rims.

Sintered pads last longer than organic pads so are generally the pad of choice over here in the UK.

I run disc brakes on my commuter and am adamant about not going back (for a bike of that use) to rim brakes. I commute year round in about the same conditions you see.

I run disc brakes on my commuter and am adamant about not going back (for a bike of that use) to rim brakes. I commute year round in about the same conditions you see.
+1

Are disc brakes generally considered better than rim brakes for snow riding? I'm talking about Scandinavian conditions - heavy snow, temp from 5 C (41 F) down to -20 centigrade (-4 F).

If so, should you use resin or sintered pads?

What are the effect of gritted/salted roads on disc brakes as opposed to rim brakes?
I'm quite happy with my Avid BB7 brakes in the Riga winter. I've had no problems with snow or ice build up.

There are two main advantages of disc vs rim in the winter. The first is that you stop in wet conditions and the second is that your rims don't get eaten up by road sand every time you brake.

I use stock Avid pads and am very happy with them. I'll never go back to another brake for winter riding after discs.