Bicycle Mechanics - Disc Brakes?

Could someone please explain the pros and cons of disc brakes? Ive been looking at some bikes with them, and they are pretty nice!

pros: stop better then rim brakes, work better in wet/mud, rims last longer.

cons: expensive, harder to adjust and maintain then rim brakes (depending on model).

try doing a search on the forums. There is a fellow named dazco that just got a pair, and he seems to like them. He posted a pretty useful set of threads asking questions about installation and pros and cons of discs.

PM Dirtgrinder, he loves em.

Look at a set of Avid mechaical discs. I have them on my mtb and love them. No matter what the weather or riding conditions they will stop you. Compared to rim brakes there is no comparison. You should be able to get a set for well under $200. And the odds are that the levers you already have on your bike will work with them. I like the mechanicals more than the hydraulics because of maintenance issues and the lack of dripping brake fluid.

Ditto on the Avids. They're awesome.

lol, thanks guys....ill go talk w/ some locals at the shop, and see what they think as well.

Originally posted by georgesnatcher
Look at a set of Avid mechaical discs. I have them on my mtb and love them. No matter what the weather or riding conditions they will stop you. Compared to rim brakes there is no comparison. You should be able to get a set for well under $200. And the odds are that the levers you already have on your bike will work with them. I like the mechanicals more than the hydraulics because of maintenance issues and the lack of dripping brake fluid.

Hi,

I was just wondering if you have any squealing happening when cycling in the rain ?
Is there anyway to stop this from happening or is it just something you have to learn to live with ?

I am planning to get a Brodie Bruzza that has the 8" mechanical disk brakes but have heard that even after they have been broken in, they can squeal like crazy when wet.

Also, how much maintenance do disk brakes really require ? Is it anymore than rim brakes require ?

Justen

Mech discs don't require a ton of maintenance, I clean my rotors with warm water and dawn every time I wash the bike. If you don't touch them with your hands, and clean them after every 2-3 rides or so, they shouldn't give you much squealing.

-Middi-zon

Thanks for the tips ! BTW....why Dawn dish detergent ? Is that just the one you use or is it better than something like Palmolive ?
Do I need to actually take them off the bike each time or can I just wash them along with everything else as I wash the bike...taking care not to touch them of course.

Justen

Well I can think of one reason for the Dawn detergent. All those "Dawn takes grease out of your way" commercials. It's true. Don't be silly leave them on the bike. I know it's early but c'mon girl have a slice of sensible pie!

Avid actually recommends Dawn by name for their mechs, they might have a contract with each other, or Dawn just works better.

BTW....Justen, you must have the new record for the fastest 100 some odd posts, what are you averaging, 25 posts a day? You'll be up there with Chris L in 3 weeks at this pace, wow!

-Middi-zon

Originally posted by Middi-zon
Avid actually recommends Dawn by name for their mechs, they might have a contract with each other, or Dawn just works better.

BTW....Justen, you must have the new record for the fastest 100 some odd posts, what are you averaging, 25 posts a day? You'll be up there with Chris L in 3 weeks at this pace, wow!

-Middi-zon

Okay..I get the thing about Dawn now.

As for my posts - my apologies. Alot of them are replies to others but I love Mountain biking and have lots of questions too. I have found this forum so helpful but perhaps I should slow down with the questions, eh ? :-)

Justen

Originally posted by Justen
Okay..I get the thing about Dawn now.

As for my posts - my apologies. Alot of them are replies to others but I love Mountain biking and have lots of questions too. I have found this forum so helpful but perhaps I should slow down with the questions, eh ? :-)

Justen What's to apologize for? ASK AWAY. As far as the number of posts: Sheesh look to the left in this post 1000 some-odd post since July of last year? (and all in blue thank you)

No need for apologies, Justen, I'm just impressed.

-Midd-zon

Cannondale also recommends Dawn, so that's what I use!

I've got a set of Hayes Hydraulics, and can say, I've never had them squeal when wet. I don't know where you've got that from. Also, a buddy had some that squealed all the time, and he use to squiret water on them to quiet them down!

If your discs are squeling, they're eithe set-up wrong, or your pads are contaminated, or your rotors are dirty.

I really don't have to mess with mine EVER! Once initially set-up, I've left mine completely alone. I occasionally wipe down the rotor with denatured alcohol, but besides cleaning the bike, I don't touch my discs.

L8R

Dawn detergent eh, never heard that one before.

I use alcohol on my rotors and pads, for cleaning. Works good too. Its what Shimano and Hayes recommend for their systems.

go for a set of hope hydro they work great no squeal or fade work great wet dry or muddy byt you do have to pay for it they are a little pricey but they are work every penny

Yea and make sure you try not to touch the rotor or caliper system with your hands as the oil from your skin could contaminate the disc system. Its more of a caution if you get hydraulics though.

Originally posted by WorldIRC
Its more of a caution if you get hydraulics though. Applesauce. You can contaminate the pads on Hyrdos JUST as easily by putting your grubby mitts on them. The only difference between Hydros and Mechs is the actuation method.

speaking of applesauce, what happened to pokey?

He got himself banned. Ask Joe if if you want more info.

bummer, man. He usually had good info.

hey joe what happend to pokey