Cyclocross - Disc Brakes

Should i look for a cyclocross bike with disc brakes or rim brakes. Probably going to be used 80% for on road. Thanks for the help

disc brakes - wouldn't go back at all/ever to rim brakes

The only time you might need to worry about rim brakes is if you plan to race UCI rules CX events

Are disc brakes compatible with STI shifters? Or does using disc brakes warrant a specific type of lever?

yes - any cable disc brake will work (Avid make a road brake specific one for even better compatability)

no - any cable brake lever will work - if you can match the lever with the brake then there whould be no problems at all

I use avid BBRD (road disc brakes) with campagnolo ergo brifters with no problems

I also have discs on my cross machine. I'm not considering changing for a minute! I also have brake levers (in-line) mounted on the tops. This is really helpful when you are rolling over a steep hill and need to get way back behind the saddle.

... Brad

I used to like the simpler, lighter and cheaper aspects of decent cantis on cx bikes, but having started to ride a lot of the local xc trails on that bike (Don Valley trails in Toronto, Ontario) I'm completely ready to bury them at sea and replace them w/ some Avid mechanicals. Screw the UCI rules, I want a bike that I can ride like I want to. If that means "illegal" brakes, so be it (sorry prospective sponsors, I guess I'll just have to stick to being an amateur).

If you have aspirations of racing then don't get disc brakes. If not racing, get what you want.

If you have aspirations of racing then don't get disc brakes. If not racing, get what you want.

you can use disc brakes in any non UCI rules CX event/race/ride

given that most beginners won't be racing pro/elite in their first season I think that braking would be the priority rather than trying to look the part

i have ultegra levers (and the smaller V-brake style ones) and Avid BB7 disk breaks... but im having trouble dialing them in... any suggestions (like when either lever is pulled till touching the handle bars, i can still move the wheel)


but disk is the way to go

i have ultegra levers (and the smaller V-brake style ones) and Avid BB7 disk breaks... but im having trouble dialing them in... any suggestions (like when either lever is pulled till touching the handle bars, i can still move the wheel)


but disk is the way to go

I just dialed the red adjuster knobs in slightly - gives me VERY sharp brakes :D but that's the way I like it

http://www.sram.com/en/service/avid/view.php?catID=1&subcatID=1

hhmmm now dont i feel like a dumbass...



but what if the cable between the 2 sets of levers stretches...?

hhmmm now dont i feel like a dumbass...



but what if the cable between the 2 sets of levers stretches...?

then adjust your barrels man :)

nvm i figured it out...



fiddly badly put together brake system required some "editing" (loose disk breaks, off center calipers, and some crazy long brake cable that didnt need to be anywhere near that long...)

I also have discs on my cross machine. I'm not considering changing for a minute! I also have brake levers (in-line) mounted on the tops. This is really helpful when you are rolling over a steep hill and need to get way back behind the saddle.

... Brad

excuse the noobness, but when you say "inline" what do you mean? sorry if this sounds ******** but I keep thinking it would be nice to have BOTH mtn bike style brakes and the more traditional road type on my bike. Is this doable? I seem to recall back in the day road bikes having levers that allowed you to ride with hands on straight part of handlebar and still have access to brakes. When I asked a cycling friend why those disappeared, he didn't seem to have an answer.

thanks for the info..I'll get the hang of this yet...


Tony O

excuse the noobness, but when you say "inline" what do you mean? sorry if this sounds ******** but I keep thinking it would be nice to have BOTH mtn bike style brakes and the more traditional road type on my bike. Is this doable? I seem to recall back in the day road bikes having levers that allowed you to ride with hands on straight part of handlebar and still have access to brakes. When I asked a cycling friend why those disappeared, he didn't seem to have an answer.

thanks for the info..I'll get the hang of this yet...


Tony O

thanks for pic, but does that mean the other brake isn't in play? Can't really tell that by the pic.
grazi.

-Tony O

they are in-line with your normal brake levers and either can be used for braking

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=4953740&postcount=495

Both types of brakes work fine. Both types of brakes have their shortcomings.

I have hydraulic discs on my MTB and cantilevers on my 'cross bike. Discs have the advantage in wet conditions but are just as susceptible to pad wear from mud and grime. Cantilevers are simpler and less costly to own.

I ride my 'cross and MTB on the same trails in the same conditions. I also race cyclocross. I'm not about to give up one brake system in favor of the other.

Get whatever you can afford and learn how to properly adjust them.

Just avoid weird "off-brand" disc brakes. It's universally accepted that Avid makes the finest mechanical disc brakes available.