Utility Cycling - Anyone running disc on utility bikes?

Hey, guys! I sorta found this forum by accident. It was kind of an a-ha moment because the bikes described here fit the description of one of my bike's purpose. I've always referred to any bikes that serve errand runs or grocery runs or whatever as a commuter, but the term "commuter" has a strong connotation of riding to work or some other form of distance riding to a destination (different from recreational riding). Anyway, I bought a bike recently, 1998 GT Timberline, and plan to rig it up as a utility bike. So far I've mounted an OMM Red Rocks rack on it and have a pair of Wald folding baskets that I plan to hook to it. I've also ordered a front rack from Nashbar that will be mounted on the V-brake bosses for that complete utility look. Next in order is replacing the stock fork with a disc/canti fork so I can run disc up front yet keep V-brake in the back. Considering the weight that utility bikes can carry, would disc improve stopping? I've seen pics here where some bikes are loaded with stuff and was wondering if such loads demand better brakes for stopping.

Btw, some cool rigs!

V-brakes and discs have the same stopping power in dry conditions. In wet conditions you may see some benefit from discs, but many loaded touring bikes run v-brakes and get used in the rain so don't feel you need discs if you currently have v-brakes.

YES. I do. They're highly recommended, espeically in hilly areas. No question.

Yes. Avid BB7's on my Goat (Surly Big Dummy). Thought about beefing 'em up to hydro's but...no need. The BB7's work fine under speed, load...and high speed loads. :innocent:

BB7's definitely have the best bang for the buck. I like that they modulate better than v-brakes, and aren't dependent on the condition of your rim.

I have never had a problem stopping with v-brakes, but I freely admit that I don't top 8 MPH or so when I have 100 lb plus loads.

V brakes on my Xtracycle, they work.
I've had a disk on the front of it before; it worked better but not remarkably so (didn't like the size of the fork enough to keep it).

Yes. Avid BB7's on my Goat (Surly Big Dummy). Thought about beefing 'em up to hydro's but...no need. The BB7's work fine under speed, load...and high speed loads. :innocent:
+1
Running disc on utility bikes are the only way to go!:thumb:

Ciao,
-o-^o

+10
bb7 w/203 rotor on the rear, 160 on the front

a rear brake caliper protector works great for protecting against the load rubbing (compressing) the brake... i fashioned my own out of sheet metal.

http://www.ebikestop.com/xtracycle_caliper_protector-BT2020.php

FWIW, I'll be putting 185mm BB7s on the Fargo frame that I'm building up as my errand-running, shopping bike. I would've gone with hydro brakes had my budget allowed for something nice like the Avid Elixir. I have hills to contend with, and I want strong brakes.

BTW, Kona's Ute comes with disc brake in front, v-brake in rear. Thought you might be interested in knowing that, since you are contemplating that same sort of setup. It makes sense, actually, as you really don't need much stopping power in the rear anyway.

I have Avid BB7's on my Big Dummy and they are fantastic. Love 'em.

I have fallen for disc brakes. V brakes can stop you as well as disc brakes if properly set up. However, I ride a lot, even in rainy weather in the summer time and rim brakes get dirty and gritty and wear out your rims and don't give good stopping power when wet. Disc brakes work very well when wet and the disc and pads are easily replaced when worn. Disc brakes are the only way to go on a commuter/cargo bike that is used a lot.

+1 on discs....

I have ridden calipers, v-brakes, cantilevers and mech disks on grocery-getter-commuter bikes. They all stop well enough i the dry, even with a full load going down a steep hill.
Cantis have the worst modulation and a very spongy feel.
Calipers are the easiest to maintain and good ones have a sharp bite and good modulation (control).
Im using mechanical disks on my current bike and th biggest advantage is that they maintain performance in the wet.
If you ride a lot in wet weather, disks are a major upgrade. If its mostly dry then you wont notice much difference.

I dont think you need the huge downhill style disks for most utility riding, unless you haul massive loads in hilly areas using cargo bikes. 160mm disks are fine for a full pair of panniers.

+1 on Disc brakes. For all the reasons mentioned above, PLUS, you can hobble home with a disc brakes equipped rig should you have a bad day and smack a pothole and throw your wheel out of true...not so much with cantis/V's, or at least with working cantis/V's...

As others have mentioned, wet/inclement weather is a biggie. It's spring now, so not immediately on the brain, but performance when it's icy can be a lot better. Slush, too, since the rotor is less likely to get dunked in whatever you're riding in if you go through a puddle.

The other thing about discs is that , while they can overheat, they won't pop a tire when they do. And they won't get messed up if your wheel's out of true. And they won't wear through your rim. Overall, what discs do is separate the braking and load-bearing systems in the wheel, so that if one fails the other isn't interrupted. Of course, if you're not in a hilly area, that may not be a big deal. But in the mountains it makes a difference.

All in all, discs are a bit more fiddly to set up and harder to repair if you're stuck without a shop, and they do have their own technological quibbles. But they're a lot more reliable, much more weather resistant and a little more powerful, too. If you really want a set-it-and-forget-it system, maybe it's worth checking out drum brakes as well?

Novara Safari. I went with disc brakes because I hate adjusting brake pads. I also ride all year through the salt, snow, rain and even the good times and have seen the wear on my rims when I had canti. I never noticed a huge difference in stopping power when cantis were adjusted right but have noticed discs need a lot less adjusting. My Pros and Cons
Pros:
Easier to maintain - fewer adjustments, easier pad install
Work when wheel out of true
Don't damage rims
Stop better when wet
Cool factor :)
Cons:
Fenders and racks may be harder to find or mount.
Weight (doesn't matter with a utility bike)
Won't find parts at WallyWorld

I like them so much my next "road" bike will have disc brakes. I still can't bring myself to buy a 1 purpose bike. No fender and rack attachments are a deal breaker.