Originally Posted by
losi
Dear Experts,
I think to buy a new bike for longer road distances and not so interested in the higher speed but also not want go by sloow speed. At the moment find two bikes I like to try.
Can I put here the link? One is 10kg the other is about 12kg, But I ask about the brakes only: One has; TEKTRO RX 5 and the other disk brakes of SHIMANO BR-M445 180/160mm Rotor. I do not know them at all but how is the disc brake maintenece? Is it possible to learn it and make it at home little service? If the more weight of it make it worthy? Is It can be block easily?
Thanks a lot for the opinions.
losi
The Tektros you mentioned are classified as mini-V-brakes and the only issue you might have with them is fender clearance should you want to run fenders. On the positive side, brake pad wear is easy to confirm and brake pads are inexpensive. Upgrading to KoolStop pads the first time pads are required will improve wet weather performance. for less than $20.
V-brakes aren`t expensive and if you had to change the whole system you could swap for another model entirely for less than $40. Some are less than $20.
The disk brakes you mentioned are Shimano`s least expensive hydraulic disk brakes. They use mineral oil as a hydraulic fluid and the stock disks are intended for resin pads only so braking performance in wet conditions won`t be much different from V-brakes with KoolStop pads.
Disk brakes are heavier than rim brakes, parts are much more expensive, and the pads are more difficult to inspect for wear. Normally the wheel needs to be removed and the pads extracted for examination. The system is also more suceptable to contamination by oil which will ruin the brake pads.The piston area , however, is seceptable to corrosion and seizing if unlubricated so maintenaince is more complicated. It can be done at home but a shop manual is recommended.
The hydraulic system is sealed and should be maintenance free for several years, but the disks themselves need to be kept clean and alcohol is the recommended solvent. Pads can be sanded to remove surface glace but oil contamination (or leaking hydraulic fluid) will require pad replacement. Pads are $20 to $30 a set - about double the cost of V-brake pads and they won`t last much longer.
If your plan is to drive in the city I`d suggest you stick with the V-brakes but its your decision.