Originally Posted by
BlazingPedals
I'm curious. Of those people who say rim brakes stop just as well as discs (in dry,) how much do they weigh? IOW, do discs come into their own for heavier riders? I'm a clyde, and my experience is that no rim brake can stop me as well as a mechanical disc, even in dry. Maybe all the different brands of pads I've used have all been sub-standard? If so, I need to find out what magic pad I should be using.
I personally have been in a situation of being on tour (no choice but to ride in the rain,) going down a 13% grade in the rain, and not being able to control my speed with rim brakes. I started at 25 mph and reached 46 mph, all while my (rim) brakes were on as hard as I could squeeze.
Good point. I've always thought it interesting that the same brake system is used for all road bikes, whether used by Clydesdales or nymphs.
You should try Kool-stops ... IMHO, they feel firmer and stop better than the standard Shimano pads.
But they wouldn't help you descending in the rain on a loaded touring bike ... that is a place where disc brakes would be a clear choice.
Oh, I vary between 155-165.