Quieter Brakes - Disc vs. Rim
 

I LOVE my Ultegra 800 hydraulic disc brakes on three of my bikes. I'm INSANE about keeping rotors trued, but despite thru axles and a solid set-up, I occasionally get rotor-rub on really hard efforts. I'm 6'4" and 180 pounds, so that has A LOT to do with it. My "best" bike is a 2018 Trek Domane SLR8 carbon frame and Mavic Cosmic carbon wheels, so it's it not the bike's fault! https://forums.thepaceline.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

I'm considering adding a Trek Madone to the stable, but I want quiet!!! So, I'm considering rim brakes rather than discs on the new bike.

Just for clarification, the issue that bothers me is the rotor just lightly hitting the pads inside the caliper every rotation. Nothing worse than a hard effort up a hill and hearing that shrill rubbing noise every rotation of the wheel!! Braking noise itself is not my concern. https://forums.thepaceline.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

Thoughts????

Thanks,
Darrin

I think you need a different brand bike.

but..if you insist on Trek, then buy the rim brakes.

Why do you feel a different brand is a solution?

Do you plan to ride that bike much in the rain? Do the rim brake bike's wheels have aluminum brake strips? Do you ride in the Pacific NW? If you answered yes to 1) and 3), disks are a good idea. If yes to 2) and no to 1) and 3) properly set up rim brakes will work very well and be simple, cheap and light.

Ben

Terrific questions! I ride mostly just outside of NYC on rolling roads. I will avoid rain with the new bike (my Domane will serve as a bad weather / gravel bike). Yes to rim strips on the rim brake bike (I'll be getting Bontager's new Aeolus XXX carbon wheelset).

Thanks for adding some key questions (and answers) to this equation!!

I have several Rim brake bikes, most have Kool Stop Salmon compound Pads..

1 disc Brake bike , Avid BB7Mtn , Kool Stop Organic compound worked quietly,

I just fit TRP HyRd, will see how they go.. FWIW, The BB7 are for sale, now...

Built wheels around S-A drum brake hubs.. now those are wearing the Studded tires
they win for maintenance free,,



...

Thanks for the feedback... Good options if I go the rim brake road.

Magura HS33 with KS made salmon compound pads, are sold thru Magura,
parts suppliers..
They are the hydraulic Rim brake , for V brake post frames..
rim brake hybrid/Mtn
KS in Oregon makes the pads, shipped in bulk, to Germany ,
fitted with their snap in place holders

then back out for distribution...





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I just think Trek is flexy, which plays into the disc brake issue. and I have zero issue with my Supersix Ultegra hydra disc.

however, there is still that wet squeak.

So, if you like brake feel, and noise bugs you. buy the Rim brake Madone, you'll save a few grams also.

I would never use Magura "Rim crushers" on carbon wheels, just no! lol

but I do love their hydralic rim brakes!

You could use floating rotors

Try heavier rotors that are thicker than stock. May help prevent warping. Had to do this on my mountain bike. Got the rotors from the lead mechanic at the shop. Don't know the brand or gauge steel, but it worked.

Maybe don't buy Trek. I get it they believe whoever has the biggest logo has the best bike, it's goofy but they believe it so yeah. Me personally I don't buy into it but then again I try to avoid gaudy bikes when I can. If you are dead set on disc brakes most companies make a great disc brake bike that might not have the flex issues. If you want to try rim brakes go with the Cane Creek eeBrakes, I have the older El Chulo edition on my road bike and before that the standard black (before the G4s) and they are excellent, with SwissStop pads and Jagwire Elite Link cables and housing they are probably some of the best brakes I have used that aren't top end hydro discs. Sure if I had my choice I would probably go hydro disc on most of my bikes but it is hard to beat those eeBrakes especially weight wise (I picked up one of the boxes out of the shipping box and thought they had forgot to pack them).

that "ding" noise you describe every revolution may be some dirt or so. Brake a few times and it goes away.
If not, check if caliber and rotor are tight. Your brake pistons also could be sticky, not retracting one of the pads all the time. also make sure the axle is properly seated in the QR. Loosen and tighten QR with the wheel on the ground.

I don't see why that would be a Trek problem, seems to be a break issue. Trek doesn't make brakes.