Just realised another advantage of disc brakes :)

[Fordulike]

As many will know, I was prattling on about sticking with rim brakes for my new build.
Luckily, I was persuaded to go for a hydraulic brake set-up and I'm glad I did, coz I can see another advantage of disc brakes.

When I fitted mudguards to my old rim brake set-up, there was a bit of faffing about with attaching them, without fouling the brake mechanism.

Now I won't have that problem, and can peruse a wider selection of mudguards for my needs.

Thanks to all who steered me away from rim brakes

 

[tillson]

I recently upgraded my front wheel to disc brakes. They are infinitely better than the rim variety and I wouldn't buy a bike unless it had discs as standard now.

I'm looking into buying a road bike and disc brakes are a must for that too.

 

[D C]

I'm a convert as well, they are great in the snow and ice (coupled with spikes) as I can still stop the bike!

Dave.

 

[jonathan75]

Are V-brakes enough for a rear 350w BPM on a 15a controller with 15mph max? Is a rear-only-disc-brake an option or just suicidal? I've had my rear wheel professionally laced up but stupidly had it done with a disc-brake-only rear rim. I wondered what the "D" stood for in the product name.

It will cost me:

1) £100 to convert the bike so that it works with a front disc brake (£30 for a front disc-capable fork, £20 for the cheapest disc brake set, £40 for a front-disc-capable wheel, £10 for tools), or

2) £60 to have the wheel remade with a new V-brake capable rim (V-brakes only), or

3) £40 if I use the current rear wheel as a donor rim, or

4) £20 if I want rear-disc-brake and front-V-brake (the possible "suicide" option).

My mistakes are getting a bit expensive so I'd be really grateful if anyone had any advice. Thanks.

 

[RobF]

A front V and rear disc is fine.

A quality long leverage V can excerpt more braking force because braking at the rim is more efficient than trying to stop the wheel from the centre.

Disadvantages are rim wear, performance in the wet, and, in extreme conditions, heat transfer from rim to tyre/tube which can blow the latter.

We are talking about stopping a 20kg ebike not a Honda Fireblade, so I wouldn't worry too much about heat transfer and performance in the wet.

Just be aware of the latter and ride accordingly.

A disc would be lower maintenance, but V brakes don't require that much fettling.

Discs and V brakes feel a bit different at the lever, but I think you will get used to that in minutes.

Brake normally - much more at the front, gently at the back.

If you use quality V bits and set them up correctly, I think you will be surprised how much braking power there is to be had.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Has your frame got a mounting point for a rear disc caliper? That's the only real deciding factor?

 

[jonathan75]

Has your frame got a mounting point for a rear disc caliper? That's the only real deciding factor?

Yes it does. I think it's strange, both my present and a bike I've thought of buying both have rear mounts but not front.

 

[jonathan75]

.

Brake normally - much more at the front, gently at the back.

.

Excellent - this is very good to know. Actually I have a bit of a problem gripping with my right hand sometimes. Wonder whether that means I need hydraulics.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

That's it then. Fit the disc brake on the rear and keep the front the same.

 

[RobF]

Yes it does. I think it's strange, both my present and a bike I've thought of buying both have rear mounts but not front.

A disc at the rear would be OK on any frame because the wheel is held at the point of a triangle and cannot realistically go anywhere.

The front wheel is held on the end of two sticks - the forks.

A non-disc specific fork with a disc mounted can twist because it is not braced as well as the rear.

Disc specific forks are sturdier at the stanchion.

Excellent - this is very good to know. Actually I have a bit of a problem gripping with my right hand sometimes. Wonder whether that means I need hydraulics.

The V brake will be cable.

A hydraulic disc will usually require less effort than a cable one, but you don't need a lot of braking force at the rear anyway.

Nothing to stop you choosing which hand is to operate which brake and mounting them accordingly.