Disc Brakes

[tangerinepuddle]

How do you all feel about them? Necessary or not? Worth the extra cost? (to clarify, I'm not speaking about disc brakes for a MTB-I would think they would be almost standard on newer models of MTB)

[F8th637]

I have them and I don't think they are necessarily worth an extra cost. My touring bike came with them and I do like the stopability and their ease of maintenance. They do add weight to a bike though. I suppose it depends on what kind of riding will you be doing.

[newfsmith]

I don't have them anymore, since I gave away my winter commuter. They are necessary if you are riding in slushy conditions, and want to be able to stop. They are also great for rainy days, much more reliable stopping. I think anyone building a commuting bike should seriously consider them.

[kfergos]

I'm with newfsmith. I have disc brakes on my commuter, and they're great for that purpose since weight really isn't a concern with commuting. I love that they stop equally well in all conditions, and that they're much easier to clean than other brakes (you don't have to wipe the whole rim). Plus they last a really long time, although the pads also cost a lot more to replace than normal brake pads.

If you're asking about putting them on a purely recreational-ride road bike, I'd say probably not, though. If you're only going to ride on nice clear days, in only good conditions, the disc brakes wouldn't be worth the extra cost & weight.