| This can be a very important decision when you are | | | | Disc brakes on the other hand have been around for |
| buying a mountain bike. There are actually two | | | | a long time in cars but weren't used on bikes much |
| answers to the question of disc brakes or rim brakes. | | | | until the late 1990's. There were some issues in the |
| If you want better, more consistent brake | | | | earlier models, although the cable actuated or |
| performance in all conditions, disc brakes are what | | | | hydraulic brakes of today seem to work quite well. |
| you should be choosing. On the other hand, if you | | | | In terms of performance, disc brakes seem to work |
| want the lightest set up you can have and you are | | | | better than rim brakes, especially in wet or muddy |
| willing to accept small variances in brake performance, | | | | areas. Disc brakes normally require less force to apply |
| or you want the lowest price possible, rim brakes are | | | | and aren't effected by the rim or wheel condition. |
| what you should be choosing. | | | | Cost is an issue, as disk brake systems tend to be |
| Over the years, mountain bikes have gone through | | | | more expensive than rim brakes. Mechanical or cable |
| many design changes. They started out with the | | | | actuated brakes are a closer match, although they |
| original cantilever brakes, then went through the U | | | | will still cost more. Hydraulic brakes on the other |
| Brake years, and are now with V Brakes. In most | | | | hand cost a lot more. |
| conditions, the V Brakes seem to work well. | | | | When you make that final choice, weight out the |
| In wet or muddy conditions, rim brakes will perform | | | | above options then make your decision. Some riders |
| poorly. Over time, they can wear right through the | | | | prefer disc brakes, while others prefer rim brakes - |
| side of your rim, causing the side of the rim to blow | | | | making it a matter of opinion. |
| right off. | | | | |