To Disc or not to Disc

The Industry’s Big Question

Disc brakes are a great thing for the bike industry.

For those of us mere mortals, the above statement is rarely disputed. The easy truth is that disc brakes require less maintenance. You can’t argue with their increased stopping power in wet conditions, and well, consistent stopping power in all conditions. Sure, they’re a little more money up front, but for someone planning on doing an average amount of riding, the investment easily comes back in the form of decreased service bills and a higher resale value.

So if you’re in our shop and ask us if discs are right for you, mostly likely we’ll say yes. If you plan to ride a decent amount – yes. If you plan to ride trails where wet surfaces can mean decreased rim brake functionality – yes. If, like me, you live on top of the Welsh Mountain and plan to ride down it – YES. Not planning on riding as frequently and as fast, and sticking to a tight budget? Well, then, maybe discs aren’t all that important.

But that’s just for us mere mortals.

When you’re talking about a rider of mythic ability, say someone like German sprinter extraordinaire, Marcel Kittel, the idea of a disc takes on different meaning.

Discs are controversial business for Grand Tour riders.

I know what you’re thinking. Why would a better brake be controversial? The answer? Safety. Cycling officials worry that the sharp edges of the disc could lead to injury in the event of a crash. In fact, in 2016 disc brakes were allowed on the Tour scene…and then they weren’t. A Movistar rider, Francisco Ventoso, claimed to have suffered a deep cut to his leg due to a disc rotor in a crash at Paris-Roubaix. Just like that, discs were banned.

It’s easy to hear the story and support the ban. But like all else, we’ve gotta scratch our heads and do some critical thinking. Pro-level Cyclocross and Mountain Bike races have allowed discs for years, and have yet to register a serious injury due to contact with discs. And aren’t there certain dangers riders assume when racing? Like, isn’t it dangerous to ride a bike a speeds over 50mph, period? And those pesky chainrings. One look at the legs of this very non-pro rider will reveal a few good scars from contact with those. And we’re not about to ban chainrings, are we?

It’s thinking like this that got the banned reversed.

And so far 2017 is starting out a fruitful year for disc riders. Tom Boonen became the first rider to win a major UCI pro race aboard a bike with disc brakes at the Tour a San Juan in Argentina. Another big win came with Marcel Kittel at the Dubai Tour.

Both men rode the Specialized Venge Vias Disc to their victories (we just happen to sell Specialized at our Intercourse store).

By the looks of it, disc is here to stay, for the mortal and mythic alike. We’re gonna go ahead and call 2017 the year of the disc.