Disc brake vs. rim brake
When buying a bike, the question is only worth considering in the sub-2000 euro segment due to the lack of choice. Disc brakes have recently established themselves across the board and are now almost without alternative for complete bikes. Better and consistent braking performance with less manual force, the higher load limit and independence from the rim as a friction partner are compelling arguments. This is offset by the higher weight of the wheels, which weigh at least a pound more than earlier, comparable rim brake models.
The maintenance effort for disc brakes is also often criticised: The bleeding procedure is time-consuming and requires new tools. There are hardly any configuration options: 160-millimetre discs are standard across all manufacturers and bike types; 140-millimetre discs are also possible on the rear wheel with Shimano and Campa, which are a few grams lighter but have a negative impact on braking performance.
If you want to upgrade your older road bike with rim brakes with a new groupset, you won't be left out in the cold: All manufacturers still offer the option of riding them with rim brakes even with modern twelve-speed gearboxes (exception: SRAM Rival and Shimano 105). This means that - in theory - very light bikes with the latest shifting technology can be built; however, high-quality framesets for rim brakes have become niche products.
Road bike components - How much to invest?
The basic functions - shifting and braking - are all very good, there are no malfunctioning parts. The differences between expensive and cheaper groupsets are similar for all competitors: More expensive groupsets are lighter because higher quality materials are used. The top versions of all three manufacturers weigh around 2400 grams with all parts (with disc brakes), but also cost between 3000 and 4000 euros.
A cheap groupset can be up to a kilogram heavier, but also several thousand euros cheaper. The latest technologies can also only be found in the expensive groupsets: electronic shifting, integrated power measurement or the latest detailed improvements in shifting and braking behaviour are only available in the expensive top groupsets.
DisadvantageThe follow-up costs are also higher because wear and spare parts are more expensive.
If you want to save money, you first and foremost have to accept a higher weight. If you also do without the advantages of electric gears and the twelfth sprocket, you can easily halve the investment in a new bike. Even cheaper - but a little lighter - is the rim brake, although complete bikes with this technology are becoming increasingly rare.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
