Which is better? Rim or disc brakes on a road bike - a comparison of brake systems for road bikes

Duel in all disciplines

Emergency braking: The braking distance
The shortest braking distances in each case speak narrowly in favour of the disc brake

Braking in the wet: reaction time
A clear plus in the rain: When pulling the lever, the full braking force is applied earlier with the disc

Braking on bends: The cornering speed
The disc brake also shows its strength in technical passages. The reason: predictable power build-up - and therefore more confidence

Weight: The average weight of the test bikes
Clear result: wheels with disc brakes are significantly heavier than rim brake models

Thermal load capacity: The temperature
The disc brake gets warmer, but can also absorb more heat. Failures and heat damage can occur
with both systems in unfavourable configurations

Aerodynamics: Air resistance
Minimal difference: None of the systems has a clear aero advantage

Maintenance and costs: Running costs
Rim brakes are not only cheaper to buy, but also cheaper to maintain

Conclusion
In our tests, out of seven disciplines, three went to disc brakes and two to rim brakes. There was no clear winner in two others. A close result. However, depending on your own preferences, the pendulum can swing significantly in one direction or the other, so there is no general recommendation.

Glossary

Fading
Describes the reduction in braking force under high loads. In the case of disc brakes, high temperatures cause volatile components of the brake pads to outgas and the pad begins to "float" on the disc. This can lead to a total loss of braking force. Once this limit temperature has been reached, the effect does not occur again the next time, but only at even higher temperatures. With rim brakes, fading can occur due to softening pads, but is far less pronounced.

Ice-Tech
Sandwich construction of Shimano brake discs with stainless steel braking surfaces and aluminium core. The design promises lower weight and better heat dissipation.

Flat mount
Current mounting standard for disc brakes on frame and fork.

Direct mount
Mounting standard for rim brakes on frame and fork.