Pro-cycling thread

"vertical stripes are quite slimming Mark.."

re: discs, there's no real need, is there? more of a push from the market imho. Campagnolo is not yet in I understand. then again, in 10 years time, everyone but the retro grouches will probably use them.

Every field of transportation that has moved to disc brakes has stuck with them. They offer far more modulation and control and, most crucially, are consistent in all weather conditions.

Breaking is for losers.

The Luddite resistance should return to rod brakes and steel rims.

Yes, but those modes of transportation all rely on stopping from higher speeds, quicker, and more often; assuming we're talking about actual racing? agree for commuting/city riding etc.

Pro's will hate the aero losses (which are currently pretty big) as well as the change in equipment, remembering the peloton is pretty traditional. They'll only care if it makes them faster, which they currently don't seem to drastically unless in very specific conditions

It'll only take one rider to win a race by creating a winning gap on a descent to see everyone else swiftly adopting them.

I don't buy this traditional argument, part of the slow speed of adoption of new technology has been because the governing body was run by luddites. At a time where technological innovation has been embraced by the masses in so many areas, I think cycling will swiftly catch up.

There are pros and cons. Tellingly it's not the pros or the teams pushing for it, they are sceptical on what advantages the brakes may bring, and the complications that will arise. @andyp you are probably right though, they are the future.

I am really wondering whether rotors would help a rider get faster in a descent. Wouldn't it be nice - even for marketing purposes if the outcome is as you predict - to see someone like Cancellara, Sagan or Sanchez test both in a timed descent. Or even Mario Cipollini ;)

Logic suggests they will be used when the need arises, i.e. the special set ups at the cobbles. If you have a stage/race with long descents then stick them on, you have a flat stage ending in a sprint? Why bother? Would they help in a race like Paris-Roubaix, where you want to tackles rough sections at full pelt? I don't see it, like suspension hydraulic disc brakes bring limited advantages and a whole load of complications. I think integration will be slow, and not total. A party trick like suspension or Osymmetric rings occasionally used.

Have you used hydraulic discs on a bike?

Lolz.

I do not understand the resistance

Can brake later and with more certainty
Eventually lower rotating mass as rims don't need a braking surface

All the same Luddite bollocks was spouted at the change from 10 speed to 11.

The same Luddite bullocks was spouted on the introduction of the wheel.

Can brake later and with more certainty

I'm pretty sure the limitation of road bike braking is the tyres, rather than the brakes. Though I agree discs are much nicer to use so the 'more certainty' bit is fair.

I bet you they work better then hydraulic toilet seats ?

complications

Just because you can't get your head around it doesn't mean others won't Jimmy!

Advances in technology in road cycling seem to come from engineers, not riders. Riders just want what the winner was riding.

Yes lots

I'm pretty sure the limitation of road bike braking is the tyres, rather than the brakes.

I'm pretty sure at high speeds that isn't the case.

Pros have their braking points pretty sorted. They are really good at riding their bikes after all. That means unlike us they don't do a lot of feathering the brakes. It's on, or off. Some more power, or the same power using a light dab of one finger is nice. Most of the other issues will eventually be solved.

The only problem with discs is how boring a subject they are on forum threads :-)

It's not Luddism, just practicality. They will stick if their use brings advantages. I'm not convinced they will, in certain circumstances sure, but not universally.

Good marketing for the bike companies, not equitably advantageous for the teams and riders, the trumpeting of Jaguar's soft tail system on the Sky Pinarellos (4.6% performance hike, 50% comfort hike!) being a case in point.

We'll see.

The same practicality argument is trotted out when changes occur in how many speeds bikes have.

Didn't Luke Rowe ride one to 8th place on Sunday? You know he would have won but he dozed off. He was that comfortable.

Haha #rep

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What is this argument about? The UCI is allowing disc brakes in road cycling. The pros will use them or they won't.

The real winner here is touring bikes.