Vision
Why Disc Brake on Bicycle
The disk brake system is the natural evolution of the brake. In fact, it isn’t so different from a V-Brake. The basic concept is that one element grips another rotating element and makes it slow down thanks to friction.
Essentially, the difference between a usual V-Brake and a disk brake is the following set of components:
- a disk made of stainless steel instead of a rim: designed for braking, a disk can reach higher performance than a rim, whose main function is keeping the tire connected to the hub;
- a stronger friction material (for the brake pads) that lasts longer than rubber;
- a hydraulic circuit filled up with an uncompressible fluid as compared to a steel cable.
The differences mentioned above make clear the diverse nature of the disk brake, especially the enhancement in terms of higher performance, which have made this type of brake popular in every field of mechanics. Also, the disk brake eliminates problems caused by a misalignment of the wheel causing friction with the brake, and consequently avoiding problems created by mud.
Initially, the use of this braking system was not easy; in fact, it was necessary to adapt the above mentioned components to the weight and size required for a bicycle. However, the high technology materials currently used enable the latest models of disk brake systems to be lighter and more compact than conventional systems.
Evidence shows that, compared with a V-Brake, the latest models of disk brakes for bicycles have achieved:
- a higher braking power
- a high modulability
- a high and constant level of performance
- much higher reliability
- no increase in weight, size and maintenance.
