Pendleton Somerby Hybrid Bike

Mr_Singleton

cubegame wrote: »

A car needs much much more stopping power so it's not a useful comparison.

Your going quickly, down a hill maybe..... it’s raining, a car pulls out in front of you. Disc brakes will work from the moment you pull on them not so with rim brakes..... I wonder how many deaths/serious injury/injuries can be attributed to the difference in brake choice?

Mr_Singleton

cubegame wrote: »

Yes, I'll get through a front wheel every 18 months or so; but it's a consumable. No biggie..

Your either very wealthy or you use crappy wheels... I know what my money is on!

Nebulous2

cubegame wrote: »

Yes, I'll get through a front wheel every 18 months or so; but it's a consumable. No biggie.

As I've said, the only way you will know that rim brakes are better is if you can brake properly.

You mean pulling on the back brake and skidding to a halt like we did in primary school isn't the way to do it? You're not the only person that can brake you know. A lot of road bikes have 160mm discs on the front and 140mm ones at the back to give more power to the front brake. See this.

"The advantages of disc brakes, with their improved control and reliability show the system certainly has its appeals."

Or this. YouTube link from gcn showing disc brakes stop 7 metres faster In very wet conditions.

silverwhistle

Thank you Mr_Singleton with your sarcastic post for confirming my opinion of you gained elsewhere on these boards.



What you all see to have missed are the requirements of the OP. Wet braking ability is probably low down the list of requirements along with "getting up to speed". They just want to get back into cycling, without being intimidated by enthusiasts discussing their preferences.


FWIW I've never had disc brakes on two wheels, years ago rather wish I had on my motorbike, but my current S/H bike gets me nearly 3 miles to town, or a couple to the GP's or further on excursions with no issue. Never had to brake so hard that discs would make a difference and I make allowances for thoughtless pedestrians and suicidal cats.


When I bought it I had to replace the chain, rear mech and cog myself along with new tyres but apart from the latter (Schwalbes) I really couldn't tell you what they were: it really isn't that important for casual cyclists.

Caraway90

Sorry for the late reply, and thank you for everyone's replies. I have to admit some of them went over my head though!
I ended up ordering the bike and I'm picking it up this evening. This is a purely leisure bike and I don't intend to take it out in the rain (obviously if it rains whilst I'm out then so be it!).The majority of the time I will be cyclying on flat, tarmac paths and hopefully this bike serves me well on those

silverwhistle

Good to hear it, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. You'll see other discussions by enthusiasts and maybe in the future you'll join them but in the meantime just get out there...:D

parking_question_chap

Mr_Singleton wrote: »

Hard to think why anyone these days would buy a bike that didn’t have disc brakes.

Only significant difference in retardation is when they are wet and dirty.

If you are spending most of your time on the road and not shooting along at 20+ miles per hour, calipers are perfectly fine.

The limiting factor for most people is twofold.

Firstly actually knowing how to apply the brakes correctly and secondly keeping them well maintained.

Caraway90

Little update - I am loving my new bike! It's perfect for my needs

Richard53

Just to add my 2d to the disc brake debate. I have ridden bikes with side-pull, centre-pull, caliper, drum and V-brakes. All are good if they are correctly fitted, adjusted and maintained.


However, I have hydraulic discs on both my bikes, and I wouldn't go back. They are an absolute joy to use, being powerful, smooth, sensitive and consistent no matter what the weather, and they never need adjusting. Apart from very easy pad changes, there is no maintenance beyond just a weekly check that everything looks right.


They are slightly heavier than the alternatives, so probably not suitable for the Tour de France, but for a normal road rider I can't see a single downside.


Just my experience. And I am glad the OP has a bike she likes.

Kentish_Dave

I do a fair amount of riding in the Pyrenees, and while disc brakes would be good I have never, ever had a problem with rim brakes, including when actually descending in a race.

My bike for down there was not crazy expensive but even those who spent many thousands tended to favour rim brakes. There’s also the fact that in some races disc brakes are not allowed.