Disc Brakes on a bike, Yes or No

Question

I'm planning to purchase a columbia windstorm bike today, and it looks really sweet. It has full front and back suspension, 7 gear shift and disc brakes.....

Are disc brakes better on a bike than the traditional rim brakes? IF so how much, and if for some reason you seriously dislike the bike can u tell me what bike I should get that's under 250$ plz!

To see the bike, go to http://www.sportmart.ca/store/2product.asp?countryID=0&category_id=49&product_id=17802&mscssid=8W25HTMEL1SL8L3KMMU9F3PWR7D937MC

P.S. I live in canada so give me canadian pricing please :)

Answer 1

They do work better yes, but I've never seen the need myself.

Bikes simply aren't heavy enough to justify them.....cantilever brakes stop a bike dead, lock up the back wheel and stoppie the front and I fail to see how that isn't enough.

Answer 2

If you ride in wet conditions or through wet terrain, disc brakes will work better than rim brakes. If you ride a lot of long, steep descents, disc brakes will hold up better than rim brakes. Otherwise, there's no particular advantage to them.

Answer 3

No.    All disc brakes are not the same.   Any disc brakes you get on a bike that cheap will be total junk.  Go for the v-brake option.

Answer 4

Hydraulic disc brake = better - that's why cars use them

Mechanical disc brake = what's on Sportman = same as rim brakes

Rim brake advantages = much lower original cost, lower maintenance cost, easier to get parts for, easier to fix, very reliable

Go to your local bike shop. You can get a distinctly lighter bike for similar money. Comfort on a bike is a matter of fit. If you don't buy the correct size, it won't be fun to ride.

Suspension forks and rear end are heavy on low end models. Weight means more effort and less enjoyment. Want more cushion on the cheap? Get the bike with the biggest tire the frame will handle. More? Get a sprung saddle or a sprung seatpost. All these options work very well and weigh a lot less than the Sportman.

To keep things in your price range if it is an absolute, check to see if they have a used or last year's model that they would be willing to sell at a reduced price. The bike shop should also include at least 1 free tune-up. Department stores don't. This is necessary as things settle in after a few rides. Cables stretch, bearings settle, grease moves more freely, and wheels will need to be straightened ("trued").

Answer 5

Sorry, but on a bottom end bike, it's not going to matter much. You get what you pay for in the bike world. These bikes just won't hold up to any serious riding.