Disc brakes They are now a well-established reality even in the road bicycle sector. This is due to the market share they currently occupy, and also due to their technical performance that is not only focused onbraking system.
We asked Enrico Pengo, a long career among the pros, a point of reference also for various companies in the sector, a person who has lived and lives the numerous bicycle changes.
Does modern cycling really need disc brakes?
From being skeptical we moved on to confirmations, it's a generational change and it's not just marketing. It's objective that bicycles with disc brakes The ones we see now are beautiful, they work well, and they're the result of evolution. So I'd say yes, also considering the factors related to bicycles with traditional brakes. Some companies no longer produce them and spare parts are starting to run out. By the time you buy a bike with traditional brakes today, unfortunately it is already old.
So it's not just about disc brakes and the braking system!
There is much more behind it, just think and to give an example, that Nibali was a phenomenon in downhill with normal bikes and he was also a phenomenon with disc brake bikesDisc brake bikes aren't just good when it rains. It's a complete market shift that affects all components, making a discussion related only to disc brakes, in my opinion is reductiveWe also include unbridled research into materials and weight reduction.
How does a road bike disc brake system work?
In my opinion a premise is necessary, essential for taking advantage of a latest-generation braking system in the long term, regardless of the brand. A user who is not familiar with the subject should not pretend to be a mechanic and should only act on what he sees.Brakes are a tough beast to deal with. Just think that the three main players in the market, Shimano, Sram and Campagnolo They have three different systems of operation and maintenance.
Do you have any tips for getting a hard drive system to perform at its best?
Always rely on a mechanic. Use the following as much as possible: original parts of the braking system. Have it done careful maintenance on the pistons which are prone to becoming lazy with hours of use, because they accumulate a lot of dirt. Doing it yourself in delicate spots like this can be dangerous also for safety purposes and detrimental to the efficiency of the entire system.
What do you need to know?
Every time that if the pads are changed, a quick bleed should be done. And then when you wash the vehicle you should be careful not to get soap on the calipers and padsThe latter tolerate only water without problems. However, soaps have a greasy base and the pads are like sponges, they absorb everything and it takes just a moment to ruin them. I recommend, when you wash your bike at home, cover the pliers.
Do disc brakes mean almost double the maintenance?
More or less it is like this. Bicycles with disc brakes require more and more thorough maintenanceThe oil in the system should be changed at least once during the heavy-use season, as it reaches very high temperatures, especially in summer when you're riding long descents. The entire circuit should be cleaned at least once a year., regardless of the system and hours of use.
How important is the thru axle tightening torque?
This is an important factor, not only for disc brakes, but also to avoid damaging the parts where you tighten them too hard. There are some bicycles that have the tightening torque written on the frame, But the reference it is 10Nm. A kind of tightening uniformity It also allows you to limit the caliper adjustments when removing and refitting the wheels.
