ROAD BIKES AT THE KIELCE BIKE-EXPO'S CONFERENCE

The "With or without discs" conference organized by Merida reveals all advantages and
disadvantages of disc brakes use with road bikes

Disc brakes have recently stirred a lot of excitement. Some find disk brakes on road bikes a blessing, others see the as a threat. The 7th International Fair of Bicycle Industry KIELCE BIKE-EXPO will be the discussion platform for the controversy-courting topic.

The "With or without discs" conference is held on September 29 at 12.00 in the G1 Conference Room. The meeting will discuss the pros and cons of the  disc brakes use on road bikes. This will be complemented with a comparative presentation of disk brakes versus the caliper brakes on roadsters. Security issues will also be addressed.  The conference organizer - Merida Poland has announced that each meeting participant would be able to present their views on disk brakes and discuss with cycling industry representatives. The conference will be chaired by Patrick Laprell - Merida product manager responsible for road bikes at one of the world's leading bicycle brands. Her bold approach to disc brakes echoed widely after this year's Paris-Roubaix which had been preceded with the Scultura Disc launch. Lampre-Merida Group has been the first World Tour team to ride bikes with disc brakes. The enthusiasm was soon dampened.  Disk brakes were alleged to cause of Fran Ventoso's injury, a result of the accident during Paris-Roubaix. On this basis the UCI resolved to suspend disc-brakes use in the World Tour. Until now however it has not been proven that this very kind of brakes caused the damage to Ventoso.

- UCI seems to have miss-responded after the Paris-Roubaix accident. Instead of a careful accident and its consequences examination, UCI put disc brakes tests on hold. From my point of view it was a mistake - the advanced technology development cannot be stopped - says Patrick Laprell. Disc brakes are expected to return to professional pelotons in 2017 season; now they can be used in amateur races. - Professional cyclists, especially the young ones opt for disc brakes. They feel more secure to use on downhill slopes. I wonder how many serious accidents could have been avoided if disc brakes had been in use? One unresolved Paris-Roubaix case caused a complete cessation of tests for nearly half a year ... I do not think this is a good decision. I find it somewhat exaggerated - explains a representative of Merida's Research and Development Department.  

There is no turning back from disc brakes use in bikes races?

 - When I first heard that disc brakes had to be used in a professional pelethon I was a little apprehensive. When I had a trial ride with Scultura Disc  [Merida disc brake equipped model - ed.], I changed my mind. I think discs give a great advantage. Reaction times are much shorter; this is important not only during races but also when you ride in traffic.  When you control your brakes you control your bike  - says Marko Kump one of Lampre-Merida team. The evolution of the opinion comes as no surprise to Patrick Laprell.  - As soon as people have the opportunity to take a ride on a road bike with disc brakes, they will find it difficult to fall back on classic race-bikes with caliper brakes.  Disc brakes are simply much better - he argues. Constant braking force, regardless of weather conditions and the rain is one of the chief advantages. With discs brakes you do not need to use as much force as with caliper brakes. Use just two fingers to slow down your bike. Bike rims with disc brakes are not subjected to forces known from caliper brakes.  Therefore there is no rim abrasion risk. The risks associated with rim dissection [de-lamination - ed.], especially during long descents at high temperatures are also eliminated. Disc brakes remove the risk of high temperature related tubes rupture, especially latex ones, eg. when heavy braking force is applied on sharp descents. - Wider tires are an additional benefit related to disc brakes. With disc brakes wider tires than those used with conventional caliper brakes can be used. This provides for additional safety and comfort - explains Merida product manager.

More advantages go with cycling disc brakes

There are opinions related to negative aspects of disc brake use, like bike weight issues. - Of course, no technology is perfect right from the start. It is hard to deny that a bike with disc brakes is heavier than that the one with old-type ones.  Generally speaking, those who do not take part in professional races agree that benefits i.e. improved braking control and greater security outweigh the weight-related drawback- notes Laprell. - I believe that in the coming years we will see this aspect developed by frame and component manufacturers.  Disc brakes equipped roadsters' weight will be comparable to caliper brakes bikes - he adds.  He deeply believes in disc-brakes success in road bikes. - I think that year after year we will see increased sale of road bikes with disc brakes. Bicycle producers have already started new projects. I am sure that no one would invest in older technologies - explains Laprell. The conference held on 29th September Kielce Bike Expo has been designed for its participants to make up their minds and decide whether "discs" are the right choice for road bikes.