Disc Brakes Debut in the Pro Peloton
The UCI stated that eight pro cycling teams will use disc brakes in the next two months of pro tour events for testing. The teams and events were not named by the UCI, however, Team Roompot used SRAM’s Red 22 HydroR hydraulic disc brakes on Stage 2 of the Eneco Tour of Benelux. Team Sky used disc brakes in Stage 3.
The reaction among pro riders falls into three areas; pro, anti and neutral. Riders who have ridden disc brakes like them and have made positive comments. Riders and teams that have not used disc brakes do not like them, citing safety concerns. And many riders are simply neutral at this point. Riders who have used disc brakes echo the positive opinions that cyclists who have them in my area; they love them. The increased braking sensitivity and the better rainy weather performance are often cited. Mechanics join the riders who do not like disc brakes. Riders who are against disc brakes, are concerned about getting cut by the brake discs in crashes, especially when they are still hot from sustained braking, like on a descent. Bike mechanics believe that making brake adjustment will be more difficult. In addition, wheels with disc brakes do not have quick release skewers like current wheels do. For pro teams, there may be a shift to bike swaps rather than wrestling with wheel changes on the road. Also, neutral support cars will have a hard time changing wheels in a pro race. Right now, there is no standard disc brake configuration.
Many pro teams are riding bikes that do not have a disc brake option at this moment in time. For example, Trek Factory Racing will use custom built aluminum bikes instead of the new Madone in the Vuelta a España this month.
Other Pro Team Plans
No Current Plans
BMC - Sponsored by Shimano, which has disc brakes
Orica-GreenEdge - Sponsored by Shimano, which has disc brakes
Giant-Alpecin - Sponsored by Shimano, which has disc brakes
Lotto-Soudal - Sponsored by Campagnolo, which does not have disc brakes
Movistar - Sponsored by Campagnolo, which does not have disc brakes
Astana - Sponsored by Campagnolo, which does not have disc brakes
Trial Use Upcoming
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