Opinions on direct mount rim brakes?

neeb

Do they really offer a significant improvement in braking performance or is it all hype?

turbotommy

neeb wrote:

Do they really offer a significant improvement in braking performance or is it all hype?

I have EE brakes in both iterations. Both using the same pads, brake cable and sram etap levers. I’d personally say the differnce if any is small. In terms of getting them set up nicely then direct mount centre more easily obviously. But once you have them fine tuned I can’t really say there’s much in it. I’m not exactly an expert.... but I can notice the difference between the dura ace 9000, sram red22, or ultegra 6700 more than the difference between the two EE variants.

neeb

Direct mount also seem to be significantly heavier, in Campagnolo flavour at least.

StillGoing

Direct mount aren't made by SRAM and using SRAM levers with Shimano direct mount brakes, I found them not as good as when I switched to Shimano levers.

sandyballs

philthy3 wrote:

Direct mount aren't made by SRAM and using SRAM levers with Shimano direct mount brakes, I found them not as good as when I switched to Shimano levers.

Released earlier this year.

http://road.cc/content/tech-news/236518-sram-launches-its-first-direct-mount-rim-brake

Andymaxy

I don't think most of us would have a valid answer. It's rare that someone have direct mount and standard mount using the exact same pads and wheels(braking surface), so most comparisons aren't exactly fair. In my experience, I do favor direct mount brakes. The feel is very close to disc brakes in dry condition. On my race bike with carbon wheels and direct mount brakes, I seem to be getting a lot more power out than ok my training bike with standard brakes and metal braking surface.

After all what brakes depends on what your bike takes. When choosing a bike you want to evaluate it holistically.

neeb

In my case I'm looking at getting a new frame, so this is just one of many factors to consider. Sounds like it's not going to be a major variable (alhough if I get a direct mount frame I'll need to get new brakes, and they're not cheap!).

DeVlaeminck

I've not been riding much in the last year and it's 3 years or so since I bought a new bike but what fresh hell is this?

Direct mount brakes - are these becoming standard on new top end frames? I'm assuming they have come from aero road frames ?

Midlands Grimpeur

Direct mount brakes - are these becoming standard on new top end frames?

I wouldn't necessarily say they are becoming standard (yet!) but some frames will only take DM brakes. I have just got a new frame and it is DM only.

philbar72

for me they are slightly more progressive. offer slightly better feel. but no more stopping power, really. depends on a number of factors, like pads, pad wear etc.

keef66

SRAM clearly thought they were a trend worth joining, be it belatedly. From an engineering POV I can imagine they could offer less flex (and so better braking / modulation) than a single mounting bolt, but the extra bolt will probably make them slightly heavier, and the lower sales volumes will make them dearer.

If I wanted better braking than I could get with a standard 5800 caliper I'd probably switch to discs

I'm guessing direct mount calipers could be overtaken by the development of lighter disc braking systems...

sloppyschleckonds

Dont notice any difference on my Canyon Aeroad, more Aero gains than braking performance.

philbar72

SloppySchleckonds wrote:

Dont notice any difference on my Canyon Aeroad, more Aero gains than braking performance.

surely the ultimate aero brakes would be shrouded, away from the wind? have to say on my Cento10air, they do look the business having said that.

Moonbiker

Btwin have that direct mount brakes frame with the rear brake down low.

Just looks wrong somehow