Merida Reacto Vs. Giant TCR | Aero, Discs & Integration or Classic Design?

This video contains paid product placement for Freewheel. The Giant TCR Advanced 2 and Merida Reacto 4000 are two excellent mid-range race bikes that represent opposite ends of the road bike spectrum.
One is super modern with aero-everything, integration and discs, while the other is more traditional and has good old rim brakes.
BUT which one would we choose? It’s a very close thing.
Let us know which bike won in your eyes and give us your thoughts on classic vs. modern bike design in the comments!
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#Bikeradar #MeridaReacto #GiantTCR

[@bikeradar]

Let us know which bike won in your eyes and give us your thoughts on classic vs. modern bike design in the comments!

[@twatts4436]

Modern disc all the way. Rim brakes in the dry are good. In the wet they're OK, but won't react as quickly. Disc brakes are good in all weathers. More importantly, they're consistent in all weather.

[@twatts4436]

@Lord Fauntleroy I ride in pretty much all conditions, and throughout UK winter (wet, rather than cold). The exception is high wind because I'm a light-ish build and get blown around.

[@ezquiel700c]

@@twatts4436 merida is a larger side profile so more likely to be blown around. also if you are light why would you go for heavy disc. not sure what rim set up you have but alloy rim breaks work in pretty much all conditions. I can easily lock out rims even in the wet. and modulation is much better safer in the wet

[@twatts4436]

@Ezequiel Newton Navazo I'd have something like the TCR (with discs), not the Merida. You can lock up any brakes just by jamming on the anchors. In my experience discs offer more control, and they brake more consistently in the wet. i have alloy wheels on the bike with rim brakes - like I said, they're OK in the wet but hydraulic discs are (in my experience) better.

[@andycreese85]

TCR all the way. Why does everyone just accept paying 2 grand for an 8.5kg+ bike now? Good rim brakes work perfectly well.

[@flyfreak23]

Aero bike: exists.. Bikeradar: let’s slap a handlebar bag on this bad boy!!

[@bikeradar]

You love to see it

[@cyclonutterd7075]

😂😅

[@tonymcnally9355]

Proprietary parts may mean a sleeker looking bike out of the shop, but nothing beats a simple light frame where you can customise each single part

[@yonglingng5640]

I remember the Merida Reacto can run any cockpit you want, just that the routings will be exposed underneath the cockpit and you'll need to run a different headset cover. I'm totally OK with full aero integration bikes like this.

[@serdiezv]

@@yonglingng5640 the Reacto is semi integrated, which to me is the best solution, as you don't need to completely remove everything to fix just one cable, but everything is tucked in neatly and aerodinamically. I'd even say the Giant's 1.25" fork steerer makes for worse aftermarket compatibility than the Merida

[@yonglingng5640]

@@serdiezv Yes, I like that format of new-era internal routing. Giant's 1 1/4-inch steerer tubes are only found on higher-end models, the base TCR Advanced still uses a 1 1/8-inch steerer tube.

[@serdiezv]

@@yonglingng5640 the 105 disc model already uses a 1 1/4" steerer

[@TenSapphires]

Tcr is such nice, effective and Light bike. And I don't need mechanic for almost anything :)

[@amitkumar-wj8gn]

that giant can be turned into a proper lightweight bike with a few upgrades. and its looks timelessly beautiful.

[@jesseladd6864]

Aero wheels and integrated bars etc would be >

[@DarwinDocog]

I'm a TCR owner and I love it. Aggressive on both flats and climbs.

[@IdontNeedHandles]

Integration and proprietary parts is pita to home mechanics like me. TCR for me.

[@yonglingng5640]

I remember the Reacto can run any cockpit, just swap the headset cover and the spacers.

[@MrInvolved11]

The merida is easy to work on. Feeding the cables it no harder than the giant and bleading hydrolic cables is easy after the first time you do it. Even replaced the BB for a Hambini one a few weeks ago

[@87togabito]

That’s why you just leave it to the mechanics, and you just focus on the cycling. I’m selling my TCR precisely because I hate the exposed cables spoiling the looks of the bicycle

[@janvanrookhuijzen8309]

My choice: TCR Adv. and upgrade, if you can, with some nice 40mm carbon wheels. The combination looks seriously cool. With the Giant you now that you get top class quality carbon manufacturing and ride quality without the b.s. marketing.

[@PaganiZondaF650hp]

Giant and Merida are both my first choice because they are both manufacturers themselves and produce for a lot of the marketing heavy western brands

[@csren8328]

Merida is the biggest bike company in the world, Specialized made by Merida n owned some of the Specialized shares.

[@lashmeliodas58]

@@csren8328 i think 49% is more than a some. Yeah merida rocks 😃

[@tipkeri7923]

​@@csren8328giant is the Biggest!

[@GummiPi]

I’ve been riding TCR Advanceds since Rabobank model. They’re bombproof and super reliable. My 2016 frame is still a pleasure to ride - albeit on a nice set of HED aero clinchers.

[@ericmagee9054]

Yep! My 2019 TCR is everything I could want in a road bike and more! 👍🏻

[@scuckplexity]

My uncle has the TCR Advanced Pro and he seems to really loving it. He always go to work with it. And I'm considering on a Reacto rn

[@borissmokrovic5829]

I own the advanced 2 and I love it. It's light and fast. The rim brakes are great. No problem there. A beautiful and simple bike.

[@parthbhoyar228]

me too buddy! no complains whatsoever

[@carlosvf11]

I own just this Giant, the TCR Adv 2 MY2018 and just made a budget "facelift" this month consisting in carbon wheels and few carbon part here and there. The result is and amazing light cheap racing bike. I love it!!

[@ralphstieper3035]

I ride the TCR Advanced 1 with the Ultegra R8000 Groupset. I love every single ride, shorter or longer. I changed the handlebar to a Canyon H18 Carbon and the heavy wheels into Carbons. Now i am thinking about buying the TCR Advanced 2 for daily using in town. In my oppinion the frame is stunning beautyful.

[@mikoipuente14]

If only disc is what’s holding you back on the tcr… there is a disc version of that tcr much cheaper as well from the reacto… TCR ftw

[@celonman]

Have the tcr advance 2 coming end of August! So excited!!

[@samuraioodon]

I'm looking for Giant only because they are the only ones left making rim brakes bikes and I can really appreciate that!

[@highfived]

I have this bike the giant tcr and I love it no stress with disc brakes. The bike is so much fun and it is light. Just ride and go

[@rr11272]

I have a 2021 giant tcr just like the one shown and I absolutely love it

[@global_nomad.]

having had my bike trashed in a collision i'll take (almost) anything i can find in a size 58

[@bnzboy]

TCR all day baby!!!!!

[@lenartkoncan9933]

I have this exact giant bike and its awesome!

[@hunterkiller009]

I prefer the feel of disc but don't want to fully commit to aero bike with proprietary parts so i bought the disc version of the tcr in the video and couldn't be happier.

[@rbstretch100]

Race bikes are for good weather so my next bike is rim brake - Bowman Palace 3C in my case, arrives December. Disheartening to see so many manufacturers abandoning rim brakes, so well done to Giant.

[@TheSamuraistyle]

purchasing the TCE advanced in taiwan and love the bike, amazing and comfortable ride, really fun to ride, although a bit of creaking has occurred after a couple of months, mainly due to the seatpost not being lubed which is annoying! but a great bike to say the least

[@jedahutchi]

I have that exact model Merida reacto, and with a set of 30s and some 60 deep wide profile rims it is a dream to ride. In saying that, these are totally different bikes designed for different types of riding.

[@karlsison231]

@@BoatingJapan is it that good?

[@sergiorojasvillalvazo4092]

And what about the climbs? I am considering to purchase reacto 4000, but I would like to Know how the bike reacts in the climbs.

[@BurgerTime7441]

​@@sergiorojasvillalvazo4092 yeah it will climb perfectly well. You could look at th Scultura which might be considered more of a climbing bike

[@Gang1955]

Finally got my dream TCR and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

[@zimboy777]

feel sorry for the Reacto as it’s coming up against one of THE all time all rounder classics in the TCR - ride one and you get it

[@Rocky4719]

I’m starting with a rim brake bike, I’m liking my rim brake bike, I’m going to continue using rim brake bikes as long as I can find them

[@twistoffat]

I haven´t ridden the Giant but was blown away by how good the Merida was for the price. I ended up buying one for my youngest whos starting racing. The small tool kit and light were also nice touches

[@mcfly3510]

Giant and TCR all the way! But I had the chance to ride the Merida for 10 days and I have to confess that it is a great bike. I like the look and the ride is fantastic.

[@bikeradar]

The Merida has done more to change my mind about aero road bikes than most. They're both damned good! Thanks for watching. :-) -Matthew

[@marshallemmett3313]

I would tend to agree with you, Matthew. My simple mind wants a compact frame and rim brakes. But if I had any race intentions beyond hill climbing, the Merida is a serious contender.

[@MrWesman43]

Some inaccuracies with the TCR description. This advanced model uses a standard steerer diameter (Giant call it Overdrive or OD) only the pro and SL models use the 1 1/4” stem ( which Giant call OD2) Also the frame for the advanced and advanced Pro models is identical. There is no 3rd tier carbon variety, only the SL uses a higher grade composite material.

[@bikeradar]

You're quite right, I'd just realised my mistake re the steerer. Always something eh! In any case this makes the TCR that much more appealing, because it's very standard. -Matthew

[@dickieblench5001]

And the SL will be even better

[@Vokunos]

i may sound like an old guy (i am actually only 26) but i think the giant just looks nicer... i dont like the bulky look of aero bikes, dont get me wrong, i get why aero bikes are awsome but i like my bikes slim... i would choose the giant but with disc breaks.

[@charlesshaw2708]

"trickling down the superbike special sauce." quote of the day.

[@Abnsdllnnlosnfd]

Sounds kinky!

[@MarkRiddellRacing]

Bought that exact model Reacto a few weeks ago... amazing apart from the stock wheels... on downhills it pulls away from other bikes without trying.

[@swites]

I'd chose the tcr just because it'd be so much easier to work on and fine tune. Also you could get that bike seriously light with some fancy wheels and an upgraded groupset. For aero gains I'd just sit behind the guy's on their aero bikes. Job done.

[@retardno002]

Fully agree except for the drafting part, you'd be better off drafting someone less aero so they push more air out of the way 😁

[@swites]

@@retardno002 Haha good point! Or maybe sit 3 rows+ back in the bunch :)

[@weekenderfam7965]

Have been riding my 06’ TCR Limited and looking to switch to the Reacto to try something new, a little different (aero, modern) and see how that’s going to be.

[@davidstryffeler2721]

Current race bike is a TCR with rim brakes. I just can’t make the change to aero disc

[@dimsoneill]

Why not?

[@davidstryffeler2721]

@@dimsoneill honestly don’t want to spend the money. I have a lot of equipment that is in great shape and can’t justify the expense right now.

[@chengchuan-jia2663]

This comparison is about Aero Bike vs. Climbing Bike. I am looking forward to see comparisons between the same type of bikes. Merida Reacto vs. Giant Propel ; Merida Scultura V vs. Giant TCR Advanced SL 0

[@eto2352]

7:23 It looks like both offer the GS long cage rear mech. TCR seems to have the GS not SS as well as the Reacto.

[@FatUberUddersOfChaos]

Both of these bikes were on my short list, but I held off from buying one because they're sold out everywhere. Meanwhile I've had a couple of financial emergencies that ate away the money I saved up. Decided to replace worn out components of the old race bike my brother gave me instead. Now I have a year to save up again and think about which one I would like to have.

[@cup_and_cone]

The market is already starting to tank... Second hand bikes/frames on eBay are already much cheaper than they were last year. If you can hold off a other year, you will definitely be better off.

[@angela-onesroman8873]

Good luck!

[@markj.a351]

I have the last gen Reacto 5000 with rim brakes. Love it. Once you ditch the stock wheels which are total trash on the lower models of Reacto they become an absolute weapon.

[@evgeniy3370]

What new wheels did you put on, if not a sicret?

[@cup_and_cone]

Have a look at what bikes those who do randonneuring are riding... Conventional, easy to fix, highly reliable platforms are still the gold standard for a reason. RAAM is currently going on right now...take a look at the bikes they are racing with and ask why. The Reacto is definitely gorgeous, but for someone who is a home mechanic or doesn't want to be married to their local bike shop, it's not necessarily a practical bike for everyday riding.

[@sbsb4995]

I will go with rim brakes any time for its reliability and almost maintenance free.

[@argeelearner3978]

TCR for me

[@rudy102r2]

TCR with rim brakes and aftermarket wheels 😎 If I be looking for new bike that would be rim brakes only.

[@blaablaa1718]

for a new rider the TCR is a no brainer.

[@EugeneMatlin]

TCR would be my choice

[@ridzyroo]

Replaced my 2019 TCR Advanced 2 with a 2021 TCR Advanced 1. Both rim brakes, but dropped down a size from M to S since I am between sizes. Besides the geometry change, am also benefiting from the redesigned frame as well as the "upgrade" from 105 to Ultegra. Oh and I've replaced the wheelset with Winspace Hyper 50 🔥

[@jamespham888]

How tall are you ? 174cms? How do you feel with the change from medium to small ?

[@BikeLife154]

Great comparison! Why is there a long nosed saddle on the Reacto aero bike? Is there a chain catcher on either of these bikes?

[@yonglingng5640]

I believe not, I'm sure the TCR Advanced doesn't come with one.

[@inspiredtotired8369]

This video has everything! A great review and the current price of eggs 😀 (I hope they're chicken and not dog eggs).

[@bikeradar]

Thanks for watching!

[@MyMongo100]

I bought a Reacto with Ultegra in 2019 for 2700AUD. Same CF3 frame, okay the cable routing isn't as neat around the handlebars but why are they so expensive now? I'd not be wiling to pay double the price for a similarly equipped bike now. I use mine to commute 50km per day and love it so I'm not too bothered about better wheels for racing. What am I missing?

[@drscre]

Merida 2021 (S) and Giant (M) are comparible sizes. This giant model has standard aluminium 1 1/8" steerer tube. 1 1/4" comes on advanced pro models.

[@justttn]

In NZ we get great deals on Merida can get a Reacto 5000 with Ultegra for 1660 pounds

[@jerichoholic5805]

Wait really?

[@jerichoholic5805]

We talking about a used bike or a new one?

[@justttn]

@@jerichoholic5805 new but on sale, probably 150 pounds more, full price, still better than in the UK I'm guessing.

[@sandgroper1970]

I honestly didn’t think Giant offered any offerings with rim brakes, any more. My first road bike in the early 2000’s was a Giant TCR. Have since moved on, had a Fondriest after the Giant , then after the Fondriest comes my current stead a Trek Domane , Recently upgraded the Domane to a set of 50mm depth carbon wheels, which has helped the performance a bit, but honestly it feels too cushy , I wanted a bit more comfort but this is to much comfort.

[@vernefits1953]

rim brake all the way !!

[@seanek9]

Managed to offload my disc road bike during the pandemic for a profit. So glad I did. I’m never going anywhere near discs on a road bike again. Riding rim brakes is just so joyful after foolishly going with the trend.

[@twatts4436]

Out of interest, what made you hate them? I've ridden both and much prefer discs myself for the consistent braking in all conditions.

[@stanislavkindiakov6334]

Also would like to know what is wrong with discs? I rode both and prefer disc.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

@Lord Fauntleroy oh kindly go take a long walk off a short pier. Noone is buying rim brake bikes anymore, including weight weinies and racers.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

I don't believe you. There is no difference in handling of different bikes nowadays, when brakes are the only difference. #letrimbrakesdie

[@twatts4436]

@@richardhaselwood9478 he's a lesser garden troll. No point arguing, it just gives him what he wants.

[@samuraioodon]

I can't find any giant available here! I want either the pro or sl. Is it delayed because of pandemic? I'm here in the States.

[@charlesgraham-dixon2637]

The Giant TCR every single day

[@fede1275]

I have disc brakes for bad weather commute, for good weather rim brakes all the way for lightness, 2 bikes is the solution!

[@hcw199]

I disagree. One rim brake road bike is perfectly adequate in all conditions.

[@fede1275]

@@hcw199 I know, but I prefer to ride carbon wheels on rim brake, just feel better in the grit and rain not to use them

[@Goodman-4525]

I fix my own bike ... so I'd like a TCR with discs please

[@andrewwhite1065]

Is the bar width proportional to frame size, or are these well established manufacturer's following today's narrower trend? Bought a relatively cheap & beautifully finished Chinese carbon bar & stem combo (EC90's) with a flatened top section & internal cable routing. Suprisingly light as well and comfortable in the hand. A 44cm width is probably too old school, but I still prefer to have additional leverage & 'possibly' better power distribution when climbing ... but each to their own. My next road bike will definitely have disk's. Work's brilliantly on my old MCM carbon Giant hardtail. Running a 4 piston XTR caliper (front only) and would expect Shimano's 105 twin setup is much the same. Another great review on 2 bikes that should be available in Oz unless of course like a number of road bikes, there are supply chain issues.

[@bikeradar]

Both manufacturers do scale bar width with frame size. Neither has particularly narrow bars though, both are 420mm c-c here, which is pretty standard for size medium bikes. Personally, I don't mind a slightly wider bar on a bike meant for gravel or all-road, but on a pure road bike there's a lot to be said for going narrower, as long as you're still comfortable. I hear you on leverage, but going narrower is one of the easiest aero gains you can make, if you care about that sort of thing. -Matthew

[@f1gp454]

Lawnmower man, TCR! 😊

[@xxfargosxx]

As someone who is not trying to win any races and just want to to from point A to point B, the TCR will always be the pick for myself. I dont need shave seconds from my daily commute, so the ease and convenience of the TRC will be the deciding factor.

[@stanislavkindiakov6334]

To get from A to B you need only 500$ commute bike ;)

[@reoencarcelado5904]

@@stanislavkindiakov6334 I use my Giant "Talon" 3 29er 2018 (and now my Giant "Talon" 3 29er 2018, since a bad weld made the right chain-stay break from where it met the bottom-bracket area of the frame of the bike) to commute in :-)

[@die_lauch_bande7121]

Me as a triathlete i would go with the Reakto and put a aerobar on it. The lower weight of the TCR isnt something i would benefit from.

[@tilog.9468]

What's his saddle hight/inseam? Looks like the saddle on the merida is nearly all way down even tough both are size medium

[@ancogbernard]

some merida is not available in US cause specialized bike are halfly owned by merida😁 so basically they sell a merida bike with specialized decals with more expenssive price tag.😁😁

[@BurgerTime7441]

Hey, I've been riding Conti Ultra Sport tires, and while the price is not high, they're good tires. Compared to the Grand Prix, they have more wet grip, better puncture resistance, thicker tread. The downsides are that they have about 3 watts more rolling resistance and 50 grams of weight. Not a big difference.

[@RainieYang889]

Love my reacto. Changed the wheels to winspace hyper. Ride like a beast

[@TheraPi]

I will preffer a TCR and rim brakes every time.

[@sebastianm2381]

You're complaining about the Conti Ultra Sport tires on the Merida. They are not the best, that's true. But in fact the Gavia AC1 tires on the Giant are probably the worst tires I've ever ridden. They feel like completely unforgiving garden hoses with no compliance at all. The only upside to those is that they last until eternity, they're that hard.

[@ttcommunity]

wow, great i love that GIANT

[@bikeradar]

Thanks for watching!

[@JSC131]

Give me the TCR. Rim brake madness I think you should ride what you like or more importantly what you can afford cycling is definitely for the money folk now.

[@shaunhoulahan4080]

I quite like the look of the Reacto but I would always buy a rim brake bike for its lighter weight and the ease of maintenance. Even though front end integration is a relatively new thing I have already seen photos of bikes with problems caused by this. I neither want nor need disc brakes on my road bike.

[@YuriThorpe]

Disc brakes are real easy to work on once you get the tools for it. They only need work a few times a year too

[@SurpriseMeJT]

Agree. Had discs on my mtn bikes since '05. My road bikes are all rim and I don't yearn for disc braking on them.

[@hippoace]

@@SurpriseMeJT disc makes more sense on mtb as all the muck that get stuck on the wheels

[@yonglingng5640]

But the rim-braked Reacto's rear rim brake is under the bike and I hate that.

[@shaunhoulahan4080]

@@YuriThorpe I can replace every part of a rim brake system myself. There’s no way disc brakes are easy. Imagine trying to fit new tubing and then fill and bleed it in your home workshop. No thanks. The only part that’s remotely doable is pad replacement. Even that is much harder than on a rim brake.

[@andreiarama8745]

The continental ultrasport 3 tires are cheap but they last a lot of km

[@wesleycwagner]

I always like to wear my helmet wherever I go. You can never be too safe.

[@bobbymooreok]

Is the TCR not more comparable to Scultura?

[@nikanj]

Merida Reacto 4000 + used deep dish wheels = look like the cool kids without spending $10,000.

[@DDGB08]

😊

[@dong-yoonlim6819]

If you are a lightweight rider, is it better to go for lightweight bikes?

[@bikeradar]

Bike weight will be a more significant portion of the rider+bike combo if you're a lighter rider, but if you're actually racing, aero still invariably trumps weight. If you're not racing, worry about what makes you happy as a rider, not what's theoretically fastest - that's my take. Thanks for watching! -Matthew

[@carlosmontiel2329]

TCR all the way!!! winner

[@the_real_cansin]

I have blabla and I love it. End of story.

[@jerzykryszczynski4892]

GIANT TCR 🇵🇱 # 1 🇵🇱🚲

[@HasanNassrallah]

Merida Reacto

[@cyclemadkiwi]

I made a Full carbon Aero bike with 50mm rim brake clinchers and full Ultegra for a 7.4kg race machine for about £1500 Full Aero wins every time in a race situation even with a few big hills. After watching the GCN Tests for Aero vs Hill climb light weight, they confirmed my decision to go for Aero....but @ 7.4kg I think I nailed both. 🙂

[@smlrg8656]

Hola, cuál es su estatura ?

[@Swampster70]

Ride the bikes and buy whatever makes you happy. Life is too short for what-ifs.

[@bikeradar]

Hard to argue with!

[@DrunkieCat]

So... you can save seconds with aero bikes, but it takes extra hours to work on the bike? I'll pass. I rather use that extra hours to train.

[@big_icky]

The Reacto is easy to work on

[@dioright]

I woudn't surprise if non aero rim is MORE aero than "aero" disc

[@mauricioneilla8548]

Giant tcr top

[@Mikekhoh]

Modern bike

[@fabianirsara9846]

Rim brake climber all the way

[@petemorbius3936]

2 good big brands.. merida owns majority of specialized!

[@mohdhelme6180]

Whats your height

[@JonFairhurst]

If I want to update to carbon wheels, give me discs and the reacto. If I want a traditional rim brake bike, screw the new TCR, I’m buying a used bike. Before the pandemic, I bought a 2011 Felt F1 with 7900 Dura Ace for well under $1,000. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of upgrading to carbon wheels. I literally almost died in the rain. And on a local, long, crumbly descent where I have to drag the brakes, I worry about delaminating the wheels. I gave it to my lighter son. Now, I have a modern semi-aero, integrated, disc, carbon wheel bike. It’s a way better match for me and my riding. Regarding feel, the older F1 was light and stiff, but skittish on bumpy descents. The original wheels were not tubeless, and it resulted in many pinch flats. I really need 28 tubeless, rather than 25 tubes where I live. The new bike is much faster on my roads. It’s so supple with so much grip and confidence that I can corner faster when things aren’t glass smooth. I’ve got nice, carbon aero wheels, and I can stop in the rain and drag my brakes on descents without worry. It’s more aero and way more comfortable. But if I were racing crits on dry, smooth roads on a budget, then give my the used rim bike. The bottom line is that new, modern bikes are better for all around use. Traditional rim brake bikes excel in specific conditions. And for traditional bikes, there are way more deals to be had in the used market.

[@patrickparisienne1917]

Don’t drag the brakes! Even with discs you shouldn’t do it. Brake firmly, and ease off. In the rain, obviously not as critical…

[@JonFairhurst]

@@patrickparisienne1917 - The road I’m talking about is so steep and rough, that I can’t let off the brakes for more than a few seconds. There’s another mountain road which is in better condition that’s 6-8% where I can let it roll between corners. Piece of cake. This road is steeper and gnarlier and drops for 4,000 feet. I’ve done it once with carbon wheels and rim brakes. I was nervous as hell, I stopped two or three times to let the wheels cool and just coming to a full stop made me worry about wheel melt. I also drag my brakes from my house every time I ride. It’s not a long drop, but it’s residential with parked cars and blind driveways. One road hits 18%. The other 24%. Yeah, “Don’t drag your brakes” is ideal, but external factors don’t always make it practical advice. I wouldn’t have worried with aluminum rims, but carbon wheels and rim brakes don’t cut it where I live. And I’m a rider who is comfortable at 35mph when road conditions allow it. Now put a novice rider on the bike who wants to keep it below 20mph. How the hell do they ride down steep roads without dragging their brakes or crapping their saddle? Rim brakes on carbon wheels are fine for some riders in some conditions, but disc brakes are safer beyond those conditions. If my wife was riding down a steep hill and I told her not to drag her brakes, I’d be sleeping on the sofa. Should they put warning labels on ri brake bikes: “DRAGGING YOUR BRAKES VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY!”? Sorry for going on, but I’m about fed up with rim brake apologists. I don’t tell desert flatlanders that they should ride disc brakes. Why do rim people keep telling me that I would want rim brakes on carbon wheels where I ride in the rain and where it is steep and gnarly? Rant over.

[@11robotics]

@@JonFairhurst perhaps so many of the rim brake defenders (including me) do not have carbon wheels on their road bikes and do not plan on having any anytime soon? My sub-400€ Campagnolo Zonda wheels brake perfectly fine even in the wet, and at 1540g they are significantly lighter than any carbon disc brake wheelset that you would find for that price (so much so if you are fair and include the weight of the discs as well). I've climbed and descended countless mountain passes in Europe, to and from as high as 2800m, and I've never ever had the slightest braking issue. I would have to spend significant amounts of money to build a disc brake road bike that's as light as my current one - pretty much double its current value, and that's far beyond my reach. Sure, if you can afford 2000€+ carbon wheelsets, disc brakes make a hell of a lot of sense (when compared to equally expensive carbon rim brake wheelsets). But most of us road bike riders aren't there yet and won't be anytime soon. I have nothing against other people using disc brakes on their road bikes, but I am sick and tired of the industry's attemps to eventually phase out rim brakes on road bikes. And also somewhat annoyed by the number of people concluding that if they afford and own carbon wheelsets, which of course offer a rubbish rim braking experience in the wet (and sub par even on normal conditions), then all rim brake equipped road bikes regardless of price, use and owner preferences should be sold with disc brakes. Please accept the fact that the percentage of road bike users that can actually afford to buy and maintain carbon wheelsets is quite low, and that all issues relative to the usage of carbon wheelsets are the exception, and not the rule.

[@JonFairhurst]

@@11robotics I agree that with rim brakes, aluminum wheels are a good match. While discs might be a bit better in the wet (they heat up quickly and evaporate the water), rim brakes on aluminum aren’t bad. And I wouldn’t sweat down my steep hills as the aluminum rims won’t melt. But if you want aero gains (my big-goal ride was a mostly flat double century), then carbon is the right choice, and the dominoes fall. Maybe carbon for flatlands and aluminum for climbing & descents is a good rim brake strategy, But then you need to change pads when changing wheels, which is a bother, so if the bike has the carbon wheels on it when it rains, stay inside. 😀 To my original point about traditional rim brake bikes, the used market is the way to go on a budget. In my case, I really like my modern, disc bike as it does everything well. It’s within a pound or so of the UCI limit, it’s reasonably aero, descends with composure, rides comfortably, can accept somewhat large tires (28s for me), looks clean with integrated cables, and is equally at place in the wet or dry. If it can’t handle a given road, I have an XC bike for that. I really liked my Felt F1’s light weight and simple maintenance, but it wasn’t the right bike for the range of rides that I do. Low weight and cost are only part of the profile.

[@GiTyNic]

Rim brakes because I have zero clue on hydro disc brake maintenance...I keep hearing about disc calipers locking closed when you remove the wheel, is that myth or reality?

[@bikeradar]

That only happens if you accidentally pull a brake lever with wheel off. You can always lever the pistons apart again though.

[@usagiyojimbo5944]

i'd take the Giant with disc brakes. "Mo' modern" is not "mo' better", i think.

[@DaveCM]

I prefer disc brakes. But, if someone is on a budget, then rim brakes with alloy wheels are the way to go for most. Disc brakes are more expensive to maintain.

[@OLICIT]

Funnily, the TCR isn’t even a classic shape, it’s a compact frame which is considered as ground breakingly modern as an aero frame

[@the_real_cansin]

😂you are 100% correct

[@koukimonzta]

TCR for petes sake!

[@scottf3456]

I'd go for the tcr and skip the inevitable problems and annoyances of the disc breaks.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

What, like reliable, efficient braking, easy servicing and wide tyre clearances?

[@scottf3456]

@@richardhaselwood9478 like more difficult and frequent maintenance, squealing and rubbing

[@richardhaselwood9478]

@@scottf3456 you misspelt less frequent and, easier maintenance

[@scottf3456]

@@richardhaselwood9478 i don't think that you are operating with a full deck .

[@richardhaselwood9478]

@@scottf3456 mate, if you can't understand how to maintain disk brakes, something mountain bikers have been happily doing for a quarter century, you might be the one short a full deck