Sad Clouds

Ali C, I probably have a slightly biased opinion, because I don't have much experience with rim brakes, however I'm quite interested in the science of wheel building. My wheels were built by someone at Tarty Bikes, perhaps you or Adam and I think you guys did a superb job. The rear wheel was Chris King 36H hub and Sun Ringle MTX rims, laced 4-cross with Sapim Strong spokes. I don't really notice any spoke flex, but then I'm not too picky on these things. I did a fair amount of research before I ordered the parts. My understanding was that using a hub with wide flanges, strong spokes, and 4-cross lacing pattern, results in extremely rigid wheel. I think mainly this is because the hub pulls on the spokes at the right angle. Maybe I'm missing something, but I can't see how you can get a noticeable spoke flex, since the twisting force exerted by the hub is done at such an angle that the spokes are being stretched at the same angle as they are pulling on the rim.

Oh, sorry to hear it. There are many disc brakes out there, some are good, some are not. From my experience disc brakes are a bit fiddly to set up, i.e. you need to bleed them properly, make sure there is no air in the lines. Also you need to make sure you're using sintered and not organic brake pads, organics are really for XC riding only. I've never used hydraulic rim brakes, which is why I'm asking here. I've seen many riders use them, so maybe I've missed something out. I've used regular V-brakes and when it rains and oil from the chain gets on the rim, you may as well start braking with your feet. I have used Formula The One disc brakes, with Goodridge steel braided hoses. I've ridden in the rain and snow and they work flawlessly.

Personally what is important to me above anything else is strength. If your rim fails, it's a lot of hassle rebuilding the wheel. So it all depends on how hard you ride. Many trials rims are wide, have a flat profile and holes drilled into them. I think this makes the rims much weaker. Stronger, wider rims are heavier, but that's the price you pay for strength. Personally I would recommend a 40mm wide rim, that has a V shape profile. Check out welded Sun Ringle MTX39, they are not too heavy and reasonably wide.

I notice a lot of riders go for rim brakes, especially on the rear wheel. Some of those people tend to say rim brakes are better, because they are not affect by the flex in the spokes. Personally I think disc brakes are far superior, given a properly built wheel. Take a strong rear hub, decent rims and get a professional wheel builder to lace it 4-cross. I'm pretty sure there won't be much flex in the spokes. Also I don't think disc brakes are that much heavier and they give you consistent and sharp performance, no matter the weather. What do you guys think?