I have been involved in bikepacking for the past decade, and as someone with a significant amount of experience on trips, both as a solo rider and working with others, there’s not much I don’t know, but I still have a lot to learn. A question I often get asked by clients is, “Rim brakes for bikepacking? Will they be ok?”
In this article, we’re going to be answering that question. We are going to tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly. Additionally, here are some top tips for bikepacking with rim brakes, along with strategies to enhance your performance.
Before We Start, Bikepacking Has Changed
When it comes to bikepacking and even cycle touring, the field has advanced significantly in the past couple of decades. We have bikepacking races, bikes specifically designed for bikepacking, and numerous options for kit and bike setups.
Bikepacking has evolved, and the associated costs have also become fairly substantial. When I first started, I had very basic equipment, and to this day, I still do; however, I have also been lucky enough to own some serious equipment as well, and have some great upgrades.
The biggest difference I have seen over the year is the difference in brakes in bikepacking. We have transitioned from rim brakes to disc brakes and also changed our gearing. No longer do we use triple chainrings, but we are now on doubles or singles.
What Are Rim Brakes?
Rim brakes utilize the wheel’s surface to create friction against the pads, slowing you down. Disc brakes, on the other hand, have a rotor that creates friction to slow you down. In modern times, most companies are going over to disc brakes, but it doesn’t mean the rim brake is dead.
Pros Of Rim Brakes For Bikepacking
Rim brakes do have a place in bikepacking, and you would be surprised at the number of advantages that they have compared to disc brakes. Here’s what you need to know!
Easy To Work On
Rim brakes are generally easier to work on than disc brakes. They are simple in actuation, and when it comes to finding replacements, any bike shop will have what you need.
Cheap
Not only are rim brakes easy to work on, but they are very cheap. You will also find that bikes with rim brakes are generally more affordable because many people prefer to opt for the disc brake route instead.
Lightweight
Rim brakes are often lighter than disc brakes. If you are worried about the weight of your bike, they could be the right route for you to go down.
Cons Of Rim Brakes For Bikepacking
Although we are ticking a lot of boxes above when it comes to rim brakes for bikepacking, there’s a reason why most people opt for disc brakes. Here’s why!
Not Very Powerful
Rim brakes do not have the same power as disc brakes. Although they are sufficient on your Sunday club rides, will they be enough on an alpine descent when you are fully loaded? It does raise issues.
Wear Out Wheels
Rim brakes use the wheel’s surface, and there’s only a certain amount of friction they can take. So, after a few epic, long trips, you will find yourself chaining the wheelset quite often. It’s not like you can easily repair the surface.
Limited Wheel Options
Many wheel manufacturers have transitioned to disc wheels. This means rim brake wheel options are more limited by this factor, especially when you are wearing through rim brakes, unlike disc brakes.
Tough On The Hands
Rim brakes are harder to use compared to disc brakes. They are a lot heavier on the hands, and with big miles day after day, it can start to cause problems.
Top Tips For Rim Brakes For Bikepacking
So, if you choose to go down the route of using rim brakes for bikepacking, there are a few top tips that will give you a better experience.
- Dual Pivot Brakes over Single Pivot Brakes! More power in the hands.
- Road riding is better suited for rim brakes than taking them off-road.
- Good performance pads go a long way, and it’s also a good idea to take spares as they wear out quickly.
- Select pads that are suitable for poor conditions.
- Clean rims regularly with a degreaser or a similar product to ensure optimal braking power.
- Dial in the brakes perfectly. Leave enough leverage for good braking, perfect pad position, and good branded cables.
- V-brakes and Cantilever brakes offer more clearance and are often quite powerful.
- Practice riding the bike with it fully loaded before embarking on a trip.
Will Rim Brakes Work For Bikepacking?
Rim brakes do work for bikepacking. I am currently planning a trip using a bike with rim brakes as I write this article. It will be on the road. I am very excited and know it’s perfect for the job. I have full confidence in the bike. Knowing I won’t be carrying a huge amount of weight or going down Alpine descents I don’t feel I need disc brakes.
If I were to tackle off-road terrain or lots of climbing and descending, I would use a bike with disc brakes, such as a gravel bike. It’s just much more suited, and for me, it’s more enjoyable and much safer, which is the biggest concern.
Can You Add Disc Brakes To A Rim Brake Bike?
I get asked this question all the time. There are ways to add disc brakes to a bike that doesn’t have disc brakes. You could change the forks and, providing it was steel or aluminum to an extent, could get some brake mounts welded and the chainstays reinforced.
Is it worth doing… no, not really. You’re better off saving your money and just investing in a bike with disc brake mounts already. I would also highly recommend avoiding the cheap adapters, as they could compromise safety.
A Final Note: Rim Brakes For Bikepacking
Rim brakes are a good option for bikepacking. They are very easy to work with, maintain, and inexpensive to buy. I feel you can get away with them on road riding, but when it comes to off-road or monster descents, disc brakes are by far the better option.
If you enjoyed this article, you might like 10 Ways To Improve Your Bikepacking Setup For Free, What To Expect On Your First Bikepacking Trip, and 12 Top Tips For Bikepacking Training Success!