When I was first selecting my new bike one of the big choices which effected the frame selection was rim or disc brakes. From the long distance touring mentality rim brakes are historically seen as more reliable and easier to maintain. Over time this view has been changing and the advantages of disc brakes, such as better braking in the wet and no risk of blowing out your rims have meant they have become a more common choice on all bikes.

The majority of disc brakes are hydraulic especially with mountain bikes. I did not want this, as I had no familiarity with bike hydraulics and they seem really complicated to maintain. Therefore I went with cable disc brakes so I can change the cables on the road with only a spare and not special tools or fluid.

I ended up with the TPR Spyre mechanical brakes, which I am told are almost as good as the BB6 that seem the most popular. I can’t say I have had any problems with them, changing the pads seem easy and adjustments are not a trouble (once you know there are two adjustment points).