Are Rim Brakes Dead? The Future of Road Bike Braking

Rim Brakes in 2025: Outdated or Still Relevant?

Once the gold standard in professional cycling, rim brakes are increasingly rare on new road bikes. The industry has all but moved on to disc brakes, touting better performance, safety, and compatibility with modern wheel and tire standards.

So, in 2025, is it fair to say rim brakes are dead? Or do they still have a place in the world of performance road bikes?

Let’s examine the current trends, pros and cons, and what the future holds for rim braking systems.

A Quick History: The Reign of Rim Brakes

For decades, dual-pivot rim brakes were the default on road bikes—from Tour de France podiums to weekend club rides. Lightweight, affordable, and easy to maintain, rim brakes helped define modern road cycling.

However, around 2017, the rise of hydraulic disc brakes began shifting the landscape, with nearly all major bike brands switching to disc-only models by the early 2020s.

Market Reality: Rim Brakes Are Disappearing

Most new high-end bikes no longer offer rim brake versions.

Trek, Specialized, Giant, Canyon, and Cervélo have phased out rim brake models on most platforms.

Carbon rim brake wheels are increasingly hard to find.

OEM groupsets from Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo are now disc-first, with limited rim-brake innovation.

 Even budget bikes are going disc

In 2025, many entry-level aluminum and gravel bikes now come with mechanical disc brakes—making rim brakes less common even for new riders.

Why Some Cyclists Still Swear by Rim Brakes

Despite the shift, rim brakes aren't dead—at least not yet. Here’s why:

1. Weight

Rim brake bikes are often 300–400g lighter, all else being equal. That matters for climbers and hill-climb racers.

2. Simplicity

They’re easier to:

Adjust

Maintain

Pack for travel (no rotor alignment issues)

3. Cost

Rim brake frames, wheels, and parts are cheaper—a smart choice for budget-conscious riders or DIY tinkerers.

4. Availability on the Secondhand Market

Used rim brake bikes are abundant and often excellent value.

 The Future: Will Rim Brakes Completely Vanish?

Likely outcome: Niche survival

Custom builders and boutique brands (e.g., Colnago, Superteam custom, Time) may continue to support rim builds.

Collectors and retro riders will preserve them.

Climbing specialists in amateur racing may still prefer rim brakes for weight.

Disc brakes will dominate:

UCI WorldTour = 100% disc in 2025

Gravel, endurance, and aero = all disc

Wide tires + tubeless = incompatible with most rim brake frames

 What to Do If You Ride Rim Brakes in 2025

Stock up on parts (brake pads, calipers, rim-compatible wheels)

Invest in quality carbon rims while still available

Consider building a dedicated climbing bike using rim brakes for lightweight setups

Learn to self-service—many shops no longer specialize in rim tech

Verdict: Are Rim Brakes Dead?

Viewpoint	Answer
Industry trend	Mostly yes — disc is now standard
Performance cycling	Mostly yes — unless you’re a pure climber
Everyday & budget riders	Still viable, but losing ground
Collectors, traditionalists, and purists	Rim brakes will live on in niches

So no, rim brakes aren’t fully dead, but they are no longer the mainstream. For most riders looking forward in 2025, disc brakes are the better long-term choice in terms of compatibility, resale value, and technology.