October 26, 2017 – Disc brakes have been banned in Canada for road races and rides. This means that young riders, who could train and race on the road on disc brake cyclocross bikes, are forced to buy a separate bike for road. At an age when growth means new bikes every year or two, this is a significant expense and disincentive to take part in organized cycling.

Disc brakes are safer for smaller hands, in wet weather, and reduce the chances of skidding because the disc radius is smaller than rims, and the materials better designed for braking. Wheels last longer.

After three years of using disc brake cross bikes in BC, with no incidents or complaints about risk or unsafe stopping differences, they were banned. Ten youth riders in our club, Tripleshot Cycling Club, were forced to buy new bikes or stop racing.

Meanwhile our neighbours to the south, USA Cycling, disc brakes have been permitted in all road events for four years in their jurisdiction. No injuries or complaints have been received. Australia has recently approved them.

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