Bianchi just released its 2014 Oltre, with an option of disc brakes.  This is the game changer.

While not quite the unstoppable force vs immovable object metaphor, we think we’re at the tipping point in the evolution of the roadbike with disc brakes.  What cyclocross riders, mountain bikers, even commuters have known all along is that disc brakes offer superior performance, especially in the wet, muck, and grime, despite its “disadvantage” of being heavier over traditional rim brakes.  But the weight weenies, roadies, and freds have resisted this inevitability, claiming the added weight affects performance, and unnecessary complexity.  Nah.  The reality is, unless you’re a competitive racer, most roadies have already “too much” bike for their ability, and the few extra grams of a disc brake set up (and not to get too techy, but in the most ideal spot – the center of mass – to affect rotational inertia the least) won’t affect their performance much, if at all.  Disc brakes offer a lot more control, and especially in the wet, power.  And if you’ve ever ridden carbon wheels in the rain with traditional rim brakes….whoa, may as well unclip and do the Fred Flinstone braking, ie with your feet.

The real reason we suspect is that the pros and their bikes have been slow to adopt disc brakes.  As soon as they do, the rest will follow.   Colnago has, with their C59.  BMC, Giant, Specialized, Canyon, and Time have prototypes.  The tipping point?  The 2014 Bianchi Oltre.

Let us know what you think.