Disc brakes are often considered stronger than traditional rim brakes for several reasons:

1. Mechanical Advantage: Disc brakes provide a mechanical advantage due to their design. When you apply force to the brake lever, the hydraulic or cable system transfers that force to the brake caliper, which then squeezes the brake pads against the rotor. This design allows for greater leverage and more efficient braking power compared to rim brakes, where the force is applied farther from the center of rotation.
2. Larger Contact Area: Disc brakes have a larger contact area between the brake pads and the rotor compared to rim brakes, which typically have a smaller braking surface on the wheel’s rim. The larger contact area allows for better heat dissipation and more consistent braking performance, especially during prolonged or heavy braking.
3. Improved Heat Dissipation: The rotor in a disc brake system is typically made of metal and is located away from the tire and rim, which allows for better heat dissipation. During braking, the friction between the brake pads and the rotor generates heat. Disc brakes can handle higher temperatures without compromising their performance, making them suitable for demanding applications like downhill mountain biking or high-speed road cycling.
4. Wet Weather Performance: Disc brakes perform consistently in wet and muddy conditions, as they are not affected by water or debris on the rim. Rim brakes can be less effective in wet weather because the rim surface needs to be dry and clean for optimal braking performance.
5. Less Rim Wear: Rim brakes can cause significant wear to the wheel’s rim over time, potentially weakening it. Disc brakes do not rely on the wheel rim for braking, so they do not contribute to rim wear.
6. Modulation and Control: Disc brakes often offer better modulation, allowing the rider to control the braking force more precisely. This is especially important in situations that require fine-tuned braking, such as on technical descents or when riding in a group.
7. Compatibility with Wider Tires: Disc brakes are generally compatible with wider tires and rims, which have become increasingly popular for various types of cycling. Wider tires provide more contact with the road or trail, and disc brakes accommodate this trend without the limitations imposed by rim brakes.

It’s important to note that the strength and performance of disc brakes can vary depending on factors such as the type of rotor, brake pad material, and the design of the brake caliper. Additionally, personal preferences and the specific requirements of your cycling style or activity may influence whether disc brakes are the best choice for you.

Disc brakes have more stopping power compared to traditional rim brakes primarily because of their design and the mechanics involved in their operation. Here are the key reasons why disc brakes offer superior stopping power:

1. Increased Leverage: Disc brakes have a larger effective lever arm compared to rim brakes. When you squeeze the brake lever, the force is transmitted through the hydraulic or cable system to the brake caliper, which then clamps the brake pads onto the rotor. This design provides more mechanical advantage, allowing you to apply more force with the same amount of hand effort, resulting in stronger braking power.
2. Better Heat Dissipation: Disc brakes dissipate heat more effectively than rim brakes. During braking, friction between the brake pads and the rotor generates heat. The rotor’s position away from the tire and rim allows for better cooling, preventing the brake system from overheating. This heat resistance enables disc brakes to maintain their stopping power even during extended or heavy braking, reducing the risk of brake fade.
3. Larger Braking Surface: Disc brake rotors are typically larger in diameter than a rim’s braking surface. This larger surface area provides more contact between the brake pads and the rotor, allowing for greater friction and stopping power. Additionally, the larger rotor spreads the heat generated during braking across a larger area, further contributing to heat dissipation.
4. Wet Weather Performance: Disc brakes perform consistently in wet and muddy conditions. Unlike rim brakes, which rely on the rim’s surface for braking, disc brakes are not affected by water, mud, or debris on the wheel’s rim. This means they maintain their stopping power even in adverse weather conditions, making them safer for wet riding.
5. Less Rim Wear: Rim brakes can wear down the wheel’s rim over time, potentially compromising its structural integrity. Disc brakes do not rely on the rim for braking, so they do not contribute to rim wear, preserving the longevity of the wheel.
6. Compatibility with Wider Tires: Disc brakes are compatible with wider tires and rims, which are becoming increasingly popular for various types of cycling. Wider tires provide more contact with the road or trail, and disc brakes accommodate this trend without the limitations imposed by rim brakes.
7. Modulation and Control: Disc brakes often offer better modulation, allowing the rider to finely control the braking force. This precision is essential in situations that require precise braking, such as navigating technical descents or riding in a group.

In summary, disc brakes have more stopping power due to their mechanical advantage, better heat dissipation, larger braking surface, consistent wet weather performance, reduced rim wear, compatibility with wider tires, and improved modulation and control. These advantages make them a preferred choice for many cyclists, particularly in demanding and varied riding conditions.