Forum

I'm currently running rim brakes on my XC hardtail and am getting sick of the lack of stopping power; this is likely to be a combo of old, worn out rims with a poor surface and knackered callipers.

So I've got two options, new rim brakes or go for discs. Rim brakes are rim brakes so I’ll probably get Avids as that's what I've got already:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=22385

Will see how they get on with my current rims to start with, then possibly upgrade wheels.


But for discs I’m a bit more lost and it's def going to mean new wheels which really cuts my budget down.
Ideally not a lot more than £100 incl callipers, rotors and new levers, as I'm going to have to spend around £150 on new wheels (current ones aren't worth upgrading as I'd have to chuck the hub and they've started to go concave)

If I go with discs it'll probably be a small disc (160mm) to keep weight down; don't think I need massive stopping power as I'm only 65-70KG wet, with kit on and the bike's around 12kg?
Not really into serious downhill, at least not while I've only got the hardtail.

Also I'm not sure whether to go mechanical or hydraulic. The advantage of mechanical is I can keep my current levers which keeps costs down and I can easily service myself so I've been looking at the Avid BB7s and they seem to have a few decent reviews, some putting them inline with Juicy 3's
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=67749


The low end hydraulic sets don't seem great, a brief look at lower spec Avid Juicys and Hayes shows they might end up being more hassle than there worth. I don't want to get stuck with something I hate and needs constant adjusting.
Are hydros going to any better than mechanical given my budget?


So pro's and con's or any more info appreciated
cheers, Dan

My personal opinion is to look at getting second hand hydro brakes they make a huge difference you will see that you use them less as stops better so less pad war and with the right choice of pad compound can last for ages you can normally pick up a good pair for between £60-£100 depending on where you look i like to use pinkbike for second hand as on ebay you get people buying with ridiculusly (sorry for spelling) high max bids just to win them and that way you can look for wheels on there too.

if your only using them for XC i would go F160 R140 but if you ride any long rides in the mountains like afam etc go for F180 rR160 they seem big but helps loads

Hydro all day long

If you look at BB7's they are better than Avid 3's, but BB5's are worth a punt too.
keep an eye on merlin as they sometimes do wheel and brake deals. (none on there at the moment i just checked)
i would say Deore hydro brakes and wheels, brand new will come over budget, but second hand, there's loads about.

Thanks for the input guys.
Long term I'm going to go with the new wheels and switch to discs, will give the BB7s a go first. I much prefer being able to easily service everything myself.
Just need to start saving up the pennies and doing some research into hubs and rims etc.

For now I'm getting some new rim brakes as money is tight. Hopefuly this will do the trick in the dry atleast, as for the wet I'll just have to suffer.
Might keep a look out for new rims which will allow rims brakes when I upgrade, that way I can switch between rims and discs at different times of year and depending on where i'm riding; that is so long as we actually get a decent summer next year.

cheers

Have a look at superstarcomponents they do some no brainer good wheel sets

It need not cost that much more to go for Hydraulic disc brakes, youll certainly notice the difference, once you have youll never go back but like many of us cyclists its hard to justify the expense but after a while you can justify spending more and more.

Avoid cable disc brakes, they arnt really worth it. Just save up a bit more and go hydraulic.

Andy

Go for The new Shimano XT, they're cheap any I prefer them to pretty much anything on the market at the moment!

what are you retailling a set for at the mo ?
i need a set pm me if you like.

its really easy to bleed brakesit just takes patience on the first try