whitetaco02
Observer
What are the pros and cons of each? Are disc brakes really that much better? Thanks
Disc brakes vs. Rim Brakes
- Thread starter whitetaco02
- Start date
Cackalak Han
Explorer
Personally, I think it depends on the use. Disc brakes shine in the wet/muddy stuff. Also, much much less brake fade and better modulation.
I still rock XTR V-brakes on one of my mountain bikes (still want to get a set of Paul's). And my road bike(s). But if I had a preference between the two, I'll take discs. They're cheap, too--BB7's can be had for less than $50 each (caliper/rotor).
I still rock XTR V-brakes on one of my mountain bikes (still want to get a set of Paul's). And my road bike(s). But if I had a preference between the two, I'll take discs. They're cheap, too--BB7's can be had for less than $50 each (caliper/rotor).
whitetaco02
Observer
Thanks! I am trying to decide on a mountain bike. I am looking at the Trek 3900 but not sure if I want to spend the extra cash for disc brakes??
Christophe Noel
Expedition Leader
As the years tick by, there gets to be fewer pros for rim brakes on mountain bikes. That said, for the lower end mountain bikes not being used too aggressively off road, rim brakes are fine. A Trek 3900 is a super entry level rig and not ideal for much heavy off roading.
chris_the_wrench
Fixer & Builder of Things
In addition to this statement, the rim brake 4300 should be the same price as the 3900 disc. The 4300 features better cranks, rear derailleur, fork, alloy pedals, and some other goodies for the dough.
I've put together alot of these bikes and can say the entry level disc brakes, aren't quite up to the same level as entry level linear pull brakes.
So I would change the debate between the between the 3900 rim brake and the 4300 rim brake.
Have fun!
-Chris
I am also quite interested in this topic. Let me know if I am out of line and should start a new thread.
I ride a GT Tequesta right now, it was a garage find and is several years old. What would it take to put discs on a bike like this that comes with a v-brake system? I'm not really satisfied with the braking performance I have now and, as my experience with trucks goes, it seems like discs would be better in almost every way.
Thanks, again, let me know if I should start another thread.
-Drew
I ride a GT Tequesta right now, it was a garage find and is several years old. What would it take to put discs on a bike like this that comes with a v-brake system? I'm not really satisfied with the braking performance I have now and, as my experience with trucks goes, it seems like discs would be better in almost every way.
Thanks, again, let me know if I should start another thread.
-Drew
chris_the_wrench
Fixer & Builder of Things
I've never worked at a GT dealer so my knowledge of their specific models is limited, but I can only recall the Tequesta bikes from the mid-late 1990's. Those bikes did not have disc brake tabs welded on the frame, which would make them not disc brake compatible. But GT may have made a later version I'm not familiar with. Upload a photo of your bike with attention to the rear dropout on the left side of the bike and the fork.
If your frame and fork are disc brake compatible your looking at new wheels with disc brake compatible hubs and the brakes themselves. The avid brakes and rotors can be had for about $60 a wheel and the wheelsets can start around $120 for a cheaper set.
-Chris
Cackalak Han
Explorer
Does that GT have disc tabs in the back? Usually, front forks come with the tabs. Now comes the question--is it worth it? Think not only about the discs brakes themselves, but you'll have to get new wheels, and levers (may be able to use your stock). That's quite a bit of money spent on an old bike.
As far as braking performance, try changing out your pads (Kool Stop). Also, scrub your rim face with a green scrub pad and water. Discs are great, but my xtr brakes are still awesome.
EDIT: Bike Mech beat me to it.
As far as braking performance, try changing out your pads (Kool Stop). Also, scrub your rim face with a green scrub pad and water. Discs are great, but my xtr brakes are still awesome.
EDIT: Bike Mech beat me to it.
1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
Avid mechanical discs rock...had them on an old bike.
That being said, I don't have enough of a need to replace the rim brakes on my singlespeed. They don't stop as well, but on an SS, you learn not to ride the brakes anyway, to maximize your momentum.
I wouldn't look further than Avid discs if you do upgrade. They're simple, time-proven, and stop incredibly well.
Craig
That being said, I don't have enough of a need to replace the rim brakes on my singlespeed. They don't stop as well, but on an SS, you learn not to ride the brakes anyway, to maximize your momentum.
I wouldn't look further than Avid discs if you do upgrade. They're simple, time-proven, and stop incredibly well.
Craig
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
I used them to convert my 26" MonoCog to discs. Couldn't agree more.
FreeManDan
Adventurer
The difference is like night and day! I got juicy 5s and I don't even need to squeeze, but rather move my middle, ring, or pinky finger (if i moved the brake handles to reach) and thats all i got to do to stop. Plus if i had V brakes, the pads would be gone in a month....I would never ever ever ever ever in a billion years go back to V brakes, my squeezing, pad disintegrating, travel 15 feet be for the brakes finally lock days are over!:sombrero::sombrero: :sombrero: happy sunken mayonnaise day
chris_the_wrench
Fixer & Builder of Things
You should be able to piece the parts together for about $250 and probably another $50 of shop labor, if you don't want to try and do it yourself. Getting your old cassette off and onto the new wheel is the hardest bike specific tool/skill required for the whole procedure.
-Chris
whitetaco02
Observer
So you think I should go to a 4300 rim brake Trek? Would that be a better option for me? This will be used for offroad use as well as pavement.
1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
One other important factor (aside from stopping ability) that hasn't been mentioned is feel/modulation. I had a Formula (IIRC) full hydraulic rear brake on this Santana tandem, and while it stopped well, it had no "feel". This is my only hydro disc brake experience, but it turned me off to them. I also like the simplicity of the mechanical Avids...no brake bleeding, no air bubbles, no leaking, etc...
Craig
