Disc brakes vs. Rim Brakes

[chris_the_wrench]

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.

I think the 4300 rim brake bike is a better bike, for the same money, than the 3900 disc.

-Chris

 

[Cackalak Han]

I think the 4300 rim brake bike is a better bike, for the same money, than the 3900 disc.

-Chris

I agree, but personally, I can't spend $4-500 on a entry level bike when you can get a pretty nice bike on craigslist/ebay for the same amount. I've even noticed early 2000's Stumpjumpers/S-works, high-end Treks pop up at below $500 quite often. You can score a pretty decent bike for $200 and save up the rest for a proper bike.

 

[tacollie]

I think hydraulic disc brakes are far better than any setup out there. A good set is way less work than any mechanical disc or rim brake. That being said I think there are more important things to look at before you get to the brakes. Like wheels, bottom bracket, cranks, and fork. At that pricepoint I would recommend the 4300 over the 3900 disc. The discs on the 3900 are not going to perform any better than the rim brakes.

 

[chris_the_wrench]

I agree, but personally, I can't spend $4-500 on a entry level bike when you can get a pretty nice bike on craigslist/ebay for the same amount. I've even noticed early 2000's Stumpjumpers/S-works, high-end Treks pop up at below $500 quite often. You can score a pretty decent bike for $200 and save up the rest for a proper bike.

Really good point.

Just be cautious of older bikes that may have worn out drivetrains or etc. Like with the cars/trucks you see here on the Portal there are some great used rides out there, but they frequently need some love.

-Chris

 

[whitetaco02]

I think the 4300 rim brake bike is a better bike, for the same money, than the 3900 disc.

-Chris

Thank you! You may have mentioned this before but how hard would it be to upgrade to disc brakes on the 4300 if I decide to at a later date?

Also, what do you recommend for a good entry level bike for some offroading and road use?

 

[ntsqd]

An absolute must in a bike in that price range is that it be "disc brake ready". It needs to have wheel hubs that will accept bolt-on disc brake rotors and the frame and fork need to have the bosses to mount the calipers. While you can buy wheel sets for the right hubs, at that price range they'll be a significant portion of the bike's purchase price. May as well spend a little more and get something that works for you now and in the future.

I do not consider Shimano's spline drive rotor system to be disc brake ready because only Shimano makes rotors to fit those. May as well buy an Apple IIe....

 

[chris_the_wrench]

I do not consider Shimano's spline drive rotor system to be disc brake ready because only Shimano makes rotors to fit those. May as well buy an Apple IIe....

While not ideal, there are adapters to convert the splined hubs to traditional 6 bolt.

-Chris

 

[chris_the_wrench]

Thank you! You may have mentioned this before but how hard would it be to upgrade to disc brakes on the 4300 if I decide to at a later date?

Also, what do you recommend for a good entry level bike for some offroading and road use?

New wheels about $120 and Avid mechanicals will set you back about $120 for both wheels.

For a new intro offroad bike that can take some abuse and live to tell about it: I sell quite a few of the Rockhopper Comp Disc. They hold up pretty well to the very rough trails of the west and are easily upgradable(one of the issues that plagued lesser bikes).

I rode in Georgia, that's where your from right, back in the mid 90's during the build up to the olympics. The course where we raced at was super smooth single track with moderate short hard climbs. I don't know how representative of all Georgia that was, but it was fast and fun.


-Chris

 

[ntsqd]

While not ideal, there are adapters to convert the splined hubs to traditional 6 bolt.

-Chris

Thanks Chris. I suspected that something like that might be available, but I wouldn't consider them ideal either.

 

[EricBirk]

The only bikes that should have rim brakes at this point are road bikes and trials bikes.
Discs are cheaper and better in every way possible.

 

[whitetaco02]

New wheels about $120 and Avid mechanicals will set you back about $120 for both wheels.

For a new intro offroad bike that can take some abuse and live to tell about it: I sell quite a few of the Rockhopper Comp Disc. They hold up pretty well to the very rough trails of the west and are easily upgradable(one of the issues that plagued lesser bikes).

I rode in Georgia, that's where your from right, back in the mid 90's during the build up to the olympics. The course where we raced at was super smooth single track with moderate short hard climbs. I don't know how representative of all Georgia that was, but it was fast and fun.


-Chris

Yep, I am ********** dab in the middle of GA! Those bikes you listed look more expensive than the Treks....

What about the Felt bikes? My bro in law bought the Q520.

 

[whitetaco02]

What about the Trek 3900 Disc? Is that a good one to get?

 

[Christophe Noel]

What about the Trek 3900 Disc? Is that a good one to get?

I'm of the opinion that those bikes are so entry level, most riders will find they've outgrown them in a big hurry. It depends on what sort of riding you're after, but if true mountain biking is on your agenda, those sub $750 bikes are going to either wear out too quickly or leave you so unimpressed, you'll probably not really enjoy your ride experience.

 

[tacollie]

I'm of the opinion that those bikes are so entry level, most riders will find they've outgrown them in a big hurry. It depends on what sort of riding you're after, but if true mountain biking is on your agenda, those sub $750 bikes are going to either wear out too quickly or leave you so unimpressed, you'll probably not really enjoy your ride experience.

That is a very acurate statement.

 

[whitetaco02]

I'm of the opinion that those bikes are so entry level, most riders will find they've outgrown them in a big hurry. It depends on what sort of riding you're after, but if true mountain biking is on your agenda, those sub $750 bikes are going to either wear out too quickly or leave you so unimpressed, you'll probably not really enjoy your ride experience.

That makes a lot of sense! Thank you!