Comments on: Upgrade the Brakes?

By: Dead Squirrel Dave

Dead Squirrel Dave — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:08:59 +0000

I built up a steel hardtail and went to avid bb7 disc brakes. Go disc if you can. After break in period, they are very consistant, super low maintenance, and from what I’ve read, close to hydros as far as performance.

By: Curtis Youngs

Curtis Youngs — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 16:28:58 +0000

Yes i agree tottaly about how setting up your brakes is the most important thing. You are better off replacing your pads or tightening up your cable than thinking about going disk… I personally think disk on the front V brakes on the back equally measured so they touch the wheel at the same time is the best combination, also it is cheaper option. But very good performance!

By: Jeff Banks

Jeff Banks — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:04:40 +0000

The golden rule for bicycle parts/upgrades basically comes down to determining if what you have is set up properly or not: It doesn’t matter how much it costs or how much money you throw at it, if it’s not set up properly to begin with, it just won’t work as well as cheap stuff set up right.

Disk brakes sort of took the thunder out of V-brakes, but if you set up your brakes correctly, you can get some excellent results. Remember, setting up the cable tension is only a third of the battle. Basically, you also need to set up where the pad contacts the rim (it should contact more towards the top of the rim) and if both pads touch the rim at the same time (figure out how to use the alignment bolts). Both sides NEED to be equal.

Like what has been mentioned before, after a while, it’s always a good idea to change pads, especially if they are really contaminated with metal shards, dirt, rocks, ect. Koolstop is the best, but if your shop doesn’t have them, Avid pads + Jagwire also make excellent replacements. Steer clear of Shimano’s generic brake pads (unless you need XTR cartridge pads or whatever)…they work fine, but the Deore ones cost 3x what normal pads cost and they aren’t any better.

By: Blue Collar Mountain Biking » Great Price for Disc Brakes

Blue Collar Mountain Biking » Great Price for Disc Brakes — Tue, 31 May 2005 17:13:46 +0000

[...] 8217;ve seen and can imagine getting on disc brakes. Sure [...]

By: ashwinearl

ashwinearl — Wed, 13 Apr 2005 01:06:03 +0000

Koolstop pads are known for being good replacements. Salmon for wet areas or the combo black/salmon for general. Ritchey reds are good all around and Ritchey Blues for wet weather.

By: RL

RL — Tue, 12 Apr 2005 14:47:56 +0000

Ted, what brand of pads do you recommend for v-brakes? I’ve bought some cheapo Bell brands and those didn’t work at all. I’ve even tried what Target sells and those wore out too fast.

By: Guitar Ted

Guitar Ted — Tue, 12 Apr 2005 02:00:57 +0000

Agreed! And while your at it, slap on a new set of pads. Especially if it’s been awhile. Learn to tune on your brakes. Linear pulls are pretty easy to figure out. With the right pads, and a little tuning, your linear pulls will amaze you!

By: RL

RL — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 20:00:09 +0000

Well said Tim. I wanted to upgrade to disc sets but it would have cost me atleast…$250 for the wheelset, rotors and calipers. These weren’t even Hydros, they were mechanicals.
Definitely save and save and keep on saving.