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, Tue, 1 Jul 2008 21:06:22
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I agree with Saabpilot that disk brakes are great, but I've also seen some very basic low-end units that are hard to adjust and keep true. There is no more annoying sound than a dragging or "ringing" brake disk.
I'll probably regret posting this but...
I run Avid mechanical (cable operated) disk brakes on my Superlight, and love them. My wife also has these on her Titus Racer X. Back in 1996, I was one of the first guys in NJ to run disk brakes on my MTB (an AMP Research B-4 - awesome bike). But currently on my other 2 MTBs, I am VERY happy with the Avid linear pull rim brakes (V-brakes) I put on. How could I be so happy with them if performance suffers in wet and muddy conditions as Saabpilot says? Easy - I don't ride in wet or muddy conditions, but not because I don't like getting dirty.
Riding in those conditions is hard on the trail. In the triangle area of NC, the rangers close the trails when they are wet. Considering that mostly volunteers maintain the trails, it's the least I can do to make less work for them.
I formed and ran a trail maintenance group in central NJ back in late 1999 and was an active member of the state-wide MTB advocacy group - JORBA - up until 2004. NJ park rangers do NOT close trails when they are wet, and we really had a lot of TM to do all year. If a trail is not built well and does not shed water runoff, the trail will become a nasty mess in no time.
Without sounding like a rant, you do *need* disk brakes if you ride a lot in wet conditions, but if you don't and practice "leave no trace" riding, rim brakes will be just fine and probably cheaper and lighter.
Also, bear in mind that disk brakes require that you have mounting tabs on the fork and frame, and even if your frame has them, you'll have to get disk-specific wheels. Disk wheels have to be built a bit stronger, and are therefor heavier.
Of course, you can get new low-end MTBs with disk brakes for a few hundred bucks, but for the same money, you can get a used upper-end cromoly steel hardtail with rim brakes and have a bike 4lbs lighter and with much better components all around.
Best of luck - JMJ
BTW - IMHO, rim brakes have to get VERY wet/dirty to lose performance to the point of not stopping you.
posted by 66.83.106...
, Tue, 1 Jul 2008 21:06:22
, Tue, 1 Jul 2008 10:05:01
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