|   V to Disc: mechanical or hydraulic or neither | mastafa
Jan 4, 2004 2:07 PM | | I am currently riding a 2003 Specialized Epic Comp with V-Brakes. My previous bike (Giant Iguana Disc) had mechanical disc brakes and I loved them. As a matter of fact, I'm kicking myself for not dropping the additional $150 and getting the Epic Disc, but what's done is done. So, here I am...shopping.
Needless to say, making the change to disc entails more than just buying some disc brakes, it means new wheels (which is a headache in itself) and possibly new levers (depending mechanical or hydraulic). Stock on my bike are Mavic 223 with Specialized hubs, from what I can tell they're pretty light, but I think I might have already slightly bent the rear rim. My V-brakes (Avid SD-3) are hardly comparable to my experience with avid mechanicals. So, here I am stuck. Based on my budget (about $400) I have several choices (I think):
- ugrade wheels and better V-Brakes
- upgrade wheels and mechanical discs
- upgrade wheels and hydraulic discs
Needless to say, with each option there are pros and cons. With mechancial discs I can get better wheels, even more so with V-brakes because disc wheels tend to be more costly. With hydraulic brakes, I get the bling-bling factor but crappy wheels (doesn't seem like a great compromise).
This is becoming more of a journal entry than a question, but if anyone has any sound advice or suggestions on how I can achieve better braking (most importantly) and weight savings please share. Additionally, what are the benefits of hydraulic vs. mechanical?
Signed,
Broken in Los Angeles |
| How important is weight to you??? | Danny
Jan 4, 2004 9:54 PM | | Mechanicals will add weight. Add a tougher rim on top of that and you have even more weight.
You are dealing with a tight budget but not too tight if you just want the added security of discs and not the lightest possible ride. You can pick up a set of Deore disc hubs with Rynolites for $90 from JensonUSA. For another $110 you can add a set of Hayes mechanicals (Supergo) and you are good to go. If weight is an issue consider XT hubs with 317's or X3.1's and going tubeless (quite a bit more cash.) You can get into the XT/317's for about $250 for the wheelset from AEBike. That will only leave you enough for Avid mechs...or Hayes if you feel lucky (I've had good luck with mine.)
Decent hydraulics are going to run you $250 or more for the pair. You might also consider dropping a hydraulic in the front...where most of the work is done, and upgrading the rear later. |
| How important is weight to you??? - good question | mastasfa
Jan 5, 2004 12:43 PM | | Weight is very important to me. While I was writing my query, I came to the realization that if I could achieve outstanding braking with V-Brakes and have a significant weight decrease weight due to lighter wheels I'd be happy as a clam. Even without the bling bling factor of hydros. My fear is that I'll never be totally satisfied with V-Brakes, especially having had the experience with disc and really liking them.
Is there any way to have disc performance with V-brakes? or are v-brakes a parity category? |
| It comes down to modulation and foul weather performance | Danny
Jan 5, 2004 2:03 PM | | Discs have next to zero "set-up" time. You squeeze they work. Rim brakes require a precleaning squeeze in wet conditions and just generally more time to be effective...then...when rims do grab, they have a tendancy to really grab (which is where the modulation of discs come in.)
I can't imagine going back even though 99% of the time I drive in conditions that work fine with rims...especially once you've learned how to apply them.
I'll look other places to save weight...vs. give up discs. |
| It comes down to modulation and foul weather performance | mastafa
Jan 5, 2004 3:43 PM | | Thanks for all of your great feedback.
How else could I save considerable weight other than wheels and brakes? Cranks and cassette? I've already upgraded to carbon bars and a titanium seat. |
| "Saving considerable weight" most often leaves... | f'nætik (aka næstep)
Jan 5, 2004 5:25 PM | | ...a smoking hole in your wallet. Enjoy the rie. With your bike you're at a point where weight savings are only going to come a few ounces at a time. I'd buy the nice wheels that fit your riding style, upgrade to whatever discs you decide, and damn the grams! You can worry about the weight of other components as they break. A few pounds isn't going to ruin your ride or make reaching the top of that hill any easier.
Vist the weightweenie forum and read the post titled Why is this bike 30 pounds and you'll feel better. |
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