Mountain Biking - Next step in my bike upgrades.

I got my bike for a little over $300. It was a K2 attack 1.0 on sale, more then half off (post christmas liquidation).

It holds it's own on almost everything, but I'm slowly upgrading it. So far, I've gotten new pedals and once some parts come in (spokes and rim for a new hub) my Marzocchi Z1 FR 3 will be installed (yippee).

So, what's next? Most everything, minus the handlebars and saddle.

I've already got my eyes set on the Shimano derailers I want, rear shock, crankset, casettes, but I need some help with some things. First up!:

Brakes. The ones I have now seem to work ok (Tektro Io Mechanical Disc Brakes), but I was test riding some bikes at my LBS with hydraulics and I have fallen in deep psychotic stalking indusive love.

Mainly because both pads clamp at the same time, meaning the caliper doesn't get bent out of shape and the pull is much less and has a better feel.

So which ones are the best? I was looking at some Avid Juicy 5's that looked fairly nice, but is there anything as good/better for cheaper?

Or are there any good mechanical disc brakes. I heard that there were some good ones, but I'm still leaning towards hydraulics.

What do thou experts have to say?

I like Hope Mono Mini's - now have 2 sets... They are pretty light, powerfull (enough) and easy to set up & maintain.
Not sure what they cost in the States - I live in the country they are made - so maybe cheaper here.

Hey,

Check further down the posts here - there is a whole discussion on Avid BB mechanical brakes...

If you want to try to save some money go with the Avid BB7's. They are much cheaper than hydraulic brakes but do a fantastic job. They aren't quite as nice as hydraulic brakes but they are pretty darn close and a much better buy if you are on a budget. They are a big step up from the brakes you have now.

Oh, and they clamp on both sides the same as the hydraulic you are looking at.

Avid bb7's or bb5's are great.

Do BB7s really clamp the rotor from both sides? I thought not... I know my BB5s don't and last I checked IRD's Dual Bangers were still the only dual piston action mechanical disc brake.

Oh, and they clamp on both sides the same as the hydraulic you are looking at.

Avid Bb7's don't? Only 1 pad moves. Interloc Dual Bangers have both pads that move, but not the bb7's.

IT looks like you aren't afraid to spend money on good stuff, so i'd skip the mechs. I like XT hydros personally, and they will be the next upgrade for me.

Yeah BB7 new are 110$ per wheel and you might want new levers, pricepoint carries 2005 Avid Juicy 5s for about that much and Hayes HFX 9 HD for the same price too, of course you can also always opt for the 70 per wheel 2005 BB7s... but the leap to hydros is worth it in my opinion.

IT looks like you aren't afraid to spend money on good stuff, so i'd skip the mechs. I like XT hydros personally, and they will be the next upgrade for me.

I looked into those and their main weakness seems to be that they go through pads very very fast.

Have you heard of them doing that?

Has to do with pad material, I believe you can get either Resin or Metallic for Shimano though I'm not sure.

I still prefer Avid and Hayes over Shimano.

Has to do with pad material, I believe you can get either Resin or Metallic for Shimano though I'm not sure.

I still prefer Avid and Hayes over Shimano.

In one review a person said to break em in with Resin then use sintered.

Good strategy or no?

Avid Bb7's don't? Only 1 pad moves. Interloc Dual Bangers have both pads that move, but not the bb7's.

Oops....thanks for the correction. Once again proof that I definitely don't know it all. :rolleyes: