Bicycle Mechanics - New Brakes, which one

Hi everyone

I'm going to buy new brakes, but I don't have such a budget to buy the best ones. Currently I can't decide between 2 options:


* Shimano BR-MC40 V-Brakes (the ones which came with the '98-'99 XTS RC group). It has servo wave action and M-type brake shoes. They look very good, but they are almost 5 years old (of course haven't been used).

* Shimano BR-MC18 V-Brakes (the ones of the current Alivio group) with the Altus brakes levers (can't find alivio levers). No servo wave, no M type, just normal BUT they are the NEW ones (I think the came out in the 2000).

The question is, ¿which one shuld I buy (they cost about the same)? In the 98-99, STX RC where better than Alivio, but, ¿Is still 98-99 STX RC better than 2000-2003 Alivio?

NeSuR.

Wait and buy better ones or go find some in the classified.I dont like any of those.Dont go cheap on brakes.

I second Shokhead's post. I'm haven't ridden with either of those brakes but their level in Shimano's lineup and their age would deter me from buying them myself. Just how much money are you looking to spend max?? If you go to a place like Jensonusa.com, you can pick up a set for pretty cheap, especially if you wait for a sale. If you're really stretched money-wise, go for a set of Shimano Alivio's or something close to them. Check out www.mtbr.com for reviews of brakes that you might be considering. I haven't had good luck with the Tektro brakes that came on my bikes before I finally got the one I saved up for and currently have. Worth checking the reviews on everything though, as Tektro's will probably some of the cheapest. Not sure if they still sell the brand, but I can downright say that I hated the brakes made by Powertools when I used them on a rental bike a few summers ago. It could have just been that I was used to so much better, but I downright diskliked them. If you're really tight on cash, though, you just have to go with what you can get. Good luck!!

I currently run Shimano XTR's with Carbon booster F+R, and after dialing them in they are the best V setup I have ever ridden with on any bike.

-Moab

The Alivo's will get you through but look at the Tektro's. You could also look at AVID's Single Digit 3's. I used them to replace the Promax's that came on my girlfriend's bike. (spring broke) So far no complaints from her.

Just lookn a little i found avid single digit 5 fr & Rr w/levers,79 bucks at supergo.Try www.qbike.com and search.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I finally get 99' Deore LX because they were (for what I have read) better than the STX RC and just a little more expensive.

The problem was that in my country bicycle parts are hard to find, and the ones you can buy are very expensive compared to other countries. These Deore LX cost me $50 (!!!!!), and somewhere there was brand new Deore XTR (not 2003) for about $140. Keeping in mind that my bicycle cost me about $250, I think I made the right choice.

Sounds GOOD.

Don't cut costs on your stoppers Nesur. Me I'd hold out 'till I can buy something worthy, Shimano XT's or Avid. I have just parted with the readies for a set of Avid Ti - $US130 online. Check out Coloradocyclist, JensonUSA, Pricepoint or Supergo on the Web - there are some great buys to be had.
PricePoint do brake sets (levers and brakes) for a better price than buying the items individually.

dont get XT's, or deore, LX ok, maguras suck a bit too selling mine this week. buying avids, theyre the way to go, i nerly bought a mini, but i dont really need it.

Avid 5's full kit is £55 from http://www.chainreactioncycles.com
free delivery too and beleive me its stupidly fast!

I think thats for a brake,not front and rear or levers.Like i said,supergo has front and back with levers for 79.