Bicycle Mechanics - Disc Brakes

Never had disc brakes before. If I am looking at a bike that has these brakes, is that a good thing or bad thing. Are these good or cheapo? Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes.

Can be good or bad...

In general, disc brakes are more expensive than their rim brake counterparts. They weigh more, are more complex and can at times make some serious noise when doing their job.

On the positive side, the best designs stop better than anything else - particularly in wet weather or muddy conditions. They don't have a brake arch to jam with mud or snow, their weight is carried at an optimum location in relation to the wheel, and the good ones are easy to modulate, taking "one-finger" power...

Hydraulic discs are generally superior to mechanicals (although I think Avid's mechanical discs are excellent) and can feel "automotive" in performance.

I'll make a very general (I know, this is stupid of me) assertion that if you don't ride in wet or muddy conditions, you probably don't absolutely need disc brakes. Downhill mountain biking and loaded touring would be a couple of exceptions to that rule.

Personally, I love discs for their feel and performance. I have a set on my cyclocross bike and on most of the family MTB's. I don't know about the particular brake you are asking about, but if you Google for a review of them, I'm sure you'll get some answers. Some BF members will probably have an opinion on them as well.

Just thought I'd give you a little basic eduacation to start with. :)

Tektro makes good-for-the-money products, but honestly, if the bike is cheap enough to have those brakes, look for something with mechanical discs like the Avid BB-5 or BB-7 (and preferably the BB-7).

You'll have less maintenance in the long term and easier service. Parts for Tektro brakes may not be as readily available as parts for Avid or other name brand brakes.

I don't do too much in the way of muddy or wet condition so I'm sure I don't need disc brakes. The bike that I was looking at seems to be a good deal, but I'll let others be the judge because I have no idea what I'm doing. I just want a good bike that has good components. I prefer a hybrid that has upright handlebars. The bike is a GT Transeo 1. Looks like it retails around $950 and I have the opportunity to get one for $685. An '09. Opinions welcome....please... Thanks. If you think there are better bikes out there, my budget caps around $1,200 or so.

Did not know Tektro made hydros. They seem to be on the lower end, you can get a pair for $100. Give the bike a spin and see how they modulate. If unable to test ride I would opt out, you never know how the quality is, or read the reviews: http://www.mtbr.com/cat/brakes/disc-brake-system/tektro/auriga-series/PRD_417341_1507crx.aspx

This may be a stupid question but, I have a dawes steel road bike that I use as a commuter and I want to convert it to disc brakes. What do I need for this conversion? New hubs and a mounting bracket?

In a quick search, I didn't find any "GT Transeo 1" bike in the price range you mentioned, although there were plenty of Transeo 3's and similar names. Do you have a link for the specific model you are looking at?

In general (not knowing anything about the specific bike you mention), the price you mention is probably a decent price when buying a brand new "real" (non-Walmart or other super-low-end) bike from an authorized dealer who will honor the warranty, etc. Unless a bike is flying out the doors, I'd expect to get a similar discount.

Here is a link for that GT Transeo 1.0. Let me know what you think. Thanks!!

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1061041_-1_24500_20000_28504

mechanical disc brakes are a godsend, im not a big fan of hydraulic disc brakes however

You can get hydraulic Avid Juicy 3.5's for a little bit more than a BB7 mechanical setup