Bicycle Mechanics - Help with a Few Upgrades...

hi all, i'm totally new to this forum so I thought I'd be better off arranging all my questions into the one thread. I currently own an '08 Trek 4300 (w/o Disc). I'm looking to make a few upgrades and I'm looking for some advice, so here goes;..

1. Brakes - Currently i'm using V-Brakes from a combined brake/gear-shifter-thing-on-the-handlebars, looking to upgrade to discs. would it be possible to add mechanical discs to the bike (I have mounts on the frame) without changing the brake/gear handles?

2. Forks - I'm interested to see if it's possible to install a lockout system (preferrably remote) to the current forks (RST Gila T8 w/ 100mm) i'm prepared to buy new forks but am not too sure about size/width/fit etc...

Thanks in advance for your help,

Chris

P.S. I bought this bike for £300 Quid brand new in 2008, am i better off just buying a new bike, be honest :L cheers.

... I currently own an '08 Trek 4300 (w/o Disc). I'm looking to make a few upgrades ....

Upgradeitis can be a terribly costly affliction to suffer from, and seen from a strictly economical position it's rarely "worth" it. Unless there's something very special about the frame it's usually only merited when:
a) you enjoy the upgrade process as such
b) you're not upgrading components that are still functional, but you replace-with-better when a part gets worn out.


...1. Brakes - Currently i'm using V-Brakes from a combined brake/gear-shifter-thing-on-the-handlebars, looking to upgrade to discs. would it be possible to add mechanical discs to the bike (I have mounts on the frame) without changing the brake/gear handles?
Yes.
Question is whether your wheels are disc brake ready or not. If you haven't got the hubs for it you're either looking at rebuilding your current wheels with new hubs, or which is probably cheaper, getting a new set of wheels.



2. Forks - I'm interested to see if it's possible to install a lockout system (preferrably remote) to the current forks (RST Gila T8 w/ 100mm) .

Best I can tell from http://search-manual-online.com/download/manual/RST%202009%20-%20%1D%3E2%3EAB8%202/aHR0cDovL3hzcG9ydC1zYW1hcmEucnUvYmlrZS9DYXRhbG9ncy9yc3QyMDA5LnBkZg your fork doesn't come in a remote lock-out option. And unless it has an on-fork lock-out buillding one yourself is likely to be real difficult.



i'm prepared to buy new forks but am not too sure about size/width/fit etc.... any fork with 100 mm travel and a 1 1/8" steerer that's long enough should slip right in.

thanks for replying, my birthday is coming up, so i'll have a few quid to spend on upgrades, short of actually buying a new bike, as there's nothing physically 'wrong' with the bike i own at the moment.

Yeah I looked into the lockout option, i think i'll buy new forks with a remote lockout and 'slip it right in' thanks very much for the measurements btw i couldn't find anything that told me about which size would be right.

I'm also going to invest in some good quality mechanical discs and get new wheels entirely as the rims are becoming quite worn out.

Thanks very much,

Chris

Slip right in is maybe a little understated. You have to transfer the crown race from the old fork to the new fork, you have to cut the steerer tube either to match your old one, or to whatever you want it, and you have to install a star nut.

(IMO) They're all within reach of the home mechanic, and there are plenty of online guides on how to do it. Do your homework, take your time(measure twice, cut once etc) and you should be OK.