Nuggie

I've bought a Trek 6300 '09 model second hand recently for about a 3rd of the price. It's great, although a spoke has snapped, but that was easily fix'd.

Now, the breaks have been sqeaking (i've read that this is common of the avid's), and the rear one needs bleeding. I've never bled before.

I was playing around earlier (I like doing this kinda thing), and took the brake pads out. I couldn't return them to their position for a while but eventually figured it out. Now though, the piston has moved, and it's trapped the pads in. There's no room for the disc to slot back in, and I can't get them back out. The pads are also quite worn.

I've also read a lot of negative reviews of the Juicy 3's, and some fine/average ones.

My question is, should I spend a bit of money and bleed the breaks and get them sorted out by a shop. OR should I upgrade? Are the brakes actually quite bad? I'm a beginning MTB-er, but I'm looking to do as much as possible. It's the perfect sport for me.


Thanks in advance for any help!

Angus.

Dannihilator

Ah yes, the Avid squeal.

I would just get the brakes bled. The piston can be pushed back in where it goes in the caliper.

Nuggie

So it's not worth me getting better brakes? They're good enough?

What would you consider a good upgrade, that'll last a long time, and preferably won't squeak?! Are there any really good, renowned sets of hydraulic disc brakes available?

iRide Africa

I'm currently building up a new bike with 2nd-hand Juicy 3's and they seem fine to me. Yes a bit of squeak here and there, but to state the obvious if the bike stops when you pull the lever, then they work fine - that's the simple test!
If you want to shop around for upgrades, all brands do decent reliable models of brake. I would say go with a brand that your local bike shop supports, so if you have problems, it's easy to get it sorted.

Cheers