New tires and brakes?
 

I just got a bike, the tiers look worn to hell and the back brakes are very weak. The bike is a Specialized Rockhopper They are 26inch wheels, the bike is a Specialized Rockhopper. I will be using the bike on the street more then off road. I do not have a whole lot of money either. Nor do I know much about bikes. I am guessing the weak brakes are from brake pads. Can some one give me some advice on what to get?
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=362032

New tires, brake pads and remove the bar ends, then it will be ready to handle what you want to throw at it.

Around how much is it going to cost me? I spent 140 on the bike, I dont want to put to much into it. Just a temp tool to get around and work on cardio.

Or you can readjust the brakes in the back to be tighter, switch the front and rear tire.

Tires will be ~$30-50 for a set. Brake pads will be less than $20 for a set. I recommend Kool Stop brake pads.

You can also shop Craigslist for used tires. So far in Dec and Jan I purchased 6 tires, for $5 - $7.50 each, really good ones too! Since money is tight, learn to patch. I just did for the sake of knowing how. There are a ton of patching threads, here's one I started and go a lot of great responses.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...h-matter/page2

Grate idea, no need to buy new when you can do a minor fix.

If I do this do I risk damaging the wheel?

Nope, because you will be using good plastic tire levers and we'll talk you through the rest.

You can also try sanding the brake pads down a bit. Gets them down to fresh softer material.