mato_h2h

I have read a bunch of different reviews on cheap bikes like the entry level trek, specialized, scott, and jamis ones. I find it amazing that every one has the same basic comment that the bikes are decent for a beginner but the one piece lacking is the brakes. Wouldn't you think these companies would maybe invest a little more money into the brake system??? I would think that would probably be most important to a new rider vs. a lighter rim or carbon fork, no?

So as a semi-newbie myself, what is actually required for our own brake upgrades? Is it just moving to a better pad($) or is it something like replacing the entire system ($$$)? What would I be looking to pay for something like that?

elemental

For many cheap bikes, nicer pads will be a big upgrade. Nicer brakes are definitely less bang for your buck, but will also improve performance.

I do not agree with the assertion that the brakes are way under par for the bike on said "cheap bikes." My Scott came with cheap house-brand cockpit parts, cheap wheels, and cheap house-brand brakes. It all seems about on par. While the entire drivetrain has been replaced, the brakes are still there because they seem to be doing just fine. Have you ridden any of said "cheap bikes?" I think that most have faults that are significantly more glaring than the brakes, especially Sora triples, one of the evilest drivetrains known to man.

The biggest gains on my bike were made with a drivetrain upgrade (swapped from Sora triple to mostly Tiagra double before it left the shop), and the wheelset I hope to add in the next week or so (if you want something to complain about, cheap wheels are like Dracula sucking the power out of your sprints and climbs, and this is coming from someone who weighs 140).