Originally Posted by
borobike
... I can't lock up the brakes or stop on a pinhead like some of the other riders can,
Something is wrong - I can lock up both brakes and stop my Denali as quickly as anyone, considering the extra weight. I have cheap pads too. I think you should re-check the position and orientation of your pads.
Heck, I wouldn't even mind the carbon fork, but I agree, that's something for when I'm just feeling crazy.
You're the second person now to tell me to stay with the fatter tire size so I think I'll listen up...32c isn't so bad...
I changed to 28c when the original tires wore out and I feel like it was a significant improvement, although a pain on gravel and dirt hills. It wouldn't be important enough to me to swap out just to swap out.
How foolish of me. Guess I shoulda forked over some extra money while I'm still in college so I could hang out with the cool kids.
If they're more worried about the bike than biking they probably couldn't keep up anyway.