Originally Posted by
lordbaldric
Hi there. I'm new to the forums and am about to buy a new bike from the LBS in the next couple weeks, and have a couple questions.
The bike shop sells Trek bikes and after doing some research I'm considering a DS 8.3, FX 7.3, Verve 3 or Marlin 6.
First question: It seems like disc breaks are more effective(?), but are they a maintenance hassle. I'd be fine with traditional rim breaks if the disc ones are a pain. Or are mechanical/hydraulic disc breaks different in this area?
Second question: I've read some people say that entry level shock absorbing forks are pretty worthless. If that's the case, maybe better to get rigid forks and save the weight? Replace the standard FX tires with a little more robust ones to absorb a little more shock?
I will be riding on streets and sidewalks mostly, but don't want a full blown road bike because of broken pavement, curbs, the occasional tree root, etc. Would also like a some versatility in case I ever ride on some unpaved trails. This probably makes a MTB way overkill.
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
Have a new Trek Fx. Skip the suspension unless the unpaved trails you're talking about lean more towards single track than fire road. I use the Fx primarily for gravel rides which are typically worked deep and though I try to miss some of the chunkier rock, it sees 2" rock as well. No trouble with either the stock tires (run at lower pressure, though could go faster if I switched to Challenge Gravel Grinders, as the stock tires tend to fishtail) crossing rr tracks, etc.
I don't own a bike with disc brakes, but have done several test rides on bikes equipped with them. I was expecting them to feel more grabby like the v brakes on my gary fisher...but they didn't feel like they had that kind of grab. So, I'm fine with cantilever brakes.