Mechanical or Hydro Brakes, 3x8/9
01-24-17, 07:10 AM
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Mechanical or Hydro Brakes, 3x8/9
This is kind of follow on to my MTB Newb post but I have a chance to pick up a Trek X Caliber4 for a good price only thing is it has mechanical disk and 3x8 vice 3x9. Do the difference in break and gears make that much for newb not doing any real technical stuff just plain trails?
01-24-17, 07:45 AM
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Just ride your bike!
Don't dwell on such a minimal difference in spec. Will not change the riding experience you will have. In the future as your skills push you to a higher level than a more significant update will be in order
01-24-17, 08:16 AM
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01-24-17, 08:19 AM
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Get a bike and ride. When you exceed the capabilities of the bike or group upgrade. Buying a bike and then upgrading.
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01-24-17, 12:28 PM
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Hydraulic disc brakes have a much nicer feel than mechanical, but generally mechanical disc work fine. 3x8 vs 3x9 is just gear range, of course the 3x9 probably has slightly better quality parts, but as long as you don't run out of gears, run them until the wear out, then upgrade either the parts or the whole bike. If you get serious into it, you will probably want to upgrade before you wear them out.
01-25-17, 10:04 PM
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Agree with other comments. Ride it like you stole it, wear stuff out and then worry about upgrades. I have ridden a 3x9 with mechanicals for the last two seasons and hasn't kept me from keeping up with the other riders.
01-26-17, 11:22 AM
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Ride it and see how you like it.
If you want to switch a 3x8 bike to 3x9, you just need to change the chain, cassette, and right shifter. The 8s rear derailleur will index 9 cogs perfectly with a 9 speed shifter.
Mechanical disks can perform really well if you true the rotor and run the pads as close as possible.
If you want to switch a 3x8 bike to 3x9, you just need to change the chain, cassette, and right shifter. The 8s rear derailleur will index 9 cogs perfectly with a 9 speed shifter.
Mechanical disks can perform really well if you true the rotor and run the pads as close as possible.
01-26-17, 12:45 PM
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I got so pissed off at the hydraulics on one of my Stumpys that I converted it to Avid BB7 mechanicals. Unless you're into some really fast riding on technical trails, the brakes won't make much of a difference if set correctly.
As for 8 vs 9. Yeah, I felt a difference and much prefer the increments in 9 speed. IMHO, start out with what you've got. Convert later if you believe you need to move up.
As for 8 vs 9. Yeah, I felt a difference and much prefer the increments in 9 speed. IMHO, start out with what you've got. Convert later if you believe you need to move up.
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01-26-17, 12:48 PM
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This is kind of follow on to my MTB Newb post but I have a chance to pick up a Trek X Caliber4 for a good price only thing is it has mechanical disk and 3x8 vice 3x9. Do the difference in break and gears make that much for newb not doing any real technical stuff just plain trails?
I say this because you are contemplating a couple of brake setups which are more common(now) and 'better' than what I am building. You will be totally fine either way.
I would be more concerned about the quality of each brake than if its mechanical or hydraulic. There are some terrible mechanical disc options and some fantastic disc options.
01-27-17, 07:00 AM
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I prefer hydro by a long shot. My mechanicals worked but not nearly as well as hydro. Riding it the way it is also recommended by myself. there is no issue with 3x8 or mech disc
