Just wondering - for those of you with mechanical disk brakes, do you find them of much use on the road or notice most of their benefits on the trail ?

I am seriously considering getting a bike with the 8" hayes disk brakes. I can't do much mountain biking right now but am just wondering if they are going to make a big difference over v brakes in heavy rain and extremely wet road conditions or would I notice the power of these brakes more off road ?

Justen

They will make a diff in the rain for sure. They will still stop your wheels...the wheels may not stop on the road but the wheel will stop...

For road riding, discs are overkill. Heck, discs are overkill for about 95% of the people and the riding they do! But, I've got some, and will never go back! Why? For that 5% of the time when you DO need them, it's sweet!

L8R

It rains EVERY day here in the summer. Discs and steep, rocky, slippery, muddy downhills are imperitive.

I guess that's similar to those with Land Rovers in the city. 95 % of the people who drive them will never need to utilize the awesome off road abilities that these trucks have but when they do, the ride is sure sweet ! :-)

I realize that getting disk brakes on my new bike is probably overkill at this point but I am now planning to take some MTB skills courses and if I get interested in off road cycling, it would be cool to have a decent bike to start off with.

I am getting a Brodie Bruzza. I am not sure how good these bikes are but I like how it rides more than any of the other bikes I tried out so and I am sure it will be fine for the low grade stuff I plan to do.

Justen

Two philosophies!

1 - Buy cheap till you learn, then get a new bike like you want it!

2 - Invest more, and buy a better bike than you are rider and grow into it!

I always choose choice #2!

L8R

Well, the cheap bike I have now is falling apart. I have to get a new one.

The Brodie Bruzza is already beyond what I had initially expected to spend. I was just going to get the Brodie Fury or the Devinici Cameleon but the Bruzza is my favorite of the three. I know I won't be able to afford a better bike for the next year so that's going to be it I guess. If I really get into hard core mountain biking, I might be able to get a dual suspension next year.

Justen

I always followed #2 above. It made more sense. The discs may be overkill but that one time when you really need them makes it all worthwhile.

I've been following your posts and your bunny hopping woes.

The Bruzza will suit you fine! Sure, it's more bike than you need, but it sound like you'll improve quickly.

Best way to get better fast! Ride with people who are better than you and watch how they ride. Shift when they shift, follow their lines, ...etc. Don't be affraid to ask either. Most people will be more than happy to give you some tips and tell you what they do!

Really, you'll improve 10x's as fast by riding in a group vs. alone!

l8r

Hi,

Thanks for replying. Actually, I have found this forum great. It's so cool to be talking to people with so much experience and skill !

Yeah, I have been having some bunny hopping woes but am getting the hang of it. I found a MTB clinic/course locally that looks pretty good so I am looking forward to that.

As for the Bruzza - do you think they are good bikes ? I guess it is considered entry level but is it really a decent bike ? Is there anything I should get them to change on it before I finish buying it (it is on layaway) and leave the store ?

Justen

The Bruzza looks like a bike I wouldn't mind having. Personally I'd swap the Hayes mechs for a set of Avid mechs. The Hayes are OK from what I've heard but I can attest to the Avid's power and control. One thing I spotted: The cassette is a 11 - 30T which means that it's range is 11 teeth to 30 teeth. Personally I prefer an 11-32T for that little bit of extra thrust in the granny. I'd recommend a SRAM 5.0 in that range. It's not too cheap but it won't kill you. (I'm using one on my commuter.) Alivo stuff is OK considering the frame is worth upgrading. (components do wear out).

As for it being a decent bike: I've never seen one personally but I hear good things.

edit: I'm NITPICKING

Might be a low-key advantage but having your brakes clear of the rim means you don't get totally fouled up by mud. 'Spose that depends on the depth of the mud.

That bike is sweet! I wouldn't change a thing! O.k., if the shop was willing to swap the Hayes mechanicals for Avids for a little bit more $$$, I'd do that, or switch to Hydraulics, but that's it.

Sure the Alivio/Deore stuff is lower end, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The components are heavier, which means burlier, and will be less prone to breaking when you fall. As a beginner, you will fall,.....a lot!

What's that in USD? I'd buy one, just to have as a beater bike and Urban Assault!

L8R

I still ride a deore rear mech and middle mech...its all good

1300$ in american is 20$ ...seriously 900ish...