A few questions about Trek and Specialized, Disc Brakes or Rim Brakes?

Question

I am probably going to buy a Mountain Bike Hardtail tomorrow. My Bike Store predominately sells Specialized and Trek. I am currently looking at the Trek 4300 and Specialized Hardrock Comp! Anybody have any knowledge about these bikes. The Hardrock comes with Disc Brakes. I am not sure if it is worth the few extra bucks for Disc Brakes or go with rim brakes.

I am probably gonna use it predominately to go back and forth from work, and eventually try and take it on some trails and stuff. But nothing extreme.

Answer 1

Hey,

If you don't know anything about bikes i can understand why this would be a hard decision but for me this would be a no-brainer. Firstly Specailized is a MUCH better brand and they make better bikes ( im buying a Specalized Big Hit freeride bike soon). Secondly disc brakes are worth paying extra. They have much more braking power ( will stop you better than rim brakes) and if you want to ride some trails they would be MUCH better. The only bad thing about disc brakes there is is the little bit of extra weight but since you're not BMXing or doing traild you should be fine.

Answer 2

Disk brakes will stop you in wet weather faster . But there is nothing wrong with good quality rim brakes . Get bike which one is more comfortable for you . What about real good quality commuting bike - like Trek Soho , it is much faster then MTB  and will handle eazy trails to .

Answer 3

usually i would say to go for the trek but having disc brakes is a good thing they are a lot more reliable

Answer 4

i dont know about the brakes but using any one of those bicycles to work aint such a good idea....

the tyres are big and there is much rolling resistance.....

i use to use my mtb tyre to commute then i changed to slicks...

but using those big wheels on trails is a perfect match...

about the brakes...

disc brakes, as i know, has more stopping power than rim brakes.........

it depends on whether you commute more or ride trails more....

if you just commute more i think rim brakes are fine unless you ride trails more you need the disc brakes.....

Answer 5

I think you've been quite well advised by most of the answerers so far.  For commuting I would recommend you choose a more conventional town bike with mudguards (fenders) - unless of course you live in the desert - rather than a mountain bike.  Not only do the knobbly mountain bike tyres create a bit more drag but the rough profile throws around a lot of water riding wet roads and quite often you can't retrofit fenders.  With reasonably robust tyres (say around 30mm) and having some profile you will be safe on your commute and you can easily tackle simpler trails.  If you're ever in a hurry, want to keep up with others or have to climb hills, then weight is a disadvantage - but generally less weight is more cost.  Choose a frame size that seems a little too small for you rather than on the large side.  As to which make - I don't think it matters much, except that really cheap or unknown is usually a heap of problems; any of the well known brands including those you mention, should be satisfactory.

As others have said, disc brakes are more powerful and more progressive than rim brakes; they are also a lot more reliable in the wet since the rims are exposed to a lot of water which "lubricates" the brakes.  On the downside if your office commute involves you leaving the bike where it may get "kicked around", the discs will soon get buckled which is mostly only curable by replacement.  Consider hub brakes - a little heavy but essentially immune to the latter problem and having all the other advantages except that removing the wheel is a little more complicated due to the brake cable.

Hope this helps you find a good compromise,

Bramble.

Answer 6

Save your cash and don't get Disc Brakes if you are commuting. Spend the extra money on accessories that you need like:

1. Head and Tail Light

2. Lock

3. A Helmet

4. H20 Cage and Bottle

5. A Rear Rack

This stuff will make your ride a lot better. Have Fun and enjoy the bike!