Buying a mountain bike, Disc Brakes?

Question

I am buying a mountain bike ($400-$500 range) and I was onboard to get a bike with disc brakes. However I was informed that disc brakes on the cheaper models are more for show and have a lot of problems, esp warping. I was told unless I am buying a bike over $700, do not bother with the disc on the cheaper model. The ones on $700 models are designed differentl;y and are made of better components. Does any have any suggestions or thoughts? Recommendations? I am looking at either a Specialized or Cannondale if that helps.

Answer 1

I've got a GT Avalanche ($500) and the disc breaks work great.

Answer 2

I have a GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc, and that is correct, the brakes are very poor!

There is no signs of warping etc. after 3 years, it's just the stopping power!

V-brakes would be more powerful, but you should still get the disc brake bike, as it will have the mounts for them on the frame... Hydraulic disc brakes can be bought for less than £100 for the set!

Answer 3

First... jknf1234 (above) $400 to $500 = 200 to 250 quid. To my knowledge you can't get a reasonable quality bike from ANYWHERE in the UK for under 300 quid (about $600).

Anyway, if you buy your bike from a bike shop they will take care of the brakes. The person you talked with about discs must be thinking about the difference between mechanical discs and hydraulic discs. That being said there are MANY bikes that have decent mechanical discs in the $500 range. Fair warning, they WILL take more maintenance and a breaking in period. Warping is a way of life with discs. They just have to be realigned occasionally.

For the $700 range I would still vote for mechanical discs. They are still cable actuated but do have considerably better modulation and stopping power. I would avoid hydraulic discs until the $1000 range is breached.

Specialized, Cannondale, and Trek tend to have one level lower components for the same price as other brands. Ignore brands and go with quality of components for the money. To this end don't forget KHS, Raleigh, Iron Horse, and Mongoose (not the Walmart Mongooses).

Answer 4

youre right about the disc breaks. these people who talk about how great theres are dont ride a bike for real. if you want to do any type of off road biking, those brakes will not cut it. they will be warped the very first time you take it out. however if you go with the specialed hard rock which i think you are looking at if your in the price range i would feel most comfortable with them. specialized has great bikes whether your spending 500 or 5000 so. personally if i was going to spend that money i would go with the specialized hardrock comp disc. you should be alright with those brakes.

Answer 5

I have disk brakes on mine for almost 2 yrs now and there's nothing wrong with them it's an apollo 26* or something. And how is $400 - $500 cheap!!! how many £'s would that be?