[Canadian ST]

darkpuppet,Apr 22 2008, 05:30 PM Wrote:

Canadian ST,Apr 22 2008, 04:05 PM Wrote:I used to do the downhill racing out west and trust me disk brakes are the way to go! Even under normal ridding conditions they work so much better, so yah they are worth the $150.
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I believe that all depends....

because upgrading to crappy disk brakes does you no favour (anyone who's had Hope disks sieze on you know what I mean).... I'm not sure what price bracket those bikes are in, however, when you spend your money, you want to make sure it's spent well in the following areas...

frame - this is the thing you live with the longest and makes one of the largest impacts to the total weight of a bike.
Fork - if you're getting suspension up front, make sure it's got a decent fork -- chintzing on this for other expensive bits will deny you decent handling, longevity and weight.
driveline - you want something that shifts well and will last you .. NEVER go XTR on your first bike -- xt in back, LX (or the equivalent) will more than suffice
brakes - since this is a major wear part, don't worry about disks right off the bat. However, make sure that the frame and fork have brake bosses. V-brakes are more than sufficient for beginners and people just getting back into it. When they wear out, you'll have had enough time to save up money for a decent mechanical brake or even a top notch hydraulic one.

Downhilling is great fun, but it's a whole other price of entry...
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Yah I will agree with you that there is better ways to spend money on a bike instead off upgrading the brakes. Like you said better components and forks. I still think disc brakes are far better, though they may have no advantages in "normal riding situations"