MTB Help Please

Triathlon Forum
1

I have a Specialized Hardrock Sport purchased circa 2007. I rode it maybe a half dozen times the first year and it’s been hanging in my garage since. I’ve recently started again and had some problems today. After about an hour of a pretty muddy/wet ride I literally had zero braking. I had to unclip and drag my leg on a few downhills. When I got home I looked and all four brake pads are worn to the line. I have the V-brakes and my question is would it be worth it to upgrade to disc brakes or just replace the pads? The only trails I have are 1 1/2 hours away so I’m only riding once every three weeks or so. I was planning on trying a couple of Xterras as well. When purchased new the bike only cost $400. Thanks in advance for any wisdom.

trav

2

Disc brakes require disc compatible wheels (hubs) and frame/fork (or adaptors). Buy new pads, adjust properly, and if you’re riding more and want to spend the bucks, but a new MTB.

3

Thanks; the fork and frame are disc compatible. Didn’t know about the hubs.

trav

4

What FuryUs said. Your frame could probably handle it, but not the wheels.

You can certainly do Xterras with less, but I’d think a comfortable minimum would be about a $1000 bike. I’d recommend a 29er hard tail.

But make sure you are gonna really be riding off road enough, first.

–Donnie

5

I’m fine with the bike itself; just thought maybe disc brakes handle mud/wet condition better. We’re talking trails in Louisiana so I don’t need anything special.

trav

6

Oh, disc brakes are a HUGE upgrade in performance, particularly in slop. Night and day.

–Donnie

7

Yeah, what I thought. Hey, can you recommend a good pair of V-brake pads?

trav

8

Just buy Shimano if they are Shimano brakes. FWIW, they probably shredded real fast because they sat so long. That’s normal. Next set will last much better.

–Donnie

9

Ok, thank you so much.

trav