Bigger Brakes?

[mtbmichael]

Would upgrading to bigger hydro brakes be that much of an improvement? I currently have 160mm tektro mechanical brakes that came with my bike and I've never crashed due to not stopping in time, but with all these brake deals going around it's hard to resist.

[DownHillPhil]

Get a BBK! (big brake kit)

I know it's not much help but if your brakes are run by cables you'll love having hydro brakes.

One thing I noticed was more precise control over how much you're braking - also it's much easier to one-finger brake on tricky descents.

[faded1004]

oh yea, i have been seeing all the good deals! i myself have the 160mm avid bb7, i just picked up the 203mm conversion... so i will be trying that out probably on my next run. when i went to the fully loop i had NO problems with my brakes... but i got the 203mm for such a great price... i couldn't resist...

[mtbmichael]

so jason, i assume you're gonna go for all the big jumps next time.

[nintense]

Originally Posted by mtbmichael

Would upgrading to bigger hydro brakes be that much of an improvement? I currently have 160mm tektro mechanical brakes that came with my bike and I've never crashed due to not stopping in time, but with all these brake deals going around it's hard to resist.

You may not need anything better.

[graves.z]

I try not to change anything on my bike that works. If I don't encounter a problem with it I leave it alone. If you haven't found yourself wanting on stopping power than your brakes are most likely fine for your riding style.

[katonk]

This is how upgradeitis starts. If you squeeze your brake levers and you stop, you do not need new brakes. Don't replace things on your bike unless they brake, wear out, or effect the fit of your bike.

[Alex]

What bike do you have? I have Tektro mechanical brakes also: Given, they're not the top of the line, but they work really well. They're fairly easy to maintain, too.

I'd say keep them.

Originally Posted by katonk

This is how upgradeitis starts.

That's the word. (I don't have a problem with that: I have no money to spend. )

[mtbmichael]

sometimes I do want to stop more quickly, but I think it's my tires (hutchinson scorpion airlight) and/or surface.

Originally Posted by Alex

What bike do you have? I have Tektro mechanical brakes also: Given, they're not the top of the line, but they work really well. They're fairly easy to maintain, too.

I'd say keep them.

Jamis Komodo 1.0. Sometimes I go pretty fast downhill (40-50 mph according to gps) and they seem to work fine for short periods of time, but not sure about reliability and dependability. Don't want them to fail while going fast.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by mtbmichael

Sometimes I go pretty fast downhill (40-50 mph according to gps) and they seem to work fine for short periods of time, but not sure about reliability and dependability. Don't want them to fail while going fast.

Wow. I've gone 41 mph max, and I felt pretty good with them. But any faster, I can't say.
And I've only had my bike for five months, so I can't tell yet about longevity either.

Maybe then, If you're bombing at those speeds...

I would still stick with them, myself.

[mtbmichael]

Originally Posted by Alex

Wow. I've gone 41 mph max, and I feel pretty good with them. But any faster, I can't say.
And I've only had my bike for five months, so I can't tell yet about longevity either.

50 was on road-- a very steep one. I'll be crazy to go 50 on dirt.

[faded1004]

Originally Posted by mtbmichael

so jason, i assume you're gonna go for all the big jumps next time.

oh yes, i want to go on bigger! hahaha... i think once my stamina gets better, i can keep the speed and stuff...

[DISCO]

unless you have shuttle runs in the future the extra heat dissipation will likely go unnoticed. I have been salivating for a pair of strokers but have yet to wear out my stock pads.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by mtbmichael

50 was on road-- a very steep one. I'll be crazy to go 50 on dirt.

I was about to say!

What tires do you have, btw?

[mtbmichael]

i said hutchinson scorpion before but that was a mistake. they are actually hutchinson spider 2.3's -- came with bike.

[dstepper]

Upgrades are good, if you can afford it...go for it. Two years ago a had enough replaced parts sitting around to to build another bike...just needed a frame. I am back to that place again, but I have three bikes and don't need another.

Dean

[Alex]

Doh, I didn't catch that.
Thanks.