disc brakes

are disc(or disk) brakes really that much betterthan the normal bicycle brakes with the brake pads just squeezing the tires?i was gonna buy some but im just a teenager and just starting out on my bike so over 100$ for brakes is a bit much for me...but is it worth it?

At this point probably not. When you upgrade to disc brakes, you also need to upgrade your wheels so that they can handle the added stress of disc brakes.

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I have a set of Hope minis with goodridge hoses that i have had for years and have been on countless bikes. They are so simple to work on, reliable and offer a brilliant amount of stopping power. The pads last forever and i've used them on my commuter clocking up huge miles, on my downhill bike riding international uci downhill tracks, on my xc bike being fully submerged in water and half hour fast desents with start stop switch backs and havn't had any problems what so ever. I would whole heartedly recommend a good set of disc brakes to everyone. For your first disc brakes I would look for ease of use and general enjoyment, so go for hydraulic Hayes or Hope.

Disc brakes are the best! period!!

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Disc brakes are sweet but, if your frame doesn't have mounts for the calipers or your wheels don't have the hubs for the disc's it can get pretty pricey changing over. I built all the adaptor parts for one of mine, and although that was alot cheaper it was VERY time consuming.

John

Disc brakes are better than rim brakes or drum brakes providing the surface area of the disc is adequate and the surface area of the pads contacting are adequate for the weight of the vehicle and rider.....YES disc brakes are superior!

Brakes Are The Most Important Item On Your MB!

Most bicycle brakes, properly adjusted, provide plenty of power. The problems w/ the various other types, beyond adjustment, are wet operation, linear effect and fade.

Generalizations:

Disc brakes and drum brakes are good in wet and dry conditions and will not fade (become < effective when used a lot or under heavy load). Disc and drum brakes provide linear braking effect (brake effect increases evenly as you increase lever actuation). Discs will, in almost all cases, stop you faster than drums (there are exceptions). Bicycle drums are great because they don't lock up and are designed for the heavier loads.

Good, well adjusted, v brakes w/ good quality pads will do everything those mentioned above will do almost as good. Most quality bikes come w/ 'em and they are a good econo choice.

Cantilevers are hard to adjust properly and lock up easilly. But other than that quality brakes from about the late Seventies on, properly adjusted and fitted w/ good pads will do the trick.

Avoid crappy sidepull and coaster brakes; they are dangerous!

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I just sold a bike on craigslist because of 2 factors and it was a great bike. Centerpull brakes was the deciding factor , no front suspension was the other. I concurr if your just getting a regular bike linear brakes is the only way to go. Disc brakes are great but you need to check out their stopping power to see if their adequate for your circumstances and pocket book.

disc brakes are worth every penny easy to work on etc,they will be able to take you fron 40 mph to 0 in seconds.

Agreed............if its in your check book.