Hi, I'm about to get my first bike for about 15 years. I want something that can get me to work but can also handle weekends in the New Forest/Purbeck. I've decided that a mountain bike is probably best but I'm stuck on brakes.

There are two bikes I'm deciding between, heavily discounted in my local shop because they're 06 models. One has Tektro V brakes and one has Shimano mechancial disc brakes. They're identical otherwise. There's not a lot in the price - which should I go for? I'm a total novice when it comes to bike maintenance and I'm not sure if the discs make a lot of difference to weight...

Any advice massively appreciated!! :)

disks make a lot of difference to stopping in the wet/mud - the weight shouldn't be an issue unless you are planning to race and want a sub 22lb bike i guess - can't say i know anything about Tektro - Shimano disk brakes however are tried and tested in our house, though hydraulic rather than mechanical...

can you post more info about the bikes please miriam?

Hi, thanks for your reply!

Sure - the bikes specs are:
FRAME: Alloy 6061 series tubing, oversize down tube with gusset, snake stays, carrier bosses and replaceable dropout.

FORK: SR Suntour XC60 suspension fork with pre load adjustment.

GEARS: 24 speed Shimano Acera with STI trigger control levers.

CRANKS: Truvativ Iso Flow triple with alloy cranks.

WHEELS: Black airline alloy double wall 32 hole rims, with alloy quick release hubs and WTB Velocerapter 26” x 2.10” all black tyres.

BRAKES: Shimano mecahnical disc brakes to front & rear.

STEERING: Oversize alloy Ahead headset and Tioga riser handlebars.

The other bike is identical spec but with Tektro V type brakes. Does this look like a good option to you? There's only about "25 difference between the two!

Go with the discs.

Don't get that nasty grinding scratching sound when they go into mud and are more powerfull/relaible in the wet.

I have hydraulic discs but a couple of friends have mechanical disc and have no problems. I have aslo had a go of their bikes and they do work better than V's.

I do however have another bike with V brakes that occasionaly comes out in the dry weather and thats great fun, makes you think about your speed and braking more than discs.

Have fun whichever you choose.

x

my advice would be the same as fluffy's... go with the discs

Happy riding!

Thank you all! Just found the same bike online for even cheaper - here it is: http://www.bikesandprams.co.uk/section.php?xSec=795

And I've now bought it, thanks for your advice :)

I think you have a good deal there.

Welcome to the mud fest.

tee hee, bikes and prams, my googlemail kept coming up with an ad for them and it scared me, as obviously I have the bike part down to a tee, so i thought it might be trying to give me a hint ;-)

Thanks Fluffy, I'm so excited! Feel like a 12 year old again actually...! I'll post back to update on how I'm getting on :)

Claire, yes, the website name was a tad off-putting - I just ignored the "other" products... ;)