What brakes and where do i buy ???

[Dead Rats]

GUYS calm down, the Hardrock in questions an early 90's job !

agree with some of the previous replies in that for nice cheap v-brakes I'd go for a complete set of Avids (less than £30)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Avid-V-Brake-set- ... 3ca83995ac

Or for canti some cheapo & nice STXs that Woolyhatshop still do. Just make sure you have cantilever levers! I have some you can have for a fiver posted *cough*

http://www.woollyhatshop.com/view_product.php?id=2355

 

[Monkey Trousers]

If you go for discs, get the cable operated ones. Avids are good.

 

[Skeelsie]

At the lower end Shimano Deore V's are so much better made than low end Avid SD5, SD7 etc. The Avid levers quite simply suck donkey ****, even Tektro's at 40% cheaper are way better built IMO.

At the higher end XTR, Avid Arch rivals and Cane Creek DC 5 are great stoppers.

As for classic stoppers Shimano DX and Parallel push LX and XT v's make good buys if they've been looked after.



How old is the bike? I wouldn't fear putting cantis on with the right pad and setup, they'll still lock a wheel at a high speed.

Obviously Maguras stop incredibly well but a decent set is more expensive and has a weight penalty to boot, cool brakes though.

 

[hamster]

I think a lot depends on the OP's mechanical sympathy.

IF you are good with a spanner, then well set-up cantis look the part and work well enough.
V'brakes are much simpler to set up, although they are a bit grabby for my tastes.
Maguras require patience to set up correctly (although they are easier than cantis, especially as ongoing maintenance is almost zero) and combine power and modulation. They are also at least period, unlike V's.

 

[kaiser]

I'm possibly the only one it seems but I reckon Suntour canti's on an old Spesh go down a treat. Retro bikes aren't for going too fast anyway

 

[velomaniac]

In agreement with Kaiser, old Spesh's look best with canti's