I'm planning to either buy a Carrera Vulcan from Halfords (has Tektro IO front and rear disc brakes) or a GT Avalanche 3.0 with Alloy V Brakes.

Both are the same price so that's not a problem but I'm wondering if there is that big an advantage with disc brakes, because I have heard contrasting views.

Some people have told me disc brakes can become unreliable after a while, whilst others say disc brakes are a lot better.

What do you think?

Any opinions welcome.

Cheap disc brakes are nasty, I suspect that's what you'll get on that bike. Good disc brakes are just that.

That's what I was thinking., I've got a front disc brake on my current bike an Apollo from Halfords and I cannot get it to work properly.

So what does everyone else think? Avoid this bike due to the disc brakes or what?

What i would say is see if the GT has disc hub if so go for that you will then have the option of upgrading to a decent set of discs when you require it a disc hub has 6 bolt holes on the left of the spoke flange which will save you money in the long run without the need to buy new wheels

Ok then, thanks, I'll e-mail chain reaction cycles now!

I looked at the Carrera Kraken and the GT from Halfords at the weekend. The Carrera has the same Tektro disks and I suspect they will be fine for what she wants.

However, the reason I would go for this over the GT is the brakes will be easy to upgrade (if nec) and found LX disc setup on ebay for about £60. A lot cheaper than including new wheels into the deal.

Ooh, ok then, if you were referring to me as "she" then I dunno why but I'm male if you're wondering ;)

Thanks again but how effective will these Tektro discs be compared to V brakes and how long will they stay these effective for?

Sorry Goff! I was not refering to you as a 'she'. My first post mentioned I was looking at the bike for my girlfriend, I then re-typed but omitted re-type that bit! Ooops!

The main problem with cable discs is only one pad moves and therefore they do not bite like hydrolic discs where both pads move together onto the disc.

You also suffer with cable stretch etc but this is easy to overcome by adjusting as required.

They do bite onto the disc in the centre of the wheel which generally stays cleaner than the rim and therefore can be more effective than V brakes, especially when muddy.

Its very subjective and people will always have a preference which they will stick to.

Mate has those tekro cable discs on his run around bike I had to borrow
And they're not that bad actually
In sticky mud etc they're miles better than v brakes, compared to good hydraulics they take more effort at the lever.
Don't know about pad life on the discs but v brake pads on the back would last me 3/4 months, hopefully the discs would do a bit more.

"referring to me as "she"" why the blowing me kissed on MSN that once then LOL


disk brakes, every time, easier upgrade path to Hydro's later, the GT will have a Combo shifters / V Levers so you'll need new shifters aswell and maybe new wheel / hubs.


Vulcans a great bike, trust me for once man!!

Cable discs do require careful setting up and need a little more care than hydros, but they can be completely fine.

I've had a reasonable number of disc brakes now. Magura have been the most troublesome, with pistons not retracting and a clara developing a major leak (seal kits not generally available). Hayes have been very good, needing nothing more than replacement pads every year or so.

I've got cable discs on 2 bikes: a formula activa disc that I've had on a XC hardtail for about 4 years now. Still on the original pads, it's needed stripping and lubricating once in that time. Power is similar to an magura Julie 165 hydro.

I've just put Avid cable discs on a steel XC hardtail. These have always had a good reputation, and this is fully justified, especially with 185mm rotors. Lots of controllable power with a light feel at the lever.

Cable disc pads seem to need more bedding in than hydos, and at first there will be almost no power. Coating the disc with mud speeds things up quite a bit. When you do the cable run for a rear disc, don't use the cable stops on the frame, but run the outer with no breaks from bars to caliper. This prevents mud and water getting in and spoiling the action. Be careful to keep the pads adjusted so that the arm is at about 70-80 degrees to the cable at the biting point and that the static pad *just* clears the disc: this will ensure max power remains as the pads wear a little during the ride.

If you want 185mm avids then look out for 'Mikes supercyles' and Onzaboy on ebay. They're going for about £30 +p&p each end right now.

Ok then, if I do get the Vulcan, then you must help me with setting the disc brakes up for good braking! :D

Not a Problem Goff, just got to learn to dial in the manual pad frequently, piece of cake, but pain doing it.

Ah, ok, I'm still learning you see.

If there's anyone here who'd like my MSN addy to help me out check my profile, it's there.

pls, or I'll get all the questions.

Explaining Preload on a fork was hard enough and I think I still failed :)

oh, them tektro's were on a mates bike, they stopped well enough after being set up properly

Better than V's when it's wet and muddy for sure, thats just lethal.

:D The more people I can ask the better!