[ardvark_ann]

I currently have an '06 Schwinn Mesa and I'm deciding whether or not i need discs. Performance bike says it'll cost about $300 bucks to upgrade (rims, brakes, installation,etc...). Are they worth the price? Also, is hydraulic better than mechanical. Avid or Hayes (or even Tektro?)

[hophead]

Disc brakes will definitely out perform rim brakes. The question is: Are they worth shelling out the $$$? I would say that if you are happy with your rim brakes, stick with them. If you ride where there are extended runs of down hill or if you ride in wet conditions, you are probably already frustrated with rim brakes and it's probably worth the upgrade.

For $300.00, Performance must be selling mechanical disc brakes or very cheap hydros considering that to upgrade to disc you will need to also replace your wheels, or at least the hubs. Mechanicals are fine for most riding. My favorite mechs are Avid BB7's. They are inexpensive, easy to set up, and work really well. I have a "mullet" on one of my bikes. That's a disc brake up front and a rim brake on the rear. Two discs are better, but that particular bike does not have any provision to mount a rear caliper.

By your screen name, I'm assuming that you are a woman. Most women have smaller hands than men and benefit by using brakes that have adjustable reach levers. My gf has small hands and runs Hayes Strokers on her xc bike and is very happy with them.

Hope this helps.

-Scott

[tajcrews]

What is your main reason for considering this upgrade? Also, find out what items they are quoting you as this can help us give you a better recommendation as to if that deal is a good one or not.

[Grape Ape]

Hophead brings up a good point. Before digging to far make sure that your frame has the mounting points for the calipers. Your bike may not even be able to be upgraded to discs.

If you have determined based on your riding, extended brake use downhill, wet muddy conditions, etc... That you have a need for the discs.

Another thing to look at is the value. Is the bike worth spending that kind of money on, or would you be better off tuning up the current brakes and continue saving adding to the $300 you have set aside for the upgrade until you can afford a new bike with disc brakes.

While looking for a bike recently I found I could get a Scott Aspect 55 for $560 a nice, light, well appointed bike already set up with disc brakes. Also a tuneup and saving some money will get you through this season and you may be able to pick up a higher end bike than you would have normally got due to end of season sales or even find a real high end used one that someone with to much money decided they had to have then only rode it 4 times and want to clear some space out.

[CTD50]

Not a guarantee, but I believe the '06 Mesa has disc tabs on the frame. Look on the left side, at the rear axle; there would be two mounting holes about 2" apart, stratching up above the dropout.

You can do this for about $200, should you decide to; Pricepoint has BB7 brakes for $45/wheel, and you can get a set of disc wheels for under $100 on a few of the online retail sites. I had a pair of Deore disc/Mavic 223's for about a year, then traded for my buddy's 819's w/ Cannondale disc hubs. He didn't like them, and wanted a spare set to 'thrash'. Worked out well for both of us, as these wheels have been GOLD for me!

[ruggedscotsman]

I wouldn't put discs on a bike like this. You'll need to buy the new brakes, new wheels, or new hubs and have your wheels re-built($$$) and you'll end up spending more than the value of the bike, even for cheaper brakes. I'd look into getting a decent disc equipped model when you want to upgrade. I had a Jamis cross country 2.0 with V-brakes for years before upgrading, and I'm glad i didn't sink money into keeping it going. It was a great bike, make no mistake. But aftermarket parts bought individually are many times more expensive than finding a complete bike with the combination of parts you're looking for.

[HandsomeRyan]

Hydraulic disc brakes offer the absolute best in braking power and modulation under any conditions. That said- There is a cost and weight penalty associated with this awesomeness though.

IMHO- an entry level hydro disc setup is worth the cost. YMMV though.

[Industry_Hack]

Wheelworld to the rescue! I'm not knockin' the Schwinn, but you can throw the KHS disc wheelset on their for $49. If I needed a winter commuter disc wheelset, that would be it. And you should be able to shop around for mechanical discs like the BB7's mentioned above.

Before anyone questions the $50 KHS disc wheelset, keep in mind that this is probably the same quality that Performance is offering if they're doing wheels and brakes with labor for $300.

[edit] That $49 set is 7 speed only. Still, they have another set for $89.

[GrizzlyBear67]

I was told the Shimano hydraulics that were OE spec on my 08 Felt are one level below XT. These brakes are incredible! I can only imagine what higher quality level hydraulics feel like. I'm a heavy rider and these brakes provide true one finger controlled stopping power no matter how fast or steep. Go for it but don't go to cheap.

[topgun514]

why not try some cheap bb5's to see if you like the feel, then upgrade if you want to or sell them again