Front Mechanical Disc Brakes, front and rear suspension on mountain bike

[Steve R]

wearout/service intervals and cost? I just bought a mountain bike with a front mechanical disc brake system, rear traditional rim/shoe brakes, a rear frame coil spring and front springs/shocks. I'm wondering on the wearout intervals and replacement cost of these items. I haven't purchased a bike for about 10-15 years, so these items are a little surprising to me. I need to get in shape, so this bike is a must for me. It is an "Avenger" Triumph by Raleigh, 26" mens model. $249 Canadian funds at local Walmart. I plan on doing a mile or 2, 3X a week until I get in better shape, then doing longer outings. Any info will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Edward W]

well I wouldnt ever recommend that anyone buy a bike from wal mart anywhere in the world but since you have then what you have is the lowest end disc brake on the market and although it will work for some time the pads will wear out in about 1 year or so depending entirely on your use of the front brake and riding it the way you say you will do. The rotor also being of low end quality should last about that long too. The disc brake tends to outlast the rim brake by far but herein is the problem.....Wal Mart bike. Do not plan on using this bike for more than a 5 miles out and 5 back as you will inevitabley have other problems with it that have nothing to do with the brakes at all. The full suspension on these bikes is a bit of a laughing matter too unfortunately they do not work in the traditional sense of a real full susp. bike that would cost (for a low end entry level f/s bike, $1,000 and higher) the coil over spring is there more for looks and will eat up about 90% of your pedaling efficiency thus forcing you to work harder to pedal during your commute. These so called f/s bikes are not very efficient for road ridding. They are flashy with paint colors and graphics and the price generally is an attention getter for most and you will very likely soon be unsatisfied with this purchase as the first thing to go will likely be the rear hub/wheel and a replacement will likely cost you around $60+- which is 1/4 what you paid for the bike and the rear cassette if it is 7 or 8 speed will cost you a minimum of $30 at best and these prices are for mimimum bike shop quality replacement parts which most bike shops can get for these bikes but generally dont want to mess with because we just dont want to take the time with them or even finding the parts. My mechanic despises working on Next, Magna and Roadmaster the most and prefers to turn these brands away from shop repair unless he is not all that busy for these reasons. Make sure you take extra tubes and repair kits with you on your rides so you dont have to walk the bike back when you get that flat tire. other than that you are fine with these brakes and the rear brakes can generally be purchase for about $10 or less for pads. Dont worry about those brakes right now as they are not your biggest concern for now.