trek 3700 disc brake conversion

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Trek 3700 Disc review

Beginner-friendly all-rounder

Trek claim that their entry-level 3-series models are the world’s best-selling mountain bikes. Given that the 3700 Disc packs in both the obligatory 100mm-travel (3.9in) suspension fork and mechanical disc brakes for well under £400, it’s not hard to see why the specification is appealing to budget-conscious buyers. It's well built and well enough spec'ed to cope with some hard trail use but its short geometry holds it back.

Ride & handling: Solid build and newbie-friendly ride position make for a reassuring ride

The 3700 turns out to be a bike of surprising contradictions. Clearly built with the nervous newcomer in mind, the combination of a short rider cockpit with long head tube, extra headset washers and a high rise stem creates the kind of sit-up-and-look-at-the-view ride position that’ll make the Trek an easy sale on the bike shop floor. And if you are the kind of rider who’s content with pootling along looking at the view, it’s a setup that works well.

There’s a but, and it’s this – as soon as things get steeper, faster, lumpier, more interesting and more fun, the Trek’s ride position compromises what you can do with it. Point it up a steep climb and the high handlebar makes it hard to stop the front end wandering. Shove it through some fast, flowing singletrack and, you guessed it, the high handlebar compromises front end grip.

Throw it down a bumpy, rocky trail and – you must be getting the picture by now – the rearward weight distribution prevents the fork from working effectively. It takes an experienced rider to weight up the front enough to extract anything more than about half the available fork travel. We’d happily take a slightly shorter fork. It’d suit the bike’s intended purpose better – and probably save a bit of weight too.

The frustrating thing about all this is that there’s nothing wrong with the Trek’s handling, per se. It just doesn’t like being rushed. Given that there’s 100mm of actually fairly effective suspension travel up front and a pair of brakes that’ll haul it all to a stop pretty quickly, it all adds up to a bike of two halves. And, frankly, it doesn’t quite convince us.

If you’re looking for a well-built, well-specced towpath cruiser that won’t flinch if you venture a bit further afield, the 3700 Disc may be worth a look. But if your off-road adventures are likely to be a little more rugged, you need something with a geometry better suited to life in the rough.

Frame: Short, upright geometry compromises off-road handling

Trek label the aluminium tubes that make up the 3700’s chassis ‘Alpha Silver’. The exact make-up of this proprietary alloy is unclear but it’s extruded into plain gauge tubes and then shaped appropriately for the chassis in question.

The 3700’s cross-ovalised down tube provides a torsionally rigid backbone, arcing gracefully where it meets the externally butted head tube to avoid the need for extra strengthening gussetry. At the rear there’s a wishbone seatstay arrangement – something Trek have been using for a while, though the difference over regular stays is more aesthetic than functional.

The finish is a match for the company’s higher end frames but there’s no doubt that the basic plumbing contributes to the bike’s far from svelte all-up weight – 14.5kg (32lb), without pedals. Thoughtful touches include a full set of rear rack and mudguard mounts for an easy conversion to commuting or light touring duties.

Plugged into the front is Suntour’s 100mm-travel (3.9in), coil-sprung XCN fork. It boasts twin preload adjusters to help heavier or more aggressive riders tweak its set-up to suit. It is, without question, among the better forks available for this sort of money, although 100mm travel on a bike aimed at newer riders is arguably overkill. Still, it’s there if you need it.

Equipment: Decent fork and discs at this price is a good deal

You can choose to have your 3700 with rim rather than disc brakes for £25 less, if you like. It would help bring the weight down a tad, but we suspect that most riders will stump up the extra for the all-weather appeal of Tektro mechanical discs. A basic-but-functional Shimano seven-speed transmission combines with the easy rolling of Bontrager’s LT3 tyres to provide motive force.

Bontrager’s logo also adorns the bulk of the finishing kit. There’s evidence of the bean counters at work in areas such as the cheap and heavy bars, but for the most part it’s durable-looking kit that should stand up to some reasonably hard use. We like small touches like the labyrinth-sealed hubs, which should withstand wet and muddy use without flinching. Most bikes at this price make do with basic dust seals.

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2011 Trek 3700 Disc

A 26″ aluminum frame crosscountry bike with modest components and mechanical disc brakes. Compare the full range

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

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Jan 2012 · Seb Rogers

There’s lots to like about the 3700 Disc but its newbie-friendly geometry is ultimately rather limiting

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Last updated June 29 Not listed for 2,495 days

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Trek 3700 XC Hardtail

• Frame: Alpha White Aluminum w/semi-integrated head tube, bi-oval down tube w/integrated gusset, rack & fender mounts, disc compatible dropouts, replaceable derailleur hanger
• Front Suspension: Front suspension SR Suntour XCT w/coil spring and preload, 80mm travel
• Wheels: Formula alloy FM21 front hub, FM31 rear hub; Bontrager 550 36-hole rims w/brushed sidewalls
• Shifters: Shimano EF51, 7 speed
• Brakeset: Tektro linear pull brakes w/Shimano EF51 levers
• USER REVIEWS

Cheap Price, Good drive train, dependable. I got mine for $50 to start mountain biking. I threw a lot of time and a little bit of cash to get it running right. It was a nice step up from the bike I had before and would be great for a beginner rider to try out mountain biking without over paying or going to wally world.

Narrow Bars, Sub Par frame, fork, pedals, kinda heavy for an xc bike. This bike had the same grips as my trek 800 from 1997. It's not worth dumping a lot of money into, but is still worth the time.

Very strong components Trek and Bontrager quality Good gear ratios Fender mounts, and Disk brake compatability

Front fork is rubbish, and has been recalled by Suntour for breaking and causing accidents Tires wore out very quickly, and it broke down thin enough to pop a tube through normal use Stock disk brakes are rubbish, and squeel like a stuck pig!

This is the first bike i rode at the bike store, and i was instantly in love! Got the bike and all the bells and whistles for $450 (this was the 3700D model.) After putting in a set of organic brake pads, and recabling it with decent cables, the bike runs beyond perfect! the parts are of decent quality for intermediate trails and basic road commuting. overall, this bike is of amazing value. Although it's made in china. The sticker was rather easy to peel off though! Again, the forks have been recalled by Suntour, due to bad things happening. This only applies to the 2012 3700D (or disk) model. if you have this model, you can run it down to your local trek dealer and they'll slap on a pair of new shocks free of charge! This bike is fully compatible with any and every part you could possibly want! You can attach rear racks, fenders, disk or rim brakes, any type of bottom bracket/Crankset, you can buy a conversion kit to change the headset to a fully integratred one. The parts that come with the bike are Durable Shimano drivechain, Comfortable Bontrager Accessories, and the reliablility of a Trek!

Similar Products Used:

1995 Specialized Stumpjumper M2 FS comp

very agile you can throw it around hard bends and corners, maneuverability is awesome. frame

fork is pretty rubbish, front derailleur, brakes not disk but ohhwell

overall this bike is worth it, its extremelly fun to ride at all levels, just replace the forks with some rockshox like i have on mine, and change the front derailleur and the bike is awesome.

The Toyota corolla of bikes! This bike is reasonably priced, surprisingly young and agile, an most importantly indestructible Frame some components were less than perfect but just upgrade em when the break overall at least 60 crashes and this bike is still going strong and clean

Front derailer Saddle Fork suspension Had the handlebars bend after an endo/tree combo crash but any bike would have done that Stock tires

I have been run over, endoed, tree slapped, and tail kicked off this bike and back onto the pavement/trail and I just pick up this bike and ride home (or roll it into the ambulance with me) and then begin planning my next ride

Durable, reliable, good handling, low maintenance, strong rims

beginner frame geometry, poor brakes,poor fork, 21 speeds. Saddle bent

A bought this bike when I realized my "hybrid" type bike wouldn't work for real trail riding. This bike was great to start getting good at riding and has been pushed far beyond its "limits". I ride Moderate to technical trails once a week even though this bike is made for smooth trails. I've jumped 5 foot tabletops and crashed many times. Only parts I have broken are the saddle and the front derailler. I added a WTB pure V race saddle and an Avid G3 rotor in the front. I plan on adding truvativ bars and stem.

Diamondback Outlook

Afordable and durable bike for trail rides to intermediate trails. Disc brake version has good stopping power. Tension adjustable front suspension fork. Low maintenance. Saddle gets bent easily (could be the way I'm riding')

Replacement Tektro disc brakes pads are hard to find at most bikes shops in my area. Stock Bontrager tires are too slick for mountain bike trails and slip on steep uphills. They would be fine for level trails and gravel paths.

Good beginner mountain/trail bike. Wish it had a better front suspension with lockout and damping adjustment (but I didn't buy that bike). It handles OK but at higher speeds and downhills I did not feel as confident in the ability of it or me staying in control.

Some Walmart Bikes, do not want to discuss further.

This is a review for an older version of this model, 2004 to be exact. This is a VERY Solid bike. Sturdy frame. Shifting is very smooth and easy with the Shimano click-type shifters. Aside from cleaning and lubing the chain (which I never did until a couple of years ago) and cleaning it when necessary, this bike requires virtually no maintenance. The stock equipment is great for beginner mountain riding or just light trails. Growing up, I took mine everywhere, it was my ride to the world. My parents bought me my Trek 3700 in 2004 at the end of jr high school (after they got tired of buying me a new bike every year because I broke all of them). I guess I haven't grown that much taller since then (I was 5'10" then, now 6') so the 21" frame is still a good fit. Since then it has withstood all the abuse I could throw at it. I've broken wheels, pedals, a crank arm, my arm, my wrist, and had plenty of cuts, scrapes, and bruises, yet the bike keeps asking for more. It has sat exposed to the elements for months at a time, yet the aluminum frame never rusted (the chain did of course). This bike has seen quite the tour of duty. At the start of college I wanted a motorcycle, but the parents said no. So I got the wise idea to put an engine on my old bike. What an experience that was (40 mph on this bike is NOT recommended or any bike for that matter). I put full fenders on the bike and a rear rack for daily commuting to school. I then modded the cheap engine and pushed it till it exploded.The engine is dead now (learned a lot about engines from tinkering), but the bike is still rolling. Did I mention that this bike is rock solid? I have an actual motorcycle now and am planning to repair my trusty bike (from new parts and donor parts of a bike I partially brought back home from studying abroad - left the frame, handlebars, and fork behind). A new fork, neck (maybe depending on the fork), crankset, wheels, brakes (discs this time), front and rear derailers, chain, seat, and a fresh coat of paint are the plan to get my baby back on the trails. Why not just buy a new bike if I'm going to spend money on it? Cause of the sentimental value attached to this one of course! That and the frame is rock solid. Also if I were to buy a new bike, I would be upgrading (maybe build a custom bike off a foldable Montague mountain bike frame) or buy a higher end Trek, either which I can't afford now.

Obviously it's a beginner/light trail use bike, so it's not going to be comparable to those 2k+ bikes out there. The front fork is said to be the weakest link on the bike. No disc brakes, but the V-brakes work well enough for what the bike was designed for.

This is a great bike for the beginner or not too much hardcore trail use. The bike is kid proof as well as bullet proof. Aside from lubing the chain every now and then and cleaning, there is no maintenance required. For the price, you can't beat it. Mine has lasted the past 8 years. If you've recently gotten into mountain biking, or just want a tough bike that can handle the occasional off road that won't break the bank too bad but will last a long time, this is the bike for you. It can even support full fenders and a rear rack.

Trek 820 (friend's), Cheap Wal-Mart bikes

2011 Trek 3700 Disc: Durable, light weight, gears shift smoothly, disc brakes are awesome, good stock components, great bike for the price point.

The front shock cannot be locked. It has an adjuster, but unless you turn it to its firmest setting you will feel the bike bounce when you climb.

This is a great buy! Very good stock components. I am new to the sport and wanted to get a good beginner to intermediate bike that I could grow into without overspending. So far, I have been impressed with the overall quality of the bike. The components are great. The disc brakes work great, gears shift smoothly, it climbs well, and can be used on the road as well as the trails. I use the bike primarily for mountain biking, but I also strap on a baby seat and take my 2 year old daughter with me on rides. I ride the trails with guys that have spent 4 to 5 times more on their bikes and have way more experience than I do, but I feel the 3700 disc allows me to keep up with them without a problem.

Durable, light weight, excellent entry level bike

2010 model does not come with disc brakes

I purchased this bike as an entry level bike and have used it for a good year. I have jumped it, crashed it, banked it off of trees, rocks, and just about everything else and it still rides like new. Even though this was the first mountain bike I purchased to use strictly as a trail bike, but I would would say it is probably the best value out there. The one and only weakness I have found is that the 2010 model does not come with disc brakes, which I think they added on the 2011 model.

Price, paint, design, components. We're not beating this bike to death on trails, jumps, potholes. Front fork seems adequate. I just want to soften up the gravel roads, bumps, grinds. I'm not jumping nor flying. Shimano gears work for me. But I'm not being demanding.

I don't see any. It's an off road bike. I don't use it for jumps, dirt trails, nasty terrain.

I needed to update a 1988 Nishiki Colorado -- 18 speed, straight/solid front fork, hard-tail. Not sure the tire size, but the technology has come a long ways since 1988. I own seven bikes, 3 road, 2 mtb, beach cruiser (Trek), and a spin bike (stationary). I'm 63 yrs. old, have been riding/road racing since 1962. Off road riding is secondary, and I'm riding logging roads, single track trails, not anything "technical." I own three Trek bikes. I've had good experiences with them. The Trek 3700 is not a high-end, hard-core dirk mauler. But it will get you out in the woods, with reliability, nice features, and some comfort. Suspension fork dampens the ride on rough roads and I find I'm much less stiff after riding this than after riding a the rigid frame Nishiki

1988 Nishiki Colorado

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If you’re in the market for an affordable and durable mountain bike, Trek 3700 may be a good option for you. But since this bike has been discontinued, you’ll only find used ones. 

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features that make the Trek 3700 stand out from the competition. 

The Trek 3700 mountain bike has a lightweight Alpha aluminum frame and hardtail design, which is great for beginners who want a reliable ride on the trails. 

Keep reading to find out why the Trek 3700 is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality mountain bike without breaking the bank.

Trek 3700 Mountain Bike At A Glance

Trek 3700 is a hardtail mountain bike with a lightweight and sturdy Alpha aluminum frame, which makes it easy to handle. With an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain and powerful disc brakes, this bike offers great versatility on all types of terrain. 

The front suspension provides excellent balance and stability on rougher roads or trails, ensuring smooth rides. Plus, the Bontrager LT3, 26×2.0″ tires are of excellent quality, making it a reliable choice. If you ever need to replace them, you can do so with ease. 

3700 Trek is the perfect combination of affordability and quality, making it a great choice for beginner riders looking to hit the trails.

• Very versatile bike
• Lightweight and durable frame
• Easy to upgrade
• Quality components
• Seat is stiff and fork is rigid
• Not great for very rough trails

Unfortunately, this bike has been discontinued, but Trek has impressive newer models with better designs which are excellent alternatives to the 3700 Trek mountain bike. 

We recommend Trek Marlin 5 and Trek Fuel EX 5 as great alternatives, you can scroll down to see our brief review of these bikes. 

Trek 3700 Mountain Bike Review: Features and Specifications

Frame and fork.

The frame and fork of the Trek 3700 Mountain Bike strike an excellent balance between durability, comfort, and versatility, making it a great choice for both beginner and intermediate riders who want an affordable and reliable mountain bike.

The Trek 3700 Mountain Bike is made of Alpha Silver Aluminum, which is known for its lightweight and durability. The semi-integrated head tube on the frame adds to its sleek design, while the rack and fender mounts make it a versatile option for both commuting and off-road adventures.

The bike’s rigid fork and geometry make it similar to today’s hybrid bikes, providing a comfortable and stable ride. As a hardtail mountain, Trek 31700 has only a front suspension. And the coil suspension front fork with 100mm travel does a good job of absorbing bumps and vibrations, which improves the bike’s comfort level.

While the front fork’s coil suspension design adds weight to the bike, it’s a small price to pay for a smoother ride. The inner layer of metal within the coil spring absorbs bumps and shocks, while the outer layer of rubber resists movement and compression, keeping you in control and enjoying a comfortable ride.

Gears and Brakes

The Trek 3700 Mountain Bike’s gears and brakes are built for quality and performance. With Shimano C051 shifters, Shimano Altus M310 8-speed front derailleur, and Shimano Altus M280 rear derailleur, you’ll have a reliable and smooth gear system to take on any terrain.

The 2015 Trek 3700 Disc comes with Tektro M290 hydraulic disc brakes, which provide incredible stopping power, giving you the confidence to take on steep hills and rough trails. With these brakes, you can stop quickly and precisely, even in wet or muddy conditions.

The Bontrager LT3 tires and Shimano 8-speed gearing provide excellent grip and versatility on flat terrain, allowing you to ride comfortably and efficiently. Most Trek 3700 models have a 21-gear, 3×7-speed drivetrain, depending on the model. Some had a 3×8 speed gearing, though. 

The Trek 3700 Mountain Bike’s rim and disc brakes offer great stopping power, with the disc brakes being the more effective option in rougher conditions. They are lightweight, reliable, and powerful, providing maximum stopping power in all conditions and terrain.

This Trek bike also features a Shimano M131 chainguard to protect the chains, ensuring your safety when riding on trails and providing extra protection against debris and obstacles.

Trek 3700 Mountain Bike’s gears and brakes, paired with its high-quality components, make it an excellent choice for riders looking for a reliable and versatile mountain bike. Whether you’re hitting the trails or commuting to work, this bike is built to handle whatever you throw at it.

Wheels and Tires

The Trek 3700 Mountain Bike’s wheels and tires are designed to handle a variety of terrains, from paved roads to rough trails. 

The 26-inch wheels are more agile and accelerate faster than larger wheels, making them great for riders who value speed and maneuverability. But not so great for rolling over bumps on rough trails. 

The Bontrager LT3 tires are 26 x 2.00 inches in size and are designed for both path and trail use. They’re sturdy and puncture-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about puncture or damage to your tires when exploring new trails. 

These tires provide excellent grip and stability on challenging terrain, giving you the confidence to tackle even the toughest trails. What’s more, these tires are easy-rolling on city streets and paved roads, so you can ride smoothly and efficiently. 

The Trek 3700 Mountain Bike’s Bontrager LT3 tires give you the performance and reliability you need to ride with confidence whether you’re riding to work or hitting the trails.

Saddle and Handlebars

The Bontrager Approved stem is also an excellent addition to the Trek 3700. It’s made from lightweight and strong 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, making it both durable and long-lasting. 

As you’d have guessed, the saddle is not very comfortable, it’s a bit too stiff, so you’d need an upgrade there. But the 31.6mm seatpost offers plenty of room to adjust the bike to your size and grow with it over time, which is great.

The handlebars are quite impressive, the bar’s robust design can withstand some abuse while being used on the trail. Its handlebar’s 25.4mm diameter and 30mm rise give it plenty of space for a comfortable grip when riding.

This stem has a 25.4mm clamp diameter and a 25-degree rise, providing a comfortable riding position while also keeping you in control of your bike. The stem’s four-bolt faceplate design also ensures a secure fit, so you can focus on the trail instead of worrying about your handlebars coming loose. 

Actually, the combination of the Bontrager Riser handlebar and the Bontrager Approved stem on the Trek 3700 makes for a comfortable and stable ride, no matter where you choose to take it.

Size and weight

The Trek 3700 is a versatile bike that comes in multiple sizes to fit a variety of riders.

It comes in a wide range of frame sizes, so you can find a good fit for almost anyone, whether you’re a petite rider looking for a 13″ frame or a bigger cyclist with wider shoulders looking for a 22.5″ frame.

It’s also important to note that the weight of the bike is around 32lbs (14.5 kg), which is pretty high due to the suspended front fork adding weight. 

So, this might not be the ideal choice for you if you’re looking for a lightweight bike. But the bike is sturdy enough to support riders that weigh up to 300 lbs, so you don’t have to worry about your weight breaking the bike.

Ride quality and performance

Trek 3700 is a mountain bike that’ll give you comfortable trail rides and excellent performance for an affordable price. It’s a great bike for those who want a smooth ride and good performance without breaking the bank. 

The suspension system helps to absorb shock and provides tame rides on both smooth and rough terrain. The bike also has excellent handling and stability, making it easy to maneuver and control. It rides smoothly, and brakes efficiently. 

If you’re a beginner or intermediate rider, the Trek 3700 is an excellent choice. It has a sturdy frame that can handle a lot of stress and weight, so you don’t have to worry about breaking it. Plus, it’s easy to ride and steer, so you can focus on enjoying the ride instead of struggling to stay upright. 

The bike’s components are of high quality and durable, so you don’t have to worry about them wearing out quickly. The brakes are responsive, and the gears shift smoothly and easily. And while the bike may be a bit heavy, it doesn’t affect the ride quality or performance. 

However, this is not the best bike for very technical trails, as you may need more range of gears for some climbs and descents. It’s best suited for testing your limits on beginner-friendly mountain trails, and fine-tuning your mountain biking skills. 

Best 3700 Trek Mountain Bike Alternatives

Since Trek 3700 mountain bikes are off the shelf, you won’t find brand-new ones. But there are more advanced Trek trail bikes with even better build quality and performance. 

Trek is a brand known for the quality bikes they put out, these bikes are often priced high though, not like the cheaper options from Schwinn and Mongoose, but you certainly get what you pay for. 

We consider the Trek Marlin 5 and Trek fuel EX 5 to be excellent alternatives to the Trek 3700 mountain bike. 

Trek Marlin 5

Trek Marlin 5 is a trail mountain bike that’s built to gracefully handle daily adventures on rough terrains. It has a lightweight aluminum frame with a 2×8 drivetrain for smooth riding and shifting and powerful hydraulic disc brakes which provide fast and precise stopping. 

While the Marlin 5 is made for trail riding, it’s also versatile and can double as a commuter bike. This bike has a stunning frame with internal routing for the brake and shift cables, which can extend the lifespan of your wires by shielding them from the environment.

It’s the perfect bike for new trail riders and comes in seven frame sizes to fit riders of all heights. Marlin 5 is elegant and comfortable, with a ton of features that are typically reserved for more pricey bikes.

Trek Fuel EX 5

Fuel EX 5 is a very efficient full-suspension trail bike that’s ready to handle the most rugged mountain terrains. It’s built for speed, with a sturdy chassis and supportive front and rear suspension to give you loads of support on both climbs and descents.

The Trek Fuel EX 5 stands out as a high-value, high-performance mountain bike with remarkable adaptability. It’s fitted with a Shimano 1×12 drivetrain, a dropper post for getting low on descents, and hydraulic disc brakes.

As a heavy trail-rider, this bike most likely checks all the boxes on your wishlist for a new bike. It’s a sure-footed bike that delivers better stability and control. And more importantly, it’s a fun bike to ride. 

Is 3700 Trek Mountain Bike a good buy?

Trek 3700 mountain bike is a good buy and offers great value for money. It’s a reliable and flexible option for both beginner and experienced riders. 

It may not have all the aesthetic features of newer mountain bikes, but it still has many good features, meaning that it’s a wise investment for anyone looking for an affordable, durable, and high-quality mountain bike. 

You likely won’t find a brand-new Trek 3700, but the alternative options we included above are great choices too.

You may also like:

• Best Mountain Bikes for $1500
• Schwinn S29 Mountain Bike Review

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Disc conversion trek 4300

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hey guys i'm sure this has been answered but i'm looking to do a disc conversion on my 07 trek 4300. my question is what hubs should i get / stay away from same for brake sets and which any preference between mechanical and hydro? looking around on amazon i think i can get the hubs and brake set for about 130 or so. can i use the stock rims that came with the bike? i mean is there a need to upgrade the rims? if the hole count is the same as teh new hubs. thanks, -James  

Are you gonna be welding brake tabs onto your bike? Or does the 4300 already have tabs? And yes, you can use the same rims, but it's usually cheaper (better?) to get a wheelset if you don't know how to build your own wheels. Plus, V-brakes wear rims out, so your current rim has wear, and you'll have to replace it soon. And different hubs have different flange lengths, so you'll have to get new spokes. Lastly, what brakes and hubs are you getting for 130 total?! You get what you pay for.  

already came with tabs.  

Building your own wheel or having someone else do it? Again, what brakes? Most mechanical brakes aren't much of an upgrade from V's other than heat dissipation, weather resistance and good looks. Some may have worse power, and definitely more weight. Most people say BB7's are the best mechs. For hydraulic brakes, you'll need these: Problem Solvers because your current cable guides have stops, which won't allow hose through. Most say Shimano and Hope make the best Hydraulic brakes. Best of luck, sauprankul  

i'd probably have a shop build it unless i watch youtube videos over and over and try to do it myself. something thats a decent price but not a total POS i've got a BB7 on the front of my trials bike and can't complain about it. but some say its just better to get hydro for a MTB alright thanks Sauprankul  

What do you not like about your current brakes? That will be a big expense for a marginal performance improvement. I'd sell the bike and buy something new and spec'd more appropriate to your riding style.  

wmac said: marginal performance improvement. I'd strip the paint and convert the bike to SS and use it as a commuter and buy something new and spec'd more appropriate to your riding style. Click to expand...

it will be cheaper to buy new wheels than to have your old rims laced up to new hubs. chances are, you will need new spokes to make that wheel work, and, in the event that the old spokes are the correct length to work with the new hubs, no competent bicycle mechanic would charge someone to re-use spokes. (I have been known to re-use spokes for building wheels that go one co-op bikes, but I do that for free.) most shops will charge something like $1 per spoke x 64 spokes, but $50 per wheel for labor. that's $164, plus the cost of the hubs. unless you have some really nice, high-end rims, you can get some nicer wheels for about the same price or a little more. I would just get new wheels and keep your old wheels around for another bike or sell them. I am partial to Avid BB7 disc brakes. you can use your old brake levers, they are easy to set up and adjust, and are very powerful if set up correctly. and they are a LOT cheaper than most hydros to boot.  

Yep. And I severely doubt that watching YouTube vids will do you any good. Wheel building is much harder than it looks. Get a cheap wheel set. You'll be much happier.  

I highly recommend learning to build wheels though! my suggestion for that would be to buy some BB7's and some new wheels for your bike. then buy a spoke wrench for your old wheels. label the front spokes separate (they should all be the same length) and label the left and right rear spokes separately (the left ones should be a little longer than the right). clean everything up really good, and practice re-lacing the wheel. if you screw it up, you still have your nice new wheels on your bike and you can take them apart and redo it.  

Def learn to tension or true your wheels. That's not as hard. But if you screw up, it can be catastrophic.  

Personally, I think you would get more benefit from selling your current bike and putting that money, plus what you were planning on putting into the disc conversion into a nicer bike that comes out of the box with discs. You would end up paying almost as much,if not more for the parts and labor (assuming you take it to a shop for installation/wheel builds) than what your current bike originally retailed for.  

Yeah, for sure do not upgrade this bike. It's a good bike and will suit you well for XC action. It's going to start breaking and needing maintenance as you ride it a lot. Spend time understanding what you do and don't like about the 4300 so you can get the right bike when you land that new job and are making BANK!  

Or, maybe you won't get a new job for a bit, you'll do some self-examination, and you'll borrow tons of money to get that degree in rocket science. The main thing is to stick to keep-it-rolling parts until you figure out what you're doing. The irony of unemployment is that one finally has time to ride a lot, but buying gas and maintenance parts turns into more of a burden too.  

AndrwSwitch said: Or, maybe you won't get a new job for a bit, you'll do some self-examination, and you'll borrow tons of money to get that degree in rocket science. . Click to expand...

alright well it looks like i'll ride what i got and if it rains let the trails dry and go ride the trials bike. if i keep riding and i get a job then i'll see if i ride and still work if so then possibly save up for the next level of bike..... the jeep doesn't use that money.....  

I've heard good stuff about Aztec pads too. But srsly V brakes aren't bad at all in dry weather. Just be sure to lube the pivots. A better thing to do would be to get new cables, like the Jagwire kits. One kit for two brakes is like 18 bucks. Also, consider getting the 20 dollar speed dial 7 levers. Total of pads + levers + cable kit = ~50 bucks.  

Heed everyone's advice about not dropping a lot of money into this bike. A friend of mine has this exact bike you do, and its strength is it's overbuilt like a tank, which means it has a heavy frame and will always stay heavy. If you ever decide you like cross country hardtails, save up for a better one. However...that friend of mine was bent on upgrading something, so he bought the single most effective upgrade - lighter wheels. Nashbar sells a Vuelta rim brake wheelset for $80. It is a low budget wheelset, but very light and durable for his 160 lb weight. Instantly made his 4300 more enjoyable. $80 isn't bad compared to a set of BB7's and new disc compatible wheels. And it will always be lighter than a disc system. If you're patient, wait for them to have their free shipping on wheels offer, since it will be an oversize item and will cost extra. How many gears do you have on the rear cassette? I'm hoping you say 8 or more, which means it will transfer straight over to the new wheels. If 7, you have a freewheel cassette, which isn't compatible.  

The 4300 looks like an 8 speed Free hub. So a new wheel set is on the radar, but SO not worth it. Just ride the current bike and don't upgrade it. You may be bitten by the bug, but its up to you whether you let it affect you. Just hold out on buying anything for your bike other than, like Andrew said, "keep it rolling" parts. Save up. Like actually put money in a jar or something. Then when your 4300 snaps in half or your wheel tacos, you'll be able to (justifiably) get a new bike with a good wheel set AND disk brakes. But like I always say, I'm not here to make decisions for you. Its your money, and your 4300 may have sentimental value, as indicated by your user name. In which case, go for it!  

alright thanks guys, i think my mind is all made up so i'll be holding off on it. the username was it only thing i could think of at the time.  

Maybe everyone is a little harsh on not spending money on your 4300, but it is very true that you shouldn't bother putting disc brakes on it. I have the good fortune to be able to have several bikes and I have two disc brake bikes, one V brake bike, and one cantilever bike (also a coaster brake bike and a fixie but those are out of this conversation) and I can say that there is little benefit to gain from switching to V brakes for no good reason. You can set up your V brakes with probably something like 90% (did you know that 95% of statistics are made up?) of the power of a disc brake in normal conditions. Putting a Kool Stop pad on, making sure they're aligned properly, and having cables and housing and brake noodle in good working order will help you keep your braking power at its best. Just because everyone is saying that you shouldn't put a ton of money into your bike doesn't mean that your bike is worthless. Keep your bike running well, put money into it as needed, and ride the crap out of it but don't get sucked into thinking that you can make it something it's not. You're running a solid beginner bike, nothing wrong with that. If at some point you decide that your 4300 isn't meeting your needs on the trail, that's when you start thinking about upgrading to a different bike. Until then, put money into your bike when it's not working well but don't put money into it unless you know exactly what you're trying to get out of that money.  

I completely upgraded a 4300 including a Tora fork. It for sure wasn't worth it. I outgrew the bike quickly and there was no way to get the money out of it I spent on it when I sold it. Ride it and save for what you want next.  

Tora?! Now that's a horror story. Someone said this to me: "Don't upgrade your bike. You'll have paid enough to buy a good bike but you won't have one." I paraphrase. Point is, just keep it running. No doubt you have outgrown it. But if you upgraded every part of the bike you have outgrown, you would be shockfinder. But you've already made up your mind. This is just for anybody who feels like their starter bike aint good enough.  

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