disc brake recommendations for 3x9 bike

[thummie]

This is my first post in this section, and my first "newer" bike.

I’ve recently gone “modern” with a 2004 litespeed Unicoi. I’m going to build it up as a 3x9, and need some ideas on what brakes to use.

Looking at the XTR “brifters” of the era, these look pretty cool. But what are they like to use, and are the robust / maintainable? Or should I be looking at XT, or non-shimano stuff?

Cheers,

Andrew

 

[jimo746]

If you mean the dual-control levers/shifters then personally I never liked them, although you could probably pick a set up for not much money these days. I don't know what spares are still available though, and if you do ever get a major issue with them then it might mean buying new brakes and shifters, as opposed to just a brake lever, or a shifter.

Are you wanting brakes and shifters from around 2004?
If not then buying more modern is a good option.

 

[captaincowelly]

I agree.Always preferred seperates for adjustability of position and in case something failed/was damaged I could just replace that item.Although Shimano reliability has been outstanding so hasn't really happened! Did a few rides on duals (M975 XTR),thought I'd give them a go as a bike I bought had them on.Love the idea,impressively engineered,could sit and wonder at them for hours.But for me a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.Replaced them with separates.
I'm Shimano all day long,so XT/XTR for me.I do have some levers/calipers in my eBay listings.Haven't looked into later stuff,but sometimes possible to find some bargains as retailers clear their 'old' stock,say 5+ yr old stuff.

 

[rwm1962]

I'd give Hope some consideration. Spares availability is good. Couple with Shimano shifters

 

[thummie]

Coool.
Thanks for the advice. Might steer clear of them and go for separate lever / shifters as suggested, unless I can pick up some cheapies just for an experiment!

Cheers,
Andrew

 

[brocklanders023]

As above, if you want cheap just look for some Shimano from the last 5 years or so. Deore are fine and should be cheap.

Hope are better, my E4's are ace but they are spendy.

 

[hamster]

Add Magura into the mix...MT3 on my singlespeed, they have been fit and forget.

 

[thummie]

Add Magura into the mix...MT3 on my singlespeed, they have been fit and forget.

dumb question... If I do go down the shimano path, are the calipers interchangeable - i.e front and back, m975 / 9100 etc.?

 

[brocklanders023]

Some are but not all of them.

 

[jimo746]

Add Magura into the mix...MT3 on my singlespeed, they have been fit and forget.

the Magura MT Trail Sports on my modern bike are without doubt the best brakes I’ve ever used, and not spendy either.