Official MTB thread

[Steve_PD]

Take the pads out and inspect them. That could be why the lever comes in all the way and the squeak could be they have worn down to the metal springs.

First step would be whip the pads out and see what they're like

[thai-wronghorse]

The pads and discs could be contaminated, I had this on my last set Hope mini brakes when the seals were leaking slightly. Buy some brake cleaner spray, if that doesn't work then stick the brake pads in the oven for a bit. The heat can burn off some of the crap that has soaked into the pads, its a smelly process but can get you out of trouble and save a few quid.

[bobbarley]

Same cleaner as you use on car brakes?  I've some cleaner that I use on the Golf brakes 

[Steve_PD]

Yes that will do.
Could also be the compound of the pad. Ive just started using sintered pads they squeak like f**k till they've warmed up where as the old organic pads where quiet all the time.

[bobbarley]

Nice one guys, thanks for the advice.  I'll take a look when I have some spare time.

That aside it seems like a great bike 

[rio]

anyone have any idea what make frame it is

[thai-wronghorse]

That's a rather unusual pivot point and that shock looks pretty gash to be honest, is that quite an old frame by any chance?

[rio]

get that for £5 just don't know what make

[Sam]

Back in Loughborough now and just been out for the first ride of the year with a few of the xc boys. I knew I hadn't been training too hard over summer but feck me I have a long way to go! 

[houston]

after a bit of advice please, looking to do more miles and my current bike just isnt cutting it, missing gears, heavy wheelset and basically just a cheap bike. so new bike time it is, looking to spend about £500 on a half decent hardtail and so far narrowed it to 2

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductCode=127724
or
http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductCode=127757
think im swaying more to the giant for reasons i dont know, think i just prefer the look of it. anyone have any better recommendations?

big q i have is whether the 29 inch wheels are worth it? the routes ill be taking wont have many flats and i know how bad heavy wheels can be uphill, i know the big wheels will be more stable but are they usually a lot heavier?  also does anyone know of any sites that compare the bikes weights? theres not much info i can easily find on them.