Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner
Cancel

Which Upgrade Would You Do -

  • Brakes - G2 RSC -> Hayes Dominion

    Votes: 5 55.6%

  • Damper - Fit4 -> Grip 2

    Votes: 4 44.4%
  • Total voters
    9

Upgrade Question - brakes or suspension.

1496 Views 24 Replies 13 Participants Last post by  Yuki San, 
F
Let me know what you guys think. If anyone has experience with the two options I would be interested in hearing them.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
Wheelspeed
I can't give details, but theoretically, with better suspension, you don't need as good of brakes. So I basically vote for any suspension upgrade first. (That is, with better suspension, you either have less "Oh S***" moments of immediately needing brakes, or also during braking you're brakes work better with good suspension keeping the wheel from bouncing around.)
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
F
That makes perfect sense
Reply
Save
Like
blcman
I like what wheelspeed said, but how bad are your brakes and suspension now? Are you thinking of upgrading or ordering a new bike that gives you different choices
between builds? BTW how heavy are you?
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
A
Depends on whether your current brakes get the job done. If you don’t feel like they are lacking then definitely suspension. If you have to ride your brakes to slow enough for your liking then brakes.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
stripes
It helps us to know what you have of each before recommending anything.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Sparticus
Might you just be able to buy larger rotors & appropriate caliper mounts for your existing brakes leaving enough to afford the damper upgrade as well?
If one or the other, personally I'd insist on awesome brakes before awesome suspension, though having both is ideal.
=sParty
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 4
F
well you can ride a rigid down any trail, but without brakes.....

you can also choose not to ride steep trails and make poor brakes function just fine...

the suspension upgrade you point out will not change your world much
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
Nat
Wheelspeed said:
I can't give details, but theoretically, with better suspension, you don't need as good of brakes.
Click to expand...
Hmmmm. Wouldn't better suspension let you get moving faster down the trail though? I'd want better brakes for that.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
Nat
Fuse6F said:
well you can ride a rigid down any trail, but without brakes.....
Click to expand...
Great point
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
stripes
@fftfk you liked my comment, but didn't answer. Can you please answer it rather than asking a question that needs more information from you?
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
ocnLogan
How much do you weigh? Are you doing long downhills, or more punchy up and down riding? And do your brakes currently overheat or anything like that?

I upgraded brakes before damper, but I was coming from worse brakes than you have right now (Level T’s). Also, if you can, larger rotors can also help (braking power improves linearly with size) and you might have enough budget left to do both the damper and larger rotors :).
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Battery
4 piston brakes work well for me and my weight! I'd go brakes first depending on what you have.

I hate the suspension on my bike but I need to shell out at least $1300-1500 for a new fork and shock that works for how I ride. That may take a while before I go that route. I want to try coil this time!
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
F
stripes said:
@fftfk you liked my comment, but didn't answer. Can you please answer it rather than asking a question that needs more information from you?
Click to expand...
Lol - I started typing an answer and then between my wife needing help, shoveling snow, my dogs fighting, etc. I forgot to finish the answer. My apologies. The funny thing - my initial post had pretty much the answer to everyone's questions but I didn't get a single response in two days so deleted most of it. After the delete everyone starting answering...

I currently have a 2021 Pivot Trail 429. It came with a G2 RSC brakes and Fox 34 Fit 4 damper. My weight fluctuates from 235-255 most often being ride around 245. I typically ride up/down midwestern trails (brown county, Palos in IL, Kettle Moraine in Wis)...no super fast extended descents. According to Strava I average about 10 mph and hit a high of 27-28 mph. Typical rides are 1-2 hours with a few up to 3 hours.

The upgrades I am thinking are both based on experiences on my previous bike.

My current brakes (G2 RSC) work just aren't that good and don't have a nice feel (modulation). I had upgraded my previous bike to Magura Mt7 brakes and really liked those. I am thinking about the Hayes just to try something different.

My previous bike had a grip damper on it. I use the Shockwiz to set up my suspension so am fairly certain my suspension is set up fairly well. The grip 1 damper was more plush than I am able to get the fit 4 damper. It just feels softer than the fit4. Thinking about upgrading to the Grip 2 to get the added adjustability and softness of the grip damper.

Let me know if I missed anyone's question and I will try and answer them individually.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
F
ocnLogan said:
How much do you weigh? Are you doing long downhills, or more punchy up and down riding? And do your brakes currently overheat or anything like that?

I upgraded brakes before damper, but I was coming from worse brakes than you have right now (Level T’s). Also, if you can, larger rotors can also help (braking power improves linearly with size) and you might have enough budget left to do both the damper and larger rotors :).
Click to expand...
That's a good idea about doing both the damper and larger rotors. I would not be able to larger size (maybe 203 on rear) but could go up to 2 mm wide rotor vs the stock 1.7.
Reply
Save
Like
stripes
fftfk said:
Lol - I started typing an answer and then between my wife needing help, shoveling snow, my dogs fighting, etc. I forgot to finish the answer. My apologies. The funny thing - my initial post had pretty much the answer to everyone's questions but I didn't get a single response in two days so deleted most of it. After the delete everyone starting answering...

I currently have a 2021 Pivot Trail 429. It came with a G2 RSC brakes and Fox 34 Fit 4 damper. My weight fluctuates from 235-255 most often being ride around 245. I typically ride up/down midwestern trails (brown county, Palos in IL, Kettle Moraine in Wis)...no super fast extended descents. According to Strava I average about 10 mph and hit a high of 27-28 mph. Typical rides are 1-2 hours with a few up to 3 hours.

The upgrades I am thinking are both based on experiences on my previous bike.

My current brakes (G2 RSC) work just aren't that good and don't have a nice feel (modulation). I had upgraded my previous bike to Magura Mt7 brakes and really liked those. I am thinking about the Hayes just to try something different.

My previous bike had a grip damper on it. I use the Shockwiz to set up my suspension so am fairly certain my suspension is set up fairly well. The grip 1 damper was more plush than I am able to get the fit 4 damper. It just feels softer than the fit4. Thinking about upgrading to the Grip 2 to get the added adjustability and softness of the grip damper.

Let me know if I missed anyone's question and I will try and answer them individually.
Click to expand...
Your initial post was really vague. This one answered my questions.

I have relatively small hands and SRAM brakes suck. Those would be the first to go with anything but SRAM or Shimano (TRP, Magura, Hope, etc).

Do you feel flex in your fork or rear shock or feel they aren’t supportive for your weight (which is entirely possible) definitely look at a Fox 36 or OHlins or DVO with more stiff chassis. I don’t think you need a 38 or Zeb.

You could replace the brakes AND get your Fit 4 damper custom tuned. That would be the path I would take. :)
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
2
fftfk said:
Let me know what you guys think. If anyone has experience with the two options I would be interested in hearing them.
Click to expand...
I actually like the G2 RSC brakes, specifically because of the modulation, but I know not everybody likes SRAM ... So long as your suspension isn't in dire need of replacement, I'd swap brakes first. I can still get comfortable with an ok suspension, but brakes, not so much. I usually replace my pads and rotors well before they actually need it, cause I'm really picky about brake quality and feel. Haven't tried Hayes though. As far as the Fox 34, I've heard from others here that their 2022 model is vastly improved and is a significant upgrade, but I don't have first hand experience. I have the 36 Grip 2 and absolutely love it!
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
F
2021Mach6 said:
I actually like the G2 RSC brakes, specifically because of the modulation, but I know not everybody likes SRAM ... So long as your suspension isn't in dire need of replacement, I'd swap brakes first. I can still get comfortable with an ok suspension, but brakes, not so much. I usually replace my pads and rotors well before they actually need it, cause I'm really picky about brake quality and feel. Haven't tried Hayes though. As far as the Fox 34, I've heard from others here that their 2022 model is vastly improved and is a significant upgrade, but I don't have first hand experience. I have the 36 Grip 2 and absolutely love it!
Click to expand...
My understanding about the difference between 2021 (which I have) and 2022 Fox 34 is the grip2 damper and little bleed ports for pressure changes.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 3
2
fftfk said:
My understanding about the difference between 2021 (which I have) and 2022 Fox 34 is the grip2 damper and little bleed ports for pressure changes.
Click to expand...
Yeah it's more plush and obviously more settings. I know a lotta guys who rarely tune their suspension, but I'm quite particular with mine. You got me by almost 100lbs (I'm 5'7 155lbs) so it's not a good comparison, but it took me almost 2 months to get my suspension exactly how I like it. I'm glad I had that kinda tunability. Some people look at that as a negative, but I'm not one of them.

And I saw you mention the thicker rotors. It'll help, but if modulation and the feel of your G2s is what's bothering you, rotors won't make a difference. I know people that love Hayes, and I know people who had a lotta wear and tear issues and swore to never use em again. Hard to recommend brakes cause their really such a personal decision, probably more so then any other component aside from pedals and grips.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Wheelspeed
Nat said:
Hmmmm. Wouldn't better suspension let you get moving faster down the trail though? I'd want better brakes for that.
Click to expand...
Ha ha, well, that's true. If his brakes are broke he should fix 'em. I read his question like his brakes and suspension were working as they should, but he wants a little xmas gift to himself and wonders which to get. I've had nice brakes before, but my new bike came with Guide T which are basically the bargain basement version of hydraulic brakes I think. And they work fine compared to the other brakes I've had. A much different bite point which concerned me in the beginning of each ride for awhile, but after using them just a few minutes you get used to it. It sounds like most brakes are pretty good these days as far as 'working', but some are lighter, some look nicer, some have more adjustments, and some have a different contact point/bite point, but they all basically stop you when working properly. Not sure what fancier brakes really get you unless you're moving to a different target, like going from Trail brakes to Downhill brakes or something.

But I know everyone is different.

Basically OP should give more detail of his specific complaints to get the best answers.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Downhill - Freeride California - Norcal Passion Shocks and Suspension
Top