Is it worth it making those changes?
Or is it just better if i buy the Trek 4300 with disc brake option?
my bike is still in great condition, so i don't see buying another one as an option...i just want to try to make those changes, but if just buying one is the better option then so be itHow much would it cost me to change the rim brake system to a disc brake system on a Trek 4300 hard tail?
First make sure your bike's frame has the mounting bosses for disc brakes.
Lets say you go with the Avid BB7 brakes. They're a good entry level brake with lots of adjustability, and they cost about $ 70 each, You will need two of them. Chances are that your bike's wheels don't have a hub that will accept disc brake rotors. The cheapest way to remedy that is to get new wheels. You can find a set for as low as $150 to $200. Providing that you will be able to reuse your old brake levers, the only thing left to buy is two sets of brake cables ~ $15 each.
If you install them yourself you can expect to pay around $370. You just have to decide if it's worth it.
In my opinion, a Trek 4300 isn't worth that kind of upgrade. Let me give you something to think about...
I have two bikes. One is a Santa Cruz Chamelean set up as a singlespeed. I have a really nice Fox fork on it, and the Avid BB7 disc brakes. I ride in the desert mountains of the Southwest. I usually encounter some technical downhill sections, and the disc brakes work great.
My other bike is a 1998 Cannondale Super V 1000. I have it set up as a 27 speed, and it has the old V brakes on it ~ a set of Avid Single Digit 7's.
I ride both bikes on the same trails, and have not encountered any noticable braking differences in terms of performance.
If you're interested in the Single Digit 7's Jensen USA has a great deal on them right now ~ $21.95 a set. That's a little more than half off.How much would it cost me to change the rim brake system to a disc brake system on a Trek 4300 hard tail?
Making the change is feasible only if your frame has the mounting lugs for the discs. If that's not the case then either a new bike with discs is in order or a new frame for yours. There's no economical way to mount disc brakes if your frame doesn't have the lugs. Look on both the rear of your frame near the drop-outs and on the forks, if there's not two lugs with mounting holes present on both of them your bike won't accept discs.
One other point, if you can do it... do it with hydraulic discs not mechanical, for far superior performance.How much would it cost me to change the rim brake system to a disc brake system on a Trek 4300 hard tail?
make sure your frame has the mounting brackets. if it doesn't, it's not possible.
make sure your hubs have the rotor mounting holes. if they don't, just buy new wheels (about $200).
lastly, make sure your fork has the brackets, as well. if it doesn't, you may need a new fork ($300 - $1000, depending on how fancy you want to get).
for a hardtail, i would say a good set of %26quot;ever-fading%26quot; mechanical disc brakes will be good (about $150 for the pair). hydraulic brakes are far superior, but they may exceed your need (about $120 each).
depending on your particular circumstances, it may be an easy, worthwhile upgrade. hope that helps.
