badger1

Just curious ... why? The M425s are perfectly decent budget hydraulic disc brakes -- probably about the same level (quality/function) as the Tektros. I can't see any reason for the switch ... is there something wrong with your stock brakes?

Also, you'll have to kludge the Shimanos onto your bike with an adapter, I think. The M425s are post-mount; your frame/fork is designed for flat-mount brakes like the Tektros.

Scooty Puff Jr

Wow, you’re really jumping feet first into your new bike !

I did a few mods on mine as well, mostly gearing and tires. If it were me, and was going to upgrade the brakes, might as well go a few notches up from the 425s, since those are basically entry level and I doubt they’re much better (if any) than your Tektros. The M7000s are really nice ! Just remember that your rotors are only for organic pads and won’t work well with semi metallic pads.

https://www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-SLX...RoCzKgQAvD_BwE

Scooty Puff Jr

Oh yeah, that’s right, he would need a PM adapter, not sure if I’ve even seen a flat/PM adapter.

Scooty Puff Jr

Your seat has the Cateye Intergrated Clip System, so you can mount most Cateye blinking rear lights cleanly into the saddle. I have them on both my bikes, and I like that you don’t have to mount them to the seatpost or frame.

badger1

Hey Scooty ... yep. It's not a problem, though. Shimano for one makes the necessary adapters. @Delwis would need the correct ones for front (post-mount caliper to flat-mount fork) and rear brake (p-m caliper to f-m frame), each for the correct disc size -- but they are available.

So, do-able -- I just don't see why unless, as you say above, one were to change out the Tektros for something significantly better, e.g. the SLX ones you mention or above. That would make sense.

Doctor Morbius

Too confusing. I'm sticking with V-Brakes.

Delwis

Just because. I have no issue with the Tektro other than to me, they are an off brand and I'd like Shimano brakes to match my other Shimano components. Trek recommended the M425. But, I still need to research all their offerings.

Delwis

That's a pretty sweet set up. I'll have to look into it.

badger1

Reason enough!

badger1

qft! Too many conflicting 'standards'.

Scooty Puff Jr

I have the 425s and I like them, they’re pretty basic and so far so good. With a bike as light as ours that’s really all you need, I doubt I would like them as much on my 50 pound Surly though.

Lt Stonez

fietsbob

this looks like it needs to be brought in closer to the chain when the chain is in the lowest gear combination.

Delwis

Thanks Bob. I'll have to cut down an allen to get to it.

Delwis

Thanks Scooty.

V8Interceptor

Delwis, I'm looking forward to seeing all your upgrades. I plan on posting some photos of my new S 5 when I get it as well as any upgrades I put on the bike.

Delwis

Sounds good V8! Can't wait to see! I assume by your handle that you are a car guy. I used to be. Well, still am. I modified a number of cars with performance upgrades over the years and tracked some of them. I had/have a mod bug. That mod mentality pretty much carried over when I shifted my primary focus over to two wheels. To me, my new bike is a canvas. I will always be doing some type of upgrade. I'll probably end up with fancy carbon wheels and electronic Dura-Ace and who knows what else! LOL

V8Interceptor

Yeah, I used to be a big car guy, until I got bit by the MTB bug! I try to remind the wife that bike upgrades are usually cheaper than car upgrades. Plus the most expensive bike is still less expensive than the cheapest heart procedure!!!

Delwis

That's funny.

BTW, I just got notice. My handlebar is now at home waiting for me. My tires were supposed to show up today too but no word yet.

Delwis

My tires were supposed to be here by 8PM tonight. They are late. I really wanted to get them on tonight. Oh well. Like I said though, my carbon handle bar arrived today! Got here pretty quick from Trek. So, of course I installed it. I ended up cutting 40mm off each side. The bar had markings (made to be cut) on each end so I just went with 40. The biggest cut off. I had planned on taking off 50mm but since the marks ended at 40 I thought that would be the safest way to go. The result was a bar 3/8" longer on each side compared to the stock Isoflex. Or, a 3/4" wider spread. Stock was 24.5 and I am now 25.25 I think that will suit me.

I am going to have to make numerous adjustments now. The angle of the bar itself, the grips, brake levers and shifters. (Not to mention I have to dial the seat in too!) I might get a chance Friday after work to take a little spin. Shouldn't be too bad. I put them back on pretty close to where they were.

The cutting was a breeze. I use a tube cutting miter and a 32t blade. I pretty much just used the weight of the hacksaw to do the work and made nice easy strokes. Just took a few minutes for each side. There were no fibers or strands hanging out. I cut down the sharp edges a little with some 180 grit paper. The GS1 handles went on fairly easy but solid in fit.

One thing to look out for is the finish on the bar. It is very delicate and will scratch very easy. I put a nick in mine with a lever clamp. Not too bad but it ticks me off. Loosen the clamps good and be careful when you slide them on if you do this mod. I also had to redo the brake and grip on one side to loop it through the opposite cable. When I got done the first time, I realized one cable was flopping in the breeze.

Scooty Puff Jr

What tires did you buy ?

Delwis

I got the Continental Grand Prix 4Season 700 X 32.
https://www.continental-tires.com/bi...-prix-4-season

ColonelSanders

Looks good.


Are you able to weigh the new parts vs the old parts to see what weight savings you made?


I know that wasn't your motivation, but I'm always curious about these things, even though I am not a weight weeny in practice, I often am in my head.

Delwis

Thanks! I'm very happy with it and it was a fun little project. Definitely worth doing. Sorry. Didn't weigh the parts. But when I first picked up the box the RXL came in, it felt empty. The Isoflex was actually pretty light but the RXL is probably half as heavy. Trek claims it is 180g. That would be before I chopped 80mm off it. So, it probably ended up at about 170g.

Delwis

The finishing touch for my new bar. Carbon end plugs.