MVK24STORM

I have an old trek 4300 with rim brakes, and I was looking to upgrade to mt2000 hydraulic disk brakes.
I ran into a problem because my brake levers are built into the shifter(8 speed Shimano alivo), I don’t know what to do for a shifter because all of the 8 speeds look really cheap. I don’t know what to get, help?

cxwrench

A bigger issue should be how you're going to mount disc brake calipers on your bike, and how you're going to mount rotors on your rim brake wheels. Are there mounts on the frame? Are the wheels disc brake compatible?
ETA: Ahhhhh, there are mounts for disc brakes. You're going to have to get separate shifters and levers.

MVK24STORM

The frame and fork have mounts, and I was looking at new wheels

MVK24STORM

yeah I know that, but the only 8 speed shifters Shimano has are road bike and cheap m315s

MVK24STORM

I just was wondering if there were better options for shifters, like sram?
also, is it worth upgrading?

cxwrench

What do you expect? Their newest groups are 12 speed, why would they continue to make what are basically obsolete parts?

I'm not the one to answer that question, it's entirely up to you. You're going to be in the same situation w/ SRAM...their high end drivetrains have been 12 speed for a couple years, why would they make high quality 8 speed shifters?

ClydeClydeson

Not sure what your problem is with the M315 shifters. They are very good quality, esp. for the price.

Another option is cable operated discs.

cxwrench

This is very true, the low end Shimano shifters have always worked very well. Same w/ cable disc brakes when properly set up. They are both great values.

MVK24STORM

They just look kinda cheap compared to what's out there

cxwrench

Right...got it. Who cares that they actually work quite well if they don't look like XT.

MVK24STORM

Good point, I was also looking at a new fork, any suggestions?...

Canker

Hate being one of those guys but at this point it is time to upgrade to a newer bike.
New drivetrain, brakes, wheels, fork = newer bike instead. If it were a highend/special bike sure but not for a trek 4300

MVK24STORM

I’m 13 btw and i just got it for my early birthday in June and knowing my parents, they won’t let me get a new one if I just got that one, my only option is to upgrade it.


unless I can convince my parents I need a new one.

Cyclist0108

You have to realize that the median age here is probably mid-50s, so people make some false assumptions.

But you should convince your parents you need a new one when you outgrow the current one. Just ride the current one with the current parts like you stole it, and put real money into a bike when you stop growing.

MVK24STORM

Yea I have an 18 in frame and my dad owns a trek 850 that’s a 17 in frame so I don’t have much leverage In that fight.

tbenjaminsen

I recently rebuilt a 13” Trek 4300 Disc for my 10yo son. New 1x 10sp Shimano Deore drivetrain and preassembled/prebled Shimano Deore M6000 brake calipers/handles. I actually ordered most of the parts from AliExpress, and I believe the total for the DT and brakes were approximately $250. Now, for a bike in the price range the 4300 originally was, that might seem steep, but I believe the new parts will be transferred to an old Specialized Rockhopper Comp that he’s going to inherit when he’s outgrown the Trek. Also, keep in mind that the whole project was a father/son thing that also included a full refinish 😀

Here’s the result, by the way:





—
-Tom

MVK24STORM

Wow, looks sick, I’m still working on convincing my parents to let me spend my birthday money on new handlebars, grips, pedals and stem 100$ total. Also working on disc brakes and a fork

hokiefyd 

The SL-M315s are pretty good trigger shifters compared with most 8-speed options. They're nicer than the SL-M310s they replaced. You can also look at the Microshift Mezzo (TS39-28).

Don't overlook indexed thumb shifters. Microshift and Sunrace both make nice thumb shifters for 8-speed.