Trek Mt Bike upgrade – wheelset, shifters, & brake system
I recently upgraded my Trek 4300 Mt Bike because some components are already showing their age. The Shimano Alivio is a good series but I tried Deore and it’s more smoother. Basically the dropping price of components this year also made me decide to get some new ones. The Bontrager Ranger wheelset with Shimano hubs and rotors got good reviews but some good seller offered me a Xero Element with 24/28 spokes in a very good price. My Shimano mechanical non-series disc brakes also shows some age so I installed a new Shimano M446 white hydros. Other additions to the bike are Shimano chains, rotors and cogset.
Xero Element Wheelset Specs:
- All Black – Spoke, hub and rim configuration
- Weight for the front wheel : 966g
- Weight for the rear wheel : 1148g
- Spokes DT Champion 14g with 12mm Brass nipples
- 8-9 speed compatible freehub body ( 7 speed suitable using spacer )
- Standard Quick Release Front axle
- Standard Quick Release Rear axle
- Xero Lighweight skewers included
- 6 Bolt international Disc Mounting Hubs – No Rim Brake surface
- Bolt international Disc Mounting Hubs compatible with Avid, Hayes, Hope, Magura, Shimano and many more Disc Brake Systems
- 24 Black Spoked Front Wheel
- 28 Black Spoked Rear Wheel
Xero element ride is good. I think better than Bontrager. Compared to Mavic Crossmax 2012 (1.755g) and Shimano XT (1.625g), the 300g difference and the difference with cost, it’s a good buy.
When I upgraded the shifters to Deore 9 speed, I need I need to change my chains and cogset as well. But there’s this smoothness in Deore that I didn’t get in the Alivio 8 SPD. I still have the Alivio RD but definitely, I’m getting the Deore XT soon so my hybrid project will trully be complete.
Another upgrade is my shift to hydraulics. The Shimano M446 Hydraulic disc brakes are great. It’s light and the levers have great response. The dropping prices of mtb components this year is another factor that made me decide to upgrade the bike. I need to do more rides before this year ends to fully enjoy the new things on my hybrid Trek.
A short ride with Trek 4300
It’s one of those days when you just have to go out and ride. After the Mt. Batulao climb, and a day of rest, I feel like I have to move my muscles again.
The original plan was to ride to Tagaytay, but it took me hours looking for my knee support (hindi ko rin nakita). The sun was already high and if I am going to go for Tagaytay City, the two hours ride will get me home back on lunch time – more exhausted and toasted.
Just took a quick spin in Dasmarinas City area, wore my old Shimano SPD and did a fast sprint in Aguinaldo Highway.
Entered DLSU-D campus gate 3 and out in the main Gate.
A great day, but too late in the morning to do a 40km one.
Be safe everyone and have a Happy Souls Day.
pinoyoutdoor 