Disk brakes

ok, so the subject was a little vague, i couldn't think of a quick summery so it'll have to do.

For future reference (ok, so i'm really obsessive about researching things), i was wondering what
options were available for upgrading the GT to disk brakes (like i said, future, job search has not
returned anything that makes any money yet). the front will be easy. upgrade the wheel to disk
compatible (or at least the hub), and upgrade the fork. the back, i was wondering if there was an
option other than those ugly floating linkage things, or if there was something that could clamp on
to the rear triangle somehow.

Main intent is a more smooth braking power, more tolerance to a slightly tweaked wheel, and ease of
wheel removal. the terrain i ride ranged from XC to some DH (though not as technical as when i had
the FS bike of course).

Currently i have not decided on what brand brakes i want as it may be quite a while down the road so
i want to leave my options open. And similarly, i plan to use a hydraulic system, though future
money constraints may dictate the rate of upgrade (may go mechanical first, then upgrade to
hydraulics later).

I understand there is the option of only having a disk on the front, though if possible, i would
like one on back as well.

So, i guess the question again is, will i be able to find a clean looking adaptor for the rear, or
will i have to settle with just a front disk?

There are some mounting tab things, but i assume they are for a bike rack as they do not look strong
enough for disk brakes, and the spacing is wrong. at least, that's compared to the shimano
compatible caliper mounts on the goose, that BTW has been sold, shipped, and i assume delivered
(haven't heard anything from the buyer).
--
~Travis

travis57 at megalink dot net http://www.megalink.net/~farmers/

Technician wrote:
> ok, so the subject was a little vague, i couldn't think of a quick summery so it'll have to do.
>
> For future reference (ok, so i'm really obsessive about researching things), i was wondering what
> options were available for upgrading the GT to disk brakes (like i said, future, job search has
> not returned anything that makes any money yet).

He's dreaming again.

Penny

"Technician" <travis57@nospam.megalink.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.192b2b5af4a303ad9899f3@news.megalink.net...

> (like i said, future, job search has not returned anything that makes any money yet).

Where are you, and what kind of jobs are you looking for? What is your background and/or field of
expertise? (That's a little nicer than the presumptuous and grammatically questionable "What did you
major in?", as if that were the only factor in a job search...)

I'm going back to grad school for the next 2 years to avoid looking for jobs where they don't exist
:-) Illinois is getting hit pretty hard. We've had huge layoffs in the last few years (Motorola, for
example). The state budget has been gutted, so this Big 10 college town (Champaign-Urbana, home of
the University of Illinois Frightening Illini) is having a rough time.

(sorry for the WOT...but I'll bet Travis isn't the only one here with job concerns)

-Barry

In article <vc2tmk2jactr0e@corp.supernews.com>, pennydeletes@invalidcet.com says...
> Technician wrote:
> > ok, so the subject was a little vague, i couldn't think of a quick summery so it'll have to do.
> >
> > For future reference (ok, so i'm really obsessive about researching things), i was wondering
> > what options were available for upgrading the GT to disk brakes (like i said, future, job search
> > has not returned anything that makes any money yet).
>
>
> He's dreaming again.
>
> Penny
>
>
>

Perhaps, hence the words "future reference". has it become poor netiquette to ask a question for
research now?
--
~Travis

travis57 at megalink dot net http://www.megalink.net/~farmers/

"B. Sanders" <barry@bsanders.net> wrote in message
news:aofwa.315444$Si4.264866@rwcrnsc51.ops.asp.att.net...

> (sorry for the WOT...but I'll bet Travis isn't the only one here with job concerns)
>
> -Barry

Indeed!

James

"Penny S." <pennydeletes@invalidcet.com> wrote in message news:vc2tmk2jactr0e@corp.supernews.com...
> Technician wrote:
> > ok, so the subject was a little vague, i couldn't think of a quick summery so it'll have to do.
> >
> > For future reference (ok, so i'm really obsessive about researching things), i was wondering
> > what options were available for upgrading the GT to disk brakes (like i said, future, job search
> > has not returned anything that makes any money yet).
>
>
> He's dreaming again.
>
> Penny

I'm dreaming....dreaming of someone driving over to his house and smacking him upside the head!
Come-on, somebody has to live within driving distance (tap...tap...tap)....heck I'll pay for the gas
and even a couple meals if the drive is long.....PLEASE!!!!

" Johnny was bad, even as a child everybody could tell Everyone said if you don't get straight
You'll surely go to hell

But Johnny didn't care He was an outlaw by the time that he was Ten years old He didn't wanna do
what he was told Just a prankster, juvenile gangster

His teachers didn't understand They kicked him out of school At a tender early age Just because he
didn't want to learn things (Had other interests) He liked to burn things

The lady down the block She had a radio that Johnny wanted oh so bad So he took it the first chance
he had Then he shot her in the leg And this is what she said Only a lad You really can't blame him
Only a lad Society made him Only a lad He's our responsibility Only a lad He really couldn't help
it Only a lad He didn't want to do it Only a lad He's underprivileged and abused Perhaps a little
bit confused

His parents gave up they couldn't influence his attitude Nobody could help The little man had
no gratitude

And when he stole the care Nobody dreamed that he would Try to take it so far He didn't mean to hit
the poor man Who had to go and die It made the judge cry

Only a lad He really couldn't help it Only a lad He didn't want to do it Only a lad He's
underprivileged and abused Perhaps a little bit confused

It's not his fault that he can't believe It's not his fault that he can't behave Society made him go
astray Perhaps if we're nice he'll go away Perhaps he'll go away He'll go away

Hey there Johnny you really don't fool me You get away with murder And you think it's funny You
don't give a damn if we live or if we die Hey there Johnny boy I hope you fry! "

--
Slacker

In article <aofwa.315444$Si4.264866@rwcrnsc51.ops.asp.att.net>, barry@bsanders.net says...
> "Technician" <travis57@nospam.megalink.net> wrote in message
> news:MPG.192b2b5af4a303ad9899f3@news.megalink.net...
>
> > (like i said, future, job search has not returned anything that makes any money yet).
>
> Where are you, and what kind of jobs are you looking for? What is your background and/or field of
> expertise? (That's a little nicer than the presumptuous and grammatically questionable "What did
> you major in?", as if that were the only factor in a job search...)
>

I'm in Farmington, Maine. I guess my background could be classified as electrical/mechanical (scored
top on electrical and mechanical on ASVAB) with very good strengths in computers. In these fields, i
am quite easily taught, so i am only marginally limited by current knowledge.

Mechanically i can usually look at some sort of machine, and with a bit of time, and tools to open
'er up for examination, i can have it pretty much figured out in a few hours. I have rebuilt a
2-cycle motorcycle using the manual only for specific settings or torque.

Electrically, i am the same way. i have re-wired my room several times to place an outlet where
needed, or to change an outlet over to a grounded one. I can also do well in the electronics end of
it. i have built several audio amplifiers, though i have yet to understand them fully, i can read a
schematic and generate a circuit from it with little difficulty (providing that i have reference
materials for any semiconductors).

With computers, i may not know all there is to know, but i have a fairly broad area of knowledge. i
have a very good understanding of the scripting format, thus i can usually read and understand most
any script language enough to learn from it. Hardware is simple to me, it is nothing to swap out a
component whenever needed, and software is much the same. there are so many similarities that most
programs can be learned by simply working with it for a while.

For the longest time, i had no idea what i wanted to do for a living. for a while i though i enjoyed
computers enough that i would like to be employed using them. I have since decided (while building
up the GT actually) that i much prefer mechanical work. i enjoy getting down and dirty with tools
and working with my hands. I just have to find the job that best fits this joy.

A position has opened up at the local VIP (discount auto parts, aka crappy parts at a low price) for
a full-time tire changer. not sure exactly what it entails, but i figure it is worth a shot.

a fairly recent (within the past 3 years) interest of mine is turbine jet engines. i would love to
work in this field, but the only positions available are at airports, and there is so much at risk,
that it kind of takes away from the job. now, assuming i got the needed training and the FAA
certification, it would be nice to be a jet engine mechanic for just a few small jet aircraft. but i
fear i don't have a good enough credit to apply for another student loan (mainly because i have to
keep deferring my last student loan).

> I'm going back to grad school for the next 2 years to avoid looking for jobs where they don't
> exist :-) Illinois is getting hit pretty hard. We've had huge layoffs in the last few years
> (Motorola, for example). The state budget has been gutted, so this Big 10 college town
> (Champaign-Urbana, home of the University of Illinois Frightening Illini) is having a rough time.
>

Yeah, i think the unemployment rate is nationally large. i may have to go back to school as well.
--
~Travis

travis57 at megalink dot net http://www.megalink.net/~farmers/

Technician wrote:
> In article <aofwa.315444$Si4.264866@rwcrnsc51.ops.asp.att.net>, barry@bsanders.net says...
>> "Technician" <travis57@nospam.megalink.net> wrote in message
>> news:MPG.192b2b5af4a303ad9899f3@news.megalink.net...
>>
>>> (like i said, future, job search has not returned anything that makes any money yet).
>>
>> Where are you, and what kind of jobs are you looking for? What is your background and/or field of
>> expertise? (That's a little nicer than the presumptuous and grammatically questionable "What did
>> you major in?", as if that were the only factor in a job search...)
>>
>
> I'm in Farmington, Maine. I guess my background could be classified as electrical/mechanical
> (scored top on electrical and mechanical on ASVAB) with very good strengths in computers. In these
> fields, i am quite easily taught, so i am only marginally limited by current knowledge.

just curious, do you have any real world experience in this stuff? Not trying to poke, but be
serious here. One thought is that if jobs are scarce, volunteering your skills builds real world
experience and looks good on a resume`

Penny

In article <vc34mth4l1cfaf@corp.supernews.com>, pennydeletes@invalidcet.com says...
> Technician wrote:
> > In article <aofwa.315444$Si4.264866@rwcrnsc51.ops.asp.att.net>, barry@bsanders.net says...
> >> "Technician" <travis57@nospam.megalink.net> wrote in message
> >> news:MPG.192b2b5af4a303ad9899f3@news.megalink.net...
> >>
> >>> (like i said, future, job search has not returned anything that makes any money yet).
> >>
> >> Where are you, and what kind of jobs are you looking for? What is your background and/or field
> >> of expertise? (That's a little nicer than the presumptuous and grammatically questionable "What
> >> did you major in?", as if that were the only factor in a job search...)
> >>
> >
> > I'm in Farmington, Maine. I guess my background could be classified as electrical/mechanical
> > (scored top on electrical and mechanical on ASVAB) with very good strengths in computers. In
> > these fields, i am quite easily taught, so i am only marginally limited by current knowledge.
>
> just curious, do you have any real world experience in this stuff? Not trying to poke, but be
> serious here. One thought is that if jobs are scarce, volunteering your skills builds real world
> experience and looks good on a resume`
>
> Penny
>
>
>

Unfortunately it is all self taught, and not really anybody to back it up, except the town "crazy
guy" whom i did a little computer work for, but he isn't exactly somebody you want to use as a
reference.

I have thought of volunteering, but there is not even really any place to volunteer anymore. i tried
to see about the public library using me to do PC repair on their systems, or at the very least, be
a tech desk guy for the users, but they already have a guy to do all that. as far as mechanical, i'm
at a loss how i can volunteer there. and electrical, i belive i need a licence to do any of that
outside of my own home (and i think you technically need one for even that). As far as i can figure,
the only real way i will get any experience is to get a job in one of those fields, hence applying
at VIP for the tire changer job.

Like i said though, i may have to go back to school in order to get a little piece of paper that
says i can do what i know i can (anybody know of a college that has a jet engine mechanic major?
preferably fairly near maine as i would either have to drive, or come up with some money to fly).
--
~Travis

travis57 at megalink dot net http://www.megalink.net/~farmers/

"Technician" <travis57@nospam.megalink.net> wrote

> I have thought of volunteering, but there is not even really any place to volunteer anymore. i
> tried to see about the public library using me to do PC repair on their systems, or at the very
> least, be a tech desk guy for the users, but they already have a guy to do all that. as far as
> mechanical, i'm at a loss how i can volunteer there. and electrical, i belive i need a licence to
> do any of that outside of my own home (and i think you technically need one for even that). As far
> as i can figure, the only real way i will get any experience is to get a job in one of those
> fields, hence applying at VIP for the tire changer job.

Volunteer jobs: Build and host a website for the local playhouse group. Be a stagehand for them as
well. (Lighting, sound, etc) Build a database for the elementary school reading program. Ask around
at the local mom and pop PC shop and see if they need any 'free' help. Start a PC recycling deal for
underprivileged families. Get throwaways, fix them up, and give them out. Start a bike recycling
deal of the same sort of families.

This is not new information, Trav. We've been over this before.

>
> Like i said though, i may have to go back to school in order to get a little piece of paper that
> says i can do what i know i can (anybody know of a college that has a jet engine mechanic major?
> preferably fairly near maine as i would either have to drive, or come up with some money to fly).
> --

well, gee...a 2 minute google turned up the Embry-Riddle Brunswick Center, at NAS Brunswick. Or,
join the Maine ANG.

You're not trying, son.

Pete

Slacker wrote:

>
> " Johnny was bad, even as a child everybody could tell Everyone said if you don't get straight
> You'll surely go to hell
>
> But Johnny didn't care He was an outlaw by the time that he was Ten years old He didn't wanna do
> what he was told Just a prankster, juvenile gangster
>
> His teachers didn't understand They kicked him out of school At a tender early age Just because he
> didn't want to learn things (Had other interests) He liked to burn things
>
> The lady down the block She had a radio that Johnny wanted oh so bad So he took it the first
> chance he had Then he shot her in the leg And this is what she said Only a lad You really can't
> blame him Only a lad Society made him Only a lad He's our responsibility Only a lad He really
> couldn't help it Only a lad He didn't want to do it Only a lad He's underprivileged and abused
> Perhaps a little bit confused
>
> His parents gave up they couldn't influence his attitude Nobody could help The little man had no
> gratitude
>
> And when he stole the care Nobody dreamed that he would Try to take it so far He didn't mean to
> hit the poor man Who had to go and die It made the judge cry
>
> Only a lad He really couldn't help it Only a lad He didn't want to do it Only a lad He's
> underprivileged and abused Perhaps a little bit confused
>
> It's not his fault that he can't believe It's not his fault that he can't behave Society made him
> go astray Perhaps if we're nice he'll go away Perhaps he'll go away He'll go away
>
> Hey there Johnny you really don't fool me You get away with murder And you think it's funny You
> don't give a damn if we live or if we die Hey there Johnny boy I hope you fry! "
>
>
> --
> Slacker
>
>

Hey, Slack, you're a SoCal boy- did you get to see the "Goodbye Goodbye" mini tour? I was sad to see
one of the very best concert bands go, but I enjoyed sending them off.

Miles

> Hey, Slack, you're a SoCal boy- did you get to see the "Goodbye Goodbye" mini tour? I was sad to
> see one of the very best concert bands go, but I enjoyed sending them off.
>
> Miles

Actually, as much as I like them, I never did see them live. I do think Elfman is a musical genius.

--
Slacker

"Technician" <travis57@nospam.megalink.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.192b2b5af4a303ad9899f3@news.megalink.net...
> ok, so the subject was a little vague, i couldn't think of a quick summery so it'll have to do.
>
> For future reference (ok, so i'm really obsessive about researching things), i was wondering what
> options were available for upgrading the GT to disk brakes (like i said, future, job search has
> not returned anything that makes any money yet).

<snipped rest>

Travis my man, I think you're approaching this wrong...

While there is nothing inherently "wrong" with your new GT frame, it's not the kind of thing you
should think about throwing a lot of money at. Just as the group helped you to understand your Goose
had no right to a Thompson post, hydraulic brakes on that bike are little over the top. You'd
honestly be better served saving your money and moving into the wonderful world of

time you get the $2K or so together (it sounds like it'd be over a year) you'll know if you plan to
stay committed to cycling or not...who knows, in a year you could have a lady friend and a little
Travis on the way, and the new-bike-fund will be quickly reallocated. I don't want to sound
insulting in the least, but just as $1500 rims, a 5-point harness, and a loud muffler won't make a
Neon a race car, hydraulic discs are probably overkill for your GT. Keep the bike forever - or
better yet, keep it 'til your better off, and you meet a kid that reminds you of yourself, and
return AMB's favor - but undrestand there are still limitations.

...and regarding disc brake research...if it's going to be a few years before you make the purchase,
what brake systems do you think will be available then? Nothing will probably be the same (who saw
Avid's Juicy7 setup coming 18 months ago) and all your info-gathering will be moot.

I don't want to knock you down or come off harsh - your enthusiasm is awesome...biking needs more
folks like you - but there are limitations. A disc brake would probably twist that GTs stay up like
a Twizzler

Penny says you're dreaming...know there is nothing wrong with that. But keep your feet on the
ground. And ride that GT 'til your legs fall off.

Chris

Add front discs bu upgrading fork/wheel

Forget about putting a disc on the rear the of that bike... Just get some Cane Creek Direct
Curve-II's or Magura's

In article <oZhwa.36410$VP.7877399@twister.neo.rr.com>, ptr@usaf.com says...
>
> "Technician" <travis57@nospam.megalink.net> wrote
>
> > I have thought of volunteering, but there is not even really any place to volunteer anymore. i
> > tried to see about the public library using me to do PC repair on their systems, or at the very
> > least, be a tech desk guy for the users, but they already have a guy to do all that. as far as
> > mechanical, i'm at a loss how i can volunteer there. and electrical, i belive i need a licence
> > to do any of that outside of my own home (and i think you technically need one for even that).
> > As far as i can figure, the only real way i will get any experience is to get a job in one of
> > those fields, hence applying at VIP for the tire changer job.
>
> Volunteer jobs: Build and host a website for the local playhouse group. Be a stagehand for them as
> well. (Lighting, sound, etc)

The only playhouse we have is university owned and operated. if your not part of their university
(staff or student), they don't want you (except for the audience at public plays).

> Build a database for the elementary school reading program.

I have been told they already have one, though a check on their site fails to find one. perhaps
parents are given a "special" url to get to
it.http://www.mallett.msad9.k12.me.us/ (try the search, he he. i _hate_ frontpage with a passion).

> Ask around at the local mom and pop PC shop and see if they need any 'free' help.

All the mom 'n pop computer stores have gone out of business. all that is left if Staples and
Office-Max 40 miles away.

> Start a PC recycling deal for underprivileged families. Get throwaways, fix them up, and give them
> out. Start a bike recycling deal of the same sort of families.
>

i have thought of this, but have been held back by two things.
1.) like any other program for underprivileged families in this area (and many others i assume),
people will cheat the system.
2.) i am very unorganized. in fact, my teachers kept threatening to submit me as an example for
Websters Dictionary. i am a total synonym for organization.

> This is not new information, Trav. We've been over this before.
>
> >
> > Like i said though, i may have to go back to school in order to get a little piece of paper
> > that says i can do what i know i can (anybody know of a college that has a jet engine mechanic
> > major? preferably fairly near maine as i would either have to drive, or come up with some money
> > to fly).
> > --
>
> well, gee...a 2 minute google turned up the Embry-Riddle Brunswick Center, at NAS Brunswick. Or,
> join the Maine ANG.
>

I did actually search, and may have come up with Embry-Riddle, though their main site, as far as i
could find, does not list the brunswick center so i may have skipped over it. re-searching using
"Embry-Riddle Brunswick Center" for keywords did return information about the brunswick center. i
filled out the form for information request, so i will see what they offer. the engine maintenance
course picture shows a reciprocating engine, though they may still teach about turbine engines.

Thanks for pointing it out.
--
~Travis

travis57 at megalink dot net http://www.megalink.net/~farmers/