Upgrading bike - newbie questions

[Livefast123]

Well i've been commuting on my Dawes Vision for around 2 months now and the cycling bug has definatly hit. It's a relic from the 90's so I thought maybe about upgrading some of the equipment. The first thing I noticed is that the brakes are not great and in the wet are rubbish even when adjusted. I know nothing about bike systems etc so I was wondering would there be a better type of brake I could fit onto the original mountings. The brakes on there are Shimano M350's and i think are cantilever type?

I have already upgraded the tyres to Michelin Pilot sports as the originals were completely perished and I have given the rear cassette and derailer a clean and they seem to operate normally.

Spec from 90's
Dawes Vision hybrid - bonded aluminium
Deore XT levers / selectors
Deore LX Chainset
Shimano M350 brakes
Allessio alloy rims.

Are there any other upgrades that would be worthwhile. I'm only doing 8 miles a day so I don't really need a carbon speed racer but I would do it to gain knowledge and it interests me.

 

[biggs682]

[sup]try stopping in the wet on steel rims . why not try a racing stlye bike rather than what looks to be a nice enough hybrid bike , you dont have to spend a fortune to do it .[/sup]

 

[chris-s]

A change of brake pads could make a huge difference. Clarkes gold or koolstop salmons are usually rated well.

Chris

 

[Livefast123]

Thanks, will try some new pads

 

[jay clock]

That saddle looks amazingly low and suggests the bike too big for you (or you pedal with a very bent knee)

I would spend as little as possible if it works. Agreed about brake pads, but I would consider an upgrade to v brakes (should fit on same mounts) but only if the brake levers are separate from the gear changers (ie not an all in one unit) as the levers will probably need changing too.

If commuting, my personal choice would be change cassette and chain before the winter, then keep scrupulously clean.

 

[Livefast123]

You are right, the bike is almost to big for me, I have around a 1 inch clearance on the top tube when standing. I have really short legs though so even with the saddle that low they are straight when the pedal is at it's lowest travel. Is that right or is there another way to set the seat height?

The bike has the XT all in one levers so I guess that rules out changing the brakes without a higher cost. I shall continue to give the bike a good clean and leave it as is with the exeption of the brake pads which almost need changing anyway. I'm using Wurth Motorcycle dry lube on the chain at the moment, seems to be working a treat.

I had the bike FOC so I was planning to save over the winter months with the fuel/insurance/running costs savings over the car / motorbike and then treat myself to something spangly and new before the nice weather hits.