Upgrading brakes on a mountain bike - how do I know what's compatible with what?!

[Engram]

I have a fairly old (maybe 10 years?!) Specialized Hardrock Sport. It currently has mechanical disc brakes, and the brake levers and shifters are integrated. I believe all of these parts are Shimano.

I'd like to upgrade to hydraulic disc brakes, probably from Shimano Deore XT range.

1. If I upgrade my callipers, do I need different rotors?
2. Generally speaking, do all individual brake lever units fit next to individual shifter units? (If I go all Deore XT, I'm guessing this won't be an issue).
3. If I change the shifters, do I need to change the derailers?
4. How do I attach a hydraulic hose to the frame of the bike?

Hope someone can answer these!

 

[BaJ]

It's obviously your choice but full XT seems overkill for a 10 year old Hardrock. The standard Shimano Deore range is great and would do a cracking job.

1. Probably, no point having dodgy old discs with XT brakes anyhow.
2. Generally yes, you can position them as you please.
3. Possibly maybe, don't know, someone else will.
4. You should have some existing cable/hose guides to follow.

 

[Engram]

Thanks. I'll check out the standard Deore range as well (still early days in my research). As you say, probably not worth going too crazy.

I may have found the answer to question 4. It seems you can buy hose adaptors that you insert in the original brake housing guides.

 

[Deleted member 66701]

Personally I'd just upgrade to a good mechanical calliper - something like Avid BB7's should do - they are remarkably good.

I have Deore M595's on my xc full sus and there isn't that much in it between them and the BB7's on my hardtail.

 

[neil_g]

3 - if you stay the same make and amount of gears then no.

 

[Gribs]

Personally I'd just upgrade to a good mechanical calliper - something like Avid BB7's should do - they are remarkably good.

I have Deore M595's on my xc full sus and there isn't that much in it between them and the BB7's on my hardtail.

I've used BB7's and imo they're crap compared to good hydro discs. I'm used to Hope's and in comparison the power and modulation was poor, worse than the Elixir 3's I binned after a couple of rides. These were the road version though they completely put me off getting a cross bike with them fitted as they were no better than the mini v's on my cross bike.

For the op the German bike shops are normally the cheapest for Shimano brakes and/or groupsets. Slx generally offers the best price/performance compromise.