Can't do discs so what else is there?

[Becky]

What about new or better brake pads? (I'm assuming that you have linear-pull rim brakes here.) Most shops will have something for severe or extreme conditions. Often they're some bright color. My shop carries ones by Ritchey that are red and some that are blue. Kool Stop is another popular brand: http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/index.php

As an aside, you want to be careful about riding when it's muddy. MTBers can do a lot of damage to a trail by riding on it when it's soft and wet. Maybe talk to the local MTBers or folks at your LBS, and find out which trails drain well and how soon they can be ridden after a soaking rain.

[tulip]

Yep, koolstops are the best brakepads in my opinion. Your cables may be stretched, too, and adjusting may help. And yep, it's best to stay off the trail when it's muddy, for the trail's sake.

[GraysonKelly]

Thanks for the advice. I was already warned about destroying the trails...what I meant is that the area that I plan to start all this has several creeks that cross the trail so my tires (and I) will get wet a lot plus the issue of mud right around the creek banks. The trails around here stay pretty moist all the time of course those were hiking trails not bike trails...I don't know about those quite yet. But I have hiked the one I'm thinking of starting with and while the trail up to the fire road gets pretty dry the trail back down does not always. I'd probably be walking that one anyway at least my first few times...it seems a bit tricky. I certainly don't want to mess up the trails with my bike...I have feeling my body is going to be packing down a lot of the mud and dirt when I fall off the bike. Thanks again for the tips.
Gray

[7rider]

I've mtb'd for years without disc brakes....gone through my share of stream crossings and puddles (through a puddle is better than around a puddle for the trail's sake), up and down hills, and my standard brakes have served me just fine.

[GraysonKelly]

I've mtb'd for years without disc brakes....gone through my share of stream crossings and puddles (through a puddle is better than around a puddle for the trail's sake), up and down hills, and my standard brakes have served me just fine.

Oh thank you! I was getting so intimidated by all the info I've been getting I was almost ready to chicken out. I did find a group up here to ride with but they won't be meeting again until probably late Feb or March. I have not gone out in woods in years, the last time I was on the way home on the road and got hit by a car. It's been a while. But even then I wasn't doing anything really technical. Anyway, thank you for saying that. I'm excited to try this but anxious at the same time.

[Irulan]

I've mtb'd for years without disc brakes....gone through my share of stream crossings and puddles (through a puddle is better than around a puddle for the trail's sake), up and down hills, and my standard brakes have served me just fine.

Same here, I rode for years on a top of the line Kona with rim brakes ( it came out the year before discs were standard)

Where discs give you an advantage is in overall muddy and wet conditions ( think Pacific Coast) Otherwise they're just another cool upgrade.

[GraysonKelly]

Thanks Irulan! Okay, so I know I need the bike inspected and tuned (I get that free for life of the bike at the LBS). Should I go ahead and put different pads on? I checked out the Ritchey and Kool Stop pads that the others mentioned. If I was going to put new pads on anyway would those be good or does anyone have another suggestion?
On a side note, I have started researching new mountain bikes, just in case, and I do believe that I like the hardtail and will probably get another when it's time. Of course I'll have a whole different host of questions by then. Thanks again for all the help.
Gray

[Irulan]

here's my thoughts on brake pads.
I don't think about them. I buy whatever the lbs guy hands me when I say I need new brake pads.