Help. Want your opinions on potential upgrades for 5500 XC racer

[jazclrint]

Hello everyone.  It's been a long time since I've been on here.  College and all.  It's getting time to think about the next step for my 5500.  You know how these things are never done, they just kind of evolve.  The biggest thing I am contemplating right now is a wheel and brake upgrade.  I have Rolf Dolimites and Magura HS33's on there right now.  I discovered that V-brakes weren't cutting it in the power department with my 220lbs on board.  I suspect it was the braking surface, but I'm not certain.  Anyway, I have an old set of Maguras and setup have been a bitch.  Well, I have an EVO2 upgrade kit on the way from England.  That should drop the weight a bit, improve braking power, and make the step up much better.  I have a bit of an issue getting the front calipers close enough to the rim on the stock fork.  What I am looking at is upgrading to Fulcrum's Zero rim brake wheels, which should be much stiffer, although I'm not sure how the silver wheels will look on the bike after years with the black Rolf's.  They are also only 1500g and only $500-600 online.  I am also considering a full disc brake upgrade, Carbon Noleen and all.  That is much more expensive and complicated though.

I am wondering how you guys feel about disc's vs HS33's.  Having tried to catch up a bit with the goings on on here it seems the are no more Hammerheads to be had, and with my weight I'd be looking at maybe closer to a 185/160mm disc setup.  I'm not really sure there would be a weight savings, or a real advantage in braking power.  

I had the just bike under 25lbs at one point, but adding the Maguras and a set of LP carbon bar ends added 2 lbs.  I am going to get rid of the LP bar ends and get a set of the new Easton EC90 bar ends.  I have an Easton theme going on with my bike.  I have an oddball stem as well with a 15 degree rise that fixed my flying over the bar problem (along with some tuning on my front Fox Float).  I am thinkinf about upgrading it with a 20 degree rise EA70 stem, and then compensating for the 10mm lift by taking the 2 5mm sapcers and mounting them on top.  The only problem is Easton is only making 31.8mm stems, even though they sell 25.6mm bars in almost every model.  So, I'll have to get an EC70 bar as well, which is the same claimed weight as my current CT2, and is bar end compatible.  

[Edit]  Having done some digging in the mean time, there are some on here and else where that claim Avids Single Digit V-brakes are as powerful as Maguras.  They are definitely lighter (about half the weight).  I switched to my HS33s originally because my Paul's sucked.  Now, this may have been an issue with the pads.  I also had issues with the rear brake.  I never had decent power or feel from the rear brakes.  The Magura's were a revolution.  I have, however, had constant set-up issues with the front brakes because they are so far from the rim.  I also live in Maine, so the XC courses get muddy and wet.  I am amazed, as well, that you can buy a complete brand new set of HS33s for half (actually much less) than a complete Avid SD Ultimate brake system.  $100 per wheel just for the brakes, then $200 for a set of V-brake levers, and then you still have to get cables?  Holy crap!

What do you guys think?

[Akagi]

I am only 135 pounds so I have not thought too much about braking power, and it is super dry out here.
I think you would benefit from discs though, considering discs will give you more predictable and reliable braking despite the conditions.

But as for v-brakes, if you want to save weight, why not go for Avid SD Ti or SD SL?  They are much cheaper than the ultimates.  The ultimates have CNC machine work and are nice to look at but I don't know what they really offer functionally more that justifies the large price tag.

Here are some levers i found on ebay:
Single digit Ti (heavier, but more adjustable, titanium hardware) 28$
http://cgi.ebay.com/AVID-Speed-Dial-Ti-V-brake-levers-grey-black-NEW_W0QQitemZ370270514450QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item5635d7ad12

Single digit SL (newer version of single digit Ti, less adjustable, lighter, titanium hardware) 45$
http://cgi.ebay.com/Avid-Speed-Dial-SL-Levers-Pair-Silver-Ti-Brake-Lever_W0QQitemZ390157808955QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item5ad737b53b

Can't find any brakes right now, but they pop up from time to time just as cheap.