I've got a Focus Black Hills from about year 2000. It's got v-brakes and mostly Deore parts. It weighs about 14.5kg.
Slight damage to the wheels on the last few rides have resulted in a small buckle that catches on the brakes whereas my fellow riders with disk brakes have been able to continue riding with much worse.
I'm also carrying the Suntour front suspension that doesn't lock out and I'm sure it is too heavy.
Is it worth upgrading to disk brakes? If so, do I just get the hayes disks and mechanicals or do I go for Magura?
What about the Suntour front fork?
Are the changes going to cost more than the bike is worth? I've just been over the alps on it and am quite happy just annoyed at having to get picked up by car everytime I hit a root or stone.
Get a new bike. To upgrade to discs, you need new wheels and the discs, so youre looking at at least $500 for a decent setup right there. You can get a new GF Pirahna with discs for a little mroe than that.
I'm on the same page as Triguy98, buy a new one. I went through that 2 years ago, had a Motobecane and wanted upgrades, exactly $100 more than a new bike. If you get a fork get at least a 100mm and test ride it first. I like the RockShox units. As far as disks go, you decide. I have seen the worst down hills these Rocky Mountains have to offer, I got no complants with regular brakes. Yet. You can get hydraulic ones for like $150 extra on a new bike.