ever thought of moving over to Disc brakes?
Yes, I will definitely do that next time I go for new stuff. Mine is a 2004 model, and disc brakes were hideously expensive when I bought it.
I hate the cantilever type brakes, not only because they under perform in the wet but because they are a pain to keep set correctly without ages of fiddling around trying to get it right!
I am thoroughly convinced that disc brakes
are better, but I honestly have few complaints on my brakes: They bite well in all kinds of weather (even snow and sleet, somewhat to my surprise!) and can be quickly and comfortably adjusted from the handlbar all the way from new to worn out. The only fiddling is when I have to change them, and even that is done in 5-10 minutes.
and what other weather do you go mountain biking in
Well, my answer is in
any weather. I use that mount to transport my bottom to work all year round, sometimes in temperatures down to -25C/-13F. Any lower than that will cause trouble due to freezing lubricants.
I was figuring a hardtail with a gel soft seat hehe, I think a heavier seat would give better comfort results than the rear suspension with the added benefit of having less power lost in the suspension flex on the uphills where she struggles the most.
No, no, no... Crusader is right, gel seats are useless and also cause massive power loss. Same thing with a heavy seat. Go for a thin lightweight seat instead.
/Claes