How To Install Disc Brakes on a Mountain Bike?

Question

How hard is it to install Disc Brakes on a Full suspension bike? I just bought a Santa Cruz Superlight and it doesnt have disc brakes. How much would it run me on average? and what do you reccomend?

Answer 1

Ok, your frame is an IS mount for disc brakes. (There is International Standard - holes inline with hub, and post mount, holes at right angles to hub). Depends what fork you have as to what mount is up front. Don't panic though, you can get adaptors to switch between types.

Wheels - are they disc compatible? Do they have a flange on the left side with 6 holes, or a splined section? If not, you'll need to buy new wheels. Choices for current wheels are sell on, or keep if you have another bike to fit them to. Don't strip and rebuild on to a new hub, it's not recommended to rebuild with used spokes or rims - they don't build as well once tensioned once already.

Disc brakes. This comes down to price and brand preferences. Do get hydraulic discs, cable discs are no better than your V brakes and offer little benefit. Don't get drawn into bigger is better, especially on the rear wheel. 160mm rear is sufficient for anything other than a DH rig. Anyone saying different needs to learn to control their front and rear braking control. It depends on how hard you ride and how fast you go for the front, coupled with size of descents. Long descents with lots of braking will benefit from a bigger disc, not just for power, but for heat dissipation. For lower weight, keep them small.

What do I run? I have Formula Oro Puro's on my summer full suss and Hope M4, Mono Mini combo on my winter hardtail. Both work superbly, the Formulas have greater all out stopping power and are lighter, but cost much more. The Hopes are ultra dependable and better wet weather stoppers for my personal trail conditions.

Fitting is pretty straightforward. The hydraulic system is fully sealed, so if you can get the right cable length, or live with it marginally long, you need do nothing other than fit them on. If cables need trimming, best to let your local shop cut and bleed brakes. If you get discs with a twin clamp lever and have a similar fitting V-brake lever, you won't even need to remove your grips. Cable routing is bike dependant, mine slot into guides on one bike and zip tie to guides on the other, neither required any bike shop input.

Answer 2

You don't really need discs on the back wheel.



They are often sold in sets of two, but you really don't need em on the back as much as the manufactures need your money in their greasy mits.



Chances are you will have to have someone build you a new front wheel and buy a new front hub. There is a small chance your front hub will take a disc - check and see if there is a large flange sticking out of the left hand side of the hub.



You will need new spokes and nipples and probably a new front hub - can re-build using your current rim and rubber.



You can honestly buy the parts dirt cheap if you shop around, but the shop where you are having the wheel built should be the first port of call - give them an idea of how much you are willing to spend they should look after you if you are having them build the new wheel.



Don't bother to up grade the rear brake, at least not until you have tried a disc on the front first.



Edit: nothing wrong with lacing the old rim onto a new hub, especially if it is a new bike, no one builds a new wheel with used spokes and nipples - also a hand built wheel will last a lot longer than a new wheel made in a factory, and you usually have to buy new wheel sets, ie front and back - you really don't need a new rear wheel.

Answer 3

I'm pretty sure your bike will have the required mounting points on the frame and fork to fit disc brakes. What may cause problems is the wheel hubs, if they aren't disc compatible, you would need your wheels rebuilt. Disc hubs have a built in fitting on the left side with six equally spaced holes, or a splined fitting for Shimano disc rotors.



IMO The Avid Juicy series of disc brakes are the best around, but there are many good brands available. Price will range from about AU$250 and up per end.

Answer 4

Shimano Xt Brakes Installation

Answer 5

And Once setup, the disc brakes tend to take less maintenance. But the maintenance on a rim brake is easier, especially emergency repair. I prefer (at this point) the rim brake. If I went downhill on long runs, I am sure I would prefer disc brakes.

Answer 6

Make sure you have the right forks, capable of discs.



Around £30 - £40 per disc.

Around £30 per the pads.



Change the pads every 6months or so.

Not sure about the discs, keep them washed with the proper liquid.

Get a bike shop to help.