upgrade to disk brakes?

Question

i ride a hardtail with 3-4 inches of front travel(i dont know for sure) i have been getting into some light to moderate downhilling with it, ive doen a lot of cross country riding as well. i have shimano V-brakes now and was wanting to upgrade to mechanical disk brakes. i dont want to get the hydraulic ones for money and how they get adjusted seem to be not what im looking for. i wanted to knwo what were some good cheaper models, how i would have to modify the bike, i know i would need new hubs but im pretty sure my front forks have adapeters but im not sure about the back so dont know how to do that, and if i would get a big difference by just doing the front wheel and keeping the back as a V-brake. thanks

Answer 1

Cheap mechanical disks are not an upgrade to V brakes. I and many others recommend never to get cheap mechanical disk.



It's simple to see the caliper brake mounts on the left side chain/seat stays on the bike. If you don't have the bracket you need to forget the disks. Most of the time is not worth installing disks when you have to buy wheels too. Sell what you have and buy what you want.



V brakes provide more than enough braking power - they easily lock up in dirt and that's too much brake already. Disks are great in constant muddy conditions. It saves your rims from excessive wear and work better as the disk stays cleaner and drier than the rim. Big time DH riders like hydraulic disk because they are so strong very little pressure is needed and it reduces hand cramps on really long down hills.

Answer 2

I would only bother with Avid mechanical disc brakes, and even then reluctantly. The problem is that you are still limited by the cable. No matter much force you can apply with a lever, there will be too much cable stretch to make any obvious difference in braking power.

Hydraulic units on the other hand have much greater force transfer. That's why they use them in cars.

In addition, you will need a wheel hub that can accept the disc rotor and a fork and frame that have disc brake mounts.

If you go for a disc and money is still a problem, you would be much better off going for a single front hydraulic unit. Roughly 80% of your braking power comes from the front wheel, so spend your money there.

Answer 3

Most of the time its not worth the cost to change to disc brakes. V-brakes are all I've ever had and I've never had problems stopping when they are adjusted properly. If your current bike isnt too old and beaten up, I'd recommend trading it in on a bike with disc brakes to satisfy your need for discs. I know how you feel; every cool new bike has disc brakes, so you think you also need them or really want them. Its far more important to know how to dial in your bike to get the most enjoyment from riding. But if you simply must have disc brakes on your current bike, then the Avid BB7 is the cheapest, decent way to go. If your frame doesnt have disc brake mounts for the rear wheel, then dont waste time with that wheel and go with a front disc; maybe that will curb your need for discs until you can save enough coin for a new bike....

Answer 4

You need tabs on your frame and fork to be able to use mechanical disc brakes. The biggest reason to do so is that the braking performance doesn't suffer when wet or muddy.



Get Avid BB7 (the BB5's are not nearly as good), and spring for some Avid Speed Dial 7 brake levers if you don't already have high quality levers. At $26, they're an excellent upgrade.

Answer 5

Both types work well. Skids are the result of using too much brake. It can and will happen no matter which type of brake the bike is fitted with. It is totally rider dependent. Many people prefer disc brakes because they can be more effective. I prefer a disc brake on the front and a drum brake on the rear. Those who skid the rear tire need to learn to use the front brake more, and the rear a little less. Edit: Go back to the video games, flight lieutenant. Drum rear brakes are rod-actuated. There is no cable to stretch.

Answer 6

Mate if you are in england then rol to halfords they do some really good hydraulic discs for not that much...the standard of discs has gone up so much over the last couple of years. Mechanical discs are alright i would bother unless you batter your wheels all the time cos with v's if you buckle a wheel it'll rub..with discs it wont. look at your hubs if you have little holes to accomodate some boltsd then bingo you can upgrade to discs easy money but if not...get a new bike with them already... buying a whole new wheelset is quite a lot of cash compared to some of the deals you can get out there now...budget bike quality is great now..halfords or chainreactioncycles.co.uk if your in the uk.

have fun

keep it dusty

Answer 7

if u wanna do downhill riding just get a used downhill bike, sell the hydralic brakes that stock on it then get some avid BB7's, they came stock on my $1700 bike they are ok, but i want to get hydralic brakes.