Bianchi Axis with Disc brakes possible?

[alan@hotelwv]

I am looking for a new bike for my commute. I have been lurking here on the forums for some time trying to decide which bikes to go test ride. The Bianchi Axis seems to come closest to meeting my needs in every way except the brakes. I have read here and elsewhere that the brakes that come standard on the axis are sub par.

I have been riding a mtn bike for several years now that is equipped with disk brakes and I love them. I often ride in the rain and in heavy traffic so responsive brakes are very important to me. Is there anyway to retrofit the Axis with discs? If not, what other options do I have to improve the axis braking?

Many thanks in advance.

[DogBoy]

I don't think the frame has the braze-ons for disc mounts and I know the fork doesn't. You would be better served to get a major jake frame from kona and build up the bike. C'dale also has a disc-brake cross-bike, but I'm not sure either has rack-mounts. Best of luck!

[Leo21]

I don't know if you can install the disc , but I use my 2004 for commuting and the brakes are pretty good, not mentioning that the bike by itself is absoluty great

[alan@hotelwv]

Thanks for the input guys. Sounds like the discs are out on the Axis. What about changing out the canti's for v-brakes? Would that give me better modulation and stopping power? If so can you make a v-brake recommendation?

[Scooby Snax]

For V's I guess you would have to go to tektro Mini V's, having said that, what do you have against Canti's?
For Commuting, Canti's should be fine, unless you're a "Belt & Suspenders" kinda person.

[jim-bob]

For V's I guess you would have to go to tektro Mini V's, having said that, what do you have against Canti's?
For Commuting, Canti's should be fine, unless you're a "Belt & Suspenders" kinda person.

Agreed. Most of my bikes have cantilevers, and I've never had a problem with them.

Are you a morbidly obese rider with a penchant for serious speed on the downhills, or do you have some other reason for not trusting cantis?

[alan@hotelwv]

As a matter of fact I am a pretty big boy, ~230lbs, and my commute does have several long and steep hills. However, even with that it sounds like canti's will be ok. I suppose I could always change later if there was a problem.

The reason I brought this question up was that I had read a few reviews on the Axis elsewhere that seemed to indicate the brakes on the Axis were not so good. (I just tried to find the reviews I saw so I could post a link but now I can' find them. Perhaps I was dreaming?)

Hopefully I can hit the LBS for a test ride this weekend. Can't wait. Thanks for the help.