Mountain Biking - Where to put a disc brake?

I really only need one disc break....and I would like to put it on my rear wheel only. I use that the most and I would like to go into trials so it seemed the best bet for me. My neighbors...which have been doing trials for about 6 years agree with me. However my LBS says I should get them in the front. What would you do?

if you ever want to start doing stuff like front wheel stalls (i dunno trial terminology) a front brake would probabily be helpful.

For any other type of riding you would want it on the front first. I don't really know about that type of riding so, i don't know.
I'd imagine you would still want the most stopping power up front, so that would imply a disc. But i figure you may use the rear brake more, so to avoid your right hand getting sore, you may want a hydraulic disc in back. But thats just me guessing.

i say get mechanic in front and back and if you only need back upgrade to hydrolic, which is what you should be getting in the first place, i never used to use my front brake, but then i stared doign real riding, and then i took it off because i snaped my fork and my adaptor didnt fit my brake, so right now i wish i had front brakes realy badly!!

You want it in the front regardless of whether you are doing trials or not. Most of your stopping power comes from the front, usefull for DH etc. And for trials, you DO NOT want a rear disc, it will destroy your frame. Listen to your LBS

You want it in the front regardless of whether you are doing trials or not. Most of your stopping power comes from the front, usefull for DH etc. And for trials, you DO NOT want a rear disc, it will destroy your frame. Listen to your LBS
Yeah, I heard the disc tabs can snap off in trials.

If you are using your brakes properly, you'll mostly use your front brake. The rear one is much less important.

So if you're only going to put one disc brake on, definitely put it on the front. It'll be wasted on the back.

If you mostly use you back brake, you should learn to brake properly. Apply the front brake a little earlier than the back one, and don't be afraid of the front brake. You won't endo unless you are braking way too hard.

If your frame can take the forces then I don't see a reason not to get a rear brake first.
A good consistent predicable rear brake is a must for trials and more technical riding.
Of course you still need a good front brake but I find the type of braking I do with the front brake requires less precision.

I really only need one disc break....and I would like to put it on my rear wheel only. I use that the most and I would like to go into trials so it seemed the best bet for me. My neighbors...which have been doing trials for about 6 years agree with me. However my LBS says I should get them in the front. What would you do?


Put it on the front. That way it'll still be ok for normal riding as well. If your really considering trials, look at some hydro v-brakes.

For any other type of riding you would want it on the front first.

That is an incorrect statement.

That is an incorrect statement.

You are an incorrect statement.

You are an incorrect statement.

How so?

Because I said so.

Because I said so.

Grow up little boy.

That is an incorrect statement.

why? it makes perfect sense to me.

why? it makes perfect sense to me.

Not for any type of riding.

If your frame can take the forces then I don't see a reason not to get a rear brake first.
A good consistent predicable rear brake is a must for trials and more technical riding.
Of course you still need a good front brake but I find the type of braking I do with the front brake requires less precision.

Ok. Most frames can take the forces of a disc brake. Downhill bikes and the like are designed to be used with disc brakes, and so are build to withstand the forces these brakes put on the frame whilst doing a DH run. However, I can't think of one single trials frame that could withstand the constant use of a disc brake on the rear. The disc is obviously much smaller than the size of the wheel, which acts as a lever against the rotor. If you're on the back wheel, the forces involved in holding the wheel in place are much greater nearer the hub, than on the rim. Similarly, any force put on the wheel by the tyre against the ground gapping or whatever is magnified at the rim. Constant repetition of this force WILL eventually tear off your disc mounts. It's not a good idea. A good consistent predicable rear brake is a must for trials, I agree, and the best choice is a high quality rim brake; Magura HS33 or an XTR V, or high end Avid. I've also read somewhere that with a rear disc while on the back wheel, the flex is more noticable than with a rim brake, never expirienced it though.
As I meantioned, most of your stopping power for general riding comes from the front (as much as 75% I believe).
To the orrigonal poster, for the amount of money you will have to spend on a decent quality disc brake, you may as well go out and get yourself a pair of Magura HS33 rim brakes, and be done. You can't beat them for trials.

Not for any type of riding.

For any type of stopping, then.

For any type of stopping, then.

Stopping and braking are two different things. Alot of dj'ers and dh'ers that I know who ride the FR park outside of town dont have a front brake. Why? I have no idea.

Grow up little boy.

I'm trying my best, it's tough being 6' 9" at the age of 16. Tool.

Stopping and braking are two different things. Alot of dj'ers and dh'ers that I know who ride the FR park outside of town dont have a front brake. Why? I have no idea.
So your assuming that they have the correct outlook on braking choice. I dont think you should base your assumption on 'some guys you know' when you don't even know why they do it.

So your assuming that they have the correct outlook on braking choice. I dont think you should base your assumption on 'some guys you know' when you don't even know why they do it.

Noone has the correct outlook on braking choice. Same goes for pedals, saddle height, fork length, frame type, etc.. They do it because they dont need it. Not everyone needs a front brake but for general bike riding aka XC then yes, its best to have at least a front brake. I was just being a smartass, thats all. :p

Ok, twas all in good fun.
Being a member at a religious debate forum, i have had enough baseless claims said with conviction and condescention to last me a lifetime, so i tend to over react to anything like that.

for trials you want the disc on the front. there is so much force put on the back wheel when hopping that the disc can actually snap spokes. put the disc on the front and put a hydro v in the back.