Mountain Biking - Disc brake conversion?

Hey guys,

I found a really good deal on last years Marin Hawk mountain bike, but it lacks disc brakes, something I really really wanted. Would if be costlly to convert them to disc? I'm trying to find out if it's worth it to upgrade.

Most likely you would need to buy a new disc wheelset and the brakeset it's self. If the bike has combined brake levers / gear shifts then that ups the price as well.

From what I understand, quality V brakes are plenty good unless you do a lot of wet or muddy riding.

if the bike has combined levers/shifters and they are for V-brakes and you get cable pull disc's then they will work, but other than that, you will need new ones of those too. I'd get the bike (assuming everything else is good about it and you like it) ride it for a few weeks and then see if you still think you want disc's. Because typically if you're getting disc brakes on a new bike they've downgraded something else, probably the rear derailler. It's just where your priorities are I guess.

and also you need to make sure that the frame itself has disc mounts if you want rear also. Discs can be a fairly costly upgrade, you need to make sure your fork is disc ready (usually not a problem with newer mtn suspension forks). And then wheels, i find that most bikes that come with V brakes stock do not have disc ready hubs so you have to buy new hubs to. If your not doing much with wet/muddy stuff i wouldnt bother...

I just went to the AVID BBDB mechanical discs on my trek, I got them on sale from Performance Bike, a local shop here but they sell online to ( check google ) they where under $300 for the F & R set, I reused my stock / crap levers. They are FAR supiror to rim brakes. I can lift the rear wheel off the ground just about any time I want at any speed.

Hey guys,

I found a really good deal on last years Marin Hawk mountain bike, but it lacks disc brakes, something I really really wanted. Would if be costlly to convert them to disc? I'm trying to find out if it's worth it to upgrade.

Cost me close to $1K CAD to go to discs on my Rocky Mountain. If I was going to do it all over again, I would still go with the upgrade.

Run the V-brakes for a while and see if they are good enough. Muddy conditions and steep down hills is what made my final decision.

Ming

The OEM MZ Comp does have disc brake mounts and so does the Hawk frame. Only thing you will need is disc compatible hubs. Although if you get disc hubs then youll have to remove your current hubs and attach the new ones. I dont know how much of a hassle that is so its probably easier to get a new wheelset that is disc compatible.

Here is an entry-level disc wheelset for $90. I have a 10% off internet coupon if your interested.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=126&subcategory=1200&brand=&sku=13455&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

Here is an entry-level disc brake kit for only $80. Levers included!

http://wheelworld.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=2894&Catalog=39&sort=Price.

There ya go, a complete disc brake setup for only $170!!! :D

I just went to the AVID BBDB mechanical discs on my trek, I got them on sale from Performance Bike, a local shop here but they sell online to ( check google ) they where under $300 for the F & R set, I reused my stock / crap levers. They are FAR supiror to rim brakes. I can lift the rear wheel off the ground just about any time I want at any speed.
You got robbed.
$70 per wheel http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12605-115_AVDMD3-3-Parts-158-Brakes/Disc/Avid-Mechanical-BB7-Ball-Bearing-Disc-Brake-160mm.htm

Heck I bought my wheelset (Rhynolites on XT Disc) and brakes for less than $300 including shipping

Hey guys,

I found a really good deal on last years Marin Hawk mountain bike, but it lacks disc brakes, something I really really wanted. Would if be costlly to convert them to disc? I'm trying to find out if it's worth it to upgrade.
it's not too bad...I am in the process of doing it now! here are some links in case the rear frame is not set up for discs.

Disc conversion links:
http://www.therapycomponents.com/BRAKETHERAPY.htm
http://www.a2zcomponents.com/
http://www.woodmancomponents.com/products/disc_adapter/discosystem.html

I am going to use the WOOdman rear disc conversion! :D

The OEM MZ Comp does have disc brake mounts and so does the Hawk frame. Only thing you will need is disc compatible hubs. Although if you get disc hubs then youll have to remove your current hubs and attach the new ones. I dont know how much of a hassle that is so its probably easier to get a new wheelset that is disc compatible.

Here is an entry-level disc wheelset for $90. I have a 10% off internet coupon if your interested.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=126&subcategory=1200&brand=&sku=13455&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

Here is an entry-level disc brake kit for only $80. Levers included!

http://wheelworld.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=2894&Catalog=39&sort=Price.

There ya go, a complete disc brake setup for only $170!!! :D

WOW thats a screaming deal on those brakes. Does anyone know if they're good? They're almost too cheap to be true.

WOW thats a screaming deal on those brakes. Does anyone know if they're good? They're almost too cheap to be true.

Not likely.

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/disc_brake_system/product_88859.shtml

WOW thats a screaming deal on those brakes. Does anyone know if they're good? They're almost too cheap to be true.

Buddy of mine has the Deore mechanicals. They are not as powerful as my XT hydros, but they are more powerful than my Avid SD7 V-brakes.

Here is an entry-level disc wheelset for $90. I have a 10% off internet coupon if your interested.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=126&subcategory=1200&brand=&sku=13455&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
Bubba I suggest you look at those wheels again. Those are NOT disc compatiblehttp://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/medium/YW-SRYM510.gif
These are,http://www.pricepoint.com/images/styleImages/D_365%20SHIDD2.jpgLINK (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12001-365_SHIDD2-3-Parts-75-Wheelsets/Shimano-Deore-Disc-Wheelset-w_-Sun-Rhyno-Lite-Rims.htm) Personally I'd pay the extra 25 clams and get these (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12012-365_SHIXS3-3-Parts-75-Wheelsets/Shimano-XT-Disc-Wheelset-w_-Sun-Rhyno-Lite-Rims.htm)

Here is an entry-level disc brake kit for only $80. Levers included!
http://wheelworld.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=2894&Catalog=39&sort=Price.
Thers's a good reason they're $40 a wheel. Just get the Avid's for $70 a wheel. They're far far superior to the Deores

There ya go, a complete disc brake setup for only $170!!! :DNot quite

You got robbed.
$70 per wheel http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12605-115_AVDMD3-3-Parts-158-Brakes/Disc/Avid-Mechanical-BB7-Ball-Bearing-Disc-Brake-160mm.htm

Heck I bought my wheelset (Rhynolites on XT Disc) and brakes for less than $300 including shipping

I had mine custom built for only $200, with postage. Of course, I had to take the family on a $15k vacation to pick them up at my address in the states, so I had a custom fork built up too. Other than that, they were less than yours. :)

You got robbed.
$70 per wheel http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12605-115_AVDMD3-3-Parts-158-Brakes/Disc/Avid-Mechanical-BB7-Ball-Bearing-Disc-Brake-160mm.htm

Heck I bought my wheelset (Rhynolites on XT Disc) and brakes for less than $300 including shipping


Hmmm, sounds like I got robbed. My setup retailed for around $1200 when I upgraded to disc brakes. :o

(Hugi 240 hubs, 317 rims, Magura Marta SL brakes)

Oh yeah, it was worth every penny considering that half the races I do are in the mud.

Bubba I suggest you look at those wheels again. Those are NOT disc compatible

Oops, I meant to say these (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=126&subcategory=1200&brand=&sku=14431&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=). :p

Although this is probably the closest to an OEM brake set that one can buy. Very entry level and not the greatest. The wheels that Raiyn suggested are actually the ones Im getting. Strong, light and inexpensive.

Thanks for the information guys. I ended up ordering the 04 Marin Hawk Hill online, and will be trying out the stock V-brakes before making a decision. However, since the frame, fork and hubs all appear to be "disc ready" it's going to be hard resisting the upgrade. :D

Can't wait to be out riding!