Mountain Biking - How to switch front and rear brakes

I think I want to switch my front and rear brake controls so that the right is the front. I was just wondering if anyone could quickly explain how to switch them or knows a good site to check out offhand? I know I should be able to figure it out but I just wanted something to check back at in case it's not the way I thought it was. It shouldn't be a problem switch MX-2s right? Thanks

why do you want to switch them?

I think I want to switch my front and rear brake controls so that the right is the front. I was just wondering if anyone could quickly explain how to switch them or knows a good site to check out offhand? I know I should be able to figure it out but I just wanted something to check back at in case it's not the way I thought it was. It shouldn't be a problem switch MX-2s right? Thanks
i always switch mine. i am convinced only weirdos have the left operate the front:rolleyes:

easy. if cables, swap cable ends at the perch. if hydraulic, swap lines at the perch. ...or, if you have avid brakes, i hear they are ambidextrous

It just seems like it's a bit more natural to have the right be the front. Do I just unscrew that nut on the end and the cable comes out and slide it back in or what?

Oh yeah, also I don't want mx_599 to think I'm a weirdo ;)

Edit: Sorry but what's the perch exactly?

It just seems like it's a bit more natural to have the right be the front. Do I just unscrew that nut on the end and the cable comes out and slide it back in or what?

Oh yeah, also I don't want mx_599 to think I'm a weirdo ;)
yeah, you should be able to screw the cable perch adjuster in to gain enough slack to pull the cable end out. just line up the slot on adjuster with the slot on perch. if that doesn't give you enough slack, you'll have to gain some from down near the actual brakes.

you'll figure it out. it's really easy and the performance gain will astound you!

Thanks. I just didn't want to end up getting the cable out and not be able to figure out how to put it back in or something. That'd be a bit embarrassing.

or, if you have avid brakes, i hear they are ambidextrous
you heard right.

Thanks. I just didn't want to end up getting the cable out and not be able to figure out how to put it back in or something. That'd be a bit embarrassing.
it's always a bit embarrassing to not be able to figure out how to put it back in....or something. :eek: ...but that is just part of the learning curve.

let everyone know how great the ride is when you're done. let them know what they're missing out on

you heard right.


How are they ambidextrous exactly?

haha For some reason it seems like you're being sarcastic mx_599 but I'm just not sure...

How are they ambidextrous exactly?
oh avid just made the whole perch assembly reversible. that's all. clever. this way no lines to disconnect...you just mount them on the opposite sides to your liking

haha For some reason it seems like you're being sarcastic mx_599 but I'm just not sure...
:D

i guess i am feeling a bit randy tonight

no, seriously i have always switched mine. any motorcycle guy would. you'll like it. i plan on setting up my road bike i am going to build like that as well....unless there is a reason i am unaware of that would prevent it. i plan on using Campy shifters and derailleurs

Well I think I'll be trying this out tomorrow then. Thanks for the help.

it's always a bit embarrassing to not be able to figure out how to put it back in....or something. ...but that is just part of the learning curve.

let everyone know how great the ride is when you're done. let them know what they're missing out on


Yeah... I would never go out with that girl again... j/k

If you only read this post it sounds pretty bad, atleast to a curropted mind like mine.

Yeah... I would never go out with that girl again... j/k

If you only read this post it sounds pretty bad, atleast to a curropted mind like mine.
http://www.observedtrials.net/vb/images/smilie/momaru.gif

oh avid just made the whole perch assembly reversible. that's all. clever. this way no lines to disconnect...you just mount them on the opposite sides to your liking


That's good news for me.

My two bikes coming in (one whole, one piece by piece) will both be using avid discs. :D

Data point: Hayes have flip-floppable lever/mc assemblies as well.

As in running the brakes Moto style. Can be done easily.

Front on the right makes more sense since its the "main" brake, if you were left handed you would leave the front on the left because you can use your good hand for the "main" brake.

I never use the rear brake except when doing trials or in some special cases where I feel the rear is more appropiate to use.

Data point: Hayes have flip-floppable lever/mc assemblies as well.

That only pertains to having Hayes levers though right? I'm pretty sure the levers I have are Tektro.

That only pertains to having Hayes levers though right? I'm pretty sure the levers I have are Tektro.

I didn't catch that part about their being mechanical discs. I am not sure about the reversibility of the Tektros, but it doesn't really matter, because chances are you will need to get new cable housing anyway.

So there's no need to switch the levers, you can just swap and reroute the cables. Like mx_599 said, it's generally pretty easy to remove the cable end from its perch.

So I checked it out today and couldn't figure out how to get the cable disconnected from the lever. All I succeeded in doing was tightening the cable I think. What exactly do I have to do to get the cable out of the lever? Or is that not what I should be doing? I'm probably just inept but I don't want to screw anything up too badly so I just left it at that for now.

Any help with this? Or a site with an explanation? I looked some but I couldn't find anything worthwhile. What exactly is the perch?

http://www.sram.com/en/avid/cablesystems/

See how the cable ends in a circle shaped thingy, that is what holds the cable in place to the lever, you need to release that somehow, its similar to the quick releases found on center pull cantilevers.

First thing to do is release the cable tension from the brake itself. Disconnect at the noodle (for v-brakes), or cantilever, like you would do if you were going to remove your wheel. This should allow the cable to move slightly more and give you enough play for the next step. Next, squeeze the brake lever. You should be able to see the perch with the round hole in it. Turn your barrel adjuster and locking nut around so that the slots align with the slot in the brake. Pull the cable housing out of the stop at the end of the brake lever, and slide it along the slot. Once it reaches the perch, it should just slide down and out. Repeat for the other side, Swap sides for your cables, and reinstall it opposite order.