Mountain Biking - Disc brake/shifter compatibility

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LBIkid
01-23-09, 08:00 PM
I have a set of XT rapidfire Mega 9 shifter/brake levers that I bought a couple of years ago for a project bike. They never made it on that bike and now I'm thinking about putting them on my 2006 C-dale F600 that currently has a Sram setup with Avid BB5 discs. I know I would also need to replace the RD with a Shimano RD, but my question is, are the shifters compatible with the discs? On the box it says "V brakes", but I don't know if that is just because they were made before discs were the norm or b/c they will only work with v-brakes.

TIA

sirtigersalot
01-23-09, 08:34 PM
yes it will work, mtn bike brake cable pull ratios are all the same (at the lever)
roccobike
01-24-09, 07:38 AM
I'm about to make the identical conversion except I'm using an 8 speed XT set up. I checked it out and yes it will work. I'm just waiting for the new, disc-ready front hub to come in so I can relace the front wheel.

frankenmike
01-24-09, 04:04 PM
yes it will work, mtn bike brake cable pull ratios are all the same (at the lever)

Not exactly, but I know what you are saying. V-levers will work with mechanical disc calipers. Canti levers(all but extinct) don't play well with vees or mech discs (Although I am currently using a canti lever with the rear vee on my commuter-go figure).
sirtigersalot
01-24-09, 04:31 PM
true and i guess they did have canti mtn bikes back in the day, but i always consider those touring/cyclocross brakes