Mountain Biking - converting " V" brakes to Disc brakes ??

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cezcal20
02-14-12, 03:38 PM
Hello i'm new to this forum :)
I am buying a Mountain bike off of craigslist used. I want to switch the V brakes to disc brakes and wondered how do i do that. Can i do it on my own?? are there any instructions here to help me??

- Thank you
Chelsea


papaish
02-14-12, 05:29 PM
More than likely not. Disc brakes require a mount for the caliper on the front fork and rear chain stay both on the left side. check to see if it has one. If not than no.

KChurch86
02-14-12, 05:30 PM
Well, I can say that, as with any forum, please use the search function and do some reading before starting a new thread...not trying to sound like a dillhole, but the regulars on forums get pretty irritated with new threads from people that don't search first. Just sayin' :) Forgive me, but I'm new here myself so I can't link you to how-to.

I can tell you that the frame and fork must be disc brake compatible, you need to be able to mount the calipers to something. You'll need disc-compatible hubs as well, in the very least. If you don't want to/can't rebuild your wheelset, or don't want to pay somebody to do it, then you'll need to pick up a new disc brake-compatible wheelset.

Once you get the basic compatibility requirements down, it's as easy as picking what brakes you want to run, buying them, and installing them.

Again, I wasn't meaning to sound condescending, but I'm a member on a number of other forums and have seen countless individuals get flamed to no end for refusing to search.


Retro Grouch
02-14-12, 06:05 PM
More than likely not. Disc brakes require a mount for the caliper on the front fork and rear chain stay both on the left side. check to see if it has one. If not than no.

You'll also almost surely have to buy a different wheelset with disc brake hubs. That might negate what you saved with a Craigslist purchase.

Zephyr11
02-14-12, 06:23 PM
Post up the bike you're looking at. Some bikes are ready to go, and all you need are mounts. Others don't have mounts and will need either new wheels (or new disc compatible hubs, which will likely cost just as much as new wheels), a new fork, or a McGyvered mount in the back (or all of the above).

rudymexico
02-16-12, 11:01 AM
you need to answer correctly to yourself "Why I need discs over V brakes?"

cezcal20
02-16-12, 02:42 PM
http://i555.photobucket.com/albums/jj457/cezcal20/P1020274.jpg
http://i555.photobucket.com/albums/jj457/cezcal20/P1020276.jpg
http://i555.photobucket.com/albums/jj457/cezcal20/P1020275.jpg

Those are picture of the bike. Do you recommend any other shocks that i could switch those out with ?? Is this a soft tailed bike ??

Thank you for your help :)

rudymexico
02-16-12, 06:44 PM
That fork is Disc ready, front wheel is not. Rear setup, not disc compatible.

I will keep the fork.

Yes Full suspension, soft tail...

I would not invest in getting a new and/or Disc brakes

roccobike
02-17-12, 12:33 PM
If you want to increase your braking power, change your V-brake pads to Koolstop salmon colored pads. I had them on my Rockhopper and they stopped that bike as quickly as the Avid bb7's that are on there now. Otherwise, I would not invest in Disc brakes for your bike. I'd just ride it like it is.

gbg
02-17-12, 09:35 PM
Go with magura HS-33 hydraulic rim brakes, they are way better than any cable rim brake, and I found them more powerful and
easier to modulate than very good hydraulic disks.

cezcal20
02-20-12, 06:03 AM
Thanks you guys :) I will do so
-Chelsea