Originally Posted by
anthonygeo
This bike has never had disc brakes but I'd like to add some to the rear wheel. I do plan to keep the front system as is. What am I getting into or better yet where do I start?
Just buy a used MTB with Avid BB5 or BB7 brakes.
The better rear disc caliper mount is inside the rear triangle (IMO) because it will not get in the way of fender/rack mounts and (IMO) they are less apt to grumble/howl like calipers mounted only to a seat stay.
Discs are so much better for mud, grit, rain, puddles and controlled panic stops.
My Trek DS has hyd. discs and it will be hard to go back to a rim brake except on a competition bike.
There are several inexpensive disc bikes at BD and by the end of Summer they might have hyd. disc bikes.