Originally Posted by
tareyton
I am the original owner of a Lemond Poprad 2006 with cantilever brakes. I have probably put over 5K miles on the bike. For years I used it strictly as a commuter. My bike commuting days are over and I want to transform it into a modern day gravel bike/neighborhood riding machine. I have a trek Marlin 6 that I use for mountain rides.
I will use the poprad for gravel path rides with the kids and rides around the neighborhood.
It is currently 100% original; doesn't have disc brakes. 2006 they were offered as an option. My particular model came with cantilever brakes and steel fork.
Questions - how hard is it to upgrade to disc brakes? What are biggest tires I can run? What can I do to improve comfort? New front fork?
Thanks
Based on your intended use, I wouldn't change anything. It doesn't sound like you will be putting the kind of demand on it that would necessitate the modifications required for disc brakes. Set it up with the largest tires that will fit (35? You'll have to check this for yourself), gearing appropriate for your terrain, and you'll be just fine.
If you feel like you do need better brake performance than what cantilevers are giving you, maybe consider v-brakes with "travel agent" adapters for use with road levers.
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RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP