Hello to all, I'm converting my bike, Trek DS 8.3, to disc breaks. The front fork has lugs for disc breaks and the rear break can be installed with an adaptor. I looked at Ebay to see if I can buy a complete set - front, rear and levers - I found the variety of models and prices mind boggling. Considering that I'm a recreational/commuter bicyclist (with other words, nothing too fancy) what would you recommend as far as models? Anything to avoid? Thanks to all.

What benefit are you looking for? out of curiosity what year is your bike? I looked back to 2012 and even then they had disc brakes and trek does not list earlier models https://archive.trekbikes.com/us/en/...s_2012/details

What to avoid? Disc brakes. They have value in (real) mountain biking applications, the definition of mountain biking being you are travelling at high speed over head-sized rocks down a 30%+ slope. Or while touring you are descending steep roads in the pouring rain on a bike ballasted down with camping gear. Not doing that? Then discs are heavy, expensive fussy and unnecessary.

I have a set of XTR V-brakes on my old Fischer mountain bike, with good pads. These brakes have more raw stopping power than the discs on my gravel bikes. If you lack braking power on V-brakes, then replace the pads, cables and housing first. And clean your rims.

Depends on how much you enjoy the DIY vs just buying a bike that has already figured everything out for you and has the proper considerations for what model of disc brakes and other components that were put on it.

While I like to DIY, I don't care to experiment to that degree. I'd rather be riding than solving unforeseen issues.

Break (the correct spelling for this use) down the choices to manageable ones that will filter out the wrong specs. Cable or hydraulic, ISO/Post or Flat mounts, Rotor size and hub mounting spec.

I would avoid the off brands for a few reasons. I don't like DOT fluid for a few reasons.

I just got back from a ride on my newish MtB that has TRP Spykes w/ 6" rotors and find them to be good enough for my easy trail use. Were I a young speed freak and rode the chair lift up the park I would chose a more DH focused design. Andy

Does the bike have disc brake hubs?

Avoid 'breaks', look for BRAKES. And disc brake compatible wheels.

Either the bike and wheels are compatible or they're not. Don't try this.

And as Dave above, I have XT V-brakes on my commuter/touring bike and they have plenty of stopping power. I will say though that I rented a Roubaix with disk brakes in hilly San Francisco and was glad to have them there. It was my one and only time using disks.

Rim brakes. IMO, you're throwing good money away with an adaptor, especially if it's garbage like this:

In the Beginning...a few years ago I scored a wonderful wheel set with disc brakes. And then - recently - I found an interesting frame set, Trek DS 8.3 for very little money. This frame can accommodate rim brakes as well as disc brakes. So I decided to try out my bike mechanic skills.

That's different then. The bike and wheels ARE compatible. I thought you were going to kluge it.

What benefit? Nothing really...as I said, I scored a very good but inexpensive set of wheels with rotors already mounted. Obviously the wheel set came from a disc brakes bike. So I got the idea of building a bike. I always liked Trek DS model and when I saw Trek DS 8.3 frame set in excellent shape for 90 bucks, I grabbed it. And yes, I really enjoy bicycle mechanics or that little that I know about it...

unfortunately, I'm not THAT skilled...

I just looked up that bike and it came with Tektro disc brakes. My experience with Tektro is that they make good quality, low cost brakes. Even better was that their road levers were a Campy clone rather than Shimano and I have Campy on my good road bike. When I was fixing up a few road bikes they always felt good in my hands. As for cable vs hydraulic, read this and decide for yourself: https://www.bikeperfect.com/features...he-differences

Thats not what he will have. the treks had a spot on the drop out for a adapter to mount a brake. Its a OEM part.