Dunvegan67

I have an older Cannondale bike, a 1997 with traditional brakes. I'd like to install discs. How would I go about it? Is there some kind of adapter available? The frame is an F 1000. Thanks.......

Moose

Not really a viable option unless your frame already has disc tabs welded to the seatstay and the fork. I don't think there is any bolt on adapter that is 100% reliable. Modifying the frame is an option, but a costly one.

Not to mention you'll need new wheels, or at least hubs.

LóFarkas

Easy solution: swap the fork for a disc-compatible one, keep the rear as is. Pretty certainly you have no real need for a rear disc (Well, probably you don't need a front one, either, but that's another matter.) Most of the braking happens at the front.

wethepeople

Actually, lots of people have had good luck with the Brake Therapy mount.

https://www.bikemag.com/gear/braketherapy/

Dunvegan67

That makes since. I do remember reading somewhere that the braking ratio for front vs. rear wheel is something like 75% to front, 25% brake power to rear. I believe its similar to that ratio for all vehicles, bikes, motorcycles, cars, etc. Should've thought of that! But it will probably be at least somewhat costly to buy a half-decent front shock, and a new disc compatible rim, hub, etc. The second idea(comment) is even better. I probably dont 'really' need to switch to discs in the first place. I just remember many times when the rims get wet and the brakes quickly fail, or at least drop off significantly..

mx_599

wroomwroomoops

Interesting product, but for $150 I can buy a new frame (with some luck), or a very good used one (no luck needed).

No matter how you spin it, 150 bux is insane for such a device.

wroomwroomoops

Rather than going with discbrakes, I would suggest that you take into consideration the Magura hydraulic rimbrakes. I guarantee that you will get more stopping power than you'll ever need, expecially with the Magura HS-33.

wethepeople

Such is deffinatly true, but if the frame has sentimental value it's a great option as opposed to getting tabs brazed on.

wethepeople

I've ridden these brakes but only on trials bikes, how is the modulation with them?

I know they are awsome for locking and holding but I dont know about modulation.

mlts22 

Its up to you what you decide. Personally, I have a circa 1999 bike that I was considering putting disk brakes on, but after looking at the cost of new wheels, an adapter for the rear for discs, a new fork, and the cost of the brakes themselves, I was at a significant percentage of the bike's new cost, and was over how much the bike would sell for used. Instead, if I wanted a major brake upgrade, I could replace the existing brakes with either XTR or Avid Single Digit Ultimates. It won't have the rain/mud stopping power of discs, but the cost difference is so great between the two, I'm better off buying a new DS bike that has discs rather than sinking lots of money into a retrofit.

Michel Gagnon

There is no magical solution, but Kool Stop Salmon brake pads are quite effective in the rain. The "Mountain" ones for v-brakes and canti with threaded posts are great. The pads are shaped with "v-like" fins that do a fairly good job at evacuating water, so they do wonders in rain or snow... until they are worn out.

Not as good as disc brakes if you ride at high speed in traffic, even in the rain, but a rather cheap and effective solution.