caliper to disc brakes conversion

[vk3jap]

I have caliper brakes on my GT iDrive 3.0 but would like to go to Disc brakes.. the guy at my local bike shop told me it was possible but practically cheaper to get a new bike. I was just wondering if the situation there has changed any?

[kukamunga]

It depends mainly on whether your wheels have disc hubs - I'd imagine your frame and forks have disc caliper mounts already, yes?

If you have to get new wheels, then it's probably not worth it if your current wheels are in good nick. I'd think about starting to look around ASAP for bikes at pre-AusDollar crash prices, as all new 2009 bikes have or are rising in price by at least 25%.

If your wheels have disc hubs, and you really love your current bike, then I'm sure by shopping around (online), you could find some decent disc kits to suit your budget. Be wary though, cheap ones can be a pain to set up, and you have to think about the cable-actuated vs hydraulic options.

Have you thought about upgrading to better v-brakes? They're lighter, and can outperform some cheaper discs.....

[Kalgrm]

Have you thought about upgrading to better v-brakes? They're lighter, and can outperform some cheaper discs.....

+1 on this option. Good quality v-brakes are very efficient and lighter than many disc brake systems. You'd have to be doing some fairly extreme riding to really benefit from the conversion, and since you asked in another thread about "converting" your bike into a HT, I doubt you're riding in those extreme conditions.

Upgrading your v-brakes will be the cheapest and easiest option for you. You've already got the levers, wheels (rims) and mounting points on your bike - all you'll need are the callipers (and levers if you desire them).

Cheers,
Graeme

[glawrence2000]

Matey,
I've got big rotor hydro discs on both my rides but I am usually in slush and very dust conditions (Yes in the same rides) Discs excell in crud but agree totally with the guys, good V brakes perform very well and for a fraction of the costs. Have a think about the uses you intend for your bike and consider the options then.

Only issue is stopping can be marginalised in some dirty circumstances and wear to the rims in these circumstances can after a time become catastrophic (to the rims).

Do some ebay searches on disc compatable wheel sets and complete disc set-up (go for hydo vs cable).

If you have integrated gears shifter and brake levels, you will also be up for replacing the shifters groups as well. $$$ Unless you go for cable activated Discs in which case you can keep your current flight deck.

[vk3jap]

thanks for the input folks.. much appreciated.

I had to really hit the skids today to avoid a crach and I must say the V brakes worked a treat. I just like the more solid feel of discs and I ride Mt Macedon a fair bit and when I come down I just hate the though that a cable might snap when I need it!

Conversely, with the braking being done in the centre at the hub versus at the edge, I do think about a total wheel failure/collapse under heavy braking - does it ever happen?

All thinks considered I think I might stay with my V brakes.. thanks for the advice!

[munga]

get some avid sl's maybe

[glawrence2000]

I doubt there would be much risk of collapse; disc enabled wheels are made to be strung differently to rim brake spoke arrangements (rims can be the same as discs configs - but not the other way around).

"http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techd ... 604364.pdf"

I'm 89 kilos and 6'4" and can get mine up on the front wheel when braking heavily on bitumen; not a problem yet.

both my wheelsets are made specifically for discs; if you got some of those dodgy converters off of Ebay for example and used them under heavy conditions - you may well experience some arr - issues.

[il padrone]

I ride Mt Macedon a fair bit and when I come down I just hate the though that a cable might snap when I need it!

Conversely, with the braking being done in the centre at the hub versus at the edge, I do think about a total wheel failure/collapse under heavy braking - does it ever happen?

Cable snap in the middle of a big descent, at that critical stopping moment? Sudden, total wheel failure under brake load? Yes they may happen. So might an asteroid strike

You're thinking way too much. It doesn't help you to think such thoughts in the middle of any big descent. Just switch off the 'care and concern' side of the brain and let animal instinct control your flowing lines.

[kukamunga]

I just hate the though that a cable might snap when I need it!..... I do think about a total wheel failure/collapse under heavy braking

Two words.....

1. Preventative

2. Maintenance

[trailgumby]

V-brakes are fine in the dry but if it rains at all you'll know why the rest of the field are using discs.

I've been using hydros for a couple of years now and would nevr go back to V-brakes or cable discs.

My son has Tektro Auriga Comps on his Mongoose dually and they're actually OK. Alternatively pick up some secondhand Avid Juicy or Shimano hydros off fleaBay. Hayes are OK, but the pads are ridiculously overpriced. I'm a Shimano Dual Control man myself.

Actually... (memory shifts into gear) I have a set of Avid Juicy 7's, X-7 27-speed shifters and X-9 RD that I might be willing to part with...