Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Hi,
is there a simple way to convert existing cable disk brakes to hydraulic disc brakes?

Do I need a complete new brake system? Or just cables (that seems too easy)?

Or some sort of magical converter?

Thanks for your answers.

It shoud be simple, but it will cost you and I am not clear why you want to - is there some problem with your cable operated brakes or are you under the assumption that hyraulic is "better" ?

Your rotors and mounts are probably ok, but you will need new levers, hydraulic lines and calipers.

Thanks Bruce.
I kinda expected someone would raise the debate of which is better.

I have tried both and seem to prefer the braking with hydraulic. A lot easier to fullly brake with 1 finger.

So it sounds like I need a full. New brake set, minus the rotor.

Thanks for your advice.

What brakes are you running? I went from hydraulic brakes to cable (BB7's) and find them to be fine, good cables help a lot, you don't have to bleed cable brakes and I found the hydraulic brakes I had developed problems with seals after 3 years and were cheaper being replaced, this happened twice. I've had my cable brakes for 3 years and am about to change the cables for the 3rd time, brakes will last for years yet, changing the cables is easier than bleeding them, or worse, having to replace them every 3 years.

Are your shifters integrated with your brake levers? This is common on low end MTB's & and if so you will also need new shifters. A complete (minus rotors) bleed ready to go set of hydro's can be had for under $100, and yes (IMO) they are worth it.