Fitting of disc brakes

Dave109
Dave109 Posts: 3
edited September 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
This maybe too much of a beginners question to worry this forum; but I would be grateful if someone could help:

I have a Giant Boulder purchased recently, I am just coming to the end of the life of the brake pads, and it crossed my mind that a switch to disc brakes may be a good idea, could someone advise me how easy of difficult this job would be and what I would need.

The front forks on the bike have those two little holes for bolts on the rear edge, which I assume to be disc brake mount points. I also recently replaced the back wheel on the bike and the new back wheel came with a disc brake fitting.

One problem maybe that the brake leaver and gear shifters are in the same unit is is possible to make disc brakes work with this or will the shifter and leaver need to be replaced; any comments, ideas or help would be gratefully received!

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    Dave nothing is too much of a beginners question especially when there is bags of info give.

    First you will need new gear shifters. Second have a look at this http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1590919 as it will help you identify the disk mounts you may have. You mention the rear hub but not the front?

    If every thing is dics ready then is is a simple job of attaching the rotors. the hard job of removing the grips. then swap the gear shifters over and mount then the brake levers... (if the brakes come ready bled then it is easier.

    there is some great guides on park tools, linky below, So to sum up. the biggest issue with be the gears and deciding what brakes you want. :wink:
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
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  • Thanks very much for the help, gonna have a good look at those links, some nice detailed information, it is crossing my mind that it may be a bike shop jobs, although I will certainly gain as much info as possible.

    Cheers!
  • warrerj
    warrerj Posts: 665
    Depending on how mch you want to spend you could opt for the cheaper option and get mechanical discs. Doing this would mean you could use your existing leavers/shifters.
  • honestly, i wouldn't bother with mechanicals. My bike came with a mechanical disc on the front and its no better than the v-brake which it has on the rear. Hence my pending upgrade to Shimano XT hydraulic discs.

    Chain reaction have some good deals on at the moment.

    Also, before you but check what mount type is on your hubs as well as your frame. Otherwise you'll end up buying a new wheel like i've just done :p
    Emerald MTB - Riding bikes, exploring trails, meeting people, trying products and a bit of racing in Ireland!
  • ratty2k
    ratty2k Posts: 3,872
    Depends on the brake, the Avid mech discs are actually quite good. I have also in the past run Shimano ones, again quite good. Not as powerfull as most hydro systems granted. But as a cheaper option, still worth considering.
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