Hydraulic brakes - Fitting advice before I buy

Where are my stabilisers?

Ok, so I want to upgrade my cable discs to hydraulic brakes and have a few techy questions before I get myself in a pickle :oops:

From pics and info I've seen, they seem fairly easy to fit. However, when I'm in charge, simplicity tends to evolve into complications! So....

Will I have to do things like shorten the hose lengths, or should they fit ok? I'd rather not have to start chopping things down and try to refit them! Obviously bikes come in different shapes and sizes, so surely the hose length required will vary? Is too long a problem? etc...

I currently have 160mm rotors, but am looking at 185mm. If I change the size, I'm gonna need different adaptor things to make the calipers fit my frame and fork right? Knowing what size to buy is the problem for me here, or would they come with the brakes?

I'm looking at avid juicy ultimates to be put on my hardtail xc, which I think (obviously I will check) has IS mounts. If I were to stick to the same rotor size, is it just a case of whipping the old gear off, attaching the new and bleed if required? Or, am I missing Major details :oops: If I go for bigger rotors, what do I need to buy/consider/do to make the caliper fit the mounts and align properly?

Any details on installing hydraulic brakes would be valued and if you need to know more details from me, just let me know.

Cheers.

supersonic

You can look at the fitting instructions in advance from the manufacturers website.

Some come with preset hose lengths. Some you can chose the lengths - some are long and may need cutting down. Check with the retailer.

The brake may come with the adaptor you need.

Matt 24k

Have a look at http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=35242
As you can see it actually lists the length of the hose, giving 2 options for the rear. These come as a complete kit with discs, calipers, mounts,hoses and master cylinders. Other things to check are that your existing wheels are 6 bolt rather than centre lock disc fitting. If your original brakes were cheaper mechanical ones then do not be tempted to use your original discs are they may not be up to the heat generated by a hydraulic caliper.

The Northern Monkey

Unless your sure, i'd always go for longer hose. better to be long than short.

Where are my stabilisers?

Ah ha, I see! Just had a look on manufacturers website, the instructions look pretty understandable so I think I'd be ok. It shows you how the measure the hoses and cut to size properly - which I was worried about. My current brakes/wheels do have the 6 bolt fittings so that should be ok - and I will def change the rotors for new ones to make sure they are up to the job.

Thanks very much for the help guys, just waiting for payday now