Upgrading from V-Brakes to Hydraulic Discs

JimBowen
JimBowen Posts: 27
edited May 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi, hopefully have this post in the right area..

I have a Specialized FSR Enduro Sport which I think is a 2002 model, it currently has Deore V-brakes but I want to go to discs. The frame and forks both have IS mounts so no problem there, but unfortunately I've realised that I need to upgrade to disc-compatible hubs so it looks as though I will need to go the 2nd hand wheel route via Ebay to stay within budget for about £100 (just for the wheels) - I assume this should do the trick?

Also I've found another snag in my upgrade efforts, I have an LX rear mech but am assuming I have Deore rapidfire shifters as these are attached to my Deore brake levers. I'm also thinking that I will need to upgrade my gear shifters as well or is there a way of getting round this?!

Finally the million dollar question, is the bike worth it? I paid a few hundred notes for it 2 years ago, and to upgrade to Avid Juicy 3's if all of the above is correct will probably cost me £200-250 in the end (right?) and so would look as though a replacement bike might be on the cards.

The reason for wanting to upgrade is that I'm starting to hit a lot steeper trails on loose ground and feel discs would benefit me greatly. Cheers in advance for any replies!

Comments

  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    JimBowen wrote:
    I have a Specialized FSR Enduro Sport which I think is a 2002 model, it currently has Deore V-brakes but I want to go to discs. The frame and forks both have IS mounts so no problem there, but unfortunately I've realised that I need to upgrade to disc-compatible hubs so it looks as though I will need to go the 2nd hand wheel route via Ebay to stay within budget for about £100 (just for the wheels) - I assume this should do the trick?

    That's about the top and bottom of it. Assuming you buy the brakes as a full kit, you should also get the correct adaptors to suit the disc sizes too, but if you're going down the second had route here too, you may have to budget for adaptors as well.
    JimBowen wrote:
    Also I've found another snag in my upgrade efforts, I have an LX rear mech but am assuming I have Deore rapidfire shifters as these are attached to my Deore brake levers.

    Assuming that your shifters are an integral part of the brake lever assembly, then yes, you're going to have to add new shifters in as well.

    Finally the million dollar question, is the bike worth it? I paid a few hundred notes for it 2 years ago, and to upgrade to Avid Juicy 3's if all of the above is correct will probably cost me £200-250 in the end (right?) and so would look as though a replacement bike might be on the cards.[/quote]

    My maths isn't brilliant but...

    Full set of Avid Juicy 5s from Merlin (front and rear, including discs) - £140 (I know you said 3s, but that's pretty cheap for a full set of 5s...)
    Wheels (eBay) - £100, max
    Deore 9 speed shifters, again from Merlin - £35

    That's £275 already...
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  • ThanksBye
    ThanksBye Posts: 519
    But remeber you can sell the old wheels brakes and shifters
    Cotic Soul
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  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    disc brake kit from merlin (wheels & brakes) £175: http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... goryId=112

    shifters from £35 for Deore (out of stock at mo) or £39.99 for SLX: http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=categ ... egoryId=84

    total cost (deore): £217.15 or (SLX shifters & disc kit): £222.15 (including the £6.50 delivery charge for wheels)
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • ThanksBye
    ThanksBye Posts: 519
    Or http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... goryId=112

    Which has combined levers/shifters
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  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    Or http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... goryId=112

    Which has combined levers/shifters

    Dual Control is absolutely bloody awful!! Bit of a bargain though!! :D
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  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    only problems with those are if you don't like the dual control system, also the splined hubs mean that you are limited to Shimano rotors unless you use an adaptor
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • JimBowen
    JimBowen Posts: 27
    Wow thanks for the quick responses!

    I hadn't thought about selling on my old bits, I spose if they could recoup £40 I'd be happy.

    Both of those wheel and brake combos are a really good idea, hadn't even been on the Merlin website, just the usal CRC and WHS! Shame the LX kit is out of stock otherwise might've been tempted to buy them now, but at least it gives me an idea as I did like the idea of the Hayes Ryde kit when I was first looking at hydraulics. When with the help of these I will hopefully stay under £200 which is what I want as the bike really doesn't lack in any other department! Thanks again :D
  • k2rider
    k2rider Posts: 575
    why not try something like a bb7 cable disc, you get to keep your shifters and brake levers so all you need to buy is the calipers and wheels, they are a powerful disc brake and are probably the most cost effective way of converting to discs on an old bike. if you cant justify £200+ on your bike then try £130-150 on a very good brake.
    who cares?