These 'ere disc brakes

[Parrot of Doom]

I was wondering what it would cost to change my front V-brake to a disc brake.

So far I'm thinking:

New wheel (not worth changing the hub as the current wheel is only a cheapy)
Caliper
Disc
Pipes
Lever (including gearshift)

So what would that lot cost then? And would I get much improvement over the V-brake that I have?

Edited by Parrot of Doom on Thursday 10th August 19:31

[neil_cardiff]

Can be expensive depending on wat quality you go for, but ultimatley you are right in your estimation of parts.

I'd personally recommend Hayes Discs, as I've only ever ad a good experience with them. I've never used Shimano, but I hear that any of their hydrulic range rocks - XTR looks flipping sexy!

In return you'll et stunning power, modulation and reliability.

Do it, you'll not be sorry. Also if you have vertical dropouts on the rear of your frame, you'll be able to et an adaptor to allow you to use discs.

Hope that helps

[alfaman]

I converted my front brakes from v to disc.

I use Shimano deore 555 disc brakes which are excellent ..... cost £50 for a front set - including pads , disc , and everything. The 555's are significantly lighter than the other Deore brakes fitted to off-the-peg bikes.

I needed to buy a new front wheel anyway as the old one's rim had virtually worn through from v-brake pad scouring.

Cost of the Mavic wheel was £50 with an excellent Hope hub..... you could get a cheaper one for £40 or under with a Shimano disc hub.

[telecat]

Thought of trying Magura HS33's instead??? Hydraulic replacement's for V-brakes. They are usually used on Trials bicycles and are very powerful.

[Mr E]

Personally, I would go near mechanicals again. No better than V-Brakes.

Hydros are a different league.

[lord summerisle]

Parrot of Doom said:

I was wondering what it would cost to change my front V-brake to a disc brake.

So far I'm thinking:

New wheel (not worth changing the hub as the current wheel is only a cheapy)
yes, and unless your hub is disc compatable - ie it has bolt holes for the disc, or one of shimanos disc fittings then you'll need to change the hub anyway be possibly cheaper to get a new wheel anyway.
Caliper
Disc
Pipes
Lever (including gearshift)
caliper, disc, pipes and lever are a package for hydralics - some cable discs like the Avid Mechanical (the only mechanical disc worth having) are just the caliper, but work with a V Brake

So what would that lot cost then? And would I get much improvement over the V-brake that I have?

Edited by Parrot of Doom on Thursday 10th August 19:31

on the wheel front - Merlin Cycles: www.merlincycles.co.uk excellent wheel builder in leyland, and do a mail order service, Lady S got her wheels from them - and they are still running true 3 years later, couldnt beat them on price, or I build your wheels for you i'm still riding on the ones i built 3 years ago - tho i wont be cheap as i'll have to buy everything retail

tho first point to mention - are your forks disc compatable? and if they have disc mounts are they IS or Hayes mounts? to tell teh difference, IS mounts are 2 holes that are inline with the hub axle, hayes mounts are 2 screw holes that point backwards.

Assuming you have mounts then the cheapest option i reckon, since you say you'll need to change gear levers as well if you change the brake lever is to go for the avid mechs £72 here: www.wildside-online.co.uk/posit/shop/index.php?selectedpartno=765250741157

If you want to see what avids are like, i'm up in rossendale - i would say they are a match for any hydralic single piston disc brake on the market - and are as good as the Hope mono M4s on my bike.