Thanks for the step by step tutorial I did a hydraulic brake conversion on my ebike but the only difference is you have to reconnect the brake sensor on my ebike
I got my new SLX prebled rear brake today, and just installed it. I used some of my lanolin oil based chain lube (90% lanolin oil) to get the grip off. I slid an old QR skewer under the grip from the outside of the bar, brushed the oil onto the skewer (it acts as a guide) and then rotated the grip. With the oil in there, it turns very easily. You should be able to simply pull the grip off, but if not, just turn it until it does. Wipe off some of the excess (you still need some to get the grip back on) put the lever on, and reinstall the grip. The rubber of the grip will absorb the oil, reconditioning it and making that rubber sticky.
Excellent video. One tip. If you cut zip ties with toe nail clippers you won't have sharp ends like you get when using diagonal cutting pliers. Thanks for your excellent instructions. I plan to make this upgrade soon. 👍
Thanks for this, I had a front brake bracket snap on me today, the whole mounting bracket went!!!, I have a shop bought 1000 watt electric bike {only used for commuting so no off road} and I honestly thought they would have used quality parts in the first place!, they were mechanical and to be honest I never liked them so it has pushed me into fitting hydrophilic brakes, I was going slowly when it happened so very lucky, I usually zip about. This is a job I can do myself after watching your work here, thanks very much
Very detailed step by step explanation... I have bought a Cannondale trail6 and was trying to understand the bike... Your video is exactly what I needed... Thank you
...and done! Thank you for the video. Cannondale Trail 5 is a nice starter bike. Can't stress enough that Shimano Acera Hydros are a great value upgrade from mech disc brakes. They work, self-adjusting. Just keep the rotors clean.
What kind of bike stand is that?? I LOVE IT... I must have one... If I can't buy one, I'll build one... RJ, you are the BEST bike repairman on YouBoob, thanx a ton...
This video was just what I was looking for! If you don’t have pre-bled lines (ie. you are transplanting a set removed from another bike), what do you need to put oil in the brakes?
Poke a tiny hole in the end of the grips and use an airline to push air in to the grip, it will expand the grip enough to make removal and install a breeze. I was skeptical when I tried it on a two-man auger that needed 3 new grips but it worked a charm. No prying scratching or alcohol that could degrade the rubber/silicone over time.
Worth mentioning that hydraulic brake lines might need shortening to fit the bike properly. But perhaps you can cover that in a separate video :) (alongside with hydraulic disc brake bleeding)
Usually, do new hydraulic Disc brakes (NUTT BRAND) come with brake pads already installed? Do need hydraulic brakes need to be bleed before first use ? Thanks
My 2001 specialize enduro expert came with hydraulic disc brakes. What's needed to connect with my ebike conversion kit I purchased. the brakes with the kit came with a harness so I'm assuming it is needed with the computer?
Doing this on an old Specialized HardRock that I recently acwuired. Waiting for the new shifters to arrive since it had that stupid shimano one piece setup on it. Had to replace the discs as well because one of them was extremely warped
Since we're talking about removing and remounting grips, if you ever have a grip that is just a little too loose, remove the grip, cover the end hole (if any) and spray the inside of the grip with HAIRSPRAY! It will slide on like it's been lubed but when dry will feel like it's been glued. I've got a can of hairspray in my garage that has to be over 20 years old. I use it only for doing grips.
If the grips was too loose, it may have had some sort of soap residue it there. Usually sliding on with alcohol, the alcohol will evaporate and the grip will stick. Hairspray contains alcohol and works similarly.
Thanks for this helpful video! How do I determine which kind of hydraulic brake is suitable for my bike? Or any kind of brake works and can be fitted on? Thinking of replacing my brakes. My bike is a second-hand Polygon Cascade 3.
Great video! Is it possible for me to upgrade my sora's mechanical disk brakes to hydraulic disk brakes? If yes, what are the compatible hydraulic disk brakes for sora? Thank you in advance.
Is it necessary to have a center lock rotor or six bolt rotor since the bike I am hoping to buy is a cheap one and I am thinking of upgrading it part by part. My bike has jak 7 mechanical brakes. Can I upgrade to hydraulic brakes?
Hey, RJ. Can you do a "new hydraulic brake kit" install? The other bike channels' videos make me confused (first cut why? cutting where? What is that parktool? Olive and barb? When to use threaded barrel? Et c.) Thank you.
Have you ever tried fitting a hydraulic STI shifter to an MTB frame with drop bars? Im currently building what I think is a Monstercross bike. Can I have some of your opinions?
Hey RJ!, just bought a vintage Italian tandem bicycle, but it has front and rear sturmy archer drum brakes that are not functioning well, just wondering if you have video on how to refurbish anything like that, if not no worries. Thanks!
Unfortunately my Shimano shifters are integrated with the brake levers so I'd have to get new shifters as well. That's a bummer since it's an added cost and it would be a shame to discard the old shifters/brakes because they are really nice.
My 90's Giant cable routing doesn't use cable ties as shown in the video. Is there a neat product out there that would convert/replace my recessed ferrule type guides to accept the hydraulic pipes. Using cable ties around the frame tubing wouldn't look great.
I have 2gary fisher Tassajara one is 2005 setup for disc brakes meaning rims have the hubs frame has the mounting points for hydro lines the other bike has mounting points on front fork and mounting holes tapped in the rear ,rims are not disc ready but I can Swap with newer bike Question is on the rear caliper will it come with bracket ? Or will I have to get it from Trek (Gary fisher) ??
Thanks for the informative video. My bike has internal cable routing; how will this complicate my install? Also, how do you determine if your shifter set is integrated? I currently have Shimano 105 components.
I called a local REI store, a woman picks and I ask her if they have hydraulic brakes as I want to change them from mechanical, she says, "you can't change them."
Great video. The Allen key you used to raise the grip scratched the handlebar. I cringed when I saw you insert it as I knew that would happen. Is there another tool you could recommend?
RJ, your videos are fantastic. I can’t help but notice the Diet Coke and Diet Mountain Dew. I would strongly encourage you to do you own online research about the effects of artificial sweeteners. There is some compelling evidence that the artificial sweeteners are “no bueno”.
Hi many thanks for your video over the years and I am a big fan of your channel. I just wonder would you be creating a complete bleed of Hydraulic Disc Brakes with the correct way how to identify the correct fluid (Solution) on certain type of brand of brakes. This would be very helpful and very much appreciated.
Hey RJ I don't know what you are doing with the old mechanical brakes. My bike I am riding now is old and still has v brakes on it. Do you think I could have them??
Hello brother, hi from India, Am new to cycling, but i loved the Bergamont Helix 3.5i, which comes with Mechanical brakes, where as its lacking Hydraulic brakes. Could you please let me know if i can replace it with a hydraulic brakes ? and if so which all parts i need to procure. ( Brand/part no.)
Great instructional video, many thanks for the effort there. I just bought a new bike that will arrive with mechanical brakes but I will convert to hydraulics before I even take it for a ride. Your simple and informative video was very useful in this decision.
Hi I have a Mongoose MTB with front mechanical disc brakes (160mm). Do you know if these replacement parts are of a standard size where the caliper is bolted on to the bike. I am not happy with the performance of my mechanical system and would like to upgrade to hydraulic brakes.
A good informative video! Could you do a video on changing pads on disc brakes? I'm on my first bike with hydraulic disc brakes and I'd like to know how to do it. Thanks!
I bought the same brakes ,but my question is the rotors I have are Terktro branded but they don’t have any pad typed meterial mentioned on them ,so is it safe to install ,resin pad in that rotor because the brakes come with resin pads anyone ,help is needed ,thanks
The cable guides in my bike are for mechanical disc brake. What is the best way to convert them into hydraulic brake cable guides without actually cutting the stopper end? Just in case I want to return the mechanical disc brake.
Hi, my mountain bike have a hydraulic brakes already but its the old Hayes Mag 1. My question is the mounting universal? Mine doesn't have that adapter/bracket.
Hey man, i am planning to change my brake caliper (mechanical). But there is a lot of option. Are they all standard? Or is there any specific model for specific bicycle frameM
Great video with detailed information. I have 2016 cannondale synapse alloy 105 with mechanical brakes. I have been thinking of upgrading to hydraulic brakes, Front looks fine. I need your advice on the rear ones, as the cables are routed internally and they have hose stops prebuilt on the frame where the cables are routed internally. Should I drill another hole and run the hose internally or do you recommend routing the hose externally. Any advice will be appreciated, The brake set along with sti levers model's numbers are Shimano ST-RS685 and Br-RS785 with post mount.
For more bike repair videos hit the subscribe button ► bit.ly/SubRJTheBikeGuy
Ser do i need to change the rotors too? If i had disc break rotors?
@@rivenrivera5718 /////////⅘///////////////////////////////////
@@dumitruionas8367 whatt
What type of bike stand R U using RJ?
Thanks for the step by step tutorial I did a hydraulic brake conversion on my ebike but the only difference is you have to reconnect the brake sensor on my ebike
Aha, I’ve just done this on my 2013 trail 5, I got the clarks hydraulics, they are so powerful, 100% worth the money
Been looking at the clarks brakes are they really that good
@@brianprior5812 no get shimano
I might do this to my 2020 trail 6
What model can you link
@@bonkerzbozy2478 www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CZV49K3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_QF0K1FZWV7SMMJ44VMBX?psc=1
Mine arrived this morning - the feel is incredible.
Shows how much play/stretch there is in those Bowden cables!
Just a tip: better to use a syringe to put alcohol inside the grip, so this way you will not scratch your handlebar. (Sorry my poor english)
Néstor Henríquez Medina your English is okay, not bad
Those scratches ... If it's your own bike - whatever, but for someone else - bad form.... bad form
WD40 works great on this too
Your English is perfect to me
@@leej8856 takes forever to dry though
I got my new SLX prebled rear brake today, and just installed it. I used some of my lanolin oil based chain lube (90% lanolin oil) to get the grip off. I slid an old QR skewer under the grip from the outside of the bar, brushed the oil onto the skewer (it acts as a guide) and then rotated the grip. With the oil in there, it turns very easily. You should be able to simply pull the grip off, but if not, just turn it until it does. Wipe off some of the excess (you still need some to get the grip back on) put the lever on, and reinstall the grip. The rubber of the grip will absorb the oil, reconditioning it and making that rubber sticky.
Excellent video. One tip. If you cut zip ties with toe nail clippers you won't have sharp ends like you get when using diagonal cutting pliers.
Thanks for your excellent instructions. I plan to make this upgrade soon. 👍
You're better than park tool because you're more easy to follow
Thanks rj, going to order a single back shimano slx since i dont run a front brake on my bike since i only wheelie
Thanks for this, I had a front brake bracket snap on me today, the whole mounting bracket went!!!, I have a shop bought 1000 watt electric bike {only used for commuting so no off road} and I honestly thought they would have used quality parts in the first place!, they were mechanical and to be honest I never liked them so it has pushed me into fitting hydrophilic brakes, I was going slowly when it happened so very lucky, I usually zip about. This is a job I can do myself after watching your work here, thanks very much
Very detailed step by step explanation... I have bought a Cannondale trail6 and was trying to understand the bike... Your video is exactly what I needed... Thank you
...and done! Thank you for the video. Cannondale Trail 5 is a nice starter bike. Can't stress enough that Shimano Acera Hydros are a great value upgrade from mech disc brakes. They work, self-adjusting. Just keep the rotors clean.
Very helpful video as you have just saved me from wasting my money as I have just checked and I have integrated gears and brakes.
What kind of bike stand is that?? I LOVE IT... I must have one... If I can't buy one, I'll build one...
RJ, you are the BEST bike repairman on YouBoob, thanx a ton...
Cool vid I bought Shimano mt420 hydraulic disk brakes they're 4 piston they're awesome and I got a used set of rims from my local bike shop
Great job. Nice video. Useful as always. Big regards from Serbia.
Universally important tool: microfibre shop cloth. @5:12
This video was just what I was looking for! If you don’t have pre-bled lines (ie. you are transplanting a set removed from another bike), what do you need to put oil in the brakes?
brake bleed kit
Poke a tiny hole in the end of the grips and use an airline to push air in to the grip, it will expand the grip enough to make removal and install a breeze. I was skeptical when I tried it on a two-man auger that needed 3 new grips but it worked a charm. No prying scratching or alcohol that could degrade the rubber/silicone over time.
Good content and helpful. I will change mine easily myself.
I find this video very helpful for those wanting to DIY. Thank you!
This is the next upgrade I want to do.
Thanks for the video! Don't know what sort of complexity I expected but it wasn't this soft of ease!
Very nice video, clear explanation and resolution
Worth mentioning that hydraulic brake lines might need shortening to fit the bike properly. But perhaps you can cover that in a separate video :) (alongside with hydraulic disc brake bleeding)
I use a plastic lever and MAF cleaner, it's pretty much isopropyl in a spray can. No scratches.
Usually, do new hydraulic Disc brakes (NUTT BRAND) come with brake pads already installed? Do need hydraulic brakes need to be bleed before first use ? Thanks
My 2001 specialize enduro expert came with hydraulic disc brakes. What's needed to connect with my ebike conversion kit I purchased. the brakes with the kit came with a harness so I'm assuming it is needed with the computer?
I’m looking to do that to my bike. Are the calipers universal as far as size?
Doing this on an old Specialized HardRock that I recently acwuired. Waiting for the new shifters to arrive since it had that stupid shimano one piece setup on it. Had to replace the discs as well because one of them was extremely warped
Since we're talking about removing and remounting grips, if you ever have a grip that is just a little too loose, remove the grip, cover the end hole (if any) and spray the inside of the grip with HAIRSPRAY! It will slide on like it's been lubed but when dry will feel like it's been glued.
I've got a can of hairspray in my garage that has to be over 20 years old. I use it only for doing grips.
If the grips was too loose, it may have had some sort of soap residue it there. Usually sliding on with alcohol, the alcohol will evaporate and the grip will stick. Hairspray contains alcohol and works similarly.
Awesome video R.J. seriously thinking of doing this upgrade to my MTB.
Thanks for this helpful video! How do I determine which kind of hydraulic brake is suitable for my bike? Or any kind of brake works and can be fitted on? Thinking of replacing my brakes. My bike is a second-hand Polygon Cascade 3.
Really helpful video, thanks. Could you do one on converting from mechanical to disc on a drop bar bike?
Great video! Is it possible for me to upgrade my sora's mechanical disk brakes to hydraulic disk brakes? If yes, what are the compatible hydraulic disk brakes for sora? Thank you in advance.
Smooth upgrade. Performance is better now
richard fabrizio
Sick video man! Only thing I’m not sure is if I buy a pair will I have to chop much of the rear cable in length if the new set turns up too long?! 👀🙌🏻
Is it necessary to have a center lock rotor or six bolt rotor since the bike I am hoping to buy is a cheap one and I am thinking of upgrading it part by part. My bike has jak 7 mechanical brakes. Can I upgrade to hydraulic brakes?
When i had to remove my handle bar grips i did it pretty much the same way only i used a bit of washing up liquid.
Hey, RJ. Can you do a "new hydraulic brake kit" install? The other bike channels' videos make me confused (first cut why? cutting where? What is that parktool? Olive and barb? When to use threaded barrel? Et c.) Thank you.
Very nice job but when removing the grips use a zip tie instead of an Allen wrenche so you won't scratch the handlebar as you did in the video
I use the brake lever to force out the grips, after untightening the bolt ;)
I'm not sure if you'll reply to this comment, but if you will, thanks!! So my question is which Hydraulic brakes are better? the M-315 or the M-355?
Have you ever tried fitting a hydraulic STI shifter to an MTB frame with drop bars? Im currently building what I think is a Monstercross bike. Can I have some of your opinions?
oo wow, is there a tutorial for that? i tough i have to take off the brake cable and pour dot or mineral oil in the hose
Thanks so much for showing me how to set up my own hydraulic brake systems 👍🏿👍🏿
Hey RJ!, just bought a vintage Italian tandem bicycle, but it has front and rear sturmy archer drum brakes that are not functioning well, just wondering if you have video on how to refurbish anything like that, if not no worries. Thanks!
I swapped mechanical Avid BB7 brakes for hydraulic Shimano SLX disc brakes. The improvement is night and day.
Hi RJ...My hydraulic brake lever is stiff when i squeeze the lever . please how can it be adjusted?
Unfortunately my Shimano shifters are integrated with the brake levers so I'd have to get new shifters as well. That's a bummer since it's an added cost and it would be a shame to discard the old shifters/brakes because they are really nice.
same here what are you going with parts wise
Cut the old one
@@chinmoysamal8064 Nah i just got a new one and did a one by drive in the front the selector was like 15$ off ebay has a nice click and is Shimano
My 90's Giant cable routing doesn't use cable ties as shown in the video. Is there a neat product out there that would convert/replace my recessed ferrule type guides to accept the hydraulic pipes. Using cable ties around the frame tubing wouldn't look great.
Good video thx😎
My electric bike has cut off switches on brake levers,what can I do about that 😱
I have 2gary fisher Tassajara one is 2005 setup for disc brakes meaning rims have the hubs frame has the mounting points for hydro lines the other bike has mounting points on front fork and mounting holes tapped in the rear ,rims are not disc ready but I can Swap with newer bike Question is on the rear caliper will it come with bracket ? Or will I have to get it from Trek (Gary fisher) ??
So these rotors all use the same bolt pattern? How about the new calipers, do they all use the same mounts?
Quick question, what if we have to trim the hydraulic hose when installing? can a such scenario occur?
Like the workshop stand. Is it a specific brand?
Awesome. Thank you sir
Great video, really easy to understand and follow. Thanks
Going to try this this weekend. Thx
Can you provide a link for the brakes? I would like to purchase some brakes for my bike.
did you find any good deal? im thinking on upgrading my mechanical to the basic but hidraulic shimano m135, did you change yours finally?
Another simple yet awesome video. Thanks!
Plz drop the link from where you bought these hydraulic breaks
Thanks for the informative video. My bike has internal cable routing; how will this complicate my install?
Also, how do you determine if your shifter set is integrated? I currently have Shimano 105 components.
You won't be able to run the lines internally.
I called a local REI store, a woman picks and I ask her if they have hydraulic brakes as I want to change them from mechanical, she says, "you can't change them."
😆
Nice job,great demonstration
Great video! Question, what size tires did this bike have in the video?
Great video. The Allen key you used to raise the grip scratched the handlebar. I cringed when I saw you insert it as I knew that would happen. Is there another tool you could recommend?
Compressed air.
guys i need to do the same. but is every type kit of hidrolic brakes fits for my MTB mecanical disk brakes ?
Great video. I shall give it a try
That alcohol trick is really smart!
RJ, your videos are fantastic. I can’t help but notice the Diet Coke and Diet Mountain Dew. I would strongly encourage you to do you own online research about the effects of artificial sweeteners. There is some compelling evidence that the artificial sweeteners are “no bueno”.
Fantastic video. What would one need to change from hydraulic to mechanical disc brakes? Do you always need a new brake lever?
Yes, because it's a hydraulic lever!!!!
I’ll be doing this soon, but also in conjunction with painting a frame. How do you tell if a paint stripper is safe for aluminum bike frames?
Ask the manufacturer.
Genius work. Awesome!
Thank you dude. Very nice video!
Leave the wheels in place and you can align & tighten the calipers in one move when you install it
Hi many thanks for your video over the years and I am a big fan of your channel. I just wonder would you be creating a complete bleed of Hydraulic Disc Brakes with the correct way how to identify the correct fluid (Solution) on certain type of brand of brakes. This would be very helpful and very much appreciated.
I haven't done that yet. Different brakes vary some in the method.
Hey RJ I don't know what you are doing with the old mechanical brakes. My bike I am riding now is old and still has v brakes on it. Do you think I could have them??
You can buy a set of hydraulic brakes for as little as £30
Mechanical
Hello brother, hi from India, Am new to cycling, but i loved the Bergamont Helix 3.5i, which comes with Mechanical brakes, where as its lacking Hydraulic brakes. Could you please let me know if i can replace it with a hydraulic brakes ? and if so which all parts i need to procure. ( Brand/part no.)
I don't know the bike. You have to do your own shopping.
Thanks you explain it so well thanks
Great instructional video, many thanks for the effort there. I just bought a new bike that will arrive with mechanical brakes but I will convert to hydraulics before I even take it for a ride. Your simple and informative video was very useful in this decision.
Now I want to do this to my mountain bike!
Better to buy a bike with disc brakes.
Hi I have a Mongoose MTB with front mechanical disc brakes (160mm). Do you know if these replacement parts are of a standard size where the caliper is bolted on to the bike. I am not happy with the performance of my mechanical system and would like to upgrade to hydraulic brakes.
Mounts are relatively standard. So you should be fine.
A good informative video!
Could you do a video on changing pads on disc brakes? I'm on my first bike with hydraulic disc brakes and I'd like to know how to do it.
Thanks!
Stephen Swift it's really easy. I know gmbn has a video
I bought the same brakes ,but my question is the rotors I have are Terktro branded but they don’t have any pad typed meterial mentioned on them ,so is it safe to install ,resin pad in that rotor because the brakes come with resin pads anyone ,help is needed ,thanks
I like the video, but I think you should also show what to do if your brake hoses are to long for your bike.
I enjoyed watching your channel but I have questions for you sir you install a brand new hydraulic brakes.Did you put the oil and bleed the line.
They came preassembled, with oil in them.
RJ The Bike Guy thank you I really love the way you explain every detail how you connected all the components of the bike .
Great video,thanks.
This actually works thanks
Can you do a conversion video of a front suspension mountain bike to a rigid city commuter, a 26er particularly. thanks
The cable guides in my bike are for mechanical disc brake. What is the best way to convert them into hydraulic brake cable guides without actually cutting the stopper end? Just in case I want to return the mechanical disc brake.
You don't convert the guides. You get additional guides that attach. Warch the video.
2:55 I should have red this before buying breakers xD
i have the same problem =)))
I need a video to do a road bike please! Haha! I need to do it to my road bike!
Nice vid!!
great video. Well shot & edited. The brake replacement was interesting, I still am not sure difference between cable vs. hydro brakes. Oh well
Hydro stop fast with minimal effort and no noise. Night and day no comparison
Hey RJ what do you do with al the bikes you fix ???
www.rjthebikeguy.com/faq/
Great video 👍🏻🙋🏻♂️
Is there much difference between mechanical and hydraulic in terms of stopping distance if its a top end bike etc?
Also depends on size/quality of rotors, pads, calipers, etc. All things equal, I think hydraulic will be better.
I see this as an upgrade not a conversion
nice vid btw!
Hi, my mountain bike have a hydraulic brakes already but its the old Hayes Mag 1. My question is the mounting universal? Mine doesn't have that adapter/bracket.
No there are different mountings. Some old ones that are hard to find calipers for. And a couple newer styles. I don't know what you have.
My Bike is the Trek 8000 LT.
@@josper1003 Congratulations. You have one of the ones that takes specific, limited availability disc brakes.
Hey man, i am planning to change my brake caliper (mechanical). But there is a lot of option. Are they all standard? Or is there any specific model for specific bicycle frameM
Some are different, most are pretty standard mounting.
@@RJTheBikeGuy thank you !
Great video with detailed information. I have 2016 cannondale synapse alloy 105 with mechanical brakes. I have been thinking of upgrading to hydraulic brakes, Front looks fine. I need your advice on the rear ones, as the cables are routed internally and they have hose stops prebuilt on the frame where the cables are routed internally. Should I drill another hole and run the hose internally or do you recommend routing the hose externally. Any advice will be appreciated, The brake set along with sti levers model's numbers are Shimano ST-RS685 and Br-RS785 with post mount.
Route the lines externally.
@@RJTheBikeGuy Thanks. What would you recommend in using to hold the hose with the frame that look nice as well?
@@wambklyn They make various holders. You just have to see what works for you.
@@RJTheBikeGuy thanks