Convert Mountain Bike To Disc Brakes With No Frame/Fork Mounts
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- I show how to convert an old vintage MTB with no frame/fork disc brake mounts, to disc brakes using adapters. I show various disc brake mounting adapters and how they can be used to install disc brakes. Some of the adapters I show are A2Z DM-UNI, Chaser Tech Bicycle Rear Disc Brake Adapter Kit, and more. I am sure there are other types of adapters available. This type of conversion is pretty complex and will probably require a trial and error approach to see what works and what doesn't. You'll see in this video some of the problems I encountered and had to work to fix. The bike in the video is a Trek 820 that was set up with V-Brakes.
Yes there are rack mounts. No, they would not be strong enough along to hold the disc caliper. Only one fully lined up with the bracket, and the other was half on the edge. They were also offset from each other. That is why I made the extra bracket which only holds the caliper bracket in place while wheel is removed.
Cold setting a bike frame:
• Cold Setting A Bike Fr...
A2Z DM-UNI Disc Brake Adapter:
www.amazon.com...
31.88mm Front Disc Brake Bracket Adapter:
www.amazon.com...
22.88mm Front Disc Brake Bracket Adapter:
www.amazon.com...
Chasertech Disc Brake Adapters:
www.chasertech....
BBR Tuning Billet Aluminium Disc Brake Caliper Bracket:
www.amazon.com...
Brake Boss Plug 8mm:
www.amazon.com...
Brake Boss Plug 10mm:
www.amazon.com...
Brake Boss Covers:
www.amazon.com...
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very useful video for people converting their bike to an E-bike where the V brakes are no good or may not fit the rim of the new wheel
@@girlsdrinkfeck While this is possible, using a frame with disc brake mounts is better.
@@RJTheBikeGuy yes luckily for me my bike is a " own brand " type with a multi purpose generic frame with all kinds of mounts all over it so the company brand can add or take off whatever specs they need for the price range
Where can I find cheap replacement rims?
Great job, I’ve watched this twice now lol but I the only problem I might have is I have to use the axle that’s in the bike now because it’s a Bafang motor. Do you think I would get away with out that fancy needle.
love this video. i understand half the comments are saying just buy a new frame - those are people who dont like to tinker around and engineer solutions. the other half loves to make things work the way they want them to without buying tailor-made products.. i think as a man you want to make it your own way. i respect that.
I personally recommend buying a bike with disc brakes.
@@RJTheBikeGuy i understand that and its a much more refined solution. but its boring though.
RJ The Bike Guy single-handedly keeping the cable industry going. :-)
Snippy comment.
They need to go away and are best considered a consumable.
I still wince at it though and take them down out of reverence,
taking too long to toss them.
My rear cables become front cables. Cables last a long time.
A real bike mechanic can make cable discs work fine, (average Joe's are somewhat clueless) and you have full control of how much lever/cable play you want. And wont rip a line off in the woods.
@@whazzat8015 Nothing wrong with cable systems, unless one is a mechanical clown. KISS.
@@hemisuperzee1287 even the average slightly ham-fisted home mechanic can make mechanical discs work awesome, if you use BB7s and compressionless housing.
Ahhh such a joy to see that I'm not the only person adapting oldschool frames into a brazenly capable, and overtly enjoyable peddler with which you can't help but feel proud to be seen riding!
Im gonna go for the aliexpess version of the A2Z and weld it onto mine!
This isn't making it more capable. Its just making it into a death trap. Just get better calipers and pads instead of risking catastrophic failure with these hack jobs.
@@screwb1882 i agree; i love a good kludge or weird retro-mod adaptation, generally speaking, but these janky disc-brake conversions are always under-performing, and often dangerous.
I'm a bike mechanic. Your thoroughness is much appreciated. Also you have great advice on different available tools.
Excellent timing. I've been planning this conversion for the last few months. The hard part is knowing which parts are right for "your" job.
Loved the video, thanks.
This has to be the BEST video on disc brakes I've seen. You explained everything I wanted to know and had doubts on plus you have like every adapter under the sun. This is amazing! Thank you very much! You've gained a new subscriber.
Thanks for the vid! After watching it I've learned that another simpler and cheaper option would be to give your old bike away and buy a new one with the brakes you like. Thanks again!
Or sell your old bike and use the money to buy one with disc brakes.
@@RJTheBikeGuy Is installing disk brakes on a non-disk brake (v brakes safe) actually safe ? Please answer.
👍🤣🤣🤣
@@prasanna3378 still safe, just a lot of unnecessary drama.
@@heavystarch100 😂😂sure..and alot of stories😅
I'm glad RJ took the time and effort to convert an older Trek 820 to disc brakes.
For me however, I would just bolt up a front disc brake assembly to a newer style front fork. Then go with a larger front tire for trail riding.
I considered doing this briefly on my 90's KHS MTB frame, but in the end just went with a different frame. It was far cheaper and easier to just get a frame with disc mounts and transfer parts over, than to try to adapt the left seat/chainstays for a disc brake. For awhile I actually ran a front disc brake on a Nashbar steel height-corrected fork, with the rear V-brake. After building up the bike on the other frame, I went back and re-built the KHS bike with mostly spare parts, and went back to V-brakes on it. With KoolStop pads it still has awesome braking performance, and I use it mostly as a gravel/pavement adventure bike.
Absolutely agree - I bought a reasonable quality aluminium frame on eBay for £5 with a usable headset and broken fork, and a good steel fork for £30. That's as much as a pair of the better quality adapter brackets will cost, but with no concerns about whether the frame will be strong enough, and no need to modify my "classic" rim-brake bike. As for "paying to get the wheels rebuilt", why not do it yourselves, people? If you're competent to be working on brakes you should be able to manage a spoke key.
I love this video. It reminds me of most of my projects I do around the house. You start out with a goal and the scope changes when you really get in to the project. Re-tiling the bathroom turns in to "Well I really should replace this sub-floor before I put the new tile down."
Like me the other day, little bit of lining wallpaper was lifting at the seam beside my shower no doubt due to the steamy air. So I lifted it a little bit more, stuck some paste/glue under, then used a seam roller and it was nice and flat again. Then painted over it with a little of the original paint as I had a decent bit left (I made sure to mix it well) to make it "perfect". Next day I could see this little bit dried a *slightly* different shade which annoyed me (probably others wouldn't notice) .. so ...... .. By time I'd finished I'd got the rollers out and redone the entire wall ... so much for a quick non messy job ;)
Best tutorial ever on this topic, learned a lot. Thanks a million, I am now starting to convert a 30 year old steel bike to Shimano Metrea.
I am in the process of converting my old school Reynolds 531ST framed touring cycle to disc brakes, something that most sensible people told me was near impossible. I love a challenge though. Converting the front of the bicycle was easy if expensive and was done two years ago by getting a new set of Reynolds 631 forks manufactured with an ISO disc brake mount. Converting the rear has proved to be much more difficult as my frame dropouts only lend themselves to a bracket mounting externally on the dropout and because the frame is weak at this point I needed something to brace the mounting against the torque to which it will be subject to in fierce braking. The Chasertech bracket is the one I have gone with and the installation process is progressing well with only slight modifications to the bracket required. I am based in Scotland and the only way to get this brilliant bit of kit was to mail order it to my sister in Chicago who posted it on to me. It has not been cheap but the end result is well worth it. The A to Z adapter was no good for me as it only works with certain Aluminium frames with vertical dropouts.
Love the effort and detail. And it’s not just about “having disc brakes”, it about the conversion. But RJ, I have to say that a torque wrench only gives you the torque value you set it too, if your holding it by the appropriate handle when it clicks.
I use a beam torque wrench, not a clicker.
In reality, it's probably not worth all the efforts to do such an upgrade on this old steel frame and add on so much weight... however, the knowledge here is splendid. I could learn a ton from this video. Thanks for spreading the gold! You are the man!
For reference, the kit is 258 grams - not much.
I had no idea they made these kinds of adapters. It's an awful lot of work and probably not something I'd attempt, but it made for a great 50 minuets! Thanks for putting it together - I definitely appreciate and admire your ingenuity.
What? *looks at video* Fuck. he talks so slow, my ADHD normally shuts off after ten minutes of such droning. Dabe that is skill. I did not get hardly distracted... least till the end, where I skipped some of the torking at the very end.
a 50 minute video from RJ - brilliant thats my evening sorted.
Did the same with a old Specialized frame many years ago. Used a spare fork to sort the front and the A2Z bracket on the rear and it also wouldn't sit flat, so I took into work and machined it to fit. Sold the bike eventually and the owner still uses it every day.
Great video as always RJ.
You really help people learn so much about bikes so they can fix them themselves n not get ripped off by a bike shop or just not have the cash. I've Learned allot from you also n Im so thankful!
Thanks for the detailed video. From watching it, I learned exactly what I needed to know regarding upgrading to disc brakes -- and I won't be doing it.
Great video I enjoy watching your videos. I’ve been wanting to try this and I didn’t know what all would be involved with this conversation. I think I could handle tackling this now. Thanks a lot .love the fact that you try to make a bike what you want on a budget instead of spending thousands of dollars just buying what you want. Gives us new to biking folks with mechanical skills info to try getting what we want on a budget
I tried this approach to converting to disc brakes but couldn't find adapters that worked. So i used aluminium plate 4mm made a cardboard template and cut and filed down to shape drilled the dropout and frame fixing positions tapped and drilled for counter sunk screws. My bike has a standard drop out aluminium frame with no disk brake fixing. I only used hand tools a drill press and jigsaw to cut the aluminium. About an hours work and a perfect adapter plate. I had the aluminium and screws so no cost to me. The useless adapters from e-pay cost at least £15 so make your own a lot less hassle. Great video I wish I'd seen this before attempting my conversion, thanks again.😀
Nice conversion to disc brakes, good to see the rear brake mount finished off with a rubber cover rather cut off. Good video
BikeIt UK l
tarstarkusz mate just get some sick bailing skillzand youll be fine
Phil Weatherley might i ask where you got that from him complimenting rj's attention to using rubber caps?
@@louimcgee6146 he said nice in the original comment idiot
I think youre really great at this bike stuff ,& very informative. From when i was quite young i stripped & rebuilt all of my own bikes,& saved a lot of money in the process. Some people can't appreciate what we know & what we have learned.Thank you.
Sure glad I watched this video before attempting to convert my older bike to disc brakes. Thank's for the video, I think I'll just save up and get a new bike next year.
yea too complex
Bravo to you RJ. Thumbs up, nicely done. Just stumbled on this video and breezed through four IPAs while watching it on my patio. Mesmerizing. I’m a road cyclist, with an old Trek 8700 converted to an urban commuter. Haven’t thought about doing anything with the Trek for years, but your video has me wanting to make this my next lengthy, mentally peaceful workshop project.
IPA Don’t taste good at all.
Also, awesome information RJ! Kind of makes me want to figure out a swap project for my new (old) GT Palomar. Especially since I watched the stem swap video along with this. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience for free with all of us. Being an automobile mechanic, I know knowledge isn't cheap. Keep the protects coming!
Main reason I hate those bike stands, bike wobbles too much so now I make my own. Great video it's given me an idea, thank you.
Thank you for putting up all of these helpful tutorials, they're some of the best I've found.
A video i have been waiting for a very long time Great video
keep up the good work
I am impressed by the detail of the explanation and coverage of the photography. Therefore, is a must see video for the aficionado for how to conversion to disc brakes.
nobody can make this more dummyproof like you do RJ... very nice explainations about everything that might be a problem
both thumbs up !!!
OMG, I am sure there are many more pitfalls that I never covered. This is a pretty radical conversion.
despite im not from uk or usa..where english language is not common...i can easy understand everything..and i already had few projects started on my bike thanks to RJ the Bike guy....keep up the good work !!!
Im English living in Spain and I love your everyman teaching style. Sadly I am getting old and I find you speak so quickly I just cannot keep up. Having said that I was a teacher of vocational studies in the UK so I can say with my hand on my heart you and us all would actually benefit from a slower presentation. Anyway. I really appreciate your hard work and what I have learnt despite my struggle. Good Luck and thank you.
You can quickly set the speed from 25% to 200% in the settings. Takes about 3.5 seconds to do. Click the elipsis (3 dots) on the upper right of the screen.
What a can of worms. The original V brakes probably work almost as well as discs anyway. But kudos for finding a way to make something work.
If it's not raining anyway...
@@MrAmorti at least you don't need to be so careful with rim brakes...
RJ raises a really valid point: the application of load. On a newer, steel frame, not likely to be an issue. On an old steel bike, and especially an old aluminum bike, it could be a disaster. Aluminum in particular fatigue-fails instantaneously.
I'm pondering doing this conversion, but I'd maybe reinforce those frame areas somehow.
great rear adapter, i have One here. ready for rebuild my Vintage gt , greetings from Chile , nice video =)
But the GT's specially the rear canti-lever v-brake was quite strong and super stiff & precise why you would want to replace that ? keep that GT as it is and go buy a new cheap SH (second hand ) bike with brake discs.. by the time you will compare them you will see how good the old GT-brake system was.. I miss my stolen GT -team RTS with Magura brakes
This video is great, but it's scary seeing how many people requested this topic. Disc brakes require very intense braking force on the caliper-side of the frame. Frames that haven't been built to withstand those forces probably shouldn't have those disc brake conversion mounts on them, unless maybe it's a fun little city-cruiser. Most non-disc frames are meant to withstand equal-sided braking force closer to the upper parts of the fork, not left-sided force towards the axle.
Either way, it's cool to see that it's technically possible. Nice video! Definitely a labor of love project.
Thanks! Frankly I think it is better, easier, cheaper, to buy a bike with disc brakes.
I converted it from FWD to twin turbo
Ahh a fellow with truly good tastes.
I just got a sex change
Wooooo
I converted mine to a unicycle to reduce labor by 50%
The Trek 820 still is my favorite mountain bike from that era.. It was so easy to ride... There was just something about that bike that was a joy to ride... Can't put my finger on what exactly but I loved that bike! Super effortless riding and I had some mad rides on it all over the city and green belt... Good memories :)
I HAVE HAD THE SAME SORT OF EXPERIENCE. I HAVE A MARIN BOLINAS RIDGE 2004, I PUT A MARZOCCHI MX COMP FROM THE SAME ERA. IT FEELS EXACTLY "RIGHT" FOR MY PHYSIOLOGY, AND IS MY GO-TO BIKE, FOR MOST RIDES, THOUGH I HAVE CHOICE,
Manny why are you screaming
Love the vid. Though, I'd still be freaked out by how close that screw is to the disc. I'd have changed it.
this is a great video because you encountered lots of issues and covered potential issues
how to install disc brakes to a frame with no mounts.... switches forks out for one with mounts.....
Click bait
Wait did he actually...
workshop yea lol. Still a good informational video just a misleading title
It isn't misleading. "Convert Mountain Bike To Disc Brakes With No Frame/Fork Mounts" If you don't have a fork that will work, you have to find one that will. He basically said that at the end of the video.
Front Disc is enough for most purposes as that's like 70%+ of breaking. And brother you do not want disc brake that complains. This will bother u every time you ride until you fix'em or commit bikecide/suicide. So, stay w/ a V-brake rear and get a new front fork.
Hey RJ i just watched this video , was great , you were so imformative, I am commercial plumber and have a far amount of knowledge but with your video you added to my knowledge , and I just bought a used bike to ride with my kids , and wanted to convert to disc , so this was so good , again very detailed , I liked how you explained the spacing on the rear , and differences of the steel and aluminum frame spacing of the 130mm to 135mm
i feel really comfotable with being able to covert my bike to disc !!! Thank you From Vancouver BC Canada
Thanks. But I really recommend buying a bike that already has disc brakes. Easier, cheaper, and better.
You rock! Jesus loves you and God bless! U have a talent and passion that ur great at!
What do I think? well right off the batt I am extremely glad you are the kind of guy and channel that tells it like it is. You didn't sugar-coat this proceedure -- it took so long even your Pepsi spontaneously reproduced mid-video!
I looked into this for an Ebike because when you get that regular speed with more weight better brakes are always a good idea. I think unless I know it would work dead-on ahead of time I'd just consider ordering a new fork with already existing disc brake mounts. Honestly it's a little more dickering around than I care to do these days. I'm really glad you covered a lot of the complexities that can happen. Either way it's a good learning experience.
I'm old. I remember when those brakes were great. Still work well imo.
I just found your channel yesterday when restoring a bike for my friend. Instantly subscribed, because you have videos on almost every problem the bike has. Soon I’ll be taking apart the freewheel because its occasionally slipping when going uphill. Thanks for making awesome videos!
This is crazy...I was just doing research about this to do to my bike!
Is google watching you too
Andrew Triggs
Me too😂😂
you are literaly the king of budget bike lovers.
Just curious, wouldn't it have been easier to just drill two holes in the bracket to mount it to the two fender/rack eyelettes and avoid the other metal plate. I would think it would have made it stronger in the long run
agree. if he end up having to grind the drop out flat. wouldn't the a2z work as also without so many modification.😂
Dang. You really committed to getting this to work. Good job. My main reason for looking at this method is because of my heavy ass steel cruiser. It came with the rim bent and the v brakes always touching. I got tired of truing the wheel. But if part of the solution would be to get new wheels, that would probably already work. I never had anything but MTB before so this cruiser is very disappointing.
the old v brake studs can also be used to mount a light or reflector with a little modification.
Very help full for have cheap bike like me , i have 1 bike in my life but the body of my bike is design only for road bike no disc brake board i think the first material you show for us is the best for my bike thanks dude...
Hi rj could you do a garage/workshop bike tour
Gromitdog1 - God bless Costco
Gromitdog1 this is america...
I love everyone saying 'just buy a new frame, its cheaper' they're kinda missing the point, its just about messing with old bikes and experimenting. Some people might enjoy fettling with bikes more than actually riding them, or they mightn't be able to get a new frame or a whole myriad of other reasons. Just enjoy RJ doing crazy things to old bikes, people
Exactly, where I'm from this would actually be cost effective as a new frame would cost 10 times more, plus I love tinkering with my bike
You always make very interesting videos, but in my opinion for most people this is poor idea. When people ask me (at the bike co-op) about such conversion, I tell them to get another bike. There are literally thousands of used bikes available with disc brakes, many of which would be better spec'd all-around and cost no more or only a little more than the cost of the conversion.
I've learn many bicycle repair and modification on your video and it's helpful for me..thanks and keep it up, love from malaysia
Adaptocontrapto is awsome bro !! Don't let the whiney ( I'm an engineer ) types poo on your parade. Bravo !
A snapped frame would kinda looks on his parade, as would medical bills.
I'm restoring an old bike with cantilever brakes. You convinced me to not modify and keep it original. Thanks RJ.
suggestion: convert front to disc. Leave rear alone unless the frame has disc brake mounts. The rear adapters are wanky. Discs much better in front, rear just don't matter as much IMO. A lot of trouble atd expense for little imrovement.
Eric Peltzer
My thoughts exactly.
I changed my old vintage 90's mtb front brake to a side puller type from the useless v brake - plenty of stopping power and only needed the brake, lever and fresh cable. discs are cool, but that was way too much bother and parts to be worth doing.
@Eric I don't think you would want the stronger brake to be in the front. Couldn't that result in a crash, with you flying over the handlebars? It seems to me that if you were only going to convert one brake to disc, it should be the back brake.
once You ruined the flange of the rear rim till break down then even You would know that a rear disk brake makes sense
I'VE RUN A 2000 TREK 4500 FOR 8 YEARS THAT HAD A V-BRAKE O/E SET-UP, BUT I WENT THE OTHER ROUTE, I TOOK OUT THE O/E SYNC EXCEL 535 FORK, AFTER BRAKE BLOCKS WERE SEEN TWISTING, JUST BEFORE I DID A FAST DOWNHILL RUN, ON IT HIGH ABOVE WINDERMERE. I GOT A S/H ROCK-SHOK JUDY OFF EBAY, FITTED A NEW MAGURA LOUISE HYDRAULIC FRONT BRAKE, AND 203M/M DISC, AND IT HASN'T LEAKED. WITH SCHWALBE MARATHON 2'S ON, IT IS STILL SOLID! FITTED CABLE-DISC TO REAR, WITH A2Z DISC BRAKE ADAPTER, TO REAR DROP-OUT, AND NEITHER BRAKE HAS EVER LET ME DOWN. IN 2010, ADAPTER WAS ABOUT £20. BIKE WOULD SEEM HEAVY, NOW, BUT I CALL THAT "SOLID"!
Excellent video. With patience time and the right parts anything can be done. Thank you for taking the time to post this.
i like disk brakes because im 430 pounds and i need the stopping power when im in the woods normal horse shoe and v brakes wear out every 2 weeks to a month
so i thank you for this conversation video
What a pain! I just saw a different video of an old guy who converted a 1940's Schwin to a downhill bike! Rim brakes don't seem so bad afterall lol ...Great work and kudos for keeping an old Trek going
link to that vid?
Think I'll be sticking with my v-brakes lol! Question though, do you have a recommendation for budget wheelsets?
Not really. Check ebay and craiglist.
if you could find some rhino lites laced to xt hubs, it's cheap and effective
Fantastic work, AJ, as always. This video is probably the best advert for Magura HS33 hydraulic rim brakes ever!
You could upgrade the gears, but surely by the time you spend money on the brake kit, wheels, gear shifters, new cassette and cables, you might as well go buy a new bike.
It is not about spending money and making this cheap. It is about having fun completing the project. ;)
Most bicycles would reach the point where repairs are more costly than a new bike with anything more serious to change than tires.
you nailed it nicely hard dude...
I've spent a fortune upgrading my bike after a smashing it and myself up pretty bad. What can I say I like the frame. Besides all i need to do in the future is maybe get another frame if this one caps out.
One the one hand, I believe there is a greater value in fixing and recycling stuff you already own over buying new and shiny and trashing the old yet functional. In spirit I can’t begrudge a project like this, however in a practical sense is very negligent to suggest trusting your life to some dodgy brake adapters from eBay. On the front fork no less, where 70-90% of your breaking happens!!! It’s a good thing RJ switched the fork because that’s exactly what he should have done in the first place. If anyone really wants to add discs to an old bike, swap the old fork with a fork with proper mounts. While the rear adapter RJ used looks sturdier, still it’s probably better just to keep the stock rear v brake.
don't listen to the haters. i think what you are doing is superb. i love retro bikes and this trek 820 really deserves the love. Some minor changes at transmision, a double air fork you can find second hand and you've got a 1000$ HT all around MTB. Personally I'm starting a new trek 970 project and i would think i'll try mounting disc brakes, new 27.5" tires and of course maybe i can find a good air fork.
RJ can i ask you(obviously if you know) what do you think about the Trek Y11 Carbon MTB? Are carbon bikes even good for that? If i can manage to buy one at a cheap price is it worth the investment?
TuDoR what double air fork would one be looking for?
really good looking bike, nice video
I had just replaced the front and rear gear shift cables on my bike. I haven't needed to do the brakes yet. I did not know how to adjust the brake levers side to side. Thanks for the info. Due to shelter in place, I'm doing far more bike riding than I ever did before so I've been improving the shifting, braking, seat height. It rides much better now. I'm learining a lot of useful information. Thanks
that bike looks like robocop :)
I'm looking at doing a disc brake conversion myself. Thanks for the detailed information on potential pitfalls, bike variation and special tools. Excellent video!
I really recommend buying a bike with disc brakes to begin with. Easier, cheaper and much better.
Video suggestion: convert that bike to a 1x11!
I'm planning to do that with my old 820 this winter.
Convert to 1x11, convert to discs, add new wheels, and who knows what else. Might as well just buy a new bike. Probably not much more money once you sell the old bike and then you get ALL the new standards on your new bike.
Drop bars too
make it a duel suspension
Super helpful. Your tutorials have been invaluable as I began my introduction into bicycle self repairs.
Cheaper to buy a new bike, or just do the front only, the front brake does all the work, keep the 'v' brake on the rear.
I enjoyed your attention to detail explanation and step by step process. Thank you so much. I particularly enjoyed the trouble shooting and adaption to resolve the issues. Well done .
Feels like you've added a nice full 1kg of weight
on his big toe !
Just got a killer deal on a track bike (obviously no brakes) recently. This video was a huge help for brake options. Thank you!
Caliper brakes would probably be a better option.
@@RJTheBikeGuy yeah, probably but I dont wanna drill holes in the forks or triangle bar. Idk
That rear convertion to disc rotor is great. But also bring to my mind, someone with a medical body attachment. After a tough ride in mountain bike trail.
I converted a 1996 Foes Weasel to Disc with a kit from Brake Therapy back in 2003. It had a pivot that went inside the left dropout with brake mounts and a rod that clamped to the seatpost.
It worked great and was ahead of its time because it allowed the suspension to travel while under braking. Rode that thing for another 13 years, then I got a new bike.
I also got a Brake Therapy kit, but put it on my long-wheelbase (LWB) Vision recumbent. It (with a Hayes hydraulic caliper) gave me enough stopping power, while the orginal V-brakes just wouldn't deliver, especially in the rain. LWB meant that the front wheel would easily lock up on hard braking, so I left the front V-brake.
There’s just not enough advantage to disc brakes over rim to warrant this much trouble.
No, RJ just made it sound like a year long build.. I'd like to do this to my bike, some good tips here but long winded. :I
If your rims that you just bought are disc only then this makes sense. Otherwise rim brakes on the back are good enough .
But Id argue theres also a safety element here ,rims typically have a wear indicator often the appearance of a tiny hole ,or they have a groove right around the rim (once the groove is no longer visible its time to change the rim )..and if you fail to notice this,the rims could wear so thin the completey fail
I totally agree my rim breaks work just fine want more stopping power use a longer shoe
Thanx for this great video. Some commentators here don't seem to grab the message. There are many good reasons to mount a rear diskbrake even when the frame doesn't have the necessary mounts in the first place. Right now I'm trying my luck at a NCM ebike. Thanx again for Your inspirations.
How to make your old bike with disc brakes
Step 1.Sell the old bike
Step 2.Buy a new bike with disk brakes
Exactly. A cheap bike with hydraulic brakes is going to be better than good bike old enough to have rim brakes anyway.
@@Wrangzilla I disagree. RJ prob would too. Define "better". A real bike mechanic can keep older bikes going forever. Some 90s bike are the toughest hybred/cross bikes there are. Parts are abundant and somewhat standardized. Not everyone races so not everyone needs the latest hyped up parts. Full suspension mnt bikes are the exception though- if you need it, as they wear out fast, even the frames.
Been a sub for awhile now, and thoroughly enjoy your style and content. This vid is no exception. Just finished the same disc brake conversion/upgrade on the same model bike, my 820 is just a little newer(2012). So, same challenges as this project. New Manitou fork solved front brake install. Rear, well, it took some tuning to function properly and safely. Sure wished I had watched this vid first, lol. I went with a steel version of the first one you showed. Seems to be dialed in nicely, so far. Time will tell... Blue thread locker is my friend. Now working on an aluminum framed Gary Fisher Joshua f3, (1999). Same Manitou fork for front. Rear, is a whole different story. Stays are oversized and will not allow for the 180 rotor I bought for this application. Now in the process of determining if a 140mm rotor will fit. If so, I believe a custom, 1 off adapter will be the way to go, in my situation. Or, perhaps one of your featured adapters just might work. More research needed before any more $ spent! Thanks so much for the links to all the various adapters available for this type of project. Or, the V brakes are still an option...???... We will see. The whole video is greatly appreciated. Hope to one day see/meet you on the trail! Keep the rubber side down, except during back flips, lol!
15:40 Rear wheel brake adaptors
25:57 Adjust control arm to align for caliper/disc and control arm
26:39 Tighten control arm and disc bracket
28:07 install front caliper 0mm IS bracket for 160mm disc rotor
30:24 install rear caliper 20mm IS bracket for 160mm rotor for standard size bracket.
Thanks for the in depth detail on project. I learned things that I never thought of.
Too much fiddling and additional weight to be worth the adaptation. V brakes work well enough to warrant this.
P F life would be horriable with v brake eww
Depending for what, not for 50km/h
Very helpful! Building a fast ebike on a vintage Gary Fisher and disc is a must...
Wow, good job. But so not worth it... I mean, you would have to be VERY attached to a frame if you went for $60 adapters instead of a new frame. Not to mention that you need to replace wheels as well, and those will generally be more expensive than a frame. If you want to keep the frame with its vintage look but need to improve braking force, why not just buy Magura hydraulic v-brakes?
they aren't historic if they have a hokey disc setup....
the adaptors are a couple of quid
historic, maybe... and it belongs to be hung on the wall though
DazDeluxe what's a quid?
@@HardCorps88 a quid means 1 UK Pound :)
Yes it can be done and you proved it!!! Kudos for your tenacity in not giving up on what quickly became a nonsensical upgrade! :-)
Yep!!! But people wanted to see it.
Must be great to do on a road bike. (Cough, video suggestion, cough, cough)
Probably about the same thing. Except a normal road bike fork probably couldn't handle the stresses of disc braking.
RJ The Bike Guy Yeah, I agree on that one.
RJ The Bike Guy what size chaser kit did you use 145 or 170?
I am working on a disc conversion myself and I've talked to the guys at Chaser. They advise that you first need to measure the distance between centre of your rear left dropout to the rear left brake boss. If it's 10 inches or less you need the 145mm kit, it it's greater than 10 inches you use the 170mm kit.
Good luck with the conversion.
T3HR3PP4 Thanks for the info!!!
I used the AtoZ adaptor and tectro disks/mech calipers on my alloy Btwin frame, for the front i bought disk forks,The difference is awesome,i can decend steep hills with no loss of control where rim brakes loose power massively,dont even mention the stopping power in the wet over rims.Great to break away from the throw away and replace it culture we see so much of.
This type of modification is most idiotic thing you can do with your bike! This weak, chinese adapters and fork legs/frame, which not designed for that kind of force... could broke in any time and send you in a hospital or even in a grave! Good V-Brake like Shimano Deore or better, works just fine!
Yes....correct, my Words!
I bet you wear two helmet, one for your head, and one for your hurt butt. This is clearly not a downhill set up but would be great for commuting purposes.
You are an idiot and no, i do not wear any helmet at all! Peace! :D
I'm not sold that these mounts are a good idea. Tons of braking force transmitted through parts of the bike which aren't designed to handle it. Also, well dialed in V brakes with quality pads can feel very, very good.
Love your videos RJ!
Enjoy the bike the way it is not worth the trouble to do the upgrade the money you're going to spend it's not worth it and if you do decide you want disc breaks just buy a new bike or new frame
If I had known my bike had the disc brake option, I would have gone for it. I can install a rear disc brake as the mount is there. I prefer not using my entire rim as a replaceable part.
OMG! I didn't know that these adapters even existed, you are a true source of inspiration and knowledge thank you!
It's cheaper, easier and better to buy a bike with disc brakes...
Thanks for trying but after the first 8 minutes I just couldn't take anymore of the rambling and scurrying about from topic to topic.
Enjoy watching your tutor vids, well explained, great video angles.
Most importantly your enthusiasm is relayed to the potential repairer.
I myself have a now older Saracen bike that is serving me very well instead of being rejected for no great reason other than lack of knowledge.
So from a very grateful bike owner. (Bike also, cos bikes have feelings😉🚴🏽)
Thank you for making the effort on our behalf.
How to install disc brakes on a old rim brake bike: Buy a new bike with disc brakes on it. New wheels, new brakes, new cables, new front fork. Dude changed out more than half of his bike hardware within the first 10 minutes of the video.
Bike looks real nice with the upgrades!
gosh, just too much work foe a questionable upgrade... in my humble opinion.
gotta say quick that I love your OCD side. I work in an Aerospace Electronics facility and I am very OCD when it comes to J-STD and MIL-SPEC ... plus my own desire for better than what is Class 3 acceptable .... so .... I can definitely appreciate your small bit of OCD ;) in example, the rear brake cable housing ... "Ahhh, just a touch shorter" ..... 'snips off a little over half an inch'
Love it LOL!