v-brakes to disc brakes

[homer]

To all of those that know.

I have just started going out on my bike again, (three kids and all does not give me a lot of time), I have a "specialized hardrock sport 05" which I would like to convert to disc, I have been reading on the web, and Im not sure if I have this correct. I need to get new wheels 'Disc Compatible' and obviously the brakes, but can I get something like the Avid BB7 (mechanical) then I would not have to change my brake levers, because they are combined to my gear shifters (shimano), will the avid brakes be compatible, and are they any good, or are the bb5's better. I would like to go to hydraulic, but it's too expensive. I just need better brakes when im out in the hills, (I live in mid wales and there are some great hills especially the one down the valley into llangynog 'part of the CB loop') but I would also like to stop. Is it a big job to change the brakes over, and I assume that I can transfer my 'gear' cogs from wheel to wheel. aaaaahhhh sooooo much, please advise

[Tango]

hi homer welcome to the forum

are you sure that your brakes and gears are all part of the same fitment.

for brakes and wheels combos try http://www.merlincycles.co.uk

[homer]

Hi Tango.

Yep pretty sure, the same fitment, hence why I am looking at going mechanical instead of hydraulic, cost etc.

[Tango]

you might be right.

loosen the allen key that holds the brake lever steady, then try to rotate it around the bars. does the gear lever pod move too?

[homer]

I will check 2morrow, not much life left in my laptop; thanks, I will look tomorrow night

[homer]

If this helps i found the spec for my bike

http://www.bikepedia.com/Quickbike/B...port&Type=bike

[fredmundo]

it does Indeed look like they are combined shifters... I can't be sure though. If you do what tango suggested then you will be able to be sure.
I would seriously consider saving a little extra and going to hydro brakes if you can...

[DISGreece]

WTTF.

Ditch the Altus combined stuff.
You can pick up a pair of 7speed shifters for less than a tenner.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=42336

Shop around for hydro's and wheelsets on the web...

you wont regret the change and it wont necessarily cost you so much more if you can find older specced hydro's.

Some of the guys on here should be able to point you in the right direction for a few bargains.

If you want to save money, have you tried using better brake pads??

[homer]

thanks for the advice on the shifters, but I would need 8 speed shifters, (it just gets more complicated), granted I must admit the v brakes I use are pretty good, but when I do go out (living in the Tanat Valley in the bottom of the berwyn mountains) you can imagine most of the tracks and trails have water throughout the year, hence why I'm looking at discs. especially the track towards Pistyll Rhayader (CB loop). I thought Mechanical would be cheaper for now and the reviews for the avid bb5 are pretty good, then I was going to try and save some dosh and change my bike in a couple of years to hydraulic. Maybe the best thing is not to spend now and save the dosh for a better bike, I like my spesh so have been looking at the Rockhopper disc "last years" model approx £500. would this be a better bet. Any suggestions.

I have to admit fancying the Kona Fire Mountain Deluxe 09 as well and the Kona Blast Deluxe 09 what do you suggest

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/pr...luxe_Bike_2009

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/pr...luxe_Bike_2009

The only problem is it could some time to persuade the WIFE!!!!!

[DISGreece]

You could get an 8 speed shifter for about 20-30 quid. But then you are looking at another 100+ for wheels
and 100+ for hydro's...

buy a bunch of flowers for the missus and get the new ride

The older specced bikes are good value...

Kona has a certain fan on here...

If you can get away with the new bike, do it.

Food for thought...
Have you replaced your chain recently?
You might find yourself having to change that and possibly cassette and even chainwheels soon....
....That will be more expensive than buying a new bike!!


...and take her out for a nice meal too!!