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Normal Topic Upgrading to disc (Read 1081 times)
Skaufma0
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Upgrading to disc
05/29/16 at 5:25pm
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So I had to replace my fork and upgraded that, figured while I'm at it let me upgrade to disc brakes. So it may be a dumb question, but can I use my v-brake levers on mechanical disc brakes? It seems like it would work but I can't find anything about anyone doing it. Just trying to save a few bucks and a little work, seeing as needing new levers would mean needing new shifters (they're integrated ones now).
  
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Re: Upgrading to disc
Reply #1 - 05/29/16 at 7:42pm
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You are correct.  V-brake, also known as "linear pull" brakes, have the same lever throw as all mechanical MTB disc brakes.  That being said, just get some new cables and housing and get to it!

BTW Make sure you don't get the "road" disc calipers as the throw is different and won't work well with MTB levers.
  
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Skaufma0
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Re: Upgrading to disc
Reply #2 - 05/29/16 at 7:58pm
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Thank you sir!

I'll probably be bringing the steed by at some point, once I decide what brakes I want, to have all this stuff installed.
  
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Skaufma0
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Re: Upgrading to disc
Reply #3 - 05/30/16 at 8:00pm
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I've got my eyes on the Avid BB7's. Do we like them? I don't see too many other mechanicals at a medium price point.
  
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Re: Upgrading to disc
Reply #4 - 05/30/16 at 9:51pm
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BB7's are the best mechanicals, period.
  
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Re: Upgrading to disc
Reply #5 - 05/30/16 at 11:45pm
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Skaufma0 wrote on 05/30/16 at 8:00pm:
I've got my eyes on the Avid BB7's. Do we like them? I don't see too many other mechanicals at a medium price point.



BB7 is the absolute best brake system available for MTB.  Flawless modulation and stopping power with better feel than than hydraulic brakes.
  
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Skaufma0
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Re: Upgrading to disc
Reply #6 - 06/01/16 at 7:46pm
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Awesome thanks guys. Looks like the mother-in-law is picking up the whole set for me as a Father's Day gift. WIN!
  
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Re: Upgrading to disc
Reply #7 - 06/01/16 at 9:55pm
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I ran BB-7's for a number of years (4 or 5?) without any real problems. Cable stretch seems to be the biggest issue. Used my old V-brake levers. It was a big improvement over Vee-Brakes especially in wet conditions.
Went to hydraulics about 4 years ago and never looked back.
  
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