Cyclocross Frames and Disc Brake Compatibility?

Asked by: Heather Beaulieu

Can you put disc brakes on a rim brake frame?

Disc brake calipers require a special pedestal to be installed, so a rim brake road bike frame or fork cannot be installed as is. You will need to get one that has a base for disc brakes. Disc brakes need to be mounted on a special pedestal.

Can you fit disc brakes to any bike?

Disc brakes can be fitted to any mountain bike so long as the bike is equipped with two things: Hubs that have the fittings for a disc rotor.

How much heavier are disc brakes?

approximately 200g heavier

Simply comparing something like the Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 brake levers and rim-brake calipers (including an approximate weight for cables) with the equivalent disc-brake system, you’ll see the disc brakes are approximately 200g heavier, accounting for cables, housing, and brake hoses.

What is the difference between post mount and flat mount disc brakes?

What this all boils down to is this: There is no performance difference between a ‘flat mount’ disc brake, and a ‘post mount’ disc brake. They are the same brake with the bolts in a different place. Flat mount will cost you more money, especially on a custom build.

Can I retrofit my bike with disc brakes?

Adding a disc brake mount is a great way to increase stopping power on bikes originally built with rim brakes. This is a retrofit that we do regularly on titanium and steel frames, and some forks.

Why are disc brakes better than rim brakes?

Disc brakes offer better modulation than rim brakes, meaning it’s easier for the rider to precisely meter out how much clamping power is generated. Peak stopping power occurs just before the point of lock-up, and disc-equipped bikes are better equipped to flirt with that edge without crossing over.

Do you need special wheels for disc brakes?

To use disc brakes you’re going to need a different hub than on standard rim brake wheels in order to accommodate the rotor. The good news is that more and more companies are bringing disc specific wheels to the market, so there are plenty of options out there.

Do pro cyclists use disc brakes?

Disc brakes are still far from dominating the peloton, but there are an awful lot of disc-equipped bikes. We roamed the team trucks ahead of the Grand Depart in Brussels last week to get a closer look. Six teams have completely switched over to disc brakes for the Tour.

Can I convert V brakes to disc?

Condensed Answer: V-brakes can be converted to disc brakes only when the frame and/or fork have disc mounts. If the frame or fork don’t have mounts, the user will have to compromise and choose a less than ideal option.

What are the disadvantage of the disc brake system?

A disc brake is much more prone to noise so timely service required. The rotors wrap easier than the drum brake system. Disc brakes are not self-energizing thus need higher clamping forces, which requires a power booster.

Are disc brakes better for heavier riders?

Disc brakes definitely offer more braking power than caliper rim brakes, so that’s clearly an advantage for heavier riders. They also add about 2 lbs to a bike as compared to similar rim brakes.

Why are disc brake bikes so heavy?

1 Disc brakes add weight



The thru axles that are used with many disc systems are heavier than quick release skewers. The weight difference isn’t huge but it can often be around a pound over the whole bike when everything is taken into account.

How much does it cost to add disc brakes to a bike?

You could probably install disc brakes with just a multi-tool as long as it contained a set of TORX and Allen head wrenches. What is this? To give you a price range, low end mechanical disc brakes will cost $48 for a complete set, while a highend Shimano XTR Brake groupset will cost $450.

Are disc brakes better than V brakes?

Rim brakes and V brakes are prone to squeal when they come in contact with water and in situations when you are riding downhill, they can fail to function. Therefore, disc brakes are recommended by experts as they have the ability to function smoothly and slick, even in wet weather conditions.

How much does it cost to put disk brakes on a bike?

The cost of fixing bike brakes by a professional is around $80 to $150, or higher if you own a non-standard bike frame. The cost of fixing bike brakes by yourself is around $25 to $35.

Can I convert V brakes to disc?

Condensed Answer: V-brakes can be converted to disc brakes only when the frame and/or fork have disc mounts. If the frame or fork don’t have mounts, the user will have to compromise and choose a less than ideal option.

How do you upgrade wheel brakes?

Quote from video: So here we just have a couple of options for if you want to upgrade your rim brakes to get a stronger braking and just the nicer.

How much does it cost to add disc brakes to a bike?

You could probably install disc brakes with just a multi-tool as long as it contained a set of TORX and Allen head wrenches. What is this? To give you a price range, low end mechanical disc brakes will cost $48 for a complete set, while a highend Shimano XTR Brake groupset will cost $450.

How do you put disc brakes on a bike?

Quote from video: Installation and setup necessary tools place the disc rotor on the hub mounting surface and align the holes ensure that the arrow on the disc rotor is pointing in the direction of the wheel rotation

Are disc brakes better than V brakes?

Rim brakes and V brakes are prone to squeal when they come in contact with water and in situations when you are riding downhill, they can fail to function. Therefore, disc brakes are recommended by experts as they have the ability to function smoothly and slick, even in wet weather conditions.

What disc brake adapter do I need?

To figure out what size adapter you need, you’ll have to check and see what size rotor your frame and/or fork were designed for. For example: if your fork was designed to fit a 160mm rotor and you want to run a 180mm rotor, that is a difference of 20mm, and that’s the adapter you would need.