replacing hydraulic disc brakes with mechanical

[baggytrousers]

Hi, I,m looking at getting a Boardman mountain bike sport but the only downside for me is the hydraulic disc brakes - does anyone know if it would be possible to replace them with Avid BB5 mechanicals - I realise they may not be as effective but they will be less hassle and cheaper as far as maintenance is concerned - I think it would be a straight swap

 

[rusty bearing]

Don't do it! You'll find it's the other way around with hydraulics requiring only replacement pads every so often. Mechanicals don't have half the stopping power and forever require adjustment of the back and front rear pad and cables as only one moves to clamp the disc.
I've not come across the Tektro brakes fitted but they generally make good stuff so I'd stick with 'em

 

[baggytrousers]

Hi thanks for that - I was hoping they would be less hassle - I've had Avid Juicy 3's before and found a regular problem with a sticky piston - they were supposed to be self adjusting but seemed to rub an awful lot - I thought that at least with the mechanicals I would have some adjustment and no need to buy an expensive bleed kit ever!

 

[steve52]

expensive bleed kit ? prop the bike up so top of the resivour is level tie the leaver in as though u were breaking and leave over night , tralar job done well its worked for me

 

[GrasB]

Should be simple enough but I'd not bother unless you are having problems with the hydraulic brakes. If you're going to upgrade go for BB7s not BB5s, a marginal cost increase for a better brake (slightly more powerful & more predicable modulation). I'd also recommend using a low/no compression braided outer rather than the classical spiral outer, a pig to cut but gives a more responsive brake.

 

[baggytrousers]

That's great thanks for the replies everyone - I think I'll go for the BB7's they are on offer at the moment and thanks for the tip about braided cable I've not seen that before

 

[baggytrousers]

Chain reaction have got them for £44.95 each

 

[Howard]

[QUOTE 1275810"]
And in answer to the OP, yes it would be a straight swap.
[/quote]

I'd not bother until they became a problem. But if you do replace the hydros with BB7s won't be a bit of a struggle to mount the cable for the rear brake? If it has mounting specific to hydraulic brakes - lugs on the frame that the pipe is tied to - I'd assume there would be no suitable point to run the cable through?

 

[baggytrousers]

Good point Howard - I think I'll have to go into the shop and have a closer look

 

[Zoiders]

Just a question - but are you thinking of purchasing this MTB as a commuting bike?

As there are better bikes off the shelf for the job - I wouldn't personaly be ditching hydraulics for cable operated on my MTB as I use it as a MTB, on road I would be quite happy with V's, cantis or dual pivots.

 

[GrasB]

I'd not bother until they became a problem. But if you do replace the hydros with BB7s won't be a bit of a struggle to mount the cable for the rear brake? If it has mounting specific to hydraulic brakes - lugs on the frame that the pipe is tied to - I'd assume there would be no suitable point to run the cable through?

You simply run a full length enclosed cable leaver to calliper. Hence why you want a compressionless outer. Then you use the same eyelets that the hydraulic hose ran through.

 

[baggytrousers]

could you recommend an outer cable?

 

[GrasB]

As you've looked at CRC Goodridge braided outer along with X-Tools Pro or Park Tools cable cutters. I use an automotive hydraulic hose cutter, the outer is very similar to braided hydraulic brake hose, but I don't think you're looking to pay £80-120 to cut these outers.

 

[baggytrousers]

yes that looks good thanks - I've got the park tool cable cutters already so fitting should be straight forward

 

[GrasB]

Oh I'd be generous with the outer as it's very stiff & can give a fair amount of spring on tighter radius bends.