Swapping from mechanical disc to hydraulic

[Pale Rider]

summat like this? https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/brakes/...ake-caliper-lever-assembly-with-1700-mm-hose/

or this? https://www.evanscycles.com/shimano-m425-hydraulic-disc-brake-EV291384

or this? http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Shimano-Acera-BR-M395-BL-M425-Disc-Brakes_98140.htm

I've had Acera and Deore hydraulics and found the Deore to be a bit nicer to use, although there's not much in it.

Give they are all about the same price, I would go with Deore.

However, the levers are slightly different shapes, so the choice may come down to rider preference and which would sit best on the bike.

I would recommend shimano hydraulic also. Don't worry about shortening the length as they can be done in 10 minutes without needing a rebleed.

I have Shimano XT on a bike and the front hose is longer than I would like.

Could you explain the shortening process?

I'd ruled out doing it because a rebleed seemed too much faff.

I might have a go if it's simpler than I thought.

 

[lpretro1]

Whoa! This poses so many questions!
Cheap is good. The bike will be stored outside in all weathers and, sadly, likely to be neglected.
You have to buy the whole brake to replace the one u have- a hydraulic brake consists of a lever with the master cylinder built into it - a hydraulic hose and then a caliper with the brake pads in it. It comes as a single unit fully bled. They come in std lengths make sure you get a rear one as the hose is longer. You may need to shorten the hose whioch is easy if you know what you are doing.
However for yourself (by your own admission not knowing a lot about hydraulic disk brakes) it might be best to get the LBS to do this job for you?

OK, here come the questions...

For a hybrid system, the options you mention are well out of my budget

For a like for like mechanical replacement

1. Will I need to replace the existing brake levers? If so, what do you recommend, again, cheap is good?
2. Will replacing a mechanical system "like for like" with Avid BB5, (being cheaper than BB7) solve the current rubbish braking problem or just perpetuate them?
3. How can I be sure that the new caliper will:
   1. Fit onto the existing bosses (or whatever these new fangled orifices are called)
   2. Suit the rotor?

For a hydraulic system

1. As 1 above
2. As 3 above
3. Can I approximate the cable length needed with a bit of string following the line of the existing cable run or is a more precise measurement needed?
4. Will I need a Disc Brake Caliper Adaptor? If so, what would you recommend?
5. What hydraulic calipers would you recommend?
6. The hydraulic disc brakes shown on wiggle do not seem to be "all in one", i.e. only the calipers are shown. If I establish the hose length using 3 above, is there an option to buy all in one?
7. What else doe this ignoramus need to know? Bleedin 'ell!

thanks, in anticipation...

FB

 

[lpretro1]

I've had Acera and Deore hydraulics and found the Deore to be a bit nicer to use, although there's not much in it.

Give they are all about the same price, I would go with Deore.

However, the levers are slightly different shapes, so the choice may come down to rider preference and which would sit best on the bike.



I have Shimano XT on a bike and the front hose is longer than I would like.

Could you explain the shortening process?

I'd ruled out doing it because a rebleed seemed too much faff.

I might have a go if it's simpler than I thought.

Plenty of videos online rather on this - always shorten at lever end. You will need a spare hose olive and insert. Done carefully you will not need to bleed it.

 

[Jody]

Could you explain the shortening process?

I'd ruled out doing it because a rebleed seemed too much faff.

I might have a go if it's simpler than I thought.

I followed this guide and worked a treat. Just make sure you keep the lever/lines the right way up so you don't loose any fluid

http://www.epicbleedsolutions.com/blog/shorten-shimano-hoses-without-bleeding/

Edit: Make sure you don't cut it short or buy longer forks in the future. I found out the hard way by adding another 20mm on the forks. New single hose is £25. The SLX brake only cost me £40 a corner new for lever, caliper, pad, hose etc

 

[fatblokish]

Plenty of videos online rather on this - always shorten at lever end. You will need a spare hose olive and insert. Done carefully you will not need to bleed it.

Well, since you ask, I don't need directions to Chorley.

 

[lpretro1]

Well, since you ask, I don't need directions to Chorley.

???