Disc brake conversion

[STODRR]

I have a Cross bike with SRAM rival set up. However the bike and wheels is set up to put Disc brakes on it. Are you able to do that with the SRAM setup or do you have to get a comple new group to do it?

 

[Master50]

If you are using cable pull disc brakes I cannot imagine why your SRAM group won't work just fine. I don't specifically know the cable pull for the calliper but I think there are road lever compatible callipers vs MTB callipers

 

[DirtyWorks]

If you are using cable pull disc brakes I cannot imagine why your SRAM group won't work just fine. I don't specifically know the cable pull for the calliper but I think there are road lever compatible callipers vs MTB callipers

The right equipment with no extra bits are disc brakes that are not long travel. A road-style brifter lever is not a long travel (AKA linear pull) type brake action. Given the current practice of using mountain bike brakes for the conversion, all(?) are long travel. The way around this issue is a converter that goes inline essentially makes the brifter long travel. One brand is called a Travel Agent.

There might be a decent disc brake kit out there for road levers. Certainly seems like that's going to happen given the UCI approval of discs in 'cross.

 

[kiwirider]

I have a Cross bike with SRAM rival set up. However the bike and wheels is set up to put Disc brakes on it. Are you able to do that with the SRAM setup or do you have to get a comple new group to do it?

The answer is absolutely - and it is very, very easy.

A buddy of mine has the Salsa frame that they used to make which came with disc mounts as standard. He runs SRAM Rival with Avid BB cable pull disc brakes. Only detail I can't remember is whether they're BB5 or BB7 - not that there is any significant difference between the two ...

All that you need to do is to make sure that you get the road version of the brakes - that takes care of the lever travel issue that Dirty Works talks of without the need for Travel Agents.

I can tell you that they work really well in a cross situation. I had a last minute tyre problem before a race last year and my buddy loaned me his bike for the race. We were riding in snow that quickly turned to a scungey brown mud - and I found that the modulation that you got with even cable brakes was awesome. Definitely preferred the set up to standard cross brakes! Now, if only he had run his levers moto set up like I do ... !!!

 

[STODRR]

Thanks Kiwi.

 

[JA.Tri]

Ultegra

My Cannondale tandem runs BB7 front and rear with Ultegra 10 speed. BTW it runs a Travel Agent up front.

Tandem has run 170kg of people 30kg of luggage and weighs 18kg dry down some significant descents.

Have never done 'cross but I guess the above reflects well on the potential for BB7 (???)