Remove v-brake mounts from fork

[MrJacques]

I have a 2008/2009 Rockshox Reba world cup fork with the ugly v-brake mounts on it which aren't used because I have disc brakes. Is there a way to remove them? It's purely a cosmetic thing as I'd also like to repaint the lowers (they are a bit scratched) and make the fork look nicer. I'm tempted to take a saw and just cut them off.

[Goodbadugly]

You can BUT

1. Respray

2. You will have to file the damn thing flat. Very time consuming.

3. DON'T go to deep. It might impair on the strength and looks.

4. It will be easier to get new lowers (but will cost you $$$)

5. Or sell it on the classifieds for somebody who wants v brakes and buy new ones.

6. Ride the thing as is. This is the cheapest and best option.

[MrJacques]

Cool, thanks. It does sound like a lot of work, but if I decide to go ahead and remove them what would be the best way to do it? I'm not sure how hard the metal is, would a hacksaw blade do the trick and then some metal files to smooth it out?

[Mojoman]

If you have one prehaps use a dremel with a blade and then a sanding disc. Otherwise a fine toothed hacksaw blade should do the job, slow and steady makes a straight cut.

[MrJacques]

The dremel sounds like a good idea I'll see if I can borrow my friend's one, otherwise it will be the hacksaw and lots of filing.

[Goodbadugly]

1. Prepare to TAKE YOUR TIME.

2. Remove the lowers. Remove the seals.

3. Strip the paint. Thick layer of paint will make your filing difficult.

4. Forget the Dremel. It is to easy to go to deep with power tools. And you don't want the metal to heat up.

5. Hack them off.

6. File them into shape.

7. Sand them with 400, then up to 1200 water sandpaper.

8. File it again. NOT TO MUCH.

9. Sandpaper again. The sanding will show you where you still have to file.

10.Use your vernier to confirm that you are on the right track.

11.Do not do this if you are ham fisted/ have 11 thumbs.

12.If you go to deep you, you will have to buy a new one.

13.Get it painted properly. Don't do this with a can of Aerolac.

14.Remove all traces of metal filings before you reassemble the fork.

 

As I said. It is easier to get another fork or lowers.

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

[MrJacques]

Sounds like a lot more work than I anticipated... getting a new one or just leaving it as is seems like the more clever option. Thanks for the advice!

[kosmonooit]

Other option is to put some blank bolts in - Hope make some, and they have slot for the brake hose on the one side. I got some from CRC

[Johan Bornman]

I have a 2008/2009 Rockshox Reba world cup fork with the ugly v-brake mounts on it which aren't used because I have disc brakes. Is there a way to remove them? It's purely a cosmetic thing as I'd also like to repaint the lowers (they are a bit scratched) and make the fork look nicer. I'm tempted to take a saw and just cut them off.

 

I recently scrapped an otherwise perfectly good Reba fork due to a broken-off steerer. It doesn't have V-brake mounts. If you want, I'll swap it out for you. It is black, a bit scuffed, but otherwise perfect.

 

Contact me off-line, not via PM please.