How much would it cost to install disc brakes on my bike?

[Chad Mansfeld]

Can anyone tell me how much it would cost to install disk brakes on my matts merida 26 inch bike its got the caliper mounts on the frame but doesn't have the rotor mounts on the rims. I would like to know how much the rims for disks would cost aswell? Thanks.

[MrJacques]

Brake-set R500-R1000 and a new set of rims, with rotors, +-R1500 for something in the classifieds. Why not rather save up for a better bike?

[Eugene]

I'm going through the same excerise, except I'm changing to 650b. I've gone through great pains to ensure that I get either new or nearly new parts and I've waited for bargains to come up. You may be able to get yours second hand a bit cheaper or more expensive depended on the spec level you want. These are my costs so far:

 

Suntour XCR fork (new from a bike- R350 You may not need a fork if yours has disc mounts.

Tektro Disc brakes (new) - R900.

Shifters Sram Attack - R100. If your shifters are shift/brake combos and you get hydraulic brakes, then you need new shifters too.

Wheels - Still to buy, but I've seen second hand disc wheels for as little as R600

 

Don't waste your money on cable discs, V-Brakes are often better

Edited October 17, 2013 by Eugene

[Willie2011]

Few months back i fitted Disk Brakes on my bike.

Used Avid Juicy 3 incl. Rotors R400.

New Alex Disc Rims R999.

Fitment R1300.(one Rotor was apparently busted)

 

I agree with Jacquers.If possible,buy a better bike.

[Hennie VR]

Going the cheap way might just cost you more in the end. If the disc wheel set is cheap it may very well not be very strong and you will need to true the wheel often and possibly replace spokes regularly.

 

A cheap brake set will frustrate you more than v-brakes because they might fade quickly or may need regular maintenance like bleeding etc.

 

If you want to upgrade I would recommend buying a decent brake set and rims. They will cost you more but save you on maintenance in the long run.

[Hennie VR]

I reckon that a brake set is very important because it's the part that stops you and skimping on the brake set may be dangerous. It will also influence your confidence on the bike because better quality brakes gives you more control over the bike..............That's unless you pull them to hard and you go over the handlebars

[MTBc]

Brake-set R500-R1000 and a new set of rims, with rotors, +-R1500 for something in the classifieds. Why not rather save up for a better bike?

 

+1

 

If you can sell your bike for around R1500, you put in another R1500 (cost of disc conversion), you can pick up a decent 2nd hand 26er for R3k (deore groupset, hydraulic brakes, tubeless, that sort of thing).

Edited October 17, 2013 by Captain Cheesy

[Chad Mansfeld]

Wow thanks for all these replies sooooo fast!!!!! does anyone maybe have 160mm mechanical disks for me to buy? will pay 500 for a decent condition set front and rear.

[Hennie VR]

Wow thanks for all these replies sooooo fast!!!!! does anyone maybe have 160mm mechanical disks for me to buy? will pay 500 for a decent condition set front and rear.

 

You might as well convert your bike into a fixed cog bike. You will have way more stopping power than putting mechanical brakes on your bike. I think if you use your feet to stop the bike will also work better than mechanical brakes.

 

Rather have a look at theses.

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/65633-avid-elixir-5s-white-with-160mm-rotors-r950/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/65250-avid-elixir-5s-brakes-reduced-price/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/65146-elixir-r-brakeset/

 

I have a set of Avid Elixir R on my bike and they do the job quite well. I am not a big fan of Avid but they are a 1000 times better than any mechanical brake set.