We have all had the thought about adding disc brakes to our mountain bike, we not only thought about it, we also wondered if it is possible to do so, and if it is worth all the effort it would take to do it.
Well it is actually possible to add disc brakes to a mountain bike, and it works as an upgrade to the regular brakes of the bike, and it improves the stopping power of the bike, especially on tough trails.
However, the process to do it takes some careful planning, you’ll need to check if your bike frame can work with disc brakes, and if you have the right tools on hand to carry it out.
In this post, I am going to walk you though everything you need to know about adding disc brakes to your bike, step by step, so you can confidently make the change yourself.
Can I Add Disc Brakes To My Mountain Bike? And How To
Yes you can add disc brakes to your mountain bike, but it depends on if your bike frame can accept the disc brakes, if it can then follow these process below to get it done.
1. Check Your Bike’s Compatibility
Before you get started, the first thing you’ll need to do is check if your bike can work with disc brakes.
Not all mountain bikes are built for this upgrade.
When I looked into upgrading mine, I found out that the frame and the wheel hubs need to have specific mounts to put the brake calipers and rotors.
If your bike doesn’t have these, you may need to get new wheels or even a new frame, which can add to the cost.
It’s best to take a close look before going into it.
2. Gather the Right Tools and Parts
Once you are sure your bike is ready for disc brakes, it’s time to get the needed tools and parts.
You’ll need a disc brake set (rotors, calipers, and levers), an Allen wrench set, a torque wrench, and cable cutters if you are using mechanical brakes.
For hydraulic brakes, you might also need a bleeding kit.
I remember when I upgraded, having the right tools saved me from a lot of frustration.
It’s always better to be prepared than to get halfway through and realize you are missing something very important to the entire process.
3. Install the Disc Rotors
Start by installing the disc rotors onto your wheels.
This step is pretty straightforward.
You’ll just need to set the rotors with the mounting holes on your hubs and use your torque wrench to tighten the bolts.
Be sure to tighten them evenly in a cross pattern to prevent warping.
I made the mistake of rushing this part, and trust me, improper tightening can affect the performance.
A steady hand goes a long way here.
4. Mount the Calipers
Next, mount the brake calipers onto the frame.
This is where it’s very important that your bike has the correct mounts, called "IS" or "post mounts."
Line up the caliper with the rotor and bolt it onto the frame.
You’ll want to make sure the caliper is perfectly set with the rotor, so the brakes would work smoothly.
I had to readjust mine a few times to get it just right, but it’s worth the extra effort for a smooth ride.
5. Attach the Brake Levers
Once the calipers are in place, it’s time to swap out your brake levers.
If you are using mechanical disc brakes, this is as simple as putting the new levers and running the brake cables through them.
If you’re going for hydraulic brakes, the process involves a bit more care, as you’ll need to connect the brake hoses and may need to bleed the system afterward.
I went with mechanical brakes for the sake of a more simpler and easy process, but if you are confident, hydraulic brakes always gives even better performance.
6. Run the Cables or Hoses
For mechanical brakes, you’ll need to run the brake cables through the levers, down to the calipers, and tighten them to make sure you get a strong connection.
If you are working with hydraulic brakes, you’ll be connecting hoses instead of cables.
Either way, take your time with this step.
I have found that properly routed cables and hoses not only look cleaner but also prevent issues down the road.
7. Bleed the Brakes (Hydraulic Only)
If you are installing hydraulic disc brakes, you’ll likely need to bleed the system to get rid of any air bubbles that can affect braking performance.
This step might sound tricky, but with the right brake bleeding kit and a bit of patience, it’s manageable.
I was unsure at first, but following this instructions closely helped me get through it without much issues.
Mechanical disc brakes don’t require this, which is why many first timers, myself included, often go for them, they are easier to set up than hydraulic disc brakes.
8. Test and Fine-Tune
Once everything is installed, take your bike for a test ride.
Pay attention to how the brakes feel and make any necessary adjustments.
If they are too soft or feel somehow, you might need to readjust the cables or bleed the hydraulic system again.
It took me a couple of adjustments to get mine feeling perfect, but once you get them in, you’ll notice a huge improvement in stopping power and control.
9. Enjoy the Upgrade
Upgrading to disc brakes has made a noticeable difference in how my bike handles, especially on rough trails and during wet conditions.
The added stopping power gave me more confidence when coming down from tough hills, and the stable performance in different weather conditions was a game-changer.
If you are looking for more control and reliability, then switch to disc brakes, the time, effort, and money put into it, it's all definitely worth it
Other Recommended Products Of Disc Brakes For Mountain Bike.
Here are some recommended products that can help you with adding disc brakes to your mountain bike.
1. Shimano BR-MT200 Disc Brake Set
This Shimano disc brake set is a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their braking system.
It includes everything you need, calipers, rotors, and brake levers, making it a complete package.
I found this set easy to install, and the performance is reliable, giving you smooth and powerful stops on any type of surface you are on.
2. Park Tool BKD-1 Brake Bleed Kit
If you go for hydraulic disc brakes, a good bleed kit is needed.
The Park Tool BKD-1 is user-friendly and comes with all the tools you need to properly bleed your brakes.
I have used this kit myself, and it made the process straightforward, while making sure my brakes were functioning perfectly, which result in a better and more fun bike riding experience.
Conclusion
After adding disc brakes to your mountain bike it can enhance your riding experience significantly.
With the right tools and a step by step approach, the upgrade is manageable, even for those new to bike maintenance.
Take your time, make sure everything is set properly, and don’t hesitate to make adjustments after your test ride.
With your new disc brakes, you’ll feel more confident going on your mountain ride.
