Disc Brakes conversions

[sackcycle]

I would like to convert my Sury LHT brakes to disc has anyone done it, or have ballpark estimate what it would cost?

[whittierider]

Are the frame and fork made for disc brakes?  If not, don't try it.  Disc brakes put different stresses on them, requiring beefier, heavier tubing.

[sackcycle]

Are the frame and fork made for disc brakes?  If not, don't try it.  Disc brakes put different stresses on them, requiring beefier, heavier tubing.

Frame and fork are not made for disc brakes

[cotterg3]

You could get a new fork and go disc only in the front. I've heard 70% of your braking power comes from the front brake (hopefully someone can confirm or give the exact figure).

They also sell conversion kits, example: http://www.therapycomponents.com/BRAKETHERAPY.htm

The conversion kits appear to be very well reviewed, except for the 1 out of 20 guy whose frame broke 

[whittierider]

I've heard 70% of your braking power comes from the front brake (hopefully someone can confirm or give the exact figure).

It depends on how hard you're braking and how much weight you have low in the back.  On my single bike with no load, hard braking can get the rear wheel off the ground; so the rear brake in that situation does nothing.  On the tandem, even with no load on the back, I can lock up even the front tire and make it skid, dry or wet (yes, with rim brakes, and one finger on the lever, 350 pounds gross weight), while still keeping some braking power on the back.

[bogiesan]

I would like to convert my Sury LHT brakes to disc has anyone done it, or have ballpark estimate what it would cost?

Talk to Surly first. If there is a conversion kit, you want it from them. But you're going to be safer and happier with a new fork built especially for a disk.

You also need to evaluate objectively your desire for new braking systems. Do you imagine you're going to be safer or faster or cooler? Considering we've been using rim brakes for a hundred years, your existing brakes are probably just fine for all of your touring and recreational needs.

david boise ID

[staehpj1]

Are the frame and fork made for disc brakes?  If not, don't try it.  Disc brakes put different stresses on them, requiring beefier, heavier tubing.

Frame and fork are not made for disc brakes

I wouldn't do it.  I have crossed the US on the TA and toured the Sierras and always found cantilever brakes adequate.  I find that straddle cable length is the key to good performance for cantis.  Just keep that straddle cable short.

That said if you really want/need disc brakes, I'd advise buying a frame or at least a fork made for them.  If going with just a fork, I'd put them only on the front.

[DaveB]

As a general rule, disc brakes are NOT a conversion.  If the frame and fork weren't designed to accept them originally, you can't fit them, at least not safely.  There are a lot of considerations for disc brake applications that aren't obvious. 

[sackcycle]

My front brakes fade out too soon, maybe there out of adjustment, brake is only a inch away from bar.

[whittierider]

Are these rim brakes?  Whatever rim brakes a bike comes with, even when brand new, just consider it standard practice to replace the pads with Kool Stop pads.  They stop better, don't fade (as far as I've been able to tell), don't get the metal bits embedded in them, and they make the rim last longer.  As long as the brake lever doesn't bottom out on the bar before you get enough braking, you're fine.  I keep a big gap on mine which requires pulling the lever a long way but I can still easily stand the bike on its nose.

[sackcycle]

Will look into the Kool stops

[DaveB]

My front brakes fade out too soon, maybe there out of adjustment, brake is only a inch away from bar.

Their certainly is an adjustment.  Caliper brakes have a cable slack adjustment barrel on the caliper itself and you can shorten the cable at the attaching bolt.  You can have the brakes engage at any point between having the lever fully open and as near the bars you wish.

[staehpj1]

Will look into the Kool stops

Also you might try wiping off the rims or even cleaning them with alcohol.  I am not sure what brakes you have, but for cantis the straddle cable should be kept fairly short.