Can You Change V Brakes To Disc Brakes?

Many riders choose disc brakes for their bicycle because they offer a more powerful braking force and a longer life. While v brakes can be converted to discs, the conversion is not always straightforward and requires drilling and modifying the bicycle’s braking system. But, can you change v brakes to disc brakes? Sure, most people believe that you can simply swap out the calipers and rotors on a v brake system for a disc brake system, but this isn’t always the case. This article explains the pros and cons of converting v brakes to discs and provides tips on how to go about it. Let’s Get Started!

Are Bike Disc Brake Pads Universal?

Many bicycle owners have been wondering whether disc brake pads are universal. It seems like a silly question, given that the brake pads are made to fit every standard bicycle frame. But what exactly is a universal brake pad? And why do they even exist in the first place?

A universal brake pad fits a variety of bicycle frames. Some universal pads may also be designed to fit larger frames, like a 700c one. Brake pads available in universal sizes will come with instructions telling you which frame size they are compatible with.

The design of the universal brake pad is what makes it fit any standard bicycle frame. A pads have slots that can accommodate the bolts that attach to the brake. It also has holes that can be threaded to fit over the screws in your bike’s wheel rims. This design allows you to attach and detach your braking system from any bicycle frame without needing to change anything about your bike. 

Universal brake pads are beneficial to bicycle owners because they open your options when choosing the right braking system for your bike. You can choose the type of braking system that is right for you, whether a simple single-treadle brake or a more advanced dual-treadle. Universal bike disc brake pads will fit any standard bicycle frame, so you are not limited to one style of the braking system.

The benefits of changing to disc brakes

If you’ve never considered the benefits of changing to disc brakes, you may not know that they are superior brake performance compared to V brakes. Disc brakes are more efficient, provide more consistent braking power, and have superior water shedding resistance. They do not create as much heat as rim brakes and thus, you’re less likely to experience a brake failure when using disc brakes. Bike brakes have been around for a long time. Here are some benefits of disc brakes that you might not be aware of:

1. More efficient braking power

V brakes are so popular today because they are inexpensive and easy to install. However, you will find that replacing steel rims with carbon fiber rims can be more expensive than getting new disc wheels and disc rotors. The majority of disc brakes use calipers to stop the wheel. They utilize pistons that squeeze against a disc to stop the wheel. Compared with V brakes, disc brakes offer greater power because they are more efficient and consistent.

2. Don’t get hot and fail

V brakes fail because they create a lot of heat which causes them to melt eventually. It creates a situation that you can’t brake. Eventually, the rim will burn through the hub, and you’ll have to buy new rims or wheels. It’s much better if your wheel stops working since it does not make contact with the road first. If your wheel slides, you’ll have much more time to stop safely.

3. Can’t be contaminated with water

When you’re using rim brakes, you’re more likely to get corroded rims. It’s because you get water contamination as soon as you brake. V brakes are simple and easy to maintain but don’t last long. It’s because they get contaminated rapidly with water. But for disc brakes, you’ll never have to deal with rust or corrosion because disc brakes don’t absorb moisture. Besides, disc brakes are the best for braking since they don’t need rim width.

4. Less maintenance

Disc brakes are a superior choice because you will spend less time looking for parts. You won’t have to change brake discs often if you’re using them correctly. You can also extend the life of your V brake by using extra care when dealing with them, such as wiping away debris from your rims, cleaning and waxing them consistently, and not using too much force when braking.

5. More consistent braking power after repeated use

You can’t apply V brakes repeatedly without sacrificing their effectiveness over time. You will notice that disc brakes are much more consistent and resilient. They perform better after heavy use, so you don’t need to worry about stopping your bike quickly on a hill or steep descent. V brakes can become less efficient because they wear out quickly and get contaminated by wet weather.

What Size Disc Brakes Do I Need?

Disk brakes are an effective and powerful type of brake commonly found on mountain bikes. The size of your disk brake depends on the size of the wheel, tire, and frame. You should also consider your weight, the type of terrain you bike on, and what you prioritize in a bike. There are many things to remember when choosing disk brakes for your mountain bike. You’ll want to consider such factors as wheel size, tire size, frame size and weight. 

The most important factor when choosing disk brakes is wheel size. The larger the wheel, the more force the brake can handle. You’ll need a potent disc brake if you have a 16″ wheeled mountain bike with a 2.1″ tire. On most bikes, this is just fine. The larger the wheel, the better. If you have a 29″ wheel, you’ll need to look at other factors. You should also consider your weight and the type of terrain you bike on. If you are light and ride in mountainous areas, using smaller tires can help your brakes last longer.

Read More: Are 26-inch Mountain Bikes Obsolete?

Do You Need Special Wheels for Disc Brakes?

Most downhill mountain bikes have disc brakes instead of v-brakes. Disc brakes have a rotor placed in the center of the wheel, rather than on one side like v-brake systems do. It allows for greater stopping distance and smoother braking because you stop less side-to-side movement. However, a big concern for some people is whether disc brakes on a mountain bike affect their steering as v-brakes do.

An actual disc brake rotor does not have any influence on the steering of the bike. The rotor is heavy enough that it doesn’t physically move with your wheels as you pedal. So, you won’t be able to feel or hear it moving as you ride your bike. Disc brakes work by moving the rotor outwards, so your wheel rims have to have enough clearance for them. Otherwise, you will have different wheels for disc brakes on a mountain bike.

How to change v brakes to disc brakes

If you have been considering upgrading to disc brakes but are afraid or unclear about the steps, this post is for you. I have compiled a list of simple steps to change from v brakes to disc brakes. While this is not a comprehensive list, I hope it serves as a guide to help you transition from v brakes to disc brakes.

Step-1: Purchase your new disc brakes

A quick search on Google or any other search engine should suffice. There are a lot of retailers on the web, ranging from small local companies to giant online retailers. Go to one of the major retailers and purchase your brakes from them. I am a huge fan of online retailers because they offer a more comprehensive selection and sometimes better prices.

Step-2: Install your new disc brakes

The next step is to take time out of your day and install your new disc brakes. If you are not mechanically inclined, this may be challenging. However, it is definitely worth the effort. It will improve the handling of your bike and yourself, so you don’t have to worry about breaking down on winding roads anymore. If you are still unsure if this is worth your time, here is a short video about installing disc brakes. 

Step-3: Enjoy your new disc brakes

Last step to enjoying your new disc brakes is to ride your bike around and feel the difference in performance. You will notice a significant improvement in stopping power, and I am sure you will not be disappointed with the results. You may have to adjust how you brake slightly because these brakes give more power than v brakes. You may even find that you need brake levers that are slightly longer for better leverage.

Can I Upgrade to Disc Brakes?

Disc brakes are a set of brake components mounted on one or both sides of the rotor to create friction against the disc, slowing and stopping its rotation. The advantage of disc brakes is that they resist fading, making them better for sustained high-speed driving.

It is much more costly and time-consuming to replace a disc brake rotor than a drum brake. To make a drum brake last as long as a disc brake, the car must have equal or greater weight to the amount of force on the drum and wear parts like shoes and springs. The main advantage of a disc brake is that it can dissipate heat more effectively since it contains fins at the back of the rotor to help cool it. 

While some disks are non-adjustable, most cars come from the factory with adjustment spacers to have different levels of stop force. Some cars also come from the factory with bolt-on caliper bracket systems that cannot be adjusted for offset or geometry correction. Cars that a service center has serviced may be fitted with aftermarket caliper brackets. As a result of the mounting requirement, disc brakes do not work well with some wheels. Since the discs move much more when braking and staying in line is more critical, they are better suited to heavier axles than lighter ones.

Read More: Are Brake Cables and Shifter Cables the Same?

How Much Does It Cost to Change Bike Brakes?

Bike brakes can be expensive to replace if they need to be changed frequently. A set of pads and rotors can cost anywhere from $30-$60, and labor costs can add up too. If you only have to replace your brake pads once every few years, it may be cheaper to just buy a new bike. However, if you have to replace your brake pads more often, it’s worth it to invest in a good set of brakes. The difference in braking performance is noticeable, especially when you’re riding downhill.

You can spend anywhere from $50-$150 on a new set of brakes, depending on the brand and quality. Many road bikes have calipers that squeeze the rim to stop the bike, while mountain bikes use disc brakes that clamp onto the rotor. Both types of brakes will stop your bike, but disc brakes are usually more powerful and need less maintenance.

For a cheaper solution, you can purchase brake shoes for $10-$15 that last for about 200 miles before you need to change them out again. However, if you cycle often or in hilly areas where keeping your speed down is important, it may be worth it to upgrade to a more expensive brake pad.

Disc Brakes vs. V Brakes: The Differences

If you’ve ever looked at bike brakes and wondered if there was any difference between disc brakes and v-brakes, wonder no more. Disc brakes work using a friction pad, rather than a steel wire, between the brake caliper and the wheel rim. On the other hand, V-brakes have a steel wire attached to the brake pad that squeezes between the brake caliper and wheel rim. However, v-brakes offer greater braking power in wet conditions or with heavy loads on your bike. Overall, it’s up to you to make your own decision based on what type of riding you’re doing most often.

The more standard disc brakes are the type that is mounted to the wheel rather than being mounted to the frame. It is because disc brakes have a larger surface area and transmit more heat to the wheel’s rim. Disc brake wheels also have a larger braking surface, so you need thicker rims to allow for proper brake function.

Disc brakes are ideal for riding your bike off-road because they allow for better stopping power and more consistent braking. However, if you’re only going to be using your bike for one or two types of riding, v-brakes could be what you need. For example, if you want a set of brakes on your bike that can help keep your back brake functional but also need regular use of the front brake, then v-brakes could work well.

Can You Fit Disc Brakes to Any Bike?

It always seems like a great idea to fit disc brakes on a bike, but how many parts will you have to replace and which wheel size are you aiming for? There is a vast range of wheels out there, so we have created this blog post to help you decide which your best option could be.

For a few years now, disc brakes have been available, but Trek Emonda and other bike manufactures have just started using them more and more frequently. It makes sense that disc brake technology would eventually gain popularity, considering it’s much cheaper than v-brakes. With the cost of materials and technology decreasing, it makes sense for bike companies to make the switch finally. The mechanical design of modern disc brakes is also new, so companies are finding ways to improve this technology further. One of these improvements is a change in wheel sizing, with new wheel designs becoming available all the time based on disc brakes.

How Long Do Brake Discs Last?

Recently, my brakes started making a horrible screaming noise, and I immediately knew it was time to get new ones. I had them replaced with brand new ones the same day, and they’ve worked great ever since. Now that those are done, I wanted to find out how long brake discs last?

Brake pads can be found in the front and back of your car, and they’re what causes the screeching noise when you brake. That’s the internal workings of your brakes, and it’s best to replace them regularly to keep them in good working condition. My last couple of cars have been front-wheel drive, and my brake pads were cheap, so I never changed them.

Bike pads are usually made from a resin compound that transfers power from the disc to the rotors. They will rot due to the slow degradation of the resin over time as well as from prolonged exposure to heat from brake calipers. It can cause them to deteriorate quicker than usual and cause your brakes to screech loudly. If you find that your pads are squeaking, you can change them out as they are probably worn down.

Summary 

Disc brakes offer better stopping power and a more durable braking system. While disc brakes offer many advantages over v brakes, there are some limitations. For one, disc brakes are more expensive to install and maintain. If you’re looking to upgrade your bike’s brakes, a disc conversion is a way to go. However, be aware that changing the brakes requires a bit of know-how and some specific tools. If you’re up for the challenge, go ahead and make the change.