Disc brake conversion ( @ I like Skoll )

[zaskar]

I have a GT Zaskar of indetermined year. I think it's a '94 but GT don't recognise my frame No so bit of a guess!

I'd like to look into the possibility of converting from V brakes to disc brakes. The front is pretty easy as I'd like to change the forks from rigid to suss anyway.
The back however presents a different problem, ie mounting of the caliper.
I know that a member on here, "I like Skoll", did the same with his some time ago and would appreciate advice re what parts were changed, where sourced and costs.

I know it's daft to spend lots on an older frame but when said frame is like your favourite armchair or your favourite slippers, it aint going nowhere. :-)
@I like Skol

 

[Globalti]

How old is the frame? Is it aluminium? They do fatigue over time. Welding it will be costly and difficult to do right so you might do better to look at new steel or alu XC frames that come ready fitted with disc brake mounts.

 

[I like Skol]

Hi zaskar

The Zaskar from the 90s was/is a great bike. Made at a time when GT were still making the frames in the US, using skilled workers and proper heat treatment to anneal the frames after manufacture.
Luckily for you fitting a conversion bracket to the rear drop-out is possible with a well made piece of kit from BETD, no welding needed (Just looked at their website and can't see it, might be worth giving them a ring). Costs of the conversion are entirely up to you. I rebuilt my bike with new saddle, bars, stem, wheels and XT group set. I shopped around and bought items separately, as well as breaking my order down into separate baskets to take maximum advantage of a CRC discount that was running at the time. I spent around £650-700 but essentially got a new bike out of it. I did all the build work myself.
I worked out a number of scenario's and if I remember correctly I could have just done the wheels and brakes for about £250 less using SLX brakes.
I'm sure you already saw my MINI BUILD THREAD, some of the info is in there.

 

[zaskar]

Hi zaskar........................................

Hiya mate, thanks very much indeed for getting back to me. Nice to hear from an Ashtonian as well :-)
Wifey was/is Dukinfield and I'm Godley/Hyde..........or rather was. :-) We move around the country now running campsites and are rarely back in the area.
I saw your build thread and it was that which was my inspiration to have a go. Very pleased to see I'm not the only one to Brasso my frame to mirror finish! :-)Unfortunately, I spoke to BEDT this morning and they no longer produce the bracket due to lack of demand.
I've talked to WIGGLE and found a universal bracket, 80mm rotors and cable operated calipers.
I've also found Rockshox Silver TK for £113 on line.
Recon I can do the lot for about £320 + new cables cos mine are shot. I'm happy with that. Prolly wait until I get up to my campsite in Ayr in a couple of weeks time. Got a nice workshop there with a BIG bench and lots of room.

p.s, forgot to mention that when I first got my Zask', it had the "Made in USA" sticker at the bottom of the seat tube. Gone now. :-( Too much polishing!

 

[I like Skol]

Not sure I would bother changing to discs if they are going to be cable operated.... If you can, I would definitely recommend Shimano hydraulic. The Deore M615 set I fitted to my lads bike (before it got nicked ) were great and seemed the same as my XTs performance wise.
Did you ask BETD if the LTS bracket might fit, it looks very similar?

I might have to buy a spare gear hanger in case they stop doing those too!

 

[zaskar]

Not sure I would bother changing to discs if they are going to be cable operated......................

Really? Why? All the reviews I've read on the net recon they were pretty good?

 

[Milkfloat]

I might be able to sort you out with forks if you are willing to do a swap. I am looking to put a rigid fork on my 90's Trek that has some Suntour XC forks with post mount and v brake bosses. The fork is a budget fork, but at least you could save yourself cash. I need threadless 1 1/8".