Retrofitting a Disc Brake on an Aluminum Track Frame

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on retrofitting a rear disc brake onto an aluminum track frame that lacks existing disc brake mounts. The user seeks advice on potential designs and their drawbacks, emphasizing the need for a lightweight and safe adapting system that does not alter the frame. Suggestions include exploring various bicycle rear disc brake conversion kits found through Google Images, which may provide inspiration for effective solutions. The user also expresses a need for guidance on estimating the forces involved and the frame's ability to handle these forces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of bicycle brake systems, specifically disc brakes
  • Familiarity with aluminum frame construction and its properties
  • Knowledge of mechanical forces and load estimation
  • Experience with DIY bicycle modifications and adaptations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research bicycle rear disc brake conversion kits available on the market
  • Learn about mechanical load calculations for bicycle frames
  • Explore design principles for custom brake adapters
  • Investigate materials and techniques for lightweight frame modifications
USEFUL FOR

Bicycle enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and engineers interested in modifying track frames for enhanced braking performance.

meko
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Hello everyone, I am a new member here. Nice place you have; I have been reading on here again and again and figured it would be the right place to ask you about a problem I just can't get sorted out myself.

It is about bicycles and disc brakes. I have an aluminum track frame that I want a rear disc brake on. The frame does not have disc brake mounts. However it does have a mount for a "normal" 1-bolt road type caliper brake.
The frame looks pretty much like this: http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Unknown-Lv2-55cm-Track-Frameset-Cane-Creek-Headset-included-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/%24(KGrHqFHJEgE-muhtjmCBPz8dLEK%2B!~~60_57.JPG

I have searched the internet over and over for retrofitting disc brakes, have looked at countless adapters and diy-solutions. I have made some drafts of concepts I have been thinking of, here they are:

202lwo.jpg


I think the pictures are basically self-explanatory, so I will just ask you what you think of these designs and where you see possible drawbacks or disadvantages.
The adapting system should be as light and as safe as possible while not altering the frame.

I would be very grateful for any input on this. Thanks so much!
 
Last edited:
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berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF.

I used a Google Images search on Bicycle Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit, and got a number of good hits. Some of them look like your drawings, in fact. See if they help you at all:

Thanks berkeman. I have spent the last weeks gathering information around this topic and I think I have seen most of the retrofit disc brake solutions that can be found on the web. The point where I seem stuck is how to estimate the forces or, since they can be calculated, rather how to estimate the ability of the frame to handle the forces present in the numerous concepts and what concept is the most sensible.
 

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