Adding a disc brake mount is a great way to increase stopping power on bikes originally built with rim brakes.  This is a retrofit that we do regularly on titanium and steel frames, and some forks.

BASIC DISC TAB RETROFIT
Includes the cost of labor, the disc tab, and a short brace tube between the seat and chainstays. Non-disc frames were not designed to carry the braking load on a single side at the dropouts. The brace tube is required to ensure stability over time. No additional guides or modifications.

FULL DISC BRAKE RETROFIT CONVERSION
For a comprehensive disc brake conversion with a clean and purposeful appearance we can also add full hose/housing routing to your frame.
We recommend 2-3 guides on the seat-/chain-stay to keep the brake line away from the rear tire, and one on the down-tube/top-tube between the existing stops to keep the brake line in place.
Cantilever bosses and obsolete cable stops can also be removed.
 

WORK AREA / FINISHING
All welding and brazing work requires a clean an uncontaminated work area. Any paint or decals in the affected area will be removed during prep work.

TITANIUM FRAMES: Our basic disc tab retrofit services includes moderate cleanup/finish blending on brushed or bead-blasted titanium frames but does not include any repainting. Additional refinishing and restoration, including custom paint work, is available.

STEEL FRAMES: Paint and powder coat must be removed ~8 inches in all directions from the work area. A complete strip and recover with powder coat is recommended for the most economical refinish. Additional refinishing and restoration, including custom paint work, is available.

ROAD FRAMES / RESPACING
While clearance for a disc brake rotor is generally not a problem with mountain bike frames, it can be a major consideration with road frames using anything larger than a 140mm rotor. To facilitate the use of a 140mm rotor we only use ISO disc tabs.

Most older road bike frames were built with 130mm rear dropout spacing, while most disc brake rear hubs are 135mm spacing. We can respace your frame, which includes squaring the dropouts, to accept 135mm rear hubs.

STEEL FORKS
Please note that while many steel forks are suitable for disc brake retrofits, many more are not. Numerous variables such as the specific fork material and wall  thickness, crown material and construction, etc. factor into the viability of changing from a central brake that evenly distributes load to both fork legs to a lower, asymmetric disc mount that creates uneven loading when the brake is applied. Unless otherwise specified any steel fork candidate for a disc retrofit must be inspected in our Portland shop to assess suitability.

DISC BRAKE COMPONENTS
We can supply any and all components needed to convert your bike to disc brakes including brakes, rotors, wheels, et cetera. .