Mountain Bike Maintenance: Repairs, Brakes, and Gear Shifting

Keeping your mountain bike in peak condition involves regular adjustments to hydraulic disc brakes, chain tension, and Shimano shifters. Learn the difference between tube and tubeless tires and how to convert your mountain bike into a stationary exercise bike.

Mountain Bike Disc Brake Conversion

Published Jul,08 2011 | By Ryan Haas

A majority of bicycles use a rim style brake, such as a caliper or direct-pull cantilever, but some cyclists prefer disc brakes. Unlike rim-mounted brakes, disc brakes are placed on the side of the wheel hub, though they operate similarly with two brake pads squeezing the disc to slow the bicycle.