Advice on going from disc brakes to v-brakes on a MTB

[kaian]

I bought a Kona Cinder Cone in 2005 and had the shop swap out the Hayes hydrolic brakes to Avid mechanical disc brakes to avoid dealing with fluid and all of that. The Avids work fine, but squeal a lot regardless of adjustments and the biggest problem is I have not been able to get used to disc brakes for trail riding. Even with the front brake set to not being so touchy, I often brake in a way that just about stops me dead and makes me lose balance. I don't ride in wet conditions and I don't weigh much at all. Also, I only do XC riding - no downhill or extreme riding.

I do road riding a lot more and I think because of that, I haven't been able to adjust to the disc brakes. The wheels on the bike are disc only, so I decided to buy new wheels. I just got some on ebay for a decent price ($50 + shipping) and they are both rim brake and disc brake compatible (in case I decide to go back). They are Sun Rhyno Lite with Shimano XT hubs which is actually a step up from what came on the bike. My questions is...other than the compatible wheels and new v-brake calipers (I still need to buy some), do I need anything else to make the transition? I am assuming that because the levers and cables were for mechanical disc brakes, these should work with v-brakes, too. Am I right?

If I am missing anything else, someone please tell me!!! Thanks!

[SadieKate]

Do you have linear brake post mounts on both the front fork and the rear seat stays?

Avid levers should work with both.

What V-brakes are you considering? Avid over Shimano, I hope? :)

[tattiefritter]

You do need to check for mounts and some forks and frames are disk specific and I'm don't know if the levers will work with the V brakes (can't see why not), at the very least there will be some cable faffing.

V brakes used in dry conditions, particularly on new rims are actually very powerful brakes and may be a powerful as the disks you have on. Disk brakes are advantageous on muddy and wet terrain of the type I normally ride on but V brakes will be perfect for yours.

The other thing I thought of is that you may be pulling the brakes too hard ? I know when I ride my road bike I have a tendency to underbrake and gently pull the levers as I'm used to disk brake power then have to pull a bit harder when I realise that nothing is happening :D The braking techniques for each style of riding can be quite different. I like powerful disk brakes because I only have to pull the levers gently to get good stopping, this helps my forearms on long descents.

[kaian]

Yes, I may be pulling the levers too hard. The thing is that I don't ride enough XC to get used to the brakes because all of the road riding I do, so I thought it might be good for me to just switch back to what I'm comfortable with. Since I've had the disc brakes, I've been more frustrated with riding. Plus, they squeal and rub frequently which is also very annoying. I hate having to adjust them because it's a little more abstract compared to v-brakes.

Yes the fork and rear seat stays have mounts. It's frustrating that they put wheels on the bike that are only disc wheels! Ah well, the ones I got from ebay are compatible with both, so I will have more options with them in the future.

I am thinking about picking up some Avid Single Digit 7 calipers. I am hoping to find a new or almost new pair on ebay for cheap. I would rather not pay $30 per caliper. I have some websites and books for guidance. I also have a friend who knows how to do it, so if I can't figure it out, I can always offer him good beer in exchange for helping me. :D