I've found a late 90's Giant Terrago for super cheap recently, but the brakes are shot according to the seller. It uses Magura hydraulic rim brakes, which I have no idea how to work on, or whether they even are in a shape that they can be fixed. New hydraulic brakes seem to be kinda over my budget and there's still the issue of having no experience with them. So I was wondering, can slap some V-brakes on it instead? Are the mounting point compatible?
by Nindzatrtl
6 Comments
yes, you can, but maybe give them a try. The Magura HS11 are great breaks. It would be a shame if they only need a bleeding. Just use some standard Shimano brake oil(it’s the same a Maguras oil, just a different color) and a syringe to do that. Then the cost for the test will stay under 10€. You can find videos on how to bleed them on youtube. It’s actually very simple and easier than bleeding modern disc brakes.
But you definitely should change the tires and probably regrease the hubs.
As long as the seals are not blown those Magura brakes are head and shoulders above the performance any V brake will give you. New oil and a bleed should have them working again.
https://youtu.be/UapDsn51Jyk?si=gd9LSFmpqiFuTaik
In short: YES, v-brakes will absolutely fit on those brake posts and would work great! Basically, just undo the bolt/s on the front of the brake caliper clamp and they’ll slide off the brake posts like any other brake.
Noted: Those Magura HS11 brakes are pretty great and the most common problem is/was fluid leaking or ruptured brake lines. If you’re not seeing any ruptured lines, they might just need to be bled. If you’re into running some classic hydraulic rim brakes, try that first… it’ll be even cheaper and easier!
The HS11 are great brakes, strong with good modulation. Finding pads in some places may be your only problem. Bleeding them is very similar to disk brakes and easily done with the right fittings.
Keep them! If possible!
The brakes are certainly missing a brake hose. These are very good brakes when they work, so it really depends what else is missing / broken. Could be simply you need new pads (trivial), but if you had to replace the seals that’s a lot more work and may not be economical.