I bought two of these K2 attack bikes back in 1998 or 1999 not sure, but any way my wife and I still ride and enjoy them. However, I’m looking to do some upgrades and modernize some components. I was suggested to install a 1×10 or 1×11 group set and consider upgrading to disc brakes. My question is can I just remove a few chain rings from the front and eliminate the front derailleur and cables? And if I add disc brakes won’t I need new wheels or hubs? So confusing, I know this sounds like a waste of time and money, but I just want to upgrade what I have and enjoy the process while learning a little bit.
by Odd-View-1083
8 Comments
You will find it more cost efficient to pick up new wheels than replace just the hubs. Have you ever serviced the bikes? If your hell bent on keeping them because they have rear suspension it night be more cost effective to buy new machines with the kit you want. 29ers are much nicer machines for cruising around and light off road duties than a 26er
Discs are doable in the front with a fork and wheel swap. In the rear, I would not do it. What type of cassette you can fit in the rear depends on the wheel. A 12 speed cassette does not fit on a wheel made for 7 speed.
Apparently, there are tabs for discs in the rear. Would still require a wheel change.
I have a bike from the same year that I have upgraded over the years with disc brakes. It might or might not make sense depending on your outlook, even if you do, you might end up just wanting a newer bike later.
Your frame and fork has disc brake tabs, which is a good starting point, but if you want to comprehensively update your bike, it would make sense to get a better fork/shock as well. Definitely new wheels for disc brakes, and at that point a new drivetrain makes sense as well, as you have to change up the cockpit anyway. The point in 1×11 or 1×12 drivetrains is that you have a wide range cassette in the rear, like 11-46 or even wider, and that needs a new derailleur and shifter as well.
There is a minimal cost alternative as well: new wheels, and a pair of basic mechanical (cable operated) disc brakes, keeping your current drivetrain and shift gear. You can still update those later and go hydraulic too.
https://preview.redd.it/i9y5xo26uuig1.jpeg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c4395298e8c8f18ea342d2b5f961681dd75e6154
That’s what she said
If you wanted to upgrade to a 1x system you’ll need:
-rear derailleur
-shifter
-cable and housing
-cassette
-chain
-narrow wide chainring (size varies depending on what terrain you ride)
You are better to replace the chainring at the front while doing other upgrades.
If you wanted to fit disc brakes you’d need;
-brake levers and calipers (usually sold as complete systems.
-new wheels (it’s not worth the cost of replacing the hubs)
– brake rotors
-mounting brackets (your bike uses IS mounts, you’ll need to adapt these to post mount)
As you’ve mentioned, it’s not necessarily worth the cost. But I’ve had a few customers spend lots of money on older bikes to modernise them a little. Just because they like their bike and want to keep it going. But personally I’d put the money towards a more modern trail hardtail.
Before anything else, take of that saddle bag because on the first bump your backtire will hit it and eventually block. This can cause an accident.
>My question is can I just remove a few chain rings from the front and eliminate the front derailleur and cables?
Yes you can but you will never have the benefits of a modern 1x drivetrain with narrow-wide tooth and the cassette with adequate gear range.
>And if I add disc brakes won’t I need new wheels or hubs?
Yes, exactly.
Personally I would not do it, as the bike is not worth it. Buy a modern used one and learn the maintenance on that.
You’re almost better off seeking advice in r/xbiking or vintagemtb. There is a lot of fun to be had and things to learn.
I personally wouldn’t sink any big money into these, there are IS tabs front and rear so you can go disc brakes. You can find a set of ztto qr disc 26″ wheels for relatively cheap. You then need to figure out if you want hydro or cable actuated brakes. Probably an mt200 set of brakes would be a nice upgrade. That’s gonna set you back like $200usd or so in upgrades already. You need a front narrow wide chainring and probably a wider range cassette. You’re looking at like $300+ on a bike most wouldn’t pay more than $200 for. People will do this upgrade path because it’s fun and they love their old bikes but you’ll have to figure the labour part out yourself from YouTube. The parts you want can be found cheaply from Ali or Amazon but looking for an aftermarket 26 disc qr wheel set could get really expensive.
It sounds like a waste of time and money because it is.
Not saying this to be mean. Just trying to save you some heartache.
If you need a better bike, get an actually better bike.
If you want to learn about the bike, you can just do a complete tear down and service.
Otherwise, just ride them and enjoy it.