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Can Giant Escape 3 non-disc be upgraded to disc brakes?

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Can Giant Escape 3 non-disc be upgraded to disc brakes?

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Old 06-30-20, 04:00 PM
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CodePoet
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Can Giant Escape 3 non-disc be upgraded to disc brakes?

Given the current bike shortage, I picked up a non-disc Escape 3 as it was the only one available in my area. Is it possible to upgrade it to disc brakes? In comparing the disc and non-disc versions, the fork appears larger on the disc version - is this needed to support the torque of the disc brakes perhaps?

If it is possible, what's the complexity level for a non-bike mechanic to handle it? Looks like I'd need to replace the cables with some longer ones for the runs to the axle as well.

Thanks for any info!
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Old 06-30-20, 04:03 PM
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superdex
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the frame and fork have to have mounting points for the disc brake calipers, so in a word, 'no.' sorry
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Old 06-30-20, 04:30 PM
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Originally Posted by CodePoet
Given the current bike shortage, I picked up a non-disc Escape 3 as it was the only one available in my area. Is it possible to upgrade it to disc brakes? In comparing the disc and non-disc versions, the fork appears larger on the disc version - is this needed to support the torque of the disc brakes perhaps?

If it is possible, what's the complexity level for a non-bike mechanic to handle it? Looks like I'd need to replace the cables with some longer ones for the runs to the axle as well.


Thanks for any info!
Brake Therapy made a decent adaptor for the frame BITD. For the fork, you will need to swap it out for one with disk mounts. Hubs will need to be swapped out for ones with rotor mounts, which means new wheels.... Then you will have to zip tie the brake cables/hose to complete the franken bike look.
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Old 06-30-20, 04:37 PM
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If you want them, you want them. But why do you feel you NEED disc brakes? Well adjusted v-brakes with decent pads will handle what most will use them for. The v-brakes on my old mtn.bike can easily lock 'em up, without pulling hard on the levers.
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Old 07-01-20, 06:38 AM
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You can upgrade, but it's very involved, as noted above. You'll be replacing half the cost of the bike (the fork, and the wheels), and the rear brake will still potentially be janky because the disc is bolted to an adapter instead of to designed-in mounts. Adapters are plentiful on eBay, but none are likely worth the even the small cost of purchase (and can potentially really mess up the frame).

Here's a relevant video to watch:

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