Disc Brakes
01-04-20, 02:14 PM
#1
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Disc Brakes
I have a Schwinn Meridian 26 inch adult trike that I converted to electric last year. I want to now convert my front wheel brakes to disc. The geard hub motor installed has the standard 6 holes to accommodate a disc, however, my concern is whether the caliper will fit in the factory fork. If it is possible to install, then what size disc is recommended. I am 220 Lbs. + groceries in basket. I am elderly and never go out at night or when it rains. Whatever advice will be appreciated.
Thank you.
Thank you.
01-04-20, 02:51 PM
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I would advise against mounting a disk brake on a fork that was not designed for disk brakes. Check your fork to see if it already has a disk brake mount on one of the fork blades (some forks come with mounting options for both cantilever/V-brakes and disk brakes). If it does have the mount, it should be easy to convert. If it doesn't have the mount, you could replace the fork with one that does have a disk brake mount. A bit more work, but should be possible.
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01-04-20, 02:52 PM
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Does your fork have caliper mounting hardware?
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01-04-20, 04:04 PM
#4
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Pics of Schwinn Meridians I can find on the Internet do NOT indicate disc brake mounts on the fork, so you'll need a new fork. You'll probably need a bike shop to help find you the right parts. Regarding disc size, a 160mm rotor would provide plenty of braking. Be sure to get a 'mountain' disc caliper to match your your long-pull brake levers.
01-04-20, 04:17 PM
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Be very careful those trikes are SUPER easy to get on two wheels which is not good. You will unlikely be able to add brakes with enough stopping power on the current setup but it is possible your local shop can find you a disc brake compatible fork that might work and then you could mount a Magura MT4e (or 5e) However your rear brakes will not be able to change so keep that in mind that stopping is not going to be very good aside from at the front and the bike is not stable and not designed to be an e-bike.
01-04-20, 06:21 PM
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I have a Schwinn Meridian 26 inch adult trike that I converted to electric last year. I want to now convert my front wheel brakes to disc. The geard hub motor installed has the standard 6 holes to accommodate a disc, however, my concern is whether the caliper will fit in the factory fork. If it is possible to install, then what size disc is recommended. I am 220 Lbs. + groceries in basket. I am elderly and never go out at night or when it rains. Whatever advice will be appreciated.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Last edited by alcjphil; 01-06-20 at 12:10 PM.
