Fitting disk brake adapter to x-links

[orange]

I've seen a few photos of what you guys have done and want to try it myself, I don't have access to a welder so would have to go for the epoxy route. For somebody who is generally inept at these sorts of things what exactly do I need to do to ensure I have something that won't budge once attached!! [smiley=diaper.gif]

[Old Proflexer]

A few have used a good epoxy that will adhere to aluminum, I should imagine that JB Weld would work quite well.  As a starter, check out the clampon model in my gallery.  

Also, you may want to check out my instructions on making one in the 'How Tos' (upper left box) and/or run a search here for projects similar to what you want to do.

Best of luck on the project - measure twice, cut once.

OP

[willem]

Hey,
If you can imitate OP, that's really tip top. His adapter is quite nice.
Short of that, I've had great experience with JB Weld and 0.25" aluminum plate cut out to the right shape. You'll need a few tools and some time, but it works great.

Check my gallery if you like, I just redid my disk tab on a Crosslink ELT. I think there's also a picture of the disk tab I put on an old Vector 2. (That's the chopper bike...)
I'm not using the XLink ELT anymore, so if you want I'll send it to you. Not sure about the shipping cost, but I can let the fork go for $125. (Very clean,  was new-in-box a year or so ago.)

Cheers,
Will

[callum]

I'd avoid using the vector ii's for disk brakes.  we had a failure and so did GMS (when they were at RI).  This is why we never made & sold adapters for the vector.  

Hammers or OP's method using the carbon forks is much more worthwhile since there have been no publicised breakages as yet (thank god).

callum
rds

[orange]

Does this problem apply to alu x-links then too, as that's what I want to attach it to?

[shovelon]

It is my guess that the X-link and the Vector uses the same aluminum extrusion for the legs. You could add more reinforcing but that would add weight.

Terry

[rapiddescent]

The weakness is where the left leg meets the first joint.  It just bends right out and is catatrophic.

back in the day when hammer first started his carbon x-links project, he used a lot of bracing to distribute the force and it seemed to work.

Aluminium is a different matter through and I'd worry about fatigue.  the disk brake forces are immense because the disk brake lug has a 3:1 lever ratio on the first joint.  The carbon stuff is very impressive.

callum
rds

[willem]

Callum...

I've got to disagree. Going back to the statics book for a little vector analysis you'll find the load at the first joint - given any set given braking load - is the same for either disk brakes or v-brakes.

Stopping fast with disk brakes or v-brakes puts an identical load on the linkage.

The caveats are:
Disk brakes can generate higher loads - sometimes.
Disk brakes put a high point load on the tubing at eht mounting point. (That's why an epoxy mount is so effective - it spreads out that load factor. Actually, the force decreases as a square of the area increase.)

So... this 14 stone guy has never seen any issues with Avid BB7's riding chairlift downhills.
I say not a big issue.

[Other kiwi]

Hey guys:

I'm wanting to fit a disc on the front of my 4000, so I'm watching this thread with interest. Does anyone know if Crosslink ELT carbon legs (or a complete fork) are for sale somewhere? Or know of anyone selling some?

Cheers
Otherkiwi (down the road from the original kiwi).

[willem]

Other kiwi,

As I said to Orange, I'll send my ELT's with the disk mount for $125 plus whatever shipping might be.

I've switched to sliders for the time being and have collected three sets of XLinks... too much stuff in the shop.

Pictures are in my gallery. There's an 856 with the forks mounted and some close ups.

Happy trails,
Will

PS I know Adam has scared us from these transactions, but I've worked with several members - Simon, Junkster, and Orange - with happy results.

[orange]

Thanks for the offer of the forks for $125 but I can't afford right now - have just bought two pairs as it is!!! So if Otherkiwi wants them then go for it.