Installing rear brake as front brake?

Can I install rear brake caliper (SRAM Apex) as front brake?
Just using longer cylindrical nut or is there any other problem(s)?

Can't say if SRAM designed the unit to work only as a rear.......... so going front may equate to deth.

Only thing i can think of is check the pads, don't want your cartridge pads blowing out when you apply brakes. Would have to reverse the pads.

I just fitted a set of sram apex on my bike, the calipers are identical front and rear. Just switch the pads.

Drano, great - thank you!
Can you please tell me bolt length of rear brake (is that much shorter than front one)?

Not sure about exact length, sorry. It's definitely a fair bit shorter than the front though. My set came with a bag of bolts in different sizes, did you not get that?

Can you please tell me bolt length of rear brake (is that much shorter than front one)?

Depends on your fork. For example, a thin steel fork, or a modern carbon fork?

Depends on your fork. For example, a thin steel fork, or a modern carbon fork?

Columbus Pista 1-1/8” – 1-1/2” carbon with aluminium steerer (from Cinelli Mash Parallax Cyanotype 2016 Frame set)

I have a set and a quick measurement was 40mm rear bolt, 60mm front. Might be way off because they are fitted to the bike. You can also get different sized recessed nuts to fit.

I've done it on a steel fork just fine, but you'll need to check and see if the caliper will fit with the long cylindrical nut on that Columbus carbon fork. It sounds like it is quite thick, therefore a fairly long reach for the bolt & cylindrical nut.

With a deep crown you're unlikely to have much engagement between the nut and the bolt.

When you brake, the caliper will be pulled up and therefore the end of the bolt down.

Without enough engagement, the nut could split. Maybe not the first time, maybe not the second...

I wouldn't do it.

With a deep crown you're unlikely to have much engagement between the nut and the bolt.
When you brake, the caliper will be pulled up and therefore the end of the bolt down.

Seems you are right...
One option is to change bolt (for longer one) but I better try to hunt front caliper (there isn't many models in white color).

Swapping the bolt should be cheap and straightforward.

I promise you, black parts will look better on a white frame

So, having asked a similar question about brake swapping on the 'any question thread', are the main bolts on brakes (as opposed to the cylindrical nut, which seems to get referred to as a bolt for some reason) pretty standard?

I also feared that at least on a relatively complex Shimano brake, I'd end up with a pile of tiny springs in the furthest corners of the building if I tried to remove the bolt...

I've yet to come across a proprietary bolt, but I've yet to strip every brake.

Similarly, I've not had any trouble with parts pinging-off behind the sofa. But I can't remember tackling the very latest Shimano.

An exploded view should suggest any pitfalls and if you use your phone to photograph each step, you won't have any leftovers at the end.

google-fu :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqbCR83psAg

Ok thanks. I gave in and bought a front brake in the end but good to know for future.

I gave in and bought...

Resistance is futile.