Disc brake dilema

[Roasted]

One of my least favourite jobs is messing around with hydraulics. It's not that it's too difficult, it's just messy and fiddly.

On my current project I have some Hope M4s with lovely blue bore caps that go with the frame. But the leavers are in the European configuration so want to swap them over. Not only that but the hoses are thicker diameter braided hoses in a grubby silver that doesn't suit the bike, but look serviceable.

My options are
1. Swap the levers over an keep current hoses - the simplest solution but the hose length may need adjusting and may need new fittings depending on their willingness to come apart.
2. Buy complete new hose kits - quite costly but will get my desired results.
3. Swap over the bore caps - I have other sets of M4s waiting for their forever bikes. If the hose lengths are about right I could swap the bore caps over and use another set. This may need new o-rings though but it will be a relatively cheap solution.
4. Leave as is - get used to my left hand controlling the front brake.

So what do you think is my best option?

 

[eldridge]

Personally I think I'd change the hoses, they'll benefit from a bleed anyway while you're doing it, and the new hoses will be nice and supple, easier to route how you want , giving you the best result

 

[DIB]

Whatever you do you will have to bleed the brakes anyway. So start by removing the brake pads for sure!

Changing the hoses wont be an issue, as long as the fittings are compatible. I dont know your case, but look out for that one because... you never know. If you decide to change the hoses, best would be to first change the levers and then change the callipers. Removing the hose at once would make the things messier.

The caps... If you got the tools, do it. But i dont think it would be much easier. Even if you need to replace seals: EPDM (material) seals that are being categorised as "precision seals" are the best when it comes to working with brakes, but honestly speaking if the seal is not going to do amything except keep the fluid in its place, any type of material that could withstand high temperature and wont degrade from the DOT fluid will do the job.

Pssst using some teflon tape around the threads, like the one used by plumbers, would also do the job. But don't tell this to people, because they watch too many videos and usually know better. I would avoid that if possible.