Avid BB-5 Mtn Mechanical Disc Brake: The versatile Avid BB-5 Ball Bearing mechanical disc brake is a great option for all mountain and xc riding. It works as a front or rear brake. Included caliper positioning system helps you get the best performance...
Submitted by
bikeman1
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2012
Strengths: Cheap, Works fine if adjusted properly
Weaknesses: Needs adjusting once a week.
Bottom Line:
These brakes work alright when adjusted properly. They can be pulled apart and cleaned very easily which improves the performance of the brake. You don't have to re-adjust after removing the wheel, you must install the wheel with the bikes weight on it, so you center it. I can perform a 2 finger stop with these brakes, but not 1. Just using standard Jagwire housing (Not ripcord) and it works quite well. You would probably get more power if you installed compression-less housing and cables along with the Speed dial levers. I've had the brakes for over 6 months now, and the brakes just need constant adjusting otherwise you won't have any power. The pads also wear on an angle, this is due to a design fault in the caliper, so you also have to quite often sand the pads down to get them to contact fully on the rotor. These brakes would suit a city bike, not someone who's always on the trails.I wouldn't buy these brakes again, instead the BB7's for the ease of setup/adjustment and better power.
Submitted by
flynbryan19
a Cross Country Rider
from Salisbuy, NC, US
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2012
Strengths: Simple Design and do what they're designed to at a low price point.
Weaknesses: They do require adjustment each time the wheels are removed from the bike.
Bottom Line:
These brakes really aren't as bad as the rap they're given. True, they're not the most powerful brakes I've ever ridden or the highest quality, but they work. They stop me in every situation I've given them and are always predictable. They could be a stronger, but if you want stronger brakes spend more money and get a higher level of brakes.
Submitted by
Greenbelt
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2011
Weaknesses: I've put about 4k miles on these brakes commuting in all weather since April. I do not recommend. After the first 1k miles, need near-constant adjustment. Rapid loss of braking power -- within an hour of noticing some fade. Since my commute is 75 minutes, I can leave the house with brakes that feel fine and have nothing by the time I get to work.
Bottom Line:
Upgrade if you have; avoid if you were considering. Stopping is just too important to try to save a few dollars.
Bike Setup: 2011 Jamis Bosanova (commuter/touring).
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
skip malibu
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, B.C.
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2011
Strengths: When new these are miles ahead of my old cantilever system.I haven't tried any other disc brakes to compare to.
Weaknesses: After a new hundred miles they need constant adjustment. Lose breaking force 3/4 of the way through 90 minute ride.
Bottom Line:
Nice brakes for light duty use. If you're doing any downhill they lose braking force too quickly and suddenly. You could get left with no brakes when you can't afford it. Would not buy them again and am looking to upgrade.
Submitted by
RipRoarer
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington DCq
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2011
Strengths: There brakes worked well when the bike is new but soon needed adjusting. It seems that they now need adjustments at least once a week.
Weaknesses: Always need adjusting. Often don't do what I expect them to do: STOP ME. Perhaps I am doing something wrong, but I have to tighten the brakes very often. They are now, after only 400 miles, beyond adjustment.
Bottom Line:
I love my bike but hate these brakes. I will try to change them.
Stock brakes that came with the bike. They are fair at best and over longer distances or in harsh conditions they lose stopping power very quickly. While being able to adjust without tools is a nice touch you need very straight rotors to even make a noticeable difference. As other mentioned it's a decent brake for lighter trail riding but any heavy use or race use don't bother.
Submitted by
Asmodean
a Cross Country Rider
from Ireland
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2011
Strengths: Simplicity. Stopping power on road, in any conditions. PRICE!!! Longevity, fit and forget
Bottom Line:
The best brake I have ever used for city riding. Compared to other brake systems available on road / cross bikes, this is almost completely a fit and forget job. Going on three years now, and still on the first set of sintered pads.
In saying that, I have never taken them beyond the commute and they may show themselves up on rough terrain. However I have never, ever found them wanting, in any conditions.
Similar Products Used: Tektro IO mech disc, Shimano SLX, Shiman XTR, Shimano Ultegra rim brake, Shimano 105 rim......
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
cannondalef7
a Weekend Warrior
from western North Carolina
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2011
Strengths: Cheap, worlds better than any rim brakes, look pretty good.
Weaknesses: Cheap, poor stopping power, only adjust on 1 side. Stock pads suck, plain and simple.
Bottom Line:
decent for light riding, but once you use them a little they lose stopping power like crazy. if you plan on any kind of midly aggressive riding or fast descents, AVOID THIS BRAKE SYSTEM. if you ride the greenway, or light xc trails etc, these would be an inexpensive brake system to consider.
Similar Products Used: Hayes mech., Shimano v brake
Bike Setup: Cannondale F7 hardtail.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
icemonkey
a Weekend Warrior
from Eagle, co.
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2011
Strengths: Cheapish, you can use your existing levers, better than rim brakes
Weaknesses: Not as good as hydraulic
Bottom Line:
Im ambiguous about these. On one hand they do work very very well, on the other they are no where near as good as hydraulics. That should be self evident really.
Submitted by
Supercleeb
a Cross Country Rider
from Gainesville, GA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2011
Strengths: Inexpensive, Easy to use, Good Power/Modulation
Weaknesses: Pads/Spring Design
Bottom Line:
Great brakes that work well and work consistently, given proper initial setup and maintenance. Giant improvements in feel with compressionless brake housing and good ferrules. Grind the cut housing ends flat as well. Increase torque arm return spring strength for more consistent no-rub braking.
-The Real Benefit to using the BB7's that no one ever seems to mention:
The BB7's use the standard Avid pad design. As such the pad return spring pushes back against the pads from two sides and top to bottom. The BB5's use a spring that contacts the pads only on top/center. As a result the bottom of the inboard pad tends to kick towards the rotor as the spring pushes the top away from the rotor. The result is that the inboard pad tends to rub at the bottom (slightly) when the brakes are adjusted to allow one finger braking without smashing the bird finger against the bar. Getting great braking with no rub then requires a fine touch and a very, very straight rotor.
