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Submitted by
770nbp
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Pinhotti | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | EBay | | Strengths: | cheap, light, great braking power for XC, stupid easy to set up, no fluid, no bleeding, no thinking about them after you install | | Weaknesses: | not free? | | Similar Products Used: | BB5 | | Bike Setup: | Pivot Mach 4, Titus Racer X, Moto Lite, Saltamontes | | Bottom Line: | I've put these brakes on every bike I've owned over the past 5 years. They are easy to install and keep adjusted. They have plenty of stoping power for my 180lbs, even with 160MM rotors. If I'm decending and on the brakes alot, they will get hot but they perform well for general XC use. I really can not justify moving away from this braking system. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miffyandfrends
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Bottle Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Top quality braking power, still work well with contaminated pads, easy adjusment and easy pad repalcement | | Weaknesses: | Little modulation,
Front caliper exploded(fiddly fix),
| | Similar Products Used: | Hayes(ugh)
Grimeca
Diatech
Shimano (ugh)
Tektro (ugh) | | Bike Setup: | SS khs Alite 500 no original components. | | Bottom Line: | Overall these are a good brake, especially if you have little know-how of hydraulics and want something easier to maintain.
When used with Speed Dial 7 levers, expect an excellent result. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
odjr
a Weekend Warrior
from Kenwood, CA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Shultz | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Simplicity, reliability and ease of adjustment. | | Weaknesses: | None that I have found in 475 miles. | | Bike Setup: | Motobecane Fantom 29 Pro. Avid Speed Dial Ti levers and Jagwire Ripcord cables. | | Bottom Line: | These are very smooth and controllable. I was a little apprehensive at first having read where some people were having difficulties with them but once broken in and adjusted they have performed flawlessly for me. I was thinking of getting hydraulics but then my senses kick in and I ask myself; "WHY? These work great!"
I may find upgraded pads when the time comes to replace them but for now I am quite pleased. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Island Style
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle,Wa
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Tiger Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | great stopping power.easy to make adjustment and no need to worry about bleeding. | | Weaknesses: | squeaks when wet.. | | Bottom Line: | great for the budget type.easy to work with.works wonders... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Viets
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Bottom Line: | I had a BB5's for front and rear brakes with Avid 8" rotors. I had a problem with only the rear brake so I upgraded the rear to a BB7. I must say that I like the BB7 much more. It has better stopping power and is very smooth - almost better than a hydraulic brake system. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rickkane
a Cross Country Rider
from edinburgh, uk
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | traquair xc | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | stops the bike good. ride it on my monocog w/ 185 up front and 160 in the back. For scottish non-DH descents, plenty of power. Easy to maintain trailside and a doddle to set up. Once bedded in and w/ the regular sintered pads, i get very little noise (if any) even in wet scottish conditions. | | Weaknesses: | none i can really think of....i gotta use two fingers instead of one? | | Similar Products Used: | first discs ever..... | | Bike Setup: | ss monocog w/ a 100 mmm reba. | | Bottom Line: | if ya ain't downhilling or doing really long descents where you wanna be conserving hand strength, i can't see why you 'd need more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mlhooper
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Cameron Park, Waco, TX | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | stock / OEM | | Strengths: | they don't require hydro-headach setup. they work better than rim brakes. | | Weaknesses: | they could work better... before every ride i am consistently tweaking them (i like my brakes very tight and responsive). | | Bike Setup: | 2006 stumpy HT | | Bottom Line: | I wrecked once and bent the hanger, which bent my rotor. i had to ride back to the trailhead with a very lose (almost non-existent) rear brake. the LBS trued it, but it came out of true very quickly. I'm purchasing another rotor.
The pads are still in good condition.
I wish they would not require me to tweak them before every ride; i'd like to just set it and forget it.
overall value = not going back to rim brakes, so well worth the price tag
overall rating = i just wish they would stay tight and not rub the rotor | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mrgone1@msn.com
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO USA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | anything long | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | cambria | | Strengths: | Easy setup and adjustment, great instructions, good power and modulation, great price | | Weaknesses: | heavier than V-brakes but there's no way around that | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Epic | | Bottom Line: | I finally bit the bullet and switched my bike over to discs. I went with the BB7 (mechanical) because I could still use my existing XTR brake/ shifter combo without having to buy new levers. They were easy to install and work great. I've ridden friends bikes with hydraulic brakes and I like the way these modulate better, they feel more like a rim brake and that's what I've been riding for 20 years so it's something that is comfortable and predictable. They have more than enough stopping power for actual off road riding as you need to keep in mind that on the dirt you can only brake as fast as the surface will let you (i.e. before the tires start to lock up and skid). Overall, I think that disc brakes are over-hyped and unnecessary for most XC riders but If you have trails that descend for miles (as we do in Colorado) then these will keep your hands from cramping and your rims from overheating. Bueno! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KH1
a Weekend Warrior
from Mt Martha, Vic, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Lysterfield | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Once adjusted properly - these brakes are just amazing. They may not have the overall stopping power of say a stroker or similar quality hydraulics but they have incredible feedback. This gives you much better control in most situations. They clean out real quick in the mud and they are super easy to adjust with caliper adjusters on both sides of the caliper. | | Weaknesses: | Stopping power could be better. But really 99% of riders would never use what they have to offer anyway. Pads a little tricky to change. | | Similar Products Used: | Hayes Mechanical crap. Stroker (Great brakes). Shimano Hydros | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Yukon
2008 LX Shifters & Derailleurs
2008 Xt Cassette
BB7 Brakes & Discs
LX Cranks
525 Pedals
Selle Royal Viper Saddle
Maxxis Ignitor Tyres
Avid Adjustable Levers
2008 Tora 302 Lockouts 100mm
| | Bottom Line: | Great value brakes that will offer more stopping power and definately more feel than just about anything this side of a decent hydro.
Unless you are a hellboy on wheels or a pro these brakes are the sh$t. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mountain biker 41
a Weekend Warrior
from
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint | | Strengths: | Awesome stopping power, easy to setup | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | hayes mechanicals, tekreos, juicy 3 | | Bike Setup: | KHS FR2000 | | Bottom Line: | These will stop you for sure,awesome brake, stay in adjustment longer than any other mechanical I have had | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
natestar
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha, NE
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Platte River SP | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$87.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | Low maintence and hassle free | | Weaknesses: | disc rust and brake squeek | | Similar Products Used: | na | | Bike Setup: | Turner 5 spot, Fox Talas RLC | | Bottom Line: | I really enjoy using these brakes because low maintence. Only problems I had is I have had trouble getting the brakes to stop squeeking. On a cosmetic note, the inside of the disc began to show signs of rust after about 6 months. It is a small amount, but enough where you can see if you glance at the disc, this is obviouly only cosmetic.
It is extremely easy to adjust the brakes because of the pad knobs on both sides of the clamp.
Overall very satified. They have not failed me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GUNNEREDWARDS
a Downhiller
from CORPUS CHRISTI
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | BANDERAS | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | AUSTIN BIKE SHOP | | Strengths: | EASY SETUP, ADJUSTMENT AND STOPPING POWER LIKE NONE OTHER I HAVE HAD. | | Weaknesses: | STILL MANUFACTURED WITH SOME PLASTIC... BUT THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS HAVE NOT FAILED. | | Similar Products Used: | PROMAX, MX2, MXR, CAMINO HYDROLIC. | | Bike Setup: | DIAMONDBACK RESPONSE | | Bottom Line: | GREAT PRODUCT. REPLACED THE ORIGINAL BRAKES WITH HAYES HYDROLIC EL COMINO AND HAD THAT BRAKE SYSTEM FAIL AND GO THROUGH THE SPOKES. REPLACED THAT WITH THE BB7 AND IT IS BETTER THAN THE OTHERS THAT I TRIED. DEFINITLY UP FOR PUTTING THE BB7'S ON MY OTHER 3 BIKES. WON'T DO WITHOUT THEM AGAIN. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joogoosen'
a Weekend Warrior
from VA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Freedom Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Super stoppers, no squealing, just plain brakepower | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | BB5 | | Bike Setup: | GF 29erCobia, ergon GX-2 carbon barends, BB7's, upgraded saddle | | Bottom Line: | Awsome!!!!!!! Unlike the bb5's these bad larry's stop very well, barely squeal during break in. As soon as my LBS swapped them out, after I bought them from them (free install too!) I could immediately feel the difference. This was prior to them fine tuning them to my liking! After they were dialed in I'm in heaven! Worth the upgrade and $$. Plus the LBS had them for $1 less than I could find them online...didn't have to pay shipping or install fee, plus adjustments are free with LBS for lifetime!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
techbike_108
a Weekend Warrior
from Palm Bay, FL
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | Came with Jekyll 600 | | Strengths: | Strengths? Well it stops you like no ones business! I have used BB5's on my Giant DS1 and when I bought my Jekyll 600 it came with Avid BB7's and the jump in stoping power and controll is amazing. When tuned correctly they stop you on a dime. I went over the handlebars on a steep dip just learning the power of these brakes. I'm sure there are nicer ones out there but I can't see why anyone would have anthing bad to say about the stopping power and control of these brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Not to many. Can be hard to get tuned the first time. | | Similar Products Used: | Avid BB5's, Cheap Tektros, Shamano V-brakes | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Jekyll 600 with FOX float RL shock. | | Bottom Line: | Don't think that you can go wrong with these. Not to expensive either. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
VHN
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Gatineau Hills; Point Pelee | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$96.00 | | Purchased At: | http://stores.channe | | Strengths: | - Easy to install and adjust
- Precise braking, great modulation, not noisy at all, works well in all conditions
| | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Avid BB5 | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Jamis Coda Elite, Avid FR5 brake levers, Avid 160 mm rotors, 2008 Avid BB7 Mountain
| | Bottom Line: | When I went shopping for a new bike last year, one of the criteria for selection was that the bike had to come equipped with mechanical disk brakes. I had a road bike for 25 years previously and was looking for a replacement to take me the next 25, and chose a 2007 Jamis Coda Elite hybrid. In previous years, that model came standard with the Avid BB7, but I guess as a means of shaving the cost to make it more price competitive, the brakes were downgraded to the Avid BB5 (for 2008, they again come equipped with the BB7s). Having had no previous experience with disk brakes, I didn't think too much of it. Initially the brakes were okay, but not remarkable. With time, though, I came to feel that I actually had the same or more control with the rim brakes on my road bike. It was not very satisfactory.
So this Spring I purchased the 2008 Avid BB7 Mountains and what a difference! I also purchased a torque wrench so the brakes would be installed exactly as specified in the instruction manual:
http://www.sram.com/_media/techdocs/2006_BB5and7_English.pdf
http://www.sram.com/_media/techdocs/bbdb-mtn-160-install.pdf
a video of which can also be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1kezXQVnLY
And now do I ever have precise control! I have not experienced any modulation problems whatsoever that some have reported. Nor do I have any noticeable squeaking, again reported by others, even when the brakes are wet. In my initial installation, I misinterpreted the instructions and did not align the brakes properly; in hindsight I don't know what I was thinking: I centred the rotor between the calipers then backed off the inboard and outboard pads so that the GAPS were 2/3 and 1/3, respectively (ie. inboard gap was twice as wide as the outboard). With that setup, there was both extreme squeaking and vibration -- the bike shuddered every time I applied the brakes. Recognizing that there was something definitely wrong, I reread the instructions and saw that the 2/3 - 1/3 spacing was supposed to be for placement of the rotor between the calipers. Once I did that, tightening the inboard and outboard pads to hold the brakes in that position until all of the bolts were tightened to the specified torque, then backed off each pad a couple of turns, the brakes worked beautifully. Stops on a dime when I need to (saved me from a getting up close and very personal with a car), precise speed adjustment when rounding tight hairpin turns, gradual stopping otherwise.
I note that others suggest that the larger rotors should be used. My bike came equipped with 160 mm rotors and Avid FR5 brake levers and I didn't particularly want to swap those out. For my type bike -- hybrid -- and riding which consists mostly of commuting and urban bike paths (some of which are in hilly terrain with decent grades and tight turns), the 160 mm rotors are perfectly fine and have performed well.
Bottom line: Best brakes I've ever used, I LOVE them.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
icemonkey
a Cross Country Rider
from London
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Its always the next one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Easy to setup, easy to install, good modulation, can use your old brake levers... | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, or to be more accurate- heavier than the XT V brake I was using.
| | Similar Products Used: | This is my 1st disk brake... | | Bike Setup: | Very old steel lavadome, xt xtr Marzocchi xc 600 forks whatever wheels I have that are remotely straight. | | Bottom Line: | Very premature review, however over the past month Ive been riding with the BB7 I can say its a lot easier to maintain. Ive done nothing - its that easy. Not affected by mud or water like V's and has a great feel. I had a full XT set up with and did not want to spend a small fortune on new levers, pods etc so I just bought this brake. For what it does its excellent, but you do pay a weight penalty and really well set up Vs can rival stopping power (without the mud). All in all very very good. So, if you have xt levers they work well. Only 4 chilis for overall, could be lighter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frs1661
a Cross Country Rider
from The Roch, NY
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Harriet Hollister | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | Great stopping power in all conditions. | | Weaknesses: | A bit difficult to get set up initially. | | Similar Products Used: | SD-7 V brakes | | Bottom Line: | Great brake power for the money, and not even all that heavy. I initially had some trouble adjusting the calipers correctly. The brakes feel like crap if they are not properly adjusted. Avid's instructions are bare-bones at best; I recommend the instructions on parktool's website. They are very explicit and gave me excellent results. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cliff
a Cross Country Rider
from hayden, ID, USa
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail 28 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | came on bike | | Strengths: | good quality to some extent. | | Weaknesses: | weak braking power causing forearm pump on the trails I ride weekly. not easy to install break pads, required constant tweaking to keep it from squelling. | | Similar Products Used: | Hayes original, SRAM Juicey 7 and Carbon | | Bike Setup: | Freaking fast! | | Bottom Line: | This may have been a pair of cr*p brakes from the get go but I hated them. After a summer of riding with them I put them on craig's list and replaced them with the SRAM Juicey Carbons. I personally would not use them again but if you buget is tight and you need brakes now and can't save for the juiceys then this maybe a good brake choice for you. BE Ready for forearm pump though or spend the extra $$ and get a nice set of brake levers. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Fitchburg Ma.
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Townsend Sate Forest (for now) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Gearworks Cycelry | | Strengths: | Great stopping power | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | bb5 with cheapo avid levers | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Rockhopper comp disc | | Bottom Line: | What a difference from the stock brakes, with the old bb5s it always felt like I was going to break the levers on steep descents, indeed the back lever was developing a lot of play.
These calipers with the Avid Ultimate levers (160 mm rotors) make the steepest descents a one finger affair, awesome modulation with the speed dial set in the middle the pressure exerted to the caliper from the lever is very smooth and progressive.
I had this setup installed three days ago, took it out yesterday on the local rail trail to dial it in and hit the woods today for four hours.
At 250 pounds I know I'm asking a lot of any brake, these just say give me more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
trelgne
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | www.bike-components. | | Strengths: | - manual pad adjustment - preventing of rubbing pads
- low-cost-product compared to what you get
- unbeleivable top performance if you use the right levers, cables and rotors
- no trouble with brake fluid, bleeding, pressure point issues, overheating, sticky pistons
| | Weaknesses: | heavier than hydros (because you have to add the weight for levers and housing)
| | Similar Products Used: | hydraulic brakes: Magura Louise, Julie, Avid Juicy 7, Formula Oro, Shimano LX, XT, XTR, Giant MPH3 | | Bike Setup: | Avid BB7 (2008)with 160mm front/rear, Avid Speed Dial SL levers, Full Metal Jacket, Alligator serrated rotors (Windcutter), Avid sintered pads | | Bottom Line: | If you want the maximum performance out of the BB7 you must use:
- compressionless uninterrupted housing (Avid Full Metal Jacket recommended)
- Avid Speed Dial levers
- better rotors than the roundagons (that you get with the BB7 2008)
This setup, properly installed and betted in, is more powerful than the above listed hydros (with same rotor size) for the front brake. Comparable power with the rear brake (more cable stretch to the rear causes minimal loss). Same top modulation and lever feel as with hydraulics. The 160 mm Alligator serrated rotors are a good choice to increase power and reduce some weight. With the Speed Dial lever knob you can adjust the power and pressure point. With the Full Metal Jacket you prevent any friction within the brake housing, it's fully sealed so you don't have any performance decrease - no reason to change cables from time to time. And the whole thing is cheaper than the overpriced top hydraulics.
The BB7 with this setup is nearly perfect - highly recommended for every kind of riding stuff with the exception for weight wheenies. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jules Evans
a Cross Country Rider
from hobart, tas
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Wellington | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | great braking power for a cable system. Much better than V-brakes, even with high grade pads.
lighter than hydros when you include cables etc.
adjustment is very simple, easier than any other cable system that I have seen.
Cheaper than hydros. | | Weaknesses: | not quite as strong as hydros( you need 2 fingers)
Heavier than V-brakes | | Similar Products Used: | cheaper shimano disks, V-brakes. Magura hydros | | Bike Setup: | Trek | | Bottom Line: | Perfect upgrade from V-brakes! They are stronger, work better in poor conditions and are more progressive once worn in. They also don't wear your rims.
If you want to change to disc brakes, this is the perfect way to go for value for money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sylvain Gravel
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | - Amazing braking power
- Easily installed
- Great adjustability
- Simplicity
- Easy as it gets maintenance | | Weaknesses: | |
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