Looking to replace some 5 year old Avid BB7 breaks. I may just put some new BB7's on, however, I am courious if there is something better out there now. I'd love some feedback from folks if they have any. Is anyone going to try to convince me to go hydraulic?
Which are the BEST mechanical disk Brakes??
ventana1
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I have a Specialized Rockhopper, Marzocchi MX Pro ETA fork, and Sun Rynolite rims with Deore XT disc hubs. No worries on being able to mount them. I'm just going to bite the bullet and get the Avids I guess. I am not a hardcore DHer or FRer, but like to do XC. I thought the MX-1's might have been good for a first set of disc.
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Ok I ended up buying the 160mm BB5's for $56 a wheel from Jenson and then got the Jagwire Hyper brake cable kit. I also bought another set of the Rhynolite wheels since my stock wheels are not disc compatible. Got all of it for $221 shipped. I figured I'd go for the BB5's since the only difference between them and the BB7's is the inboard adjustment knob.
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Send them back and get the BB7's. The inboard adjustment knob keeps the rotor centered between the pads. Once a week I adjust the 2 pad knobs. The 2 knobs are the secret consistant and smooth power. Not to mention, without the inboard adjuster, the rotor gets pulled to one side before the pads grab.
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I'm sure a Google search of "BB5 suck" or "BB5 ruin Avid" would get you the info you're looking for, but here goes.Snyperx said:
1. Smaller pads = less power & more wear
2. The BB5 pads are different from almost* every other Avid pad (BBDB/BB7, Juicy 5 & 7 & Ultimate). Last I checked, only Jagwire was making aftermarket replacement BB5 pads. I don't see them in many shops, though I'm sure that will change.
3. No outboard pad adustment means you have to adjust for pad wear using your lever's barrel adjuster. Not a big deal? Consider that I can't get enough adjustment out of this set up to actually wear out an outboard pad -- the actuator arm runs out of swing, and the only recourse is to loosen and re-center the entire caliper once the pad is about half-way worn. PITA!
By comparison, the BB7s have a proven, 7 year track record. You can find replacement pads in any shop. Periodic adjustment consists of one or two clicks of each of the pad adjuster knobs, which is pretty straight-forward. For the $15 or $20 price difference, the BB5 isn't worth it.
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They are a breeze to install as well. Try to get them as parallel to the rotor as possible before you tighten them down. Then use the the two pad adjusters to get the rotor centered. Set the cables to the lenth at which you want the pads to contact the rotors and ride. I check the pads for "center" every couple of rides.
Have fun!!!!
Have fun!!!!
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Thread resurrection.
I have been a happy user of BB5's for the last three years.. For Xmas I got a 29er that is currently setup mullet-style. BB5 in front, SD-5 V-brake in back. I scored an older BB7 caliper off ebay that I'm going to be putting on the bike and I was wondering if the BB7 would be a stronger brake and should it go on the front instead? I know that I'll be eventually putting a bigger rotor on the front as well.
I have been a happy user of BB5's for the last three years.. For Xmas I got a 29er that is currently setup mullet-style. BB5 in front, SD-5 V-brake in back. I scored an older BB7 caliper off ebay that I'm going to be putting on the bike and I was wondering if the BB7 would be a stronger brake and should it go on the front instead? I know that I'll be eventually putting a bigger rotor on the front as well.
Yeah, throw the BB7 up front. I think it feels and performs better.
When you run the rear disc, use full length housing, cut the ends nice and square, open up the inner liner with an awl, use a decent uncoated stainless cable, lube it with something like Rock n Roll Cable Magic, Triflow, Boeshield, etc. It'll make a big difference in feel.
When you run the rear disc, use full length housing, cut the ends nice and square, open up the inner liner with an awl, use a decent uncoated stainless cable, lube it with something like Rock n Roll Cable Magic, Triflow, Boeshield, etc. It'll make a big difference in feel.
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