[pfox90]

Well because I work for retail I can get a good deal on the Hayes Stroker Trails. I was almost about to buy them but then I realized I had to buy mounting kits, rotors, bleed kits all extra. I didn't anticipate so I started looking else where, I ran into the BB7's.

I really like the idea of the maintenance for mechanical brakes and I am still a beginner. I feel like it is a much better idea for me to learn more about bikes before I start buying more complex equipment. I can get either of these for roughly the same price but with the BB7's I can order bling housing.

My question is: Is it a good idea or should I just buy the hydros? Also, who has BB7's and do you think they work good for an AM application?

Thank you!

 

[lew242]

Good question.

BB7s are great brakes. Lets see...buy some cable cutters and one hex wrench and replace the cable and housing and pads once a year, save a heap of money because you have reliable brakes you can really do all the work yourself. Every 3 or 4 rides you might need to very simply spend 30 seconds adjusting the pad position.

Hayes Stroker Trails..torx wrench, hex wrench, 6mm ring spanner, brake fluid (needs to be new each bleed), bleed kit, new pads every now and again very easy to change.

Basically if you regularly ride down hills so steep you couldn't ride up them and you'd slip and slide trying to even walk up them or ride miles down hills and so put lots of heat into your brakes, or envision that you will in the next year or so, you might be better off with the power of the Strokers. Other than that they'd likely be bike bling.

 

[nodaksvt]

I have been contemplating this exact question as well, killing the forums with brake searches. I still havent made up my mind. Basically it comes down to reliability, good braking power, low maintenance vs. great power, mechanical advantage (less effort) but high maintenance.

 

[mimi1885]

Stroker trail would offer better feel, but the BB7 would have more adjustment and less maintenance. The stopping power is about the same.