[zorro]

Labor? Get some BB7's with SD7 levers, install them yourself (it's easy), and save the $$ for something else. Just my $0.02...

What he said. BB7's are super easy to install and super easy to tweak; you can actually adjust each pad/side independently. BB7's can be had for under $100 and SD7's for like $20. Should not cost you more than $125ish.

 

[dbhammercycle]

Labor? Get some BB7's with SD7 levers, install them yourself (it's easy), and save the $$ for something else. Just my $0.02...

This. Installation is easy and pad adjustment is something you should know. The one thing the shop will most likely do that you won't is true the rotors if needed. One thing you could do is see if you can set up an appt for the drop off, that way you can ride until the drop off time. The bike will most likely sit at the shop for the majority of the time it's there for the 3 days. It's never a bad thing to know how to make small adjustments to the ride.

 

[Natedogz]

I cannot say anything about BB7s except that they felt allright on the little loop I did with Unit that had them stock.

But the mechanical brakes that I had on my bike stock where a PITA.

I bought Shimano Deore hydraulics and couldn't be happier. They really have stopping power even with my dog-trailer. The best part is they don't break the bank. (Where actually cheaper than BB7) and my LBS gave me the knowledge to install and adjust the brakes. Theres really nice pdf on the internet to shorten the hoses without bleeding.
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=6b590a383d5c8ad74c577b3652ca2031&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.mtbr.com%2Fbrake-time%2Fshortening-shimano-xt-hoses-771412.html&v=1&libId=566c1861-9476-4e47-8879-f97b222e6ca4&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shimano.com%2Fpublish%2Fcontent%2Fglobal_cycle%2Fen%2Fus%2Findex%2Ftech_support%2Ftech_tips.download.-Par50rparsys-0008-downloadFile.html%2F02)%2520Brake%2520Hose%2520Trimming.pdf&title=Shortening%20Shimano%20XT%20hoses&txt=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shimano.com%2Fpublish%2Fconte...20Trimming.pdf&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13708957631446

I also did some search on the internet and some say they're as good as SLX! Cheaper hydraulic brakes are also the most reliable for being simple.

BB7s are the best mechanical disk brakes. I've had several SRAM hydro setups and while cheaper than Shimano they are a pita to bleed.

Nice little SHimano hose shortening sheet.

 

[Natedogz]

Okay, my LBS has the BB7s in stock. My question is, if I buy them, is the install pretty simple? Do I need to use new cables or can I use the ones already on my bike? I've never done any break maintenance, so I am as green as it gets. I do have a good book on bicycle repair that can probably get me through it. I guess I just want to know if its worth the $50 and 3 days without my bike, to have the LBS install them?

Thanks

Here's how to do it with SRAM video, they have good youtube vids from mfr for this.

http://forums.mtbr.com/brake-time/how-install-avid-bb7-disc-brakes-512054.html

 

[aevanlloyd]

Thanks guys. This is great information. I really appreciate it. My LBS has the brakes in stock. I'l going to buy them and install them myself.

Thanks again.

 

[cobi]

I recently upgraded my BB7's to XT on my main bike and I love the XT's. But I just recently built up my SS and used the BB7's on there. I agree with the posters above, cheap, simply and easy to maintain. Perfect for the SS in my opinion. Since my SS is rigid I also take it easier on the downhills, so the BB7's seem more than adequate.