I Need Your .02: Avid BB7 Disc Brakes

[gennydv]

Anyone using Avid mechanical disc brakes out there? I know alot of bikes come spec'd with hydralics (I currently have Hayes 9's) and I've used Avid mechanicals before on one of my bikes and liked them alot better than the Hayes 9. (Avids had better trail adjustability, no fade on long downhills, better modulation for smaller hands, incredible stopping power)

I'd like to hear your feedback on the '08 Avid BB7's if you're using them!

[el_d00der1n0]

iHeartBB7s.JPG

Avid BB7 What do you think?

[Abui]

Best Avid's yet. The inner pad wheel can be turned with a 25 torx, no more cursing when dirt makes it bind.
I prefer Avid mechs to Hope Mini hydros, don't need to fiddle with shims.

[BrewMaster]

Not my favorite brakes, but not bad at all. I ran them for about 6 months but replaced them and never looked back.

I am digging my Hayes Stoker Trails. They have great modulation and the reach adjuster works really well to make them fit my hands. The split clamp lever is a nice help too so you don't have to take everything off of the bar to install or remove the levers.

For the price though, BB7s are great brakes.

[Pho'dUp]

Pros:

Plenty of power. Easy to get them drag free with adjuster knobs. Easy to service and simple since they're cable actuated. I.e. you could probably fix them in the field if you carry around an extra break cable.

Cons:

More difficult to setup so they have good modulation. I found it felt like it had an all on or all off feel unless you setup them up just right. In general, hydro brakes have better modulation. Weight. BB7s usually pretty heavy.

I still like them for their simplicity, but for a bike I ride a lot I'd rather of hydros (preferrable Shimano) but I hear the new Formulas are quite good too.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by gennydv

Anyone using Avid mechanical disc brakes out there? I know alot of bikes come spec'd with hydralics (I currently have Hayes 9's) and I've used Avid mechanicals before on one of my bikes and liked them alot better than the Hayes 9. (Avids had better trail adjustability, no fade on long downhills, better modulation for smaller hands, incredible stopping power)

I'd like to hear your feedback on the '08 Avid BB7's if you're using them!

good bang for your buck. However there are better performing brakes out there.

Can't go wrong with the Avid Mechanicals

[thebush]

The Path installed my first set ever of `08 BB7's on the steel rigid SS 29'er I got from them and so far I have no complaints! This is my first set of mechanical disc brakes as I have only ever used hydraulic and the while the modulation on my Juicy 5 / 7s are better the "bang for buck" on the BB7's can't be beat.

[xhuskr]

I had some 06 BB7s and like them quite a bit. The only thing that was beginning to bother me was hand fatigue with heavy breaking. I kept the brakes after upgrading to some Juicy 7s and will use them again. If you get them, try and find a lever that allows some modulation on them. I used some old avid levers (2.0?) that have a know on the lever to move it in/out. Great feature to allow for reach.

[davidB]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

Cons:

Weight. BB7s usually pretty heavy.

I was looking into the new bb7's purely for weight savings on my secondary bike.

from jenson's site:
bb7:

• Weight:
  • 214 g(F 160mm)
  • 233 g(R 160mm)

whereas the Juicy 7's come in at 411g each.

unless i'm missing something which is always a possibility

while we're on it, i'm looking for a set of light brakes that won't break the bank

[autoduel]

Originally Posted by davidB

I was looking into the new bb7's purely for weight savings on my secondary bike.

from jenson's site:
bb7:

• Weight:
  • 214 g(F 160mm)
  • 233 g(R 160mm)

whereas the Juicy 7's come in at 411g each.

unless i'm missing something which is always a possibility

while we're on it, i'm looking for a set of light brakes that won't break the bank

Quoted weight does not include levers, housing and cables. Hydraulic brake weights include all components of the braking system.

[xhuskr]

from the weight weenies site;

2004 2005
BB7 front 344g Juicy 7 front 424g
BB7 rear 353g rear 445g

Avid site has the BB7s at 329g
Juicy 7s (front with with 160mm rotor) at 395g

either way..the BB7 is a solid brake!

[OMR]

I've been using them on my 5.5 Intense for 2 years and my Curtlo 29 for almost a year. The bang for the buck can't be beat. Easy to adjust and work everytime.

[JOx2]

How about BB7's stopping power? How does it fare, compare to Avids hydraulics?

[92se-r]

BB7's have hydro comparable stopping power, if they EVER break in. The pads take FOREVER to break in.

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by JOx2

How about BB7's stopping power? How does it fare, compare to Avids hydraulics?

They have as much stopping power as you have in your hands. Really stopping power can be more related to the grip of your tires. If the tires don't grip, any brake will make you skid and not really stop you well.

BB7s never failed me, but my hands got tired on longer rides or rides with lots of long descents.

[OldDogDan]

Love my BB7's. Look for them on sale.

[Rockinthecasbah]

i know of a few people that use them on there 4x bikes with no problems, i ran hayes mechs for awhile and had no complaints, the only thing is they are the eqivalent of single pistons so you need to adjust your calipers correctly or you will kill rotors like brewmaster

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by Rockinthecasbah

i know of a few people that use them on there 4x bikes with no problems, i ran hayes mechs for awhile and had no complaints, the only thing is they are the eqivalent of single pistons so you need to adjust your calipers correctly or you will kill rotors like brewmaster

I think I am going to kill you like I kill rotors.

[jeffj]

Four of the mountain bikes currently residing at my house have Avid mechanicals. I'm a big fan. They are a bit utilitarian and are not going to get you 'bling-bling' points, but they will work and maintenance is fairly simple and straightforward.

After literally smoking two different sets of 6" hydros, I went for 8" Avid mechs f&r and they have never wimpered under my massive, hulking girth. If I had it to do over again, I would go with a 7" on the rear, but it's not that big a deal to control the 8" on the rear.

[RED5]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

Cons:

More difficult to setup so they have good modulation. I found it felt like it had an all on or all off feel unless you setup them up just right. In general, hydro brakes have better modulation. Weight. BB7s usually pretty heavy.

What levers did you use?? I find the BB7's work best with the Speed Dial levers, really helps to set the up with MUCH better modulation.

To the OP. I have 07 BB7's and I think they're great brakes. Simple to setup and maintain. For XC/AM applications I don't see any advantage in using hydros.

My 2 biggest pieces of advice if you decide to go this route...

1) Get speed dial levers
2) run full length housing. It goes along way to help maintenance and keep them running optimally.