Brake Review...Avid BB7 a good choice on a budget???

[L8 APEKS]

Hey hang,

I'm still riding on XT V-brakes, and they are WOEFULLY inadequate. They fade almost instantly and they just aren't strong enough for any aggressive riding.

I don't have much to spend, and I don't have the money to change my XT brake lever/shifter pod clusters...so it looks like my only option to step up to discs is the Avid BB7. I'll be getting the large rotor (203mm I think) up front, and the smaller rotor in the rear.

I just want some other opinions on these things. Are they a good way to go for someone in my situation? Any advice is appreciated. Also, let me know if you're able to help me with the install as I don't have many bike tools anymore! I will provide food and drink in exchange for the help! Thanks!

[Waldo]

PricePoint has the 2006 BB7's on sale right now at $59.
Avid BB7 Disc Brake - Mechanical 160mm 2006 at Price Point

They also have a good deal on Avid Juicy 5's, and you can find deals on the Hayes Nines all over the place. If you don't already have good levers & cables, the cost of buying those + the BB7's could be very close to the cost of complete hydro kits.


Avid Juicy 5 Disc Brake - 160-203mm 2006 at Price Point

I'm also looking forward to the feedback on the BB7's and any on the Juicy Fives or Sevens. I have Hayes Nines now, and have had some problems. The apparent simplicity of the BB7's is pretty appealing for my XC riding.

[FoShizzle]

they are fantastic. the advantages of hydro brakes are exaggerated greatly in my opinion. having said that, i prefer hydros but thats cuz i am a snob

[Sprockethead]

I've had my Avid Mechanicals for over 6 yrs now. All I can say is, they are great, put them on and forget about them. The only adjustments I've had to make was to turn the red knobs in to bring the pad closer every few months. Very low maintenance and easy to use. I've used them with my XT combo shifter/brake pod and also Avid's SL brake levers. I prefer the Avid brake lever, but that's just my preference. They both worked well and the power of these brakes is amazing.

The only complaint I have is brake fade after decending long downhills. I'm running 165mm rotors on my Truth. The brakes are quiet and they don't gobble like my Juicy 7's. The Juicy's are smoother but I can't really say they're more powerful. I'm at my wits end with the Juicy's. I've tried sanding down the pads, round rotors, new pads, the brakes still squeal and gobble. The Juicy's require way more maintenance, but they are smooth and powerful.

I wouldn't hesistate recommending the BB7's to you. I think you will be very happy and satisfied with the brakes.

[allison]

I prefer hydraulic's like the Juicy's, but have the BB7's on my Surly 1x1 and don't have any complaints. They don't modulate like hydraulic's, but still work very well.

[TURNERob]

Hydraulics do have a more positive feel at the lever, and the pistons will self adjust as the pads wear down. That being said I have owned a set of Avid mechs for over 5 yrs now and they work fine. You just need to click the red dials in to keep the pads close to the rotors.....but other than that they are great brakes. However if weight is a concern they are boat anchors compared to a good hydro system so keep that in mind also.

[L8 APEKS]

Hmmm...here's a question.

Are the actual pads used with the BB7 a different size between the small rotor (165mm) and the large rotor (203mm)? Or is the swept area any larger?

Or is the only difference the diameter of the rotor? If so, I'm thinking the large rotors won't actually have any more stopping power, but they would be more resistant to brake fade since the heat is spread out and dissipated over a larger surface area.

I think I'll pick up a 203mm for the front...can't afford the rear right now because I have to buy a new front wheel and also a new brake cable to finish the disc conversion for the front! These just use standard cables, correct?

Thanks so much...sounds like a good product. I should have them installed by next weekend! Can't wait!

[CalEpic]

Originally Posted by Sprockethead

I'm at my wits end with the Juicy's.

I had the same problems getting my Hopes to quiet down. It was driving me crazy. I finally faced the tabs on my fork and frame and it instantly fixed the problem.

C

[TURNERob]

The pads are the same for all of them, the only difference is the rotor size and then an adaptor for the caliper to move it out to accomodate the larger rotor. You can switch to any size rotor you want using the same calipers, you'll just need to buy the correct rotor/adaptor to do it.

The cables you'll need are specific for mechanical disc brakes. I would recommend the Avid Flak Jacket cables, that is what I've always used and have been very happy with them. Don't use crappy cables or the levers are gonna feel like crap also!

[Schecky]

Love my BB7s. Easy to use and set up.
Like Sprocket, I prefer the Avid levers. Whenever I hear that someone gives a thumbs down on the BB7s, they seem to have non-Avid levers too.
Just a personal theory - I am no longer a scientist, nor do I play one on TV...

I like to set them up so the brake does not entirely lock-up until the lever is about 2 cm from the grip. It is a little scary the first time you try it, but you get comfortable with it and it gives a great range of modulation.

[Burner]

I run my setup like Schecky, keep the pads far enough away from the rotor to give you plenty of modulation at the lever.

That, and run full length housing, and you will be a happy BB7 owner.

[L8 APEKS]

Hey, can anyone point me to the correct adapter on Pricepoint so I can run the 203mm rotor? All I'm finding are bolt pattern adapters...?!

Here's the setup I'm thinking of ordering...look OK for a XC Rec Rider?

Wheel/hub: Sun Ringle Front Abbah 20mm hub w/ Sun Ringle DS2 Rim at Price Point

Brake (203mm): http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/15076-115_AVDBB6-43-Brands-184-Avid-Brakes/Avid-BB7-Disc-Brake---Mechanical-185-203mm-'06.htm

Cable: Avid Full Metal Jacket Disc Brake Cable 2006 at Price Point

...grand total around 250 bucks. Just need to find the adapter to run that larger rotor!

[TURNERob]

When you buy the kit new with the 203mm rotor it will include the adaptor so you are covered there.

Don't buy the Avid Full Metal Jacket, get the Flak Jackets. Sram Pit-Stop Flak Jacket Cable Set at Price Point
Then make sure you select the brake cables as they are thicker.

[L8 APEKS]

YAY! New parts ordered!!!

I ordered up a Sun-Ringle Disc Jockey wheelset, BB7 front brakes in 203mm, and SRAM Flak Jacket brake cable for the front. Came to about 300 bucks shipped.

Later this week I'll order up another disc for the rear, have to wait for my paycheck. hehe.

Can't wait to slap them on!!!