Cable disc brakes

[bikesnoopy]

Ive heard that Avid BB5's are very good in the world of cable disc brakes.

How are they compared to hydraulics on power, weight & reliability.

My Hayes hydraulics need replacing & i like the idea of cable operated calipers. Im keen to know how theyve come on in the last 15 or so years.

Anyone got any opinions on them?

I just want a reliable, powerful & lightweight brake that doesn't cost a fortune.

 

[Bob]

I've had both BB5's and BB7's and they're good, BB5's are around £35 each and usually BB7's are a fair bit more but i've just found this http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/BCAVBB7/avi ... -%28mtb%29 BARGAIN!

IMHO
Power = better than V's less than hydraulic
Reliability = Well, errrm, there isn't much to go wrong Just tweek the cables when they stretch and changing the pads is easier than a errr easy to do thing.

 

[davew]

BB7s are very cheap, very reliable, simple to set up and have very good stopping power. At just under £60 a pair new, including G3 rotors and IS adaptors you can't go wrong.

I installed them from necessity on my Marin (combined Shimano shifters/V brake levers made any other option too expensive/complicated). I have been so impressed I am fitting them to my new Cube build with some speed dial levers.

I've always used them with good quality (Gore ride-on in my case) cables but not tried them with "normal" cables.

Not tried BB5s but I suspect it's worth getting the BB7s...

 

[Alex Creasey]

I've not used hydraulics on my own bikes or BB5's but have BB7's on 3 bikes... Really nice feel and you can easily pick them up for £60.00 delivered for a set.
I like the ease of use, dodle to set up and very easy to maintain. They do need regular adjusting I find but thats simply turning either the inner or outer dial and away you go!

 

[davew]

Forgot the link... I got mine from here, got through customs without any duty in my case.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190518505370

 

[bikesnoopy]

Thanks for the replies.

How about weight? How do they compard to Hydro?

 

[Alex Creasey]

Same here.... Though bought a set from somewhere else and never got hit on taxes.

I asked for 203 & 180 discs and adapters and they only charged something like $10.00 more.

 

[orange71]

you're better with BB7s if you can afford as they have adjustment on both sides of the caliper.

 

[bikesnoopy]

Have just bought a pair of BB5's. . . brand new for £37 delivered.
I already have teflon coated cables & a pair of Avid Speed Dial levers.

. . . but what about weight ??? :?:

 

[davew]

Weight difference would pretty much depend on which hydraulics you were comparing it to as there is such a range to choose from.

On paper the BB5 and BB7 are lighter than the Juicy 7 with the BB7 coming in slightly lighter than the BB5.