Avid BB7 Mountain Mechanical Disc Brake For purists and those simply after bombproof reliability, the Avid BB7 disc brake continues to offer unsurpassed performance in the world of mechanical disc brakes. In fact, the BB7 outperforms and frankly embarrasses many other brands hydraulic disc brakes with its smooth ball bearing actuated design, easy to adjust dials and impressive power. Connected up to a set of brake levers such as the Avid FR-5 units with quality brake cable housing, the Avid BB7's will have you questioning the need for expensive and sometimes troublesome hydraulic disc brakes. While the BB7 brake is a simple design that has remained un-changed over the years (for good reason), there are a number of key features that make it without doubt the best mechanical disc brake on the market. A lightweight forged alloy calliper provides a stiff platform for the brake, while housed inside the body is a sealed Ball Bearing Cam design that allows for a smooth and linear feel at the lever that mimics a hydraulic system. While you don't get a fully sealed setup like a hydro brake, by using high quality brake cabling and ensuring they are clean and lubed goes a long way to reducing any cable friction and providing silky smooth actuation. The BB7 brakes are insanely easy to setup thanks to the CPS washer/cone system that has featured on almost every Avid disc brake over the years. Similar to the hardware found on V-Brakes, the CPS washers and cones allow for perfect brake alignment when taking into account the different tolerances between the frame, hub, rotor and calliper. Unlike hydraulic disc brakes, the BB7 gives you control on the position of the brake pads on both side, so you can setup the inboard and outboard brake pads to be the precise distance from the rotor required. This also gives you adjustability on the "feel" of the brake, with additional modulation achieved by increasing the distance between the inboard (stationary) brake pad and the rotor. Conversely, get more instantaneous power by positioning the inboard pad as close as possible to the rotor for minimal deflection when engaging the brake lever. G2 Cleansweep Rotor Included with the BB7 brake is a 160mm G2 rotor that is also used on the Avid Juicy brakes. In fact, the BB7 calliper also utilises the same brake pad as the Juicy range, so you have plenty of options aftermarket when replacing pads and/or rotors. The Cleansweep design is used on the G2 rotor for a consistently round shape that provides smooth braking, while the vented design helps eliminate heat when braking hard on long descents. We reckon most XC and trail riders will find the 160mm rotors to provide sufficient braking power, but for those bigger folks or riders on long travel All Mountain bikes, upping rotor size to 185mm or 203mm is possible and will allow you to obtain even more braking force for when you're reaching warp speeds.
From SRAM: "With gobs of beautifully modulated power and intuitive easy-to-use adjustability, the BB7s set the standard in the realm of mechanical disc brakes. Inboard and outboard adjustor knobs, Tri-Align Caliper Positioning System, and integrated Cable Stop spring tension adjustment ensures that our standard is everyone else’s goal".
The Avid BB7 Disc Brake Features:
The Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes get you maximum reliability in a smooth and powerful package
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