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So, my current brakes, Avid Single Digit 3 are beginning to show some wear and I have been toying with the idea of upgrading to disc brakes. Are mechanical disc brakes worth it? I don't have a huge budget so I think that Hydraulic discs are going to be too expensive. I ride mostly XC single track, but it is very hilly and I am not light so I beat on brakes pretty hard.
Should I wait for the money for hydraulic discs or are mechanical a good compromise?
Thanks!
if you are going to get mech's, avid bb7's are strongly recommended. i like my pair alot. super easy to adjust, lots of power.
i had a pair of hayes mech's and sold them off. they were heavier & had less modulation.
I have BB7's with 185mm (errr....the bigger ones) rotors and ti levers, and I love them. They don't have the cush feeling of hydros, but the power and modulation are great. Definately a huge improvement over V's.
I like the ability to adjust or repair on the trail. Hydraulics for backcountry riding scare me a little.
I've got avid mechanicals and they're nice. They are a couple years old and are before the bb7's if I recall. Like mentioned before, not as plush or quiet as hydro's, but still worth it as far as I'm concerned.
Also something maybe to consider is to just go disc on the front for now but go hydraulic. I mean the rear brake only does so much, and you can upgrade that later.
Another vote for the BB7. Living in the NE, like you, we get a ton of mud (if this summer's weather thus far is any indication, expect to slog through a lot this year). I like knowing that I can ride into a pit of mud up to my bottom bracket, and still have working brakes. Living in VT you shouldn't even conside new rim brakes. Mech. discs are waay better.
if you're going mechanical, BB7 for sure. search mtbr.com on the forums under "best deals" and they should have good prices.
Thanks all. Seems like a no brainer to go with the mechanical discs (bb7s').
I have done little to no research on this yet, but how much of my current brake setup can I resuse? Levers?
Yes, you can reuse your SD3 Levers, but I'd replace the cables (duh). Also, you know you'll need a new wheelset with a disc specific hub, right?
I just got a pair of Mavic x317s on here for just over $100, and I know someone over on the the mtbr forum that told me just last night that he'll sell his brand new x317's for $125. Pretty hard deal to pass up if you need new wheels.
If all else falls through, I have a pair of Avid SD-5 (V brake) that I'll sell for CHEAP, although I don't think you should go that route, especially in New England.
Also, your fork and frame have disc brake caliper mounts, right???
Yes , frame and fork have disc mounts and the wheels/hubs are disc ready. Pretty cool considering the bike is a 2002ish Stumpjumper fsr.
SOunds like a fairly easy and inexpensive upgrade. I'm stoked.
pm senttttt
Yep; BB7. I have one on my Ventana and it's teh bomb. I actually prefer the stiff brake lever feel over hydros anyways. Use with some speed dials and crank 'em all the way down. As Marsh said; they're bonehead to adjust and setup too.
spring for hydros.
In my experience, the upgrade from rim brakes to mech discs = the upgrade from mech discs to hydros. I've seen Avid Juicy 7s on sale for $150/ea.
Id disagree wholeheartedly. No brainer for hydraulics...Quote:
Seems like a no brainer to go with the mechanical discs
I had a set of BB5s and couldnt stand them. The lever always felt mushy--hydros just have a much more solid feel (Im sure part of it is in the setup, but I never had any luck getting a solid feel from the mechs). You can score cheap Hayes hydros on Ridemonkey or BustedSpoke... I know--I was trying to sell an older pair a year or so ago and couldnt get sh** for em. :fuckyou:
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...ical+Disc.aspx
if you're gonna go with mechs go with these, but otherwise spring for some hydro's. I really like my Hopes, great power and modulation and no fading when they get hot, except they do howl, which I believe has been fixed now due to Hope's two piece rotors
if one carefully looks on ebay, they can find a BIN on juicy 5's for $230 total.
Dont know if thats in your budget.
Theres also one Front selling for 70$ BIN.
I know a couple people that have those and love them.
I guess it all depends on who sets the brakes up. Mech's are lighter weight, require less tools, and still lock up a wheel just the same. Modulation is definitely somewhat of a sacrifice, but then again - the degree to which this is a factor is largely up to the guy that dials them in.....
Regardless, any disc is still 1000 x better than even the best rim brake.
I’ll take it a step further, mechanical disc breaks are easier to adjust than rim breaks. I’m sure better sites exist, but I found this one informative— http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/fix/.Quote:
Originally Posted by BLOOD SWEAT STEEL
While I’m sure hydros are way better, mechanical discs are great upgrade, especially if you’re trying to improve your bike on the cheap.
yes. Just do it. Especially helpful when wet and wet.