Mechanical Disc Brakes?

[Bluebird]

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!

[marshalolson]

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.

[ANON-505]

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.

[Ski Monkey]

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.

[pechelman]

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.

[Plakespear]

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.

[Squatch]

if you're going mechanical, BB7 for sure. search mtbr.com on the forums under "best deals" and they should have good prices.

[Bluebird]

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?

[ANON-505]

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???

[Bluebird]

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.

[powking12]

pm senttttt

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

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.

[homerjay]

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.

[Natedogg]

Seems like a no brainer to go with the mechanical discs

Id disagree wholeheartedly. No brainer for hydraulics...

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.

[mtnjam]

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

[pechelman]

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.

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

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.

[Greydon Clark]

As Marsh said; they're bonehead to adjust and setup too.

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/.

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.

[Blatant]

yes. Just do it. Especially helpful when wet and wet.