Brakes Disc > Rotor Brakes Disc

Advantages: Excellent lever feel, stopping power, durability
Disadvantages: when they squeel, they REALLY squeel

...Orange), Avid Juicys and the Shimano XT. I chose Shimano for various reasons and the following review will hopefully outline why I took this course of action over the much hyped Hope and Avids. Having tested various systems on demo bikes around the country, it seemed to me that there was little to choose between the braking characteristics of my shortlisted products. However, the Shimano just edged it on the progressive feel of the braking action. ...
...was the aftermarket availability of Shimano parts. Only Hope comes close it seems. Go into any bike shop anywhere in Europe, or the world for that matter, and you will see Shimano products on display. It's reassuring to know that if things do go wrong, you're never far away from the part you need. So, one year (almost) in and how's the system performing? In short...I made the right choice. I wouldn't swap them for any other product if I was paid ... Read review

Advantages: Superior build quailty and maintence free
Disadvantages: Set up is time consuming

...and stopping power that the Hope M4's have. The brakes came pre-bled so it was just a case of bolting them on and aligning them. This can be a bit time consuming as the pads sit close to the rotor so they have to aligned well to stop any rubbing. Once everything is set up these brakes are virtually maintenance free, only have to replace the pads ever so often. The system stops any air leaks very well, I haven't had to re bleed them in the 6 months ... Read review

Advantages: Easy to fit and maintain plus great price
Disadvantages: Will need adjusting from time to time

Overall: The Avid BB7 mechanical disc brake is a good option if you're looking for an aftermarket mechanical disc brake that's both affordable and adjustable. By most accounts (including mine), the Tri-Align Caliper Positioning System is the easiest way to mount a disc brake on a mountain bike, and it allows you to spend less time cursing tiny shims and stomping around your shop or garage. While I wouldn't argue that the long-term performance of ...
...choice between a set of Avid mechanicals and pretty much any other mechanical disc brake available today, go with the Avid and save yourself a bunch of headaches and many days of sore hands. If you're considering a set of lower-priced hydraulic brakes as an alternative to the BB7s, check out a set of Hayes HFX-9s or Avid Juicy 5s - both brakes offer quality hydraulic stopping power for only a little more money than the BB7s. Durability: Avid utilizes ... Read review

Advantages: Last for ages and easy to fit
Disadvantages: None

I've used the Avid BB7 mechanical for over three years now & have been satisfied using these sintered (Gold) pads. The setup was both the stock 160mm rotor & 185mm rotor. Even in pouring rain the 160mm plus these Avid pads stop the bike with great modulation. Now I have one installed for the front for my XC bike which stops like a dream. Occasionally dirt and oil may require you to clean them by either soaking the pads in alcohol & sanding a thin ...
...and the break-in period is fast! (Just pour water on the rotor, go down the hill and brake hard couple times) These brake pads can vary from dealer to dealer but mainly the retail for around £15, there are various online stores that they can pe purchased from including "Evanscycles.com" and "chainreactioncycles.com" ... Read review

Advantages: Good breaking power
Disadvantages: nothing

I recently bought a set of replacement pads for my AVID Juicy 3 brakes. These came in at £15 for a pair for the front. They seem to vary in price by a few pounds, thi was from a well known online MTB shop in the lakes. Being a disc brake novice I didn't have a clue how to fit them so rather than break them or waste time finding out I got a mate to do it for me. Other than the actual fitting the one thing I did do was to lightly rub down the pads ...
...idea as it reduces the chances of the pads glazing over and gives you better breaking power earlier on, guess this is like I used to do with my standard V-Brake pads. I think that is roughly 1000 miles of use on my old pads. I tend to change them early as I did with V-brakes, not sure that is necessary with discs though (not at this price) As with other disc brakes you get excellent breaking power in most conditions, wet, dry, snow.. I have to ... Read review