EBC Formula MD1 Mechanical Caliper Disc Brake Pads

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 the Avid mechanical brakes trumps that of most hydraulic brake systems on the market, they're far and above the best mechanical disc brakes that I've tried. If you have the 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... Read review

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Advantages: Well made. Well finished. Excellent durabilty. Quality piece of kit
Disadvantages: Come equipped with Rim Wranglers Brake Pads

...the stainless hardware is the main factor in the lack of rustiness. It is also possible to strip, grease, and rebuild the calipers with the use of a punch to separate the bushes, followed by careful use of a vice to press them back together. What about the competition? The simple fact is that V-brake performance is influenced more by cable condition and pad condition/performance, than it is by the make of V-brake. Ultimately the amount of power a V-brake can deliver is limited by the span of a human hand. You can improve performance by lengthening the V-brake arms, but you now need to pull the lever further to generate the same amount of movement in the brake arm. Lengthen your v-brake arms too much, and the brake lever will hit the bar before you've applied any force to the rim. Which is why the arms of different V-brakes are all... Read review

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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 layer. In either case, the pads last a long time 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

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