Getting Disc Brakes--What size do I need?
09-16-08, 08:57 AM
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Getting Disc Brakes--What size do I need?
I am going to buy some Avid BB7 Disc Brakes for my 2005 Marin Hawk Hill, which is disc brake ready(according to Marin product specs, both front and rear hubs are Shimano Disc, 32 hole). I'm looking at the site where I'm getting the Avid's and they offer a lot of different sizes: like front 160mm, 185mm, or 203mm etc). How do I know what size I should get?
When going from "linear pull" brakes, whatever that is, do I need to replace brake levers etc? Or is it simply a matter of removing old brakes and installing new disc brakes?
Any tips, suggestions, etc? Thanks!
When going from "linear pull" brakes, whatever that is, do I need to replace brake levers etc? Or is it simply a matter of removing old brakes and installing new disc brakes?
Any tips, suggestions, etc? Thanks!
09-16-08, 09:29 AM
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160mm would be sufficient for your bike, your old brake levers should work with them but you'll need new cables.
Last edited by cobba; 09-16-08 at 09:37 AM.
09-16-08, 09:40 AM
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I went from 160mm F/R to 185 F/ 160 R on my J5's and never regretted it. It's a world of difference in stopping power.
09-16-08, 09:49 AM
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09-16-08, 10:38 AM
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BB7s are great breaks and you can't go wrong with any. Ideally I'd say to test ride 'em but it all comes down to how much you and your rig weight and what type of riding you usually do.
As a rule of thumb, 160mm are for XC, 185mm for FR and DJ and 203mm for DH.
As a rule of thumb, 160mm are for XC, 185mm for FR and DJ and 203mm for DH.
09-17-08, 04:08 AM
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Not to hijack this thread, but I have a related question:
I have 160mm discs front and rear on my Stumpjumper hardtail. I asked one of the guys at my LBS about upgrading to larger discs, especially in front. He advised against it, mostly because of the difficulty in getting the larger discs aligned correctly (straightened) and keeping them aligned.
Any thoughts on this? Has anyone here had difficulty keeping larger discs aligned?
I have 160mm discs front and rear on my Stumpjumper hardtail. I asked one of the guys at my LBS about upgrading to larger discs, especially in front. He advised against it, mostly because of the difficulty in getting the larger discs aligned correctly (straightened) and keeping them aligned.
Any thoughts on this? Has anyone here had difficulty keeping larger discs aligned?
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