Mountain Biking - V-Brake Selection and Cable Questions

Hey all,

This I'm sure has been asked but as fast as technology and opinions change I figured I'd ask for a fresh perspective..

I currently have the bottom of the line Tektro V-brakes and integrated shifter/brake levers. I recently bought standalone shifters and since I need to buy standalone levers anyway figured I may as well improve my braking performance/lever response while I'm at it.

I think I'm going to hit the "buy" button on the Avid SD7 brakes and Speed Dial 7 levers from Pricepoint. Combo price is $69.98 (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11986-347_AVD7K0-3-Parts-159-Brakes/V-Brakes/Avid-Single-Digit-7-Brake-w_Avid-Speed-Dial-7-Levers-COMBO.htm). So first of all does anyone feel that's a bad deal or that there's a better (comparably priced) alternative for rim brakes?

My main question is about the cables. I figure since I'm replacing the brakes I may as well do the cables as well since most people say that free moving cables have as much to do with solid performance as the equipment they're connected to. I'm a little torn. I don't want to spend more than necessary but I want to get cables that will not stretch horribly and maintain a free full range of motion. My current choices are:

Avid Flak Jacket Cables (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11115-050_AVDFJ8-3-Parts-49-Cables/Avid-Flak-Jacket-Cable-Set.htm) for $20

or

Shimano XTR (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11132-050_SHIXB3-3-Parts-49-Cables/Shimano-XTR-ATB-Brake-Cable-Set.htm) for $15.

Are the flak jackets worth the extra $5, or does anyone have a better/cheaper suggestion?

Any input is appreciated. I count on you guys (generally thru others questions) to set me straight and keep me from making mistakes with $$. :) Let me know what you think about these products or any valid alternatives you may have.

I would go with the XTR cable, it works as well as the Flak Jacket, particularly since it appears you're not running a full housing.

Not sure about the brakes.

I have been pretty unhappy with the AVid SD7's they don't stay centered and were no stronger then the cheap ones that came on my bike. whe nI posted thsi I got several reply's that others had this same problem with them.

I haven't had any problems with the SD7's that have come through the shop, but if it were me and I wanted the best V brake for the money I'd say a pair of the Avid Arch Rivals (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11084-040_AVDA51-3-Parts-159-Brakes/V-Brakes/Avid-Arch-Rival-Brake.htm) mated to the SD7 levers (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11076-035_AVD2L1-3-Parts-159-Brakes/V-Brakes/Avid-Speed-Dial-7-Levers-Grey_Black.htm)
The FR-5's aren't that bad, but they lack adjustability
Beyond that I'd go disc

Thanks for the info guys. I checked out MTBR and out of about 100 feedbacks only one person could find something negative to say and no one mentioned the centering problem, but I will definitely keep it in mind.

And Raiyn, believe me I'd love to go with the Archs but they would end up running me an extra $30 and I already feel bad dumping this much money into a 4300! :) Thanks for the feedback.

By no one's response to the cable question other than one vote for the XTR's I'm guessing that so long as I don't go ultra cheap I'll be alright either way. Since the XTR's are only $4 more than the cheaper Avid Straight Jacket I reckon I'll just go with those. Thanks again all..

I have both the SD7 levers and the Flak Jacket cables on my Trek with the Avid BB7 DB and I have to say thay are both awesome.

I'd get the Avid Flak Jackets. The XTR cables aren't worth it IMO, especially if you have sections of exposed cable. Save your money buy some standard housing and some stainless steel cable.

You'll spend $30 for the XTR. (Sold as singles, you need two), the Avid's are sold as a set (front AND rear included) or buy some housing (about $1/ft) and two sets of stainless steel cable ($4 - $4.50 ea). Figure 10 - 12 feet of housing for a bike front and rear with some housing left over.

Thanks for the advice it's definitely appreciated. a2psyklnut, the XTR cables I linked are actually sold in pairs, you get both the front and rear..

Thanks for the info guys. I checked out MTBR and out of about 100 feedbacks only one person could find something negative to say and no one mentioned the centering problem, but I will definitely keep it in mind.


thats where I read about them. when I posted my problems here I heard so many complaints about them it makes me wonder.
I get a kick out of the power issue. I did not find them any more powerful then the cheapie shimano's or very little mroe. compared to my paul component v brakes they are down right wimpy. but since they cost about 4 times more I can't compare them (G)

thats where I read about them. when I posted my problems here I heard so many complaints about them it makes me wonder.

Usually on MTBR it's an even mix of positive and negative. I've found that more often than not the negatives are even amplified on MTBR because generally the people with the loudest voice looking for an audience are those that have problems. That's why I was suprised to see such overwhelming positive responses on MTBR...

Gorsar - I went for the same avid deal on pricepoint, and picked up a set of XTR cables with it as well. They were cake to set up, and they stop me on a dime. I'd say go for it.

Thanks for the advice it's definitely appreciated. a2psyklnut, the XTR cables I linked are actually sold in pairs, you get both the front and rear..

Missed that, sorry! In that case get them. It'll cost about the same for standard housing/stainless.

Am I missing something, I followed the link and the combo seems to be 15 dollars more than if you buy them seperate. I am curious because I have a base 2005 Rockhopper and I use it to pull my kid in his Burley Solo 2-3 times a week and between him, the Burley and my 225lbs, stopping power is, well, sometimes more like slowing power if you know what I mean.

Am I missing something, I followed the link and the combo seems to be 15 dollars more than if you buy them seperate. I am curious because I have a base 2005 Rockhopper and I use it to pull my kid in his Burley Solo 2-3 times a week and between him, the Burley and my 225lbs, stopping power is, well, sometimes more like slowing power if you know what I mean.

You're missing something. Combo price is for two wheels worth of brakes and levers, whereas the individual price you're thinking of is for one set of brakes and a set of two levers.

Of course there's always DryCables (http://www.drycables.com/html/about_dry_cables.html) They're the successor to Gore Ride-On's.