Hybrid Bicycles - MTB & Road Disc Brakes (What's the difference?)

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PDA
GF Psycholist
08-12-11, 10:30 AM
I have a Gary Fisher Utopia (Original GF not Trek GF series) which currently has it's original Avid BB5 Disc Brakes. I'm considering getting the newer BB7s but have found there are 2 types MTB and Road. Can anybody tell me the difference from a cyclists point of view rather than the manufacturer. I tend to ride primarily on the road but with the Utopia's sturdy build I do hit some of the rough stuff now and then.

dynaryder
08-12-11, 02:12 PM
In terms of functionality and performance,they are identical. It's the mechanics(actuation) that are different. Most discs require a long cable pull like V brakes,whereas canti and caliper brakes require a short pull. Most drop bar levers are short pull. In order to get discs to work with drop bars,Avid and Shimano redesigned some of their calipers to be short pull. I've never used the Shimano's,but I've have both versions of the BB7 and the only difference is the actuator arm and the markings on the caliper.

Since you have long pull levers,you'll need the MTB versions.