Cyclocross - Best Mechanical Disc brakes for Cyclocross

Guys, what are the best disc brakes that are compatible with standard Campy Ergo brifters?

I have heard good things about Avid BB-7 Road disc brakes: BB7 Road (http://www.sram.com/avid/products/avid-bb7-road#/path/term-id/289)

or wait for the new Shimano CX75 disc brakes: http://www.cxmagazine.com/nahbs-2012-shimano-unveils-cx75-cyclocross-mechanical-disc-brake-cyclocross-gearing-wheels

I finally found an XL Lemond Poprad frame and it happens to be disc only, so I plan to embrace it and build a not too expensive "B" pit bike that will double as a off-season road training bike.

They are not mechanical, but I just got the Hope V-Twin brake that converts a normal mechanical brake lever to a hydraulic disk brake. ...First 200 miles of impression - pretty darn good! I didn't care for all the play in the mechanical brakes... Including the Avid bb7

Thanks - I will check it out: http://www.hopetech.com/page.aspx?itemid=spg343&langID=470


What is the best hydraulic disc brake (MTB) that I could convert with the Hope V-Twin? I have a pair of old Hayes hydros in the parts bin.



They are not mechanical, but I just got the Hope V-Twin brake that converts a normal mechanical brake lever to a hydraulic disk brake. ...First 200 miles of impression - pretty darn good! I didn't care for all the play in the mechanical brakes... Including the Avid bb7

TRP is also in the cable pull to Hydraulic conversion game..

the set is all together , hoses and calipers are hooked up,
and (likely)pre-bled.

the Hope one is apparently same way,
masters and caliper-slaves, hoses and all ..

so Ebay your old Hayes parts..Eric, and start anew.

Once the shifter conversion is to electronics,

the space in the lever is available to design around
putting the master cylander in there.

the [I]best is such a moving target.


But since this started with Q: what mechanical disc,
Avid BB7 is sold so often , lots of 3rd party pads are made.
and will be in stock at your LBS..

IRD has a double acting mechanical brake
which has both pads move into the disc.

But I've never seen any to judge.. 1st hand.

Gusset had a similar one, they claim, double acting mech.
might be a Shiny Vs Black
from the same subcontract company.. IDK.

IRD say they made theirs to use Shimano's pads.

I've been running BB7's for a few years and am generally happy with them. For a while, they were clearly the best mechanical option out there. If what Shimano says about their CX75 having 30% more power than their old mechanical road discs, then it might be on par with the BB7.

The brake that really has me intrigued is the Hayes CX-5. I haven't been able to find any actual reviews of it, but the fact that it's spec'd on the new Ridley CX disc models is a pretty strong endorsement.

BB 7 's after sale merits , have benefit IMHO,
as spare parts list is entirely available

all the wee part-s, internally..

When Kona chose Tektro Lyras ovr BB7's for their Jake, I had no doubt it was a cost cutting measure, but I can't see Ridley spec'ing a subpar brake on their X-Fire' particularly not the SKU with Ultegra Di2 components.

My Felt F65X came with BB5 calipers. I had the shop change them to BB7's (the road variety) prior to even taking the bike. From the research I've done, they're the best available at this time. The Hayes and IRD might be interesting to check out, though. The Tektro is apparently disappointing.

IDK, Andy K has attributed brands with something based on name reputation.

brand names are now their own commodity.

Ridley is now also run thru QBP distribution, too.
so there is still a bottom line
and the actual bike frames are likely another contract ,
subbed out to TW .

they might come in same container vessel
as Surly,Salsa, Civia Etc.. Via POE on the coast..

they putting Di2 stuff on Mud plugger Cross bikes ?

[ok the Pros do, but it's their job to help sell the stuff,
by making it look responsible for their being Fast]

BB7 for sure. I've had them on my Soma Doublecross for about 3-4 years now. No problems and great power & modulation. Replacement pads are easy to find and virtually any shop.

BB7 road with the levers/shifters of your choice. Run linear housing such as Jagwire Ripcord, and you'll be good to go.

I've been running BB7's for a few years and am generally happy with them. For a while, they were clearly the best mechanical option out there. If what Shimano says about their CX75 having 30% more power than their old mechanical road discs, then it might be on par with the BB7.

The brake that really has me intrigued is the Hayes CX-5. I haven't been able to find any actual reviews of it, but the fact that it's spec'd on the new Ridley CX disc models is a pretty strong endorsement.

I have bikes with both BB7's and the CX-5's and honestly I prefer the CX-5's. Both bikes are similar enough; aluminum frames with steel forks. Both are quite heavy (24-25 lb) but I feel the CX-5's stop a tiny bit better. It could just be perception though.

In any case, I was sceptical of the Hayes as well but as soon as I tried them I was sold. Certainly no worse than the BB7's IMO.

I have bikes with both BB7's and the CX-5's and honestly I prefer the CX-5's. Both bikes are similar enough; aluminum frames with steel forks. Both are quite heavy (24-25 lb) but I feel the CX-5's stop a tiny bit better. It could just be perception though.

In any case, I was sceptical of the Hayes as well but as soon as I tried them I was sold. Certainly no worse than the BB7's IMO.

Thanks for the first-hand report! I'm hoping to get one of the new disc-equipped Kona Jakes when they come out and I suspect that the Tektro Lyras will have to go. I've got a pair of BB7's, but I'm using one of them on my old 2008 Jake, so I was toying with the idea of trying either the Hayes or the new Shimano CX75's.

Can you adjust both pads on the Hayes the way you can on the BB7?

http://ironcycles.blogspot.com/2012/07/on-test-hayes-cx-5-mechanical-disc.html

I'm planning my carbon CX bike around the hayes, built one w BB7 like the looks and function of the hayes

Thanks for the first-hand report! I'm hoping to get one of the new disc-equipped Kona Jakes when they come out and I suspect that the Tektro Lyras will have to go. I've got a pair of BB7's, but I'm using one of them on my old 2008 Jake, so I was toying with the idea of trying either the Hayes or the new Shimano CX75's.

Can you adjust both pads on the Hayes the way you can on the BB7?

That's the only knock against them - you can only adjust the inner pad. So they're more like the BB5's in that way.

I still love them though. The fact that they have barrel adjusters makes up for the fact that you can only adjust the one pad. I hate that about my BB7-road's. They have no barrel adjuster!

Typically the cable pull barrel adjusts the moving pad ,
stationary pad is the knob or hex socket in the back..


of note in this years worlds, discs without holes in the edge were tried.
since sand pits filled the holes with, sand and the pads wore out within the Hour.

Going to build up a redline conquest classic bike. I already have the bb7 but was curious if anyone else has tried/used hayes cx-5?

Sram hydraulic brifters are in testing..

Going to build up a redline conquest classic bike. I already have the bb7 but was curious if anyone else has tried/used hayes cx-5?


Here's a gushing review w/pictars. Review: Hayes CX5 Mechanical Disc Brakes for Cyclocross & Road - Bike Rumor (http://www.bikerumor.com/2012/12/16/review-hayes-cx5-mechanical-disc-brakes-for-cyclocross-road/)

Sure look the bidness imo.


NOTE: Consider this a bump as i need 50 posts to be able to PM and avoid being flamed by the hostels in cyclocross for BD posts. :lol:

functionally looks like BB5, moving pad wear is the cable adjuster , rather than a knob.
stationary pad remains done from the backside..

Road, BB7 SL went to shiny finish , black Knobs. Vs dark and Red Knobs ..