BryanW

Hi, I need a set of inexpensive disc brakes, and the best deal I've found is £100 for a set (F&R) of Shimano Deore 525 or 556. I know the 556 is the updated 555, but what's the difference between that one and the 525? I can't find anywhere that gives me an answer, except one suggestion that 525 was OEM and 555 aftermarket. Anyone got a clue? Also, would people recommend either one over the other?

Cheers, Bryan

veteran_youth

I was under the impression that the 555 was OEM and the 525 aftermarket.......perhaps we have things backward in Canada! I actually believe both brakes were at some point/are available aftermarket.

The main difference between the two is that the 555 is a dedicated I.S. style mount while the 525 is a post mount style that uses an adaptor. The two calipers also use different pads. I would assume that would make the 555 slightly lighter, but neither are featherweights, and the 525's post mount will make it far easier to adjust. If you have a Manitou or newer Marz. post mount fork do not even think about the 555. Otherwise, after initial set up the difference is negligible.

Andrew

BryanW

Thanks Andrew. The online shop gives an option of IS or post for the 525. Does the adaptor convert from IS to post, or vice versa? I guess your comment about the 525 being easier to adjust because of its post mount wouldn't apply if I got the IS mount (Fox fork)?

Would anyone bother stumping up 50% extra for LX?

Cheers, Bryan

jag89

depends what riding your doing and also depends who long u want them to last and also how much your going to use them.

You might want to also check out the
Avid BB7's on Chain Reaction Cycles there about £60 for 1 so your gonna spend about £120 on some quality brakes! the Avid brakes are getting more poplular nowadays because they are reliable. so i would check them out. also check out the Chain Reaction Cycles Site its great. they have there january sale on at the mo!

let us know what you choose in the end!

BryanW

Cheers, chainreaction is where I saw the Deores for £100. They have some great bargains there.

I never thought about cable discs, but the reviews for those BB7s are really good. Only thing is, they don't come with levers for that money, and the Shimanos do. But having said that, I already have some Avid SD1.9L levers from my old V-brake days - will they work OK? (Does the SD stand for Speed Dial or is that something else?)

jag89

yeh they will work fine. and yes SD stands for Speed Dial .. i think there the ones with that red dial on the back of them. was looking at them a min ago looked pretty nice. as long as there still cable brakes they will work fine. would be stupid if somebody tried to use normal brake levers (cable) for hydro brakes lol