Cyclist30907654

hey all,

I have a 2007 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc. After using it for a while, I have discovered that the brakes aren't powerful enough, especially in Seattle, where it's very hilly.

I have done some research and decided to upgrade to Avid BB7 brakes. However, I have some questions.

Will the brake fit on my fork? (RST Gila Plus t7) The RST site gives no info on the disc mount hardware

Will the rotor be compatible? I currently have Shimano 415, which uses Centerlock to attach the rotor.

If the answer any of the above questions is no, is there anyway to get around it?

And also, if it is possible to install a BB7 system at all, can I move up to a larger rotor? I currently have 6 inch rotors, the BB7 comes in 160,185, and 203 mm sizes.

Teboner92

hey i have the same bike
i think those brakes stop on a dime but thats ust me.
for me im more worried about a better fork before i do any brake upgrading, you might also want to consider fork upgrades

Cyclist30907654

Really? I find the Shimano brakes not good enough. I'm a 200 lbs guy and I bike in Seattle, where its hilly. I don't like the fork either but it works I suppose. I'm more concerned with my stopping power at the moment

born2bahick

Yes they should both be compatible.

Noye

i dont know my bike has 8 inch disks but i dont know the brand. i dont ever worry about breaks beacuse i usually fall beacuse of them

alumrock12

if you have a centerlock hub, it'll only accept a centerlock rotor, from shimano right? you can get a part to convert, but i hear its expensive. bb7's aren't centerlock, they're 6bolts.

someone correct me if i'm wrong.

bsyptak

You can use the old rotors with the new bb7 calipers. Ebay the new rotors or trade someone for another set of centerlocks.

Teboner92

ya i weigh around 180ish but i probably have the hills you do

fuzzymemory

Have you tried swapping out the brake pads in your existing brake setup?

born2bahick

Yeah the calipers don't care if they grab a centerlock or 6 bolt rotor.

Cyclist30907654

You guys are right, the rotor is a centerlock. While I could use the shimano rotors with the Avid calipers, I have been told its never good to mix. Also, some people say that the shimano rotors have a thinner braking path than other rotors (and the calipers that com with). This adapter that was mentioned... how much would it be?

Al.canoe

I upgraded my front rotor to 8 inch as I found my 6" lacking as I prefer one-finger breaking and I wanted quicker response. I outfitted my wife's bike with wheels with centerlock hubs, but prefer Avid mechanical brakes. I bought the DT Swiss (I think that's the brand) locking ring (from Performance) which allows you to use any rotor on the Shimano hubs.

The cheapest way to go is keep your brakes and go to a larger rotor. I would imagine all forks meet the international standard and you can put any brake on it.

Al

DylanTremblay

It isn't bad to mix. Heck I rode for 2 seasons with a Hope rotor and a Hayes caliper. It's not a big deal. But yes you might want to see if they are the same thickness at least. Sorry can't help you with that.

Al.canoe

Then would one use a different adaptor/bracket?

Al

Cyclist30907654

any specific info on my particular fork, the gila plus t7? What kind of mounts does it have

born2bahick

Here's one for 15 bucks a wheel https://www.greenfishsports.com/index...OD&ProdID=1032

Here is one for 18 https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...ock+To+Is.aspx

Or for 30 bucks https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/141...T)-Adapter.htm

Cyclist30907654

okay, so if the fork has standard IS mounts, what will I need to configure it for a larger rotor size?

born2bahick

Here is a link to different adaptors, the drop down menu allows you to pick what you are looking for, these are front adaptors, they also sell rear ones if needed!
https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/15682-115_AVDFA7-3-Parts-158-Brakes/Disc/Avid-CPS-Disc-Brake-Adapters-Front-'07.htm

Also here is a cheaper centerlock adaptor from the same store, before you ask..... I'm assuming this one uses the lock ring that you alreday have. A quick call to their sales dept would verify or deny that.
https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/158...ck-Adapter.htm

Cyclist30907654

Okay new question. After carefulo visual examination of the bike, I see 6 silver bolts around the rotor. Is it possible that though the hub is centerlock that the rotor isn't and Specialized used an adaptor to fit the rotor on?

Link to bike specs: https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22091

born2bahick

Possible but unlikely, does your rotor look like this?


Or this

Cyclist30907654

bottom one, I'll post some pics as quickly as possible

Cyclist30907654

born2bahick, I've posted pictures of my rotor. Can you confirm it is not centerlock?

Thanks

Cyclist30907654

sorry, here are the pics

born2bahick

Yep it's centerlock, The avid brakes will bolt on just like the ones you have now. You can use the centerlock rotors you have no problem,unless you want to go bigger.

Cyclist30907654

well I would like to have the Avid rotors as well... so I need an adaptor then