misslexi

Am about to outfit a Rans Stratus XP with disc brakes.

Any recommendations?

Under consideration are the Avid BB7 and Juicy 7.

jsmithy

First, disk brakes are not necessary IMO unless you descend big hills/mountains or carry loads.

I started out with a set of Tektro Aquilla's. They are awful. Always rubbed.

I then went to the Avid BB7's. I went with a 185mm rotor up front and a 160 in the back. The 185 front brake has a noticable increase in power over the 160 Tektro I had up there originally. They are really nice brakes and once adjusted properly, work well and do not rub.

Personally, Juicy's are way more hassle than necessary. I recommend the BB7's.

Watch greenfishsports. They run BB7s in the low $40 range each now and again along with free shipping over $60 or so.

misslexi

Yes, big hills are part of the landscape, and heavy loads too, hence disc brakes.

So far I can't find any love out there for the Juicy brakes...

gcottay

I have BB7's on one trike and hydraulic Gator 4's on another. Though the hydraulics are a bit smoother and require less effort, I prefer the simplicity and feel of the BB7's.

After years of thinking disks were the answer to all braking questions, a set of Kool Stop pads has provoked review. Unless you are dealing with heavy loads or monumental downhills, you might want to try new pads before making the disk investment.

misslexi

A new one was added to my list: Interloc Racing Design Dual Bangers, my LBS recommended them.

They are a dual-action mechanical caliper setup.

https://www.interlocracing.com/discbrake.html

jsmithy

Disk brakes are the way to go with heavy loads especially if long, steep downhills are involved. Still think BB7's are probably your best bet. They are well respected, simple and effective. I would go with the 185 rotor up front and maybe even on the back if you are carying heavy loads. Fitting a 185 on the back can be difficult if you have a rack and or kickstand mounted back there.

The bigger the rotor the better to disipate heat. Though, I'm not sure a 203mm rotor would fit in either spot. My 185 rotor is very close to the fork as it is and the fork tapers in as it contiues toward the top. Same with the chains stays in the back.

bentX2

I have Tektro Aquila brakes front and bake on my SXP and even in the fairly flat midlands I really like them. I bought this SXP used so don't know why the previous owner chose them but they're worry free so far.

PaPa

Great for high CoG mountain bike or SWB, but not on a 70r/30f, low seated LWB. They do best with the larger rotor on the rear.

The larger the rotor the greater the sensitivity (read, loss of modulation). Too big and lockups will be difficult to avoid - especially on wet surfaces.

BlazingPedals

True, bigger rotors/more braking is not always better. If you can skid the wheels, you've already got more than you need. What I like about discs is that they're like power brakes. Less effort, so no cramping on long downhills.

jsmithy

When my bike is loaded up and I'm descending big hills or mountains...I'll take my setup any time. It works. I have no problems with lockups...even on wet pavement. The only reason I have a 160 on the back and not a larger rotor, is the rear rack. 160 is all that would fit with the rack installed.

misslexi

Thanks for all the help, I finally got the disc brakes all set up on my Rans Stratus XP. Decided to go with the Interloc Racing Dual Bangers front and rear, 203mm both.

I do notice the front brakes, even when lightly applied, make the fork "buck" just a bit, as if there's play in the headset. It's not a lot, but enough to get my attention. Since I can't find any play in the headset, I thought I'd ask the experts?