[QUOTE=ColinL;12984862]Three comments:
1. What kind of conditions are you riding in that your current brakes are inadequate?
I mainly ride trails (limestone) and some road. Nothing too crazy. At least not yet. Elevation does vary. I also began commuting to work and that is all paved road. So it's about 60/40 trails and road.
You're going to sink some money into new wheels, or at least hubs, and it's very tempting to get 'better' wheels rather than equivalent. Discs have two distinct advantages over v-brakes: severe & sustained downhill braking, and muddy conditions.
I understand they are pricey and will probably need to spend some money, but I'm not looking to upgrade until next year. My plan is to get a list of all the parts I'll need and rough estimate of what said parts will cost. I figure I'll put some money aside each month and when April rolls around I'll see what I have saved and consider the options.
2. Discs are heavier than v-brakes once you consider the rotor and caliper compared to just a pinch brake.
True, but I'm not too concerned with weight at this time.
3. If you're still intent on discs after reading and (hopefully
) considering my first two points, then I fully agree that the Avid BB7 is the brake you want. The 160mm rotors are fine. You don't need the big rotors except for downhill racing; it's just extra weight.
I rode a friends bike with disc brakes and was impressed. If I continue riding to work and encounter wet conditions, I've heard they are better then V-brakes.
Thanks for the feedback, Colin.