All brake pads are not the same size. The BB-7 from Avid has a bigger break pad than the BB-5. The BB-5 is about the bottom of the barrel in terms of disc brakes. The BB-7 is far superior. Buy a BB-7 caliper for your front. It's about a 15 minute switch-a-roo. You can even use the same brake levers. You will notice a difference.