Hello everyone!
I recently obtained a used 2007 Trek 6000 which comes with Avid BB5 disc brakes. This bike needs quite a bit of an overhaul and among that are the disc brake pads that seem to be worn down (and there is almost no stopping power with these brakes right now). I would like to avoid having to buy multiple sets of brake pads just to find the right one, so I am posting here to see if you could pass on some experience.
I have never owned BB5s and read very mixed things about it on the internet. Problems were generally reported around these points:

• Needs constant adjustment
• Brake power fading after a few weeks to dangerous levels
• Pad area too small to provide consistent strong braking

Some others report good performance after properly breaking the pads in...


As for my question: I need to replace my old commuter bike and this bike with BB5s is the designated new one. What I need from these brakes is:

• Consistent performance in rain, shine, snow and slush even at cold temperatures (-15...-20C; Ontario winters)
• Reliable brake power, better a bit too strong than too weak

My commute does not include long descents or any crazy downhill sections.

When looking for alternative (non-stock) brake pads, some reviews say they are much better than the stock Avid ones (e.g. Nukeproofs or Brake Authority). But they are also somewhat more expensive.
What's your take on this, will these 15-20$Cdn pads ensure that I can avoid the problems other people have reported? Is it overkill?
What compound would you recommend (Sintered? Semi-metallic)?


Thanks a lot guys!

I got Kool Stop organic /resin pads* for my BB7 disc, 5 had same inside adjuster smaller pad surface,
outer pad adjustment is the cable adjuster...

* like them a lot better than the stock avid pad..

Glad to hear that there is a difference.

I tried Nukeproof and found them to be inferior to stock Shimano organic pads. YMMV.