bb7 weak
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,848
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bb7 weak
HI...
Campagnolo veloce flat bar levers combined with BB7 road disc calipers and disc brakes. For some reason they feel weak. I dont getthe power i was expecting. I had a set of mtb caliper just in case it was an issue with the cable travel and i have the same problem.
Some idea what can be wrong beside probably comming back to v brakes?
Thanks.
Campagnolo veloce flat bar levers combined with BB7 road disc calipers and disc brakes. For some reason they feel weak. I dont getthe power i was expecting. I had a set of mtb caliper just in case it was an issue with the cable travel and i have the same problem.
Some idea what can be wrong beside probably comming back to v brakes?
Thanks.
#2
META
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 945
Likes: 3
From: Madison, WI
Bikes: Gary Fisher Aquila (retired), Specialized Allez Sport (in parts), Cannondale R500, HP Velotechnic Street Machine, Dented Blue Fixed Gear (retired), Seven Tsunami SSFG, Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Hardtail (alloy version)
Probably a setup problem. Your pads may not be close enough to the rotor/misaligned AND you're not pulling enough cable.
#3
Peace and bicycle grease!
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: The Island, CA
Bikes: '85 Schwinn Voyageur, Ross Mt Hood, Rossin, the Nugget
maybe your brakes need some braking or bedding in. first, remove the wheels, clean the rotors with some good no residue cleaner (white lightning clean streak is the best IMO), install the wheels, pour clean water on the rotors and bed your brakes in. ride around and use your brakes as much as you can for 15 mins. they'll squeal like pigs, but once you're done, you should be set.
i'm assuming your brake levers are direct-pull brake compatible.
i'm assuming your brake levers are direct-pull brake compatible.
#4
Guest

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,768
Likes: 6
From: Grid Reference, SK
Bikes: I never learned to ride a bike. It is my deepest shame.
maybe your brakes need some braking or bedding in. first, remove the wheels, clean the rotors with some good no residue cleaner (white lightning clean streak is the best IMO), install the wheels, pour clean water on the rotors and bed your brakes in. ride around and use your brakes as much as you can for 15 mins. they'll squeal like pigs, but once you're done, you should be set.
i'm assuming your brake levers are direct-pull brake compatible.
i'm assuming your brake levers are direct-pull brake compatible.
#5
Spinning @ 33 RPM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 3
From: NE Ohio
Bikes: '89 Fuji Saratoga, '97 Schwinn Mesa SS, '07 Felt F1X, '10 Transition TransAM, '11 Soma Analog SS
My BB7s took almost 3 weeks to get to work. I was almost thinking of sending them back, but they finally got broken in when I got stuck in a huge rainstorm while out on the trails. They got full of mud and water and then suddenly the next day they worked perfectly! I had tried EVERYTHING to get them to work. They have been perfect ever since.
#6
Peace and bicycle grease!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: The Island, CA
Bikes: '85 Schwinn Voyageur, Ross Mt Hood, Rossin, the Nugget
If you do indeed have the BB& ROAD calipers then it is important that your levers are not direct pull compatible... using direct-pull compatible brake levers will make you brakes feel wooden and severely cut down on stopping power. BB7 ROAD calipers were desinged to be used with road levers, or other short-pull levers like cantilever compatible style.
#7
META
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 945
Likes: 3
From: Madison, WI
Bikes: Gary Fisher Aquila (retired), Specialized Allez Sport (in parts), Cannondale R500, HP Velotechnic Street Machine, Dented Blue Fixed Gear (retired), Seven Tsunami SSFG, Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Hardtail (alloy version)
My BB7s took almost 3 weeks to get to work. I was almost thinking of sending them back, but they finally got broken in when I got stuck in a huge rainstorm while out on the trails. They got full of mud and water and then suddenly the next day they worked perfectly! I had tried EVERYTHING to get them to work. They have been perfect ever since.
This may be too late... but define "everything"
My standard op in my shop is to buff the rotors and pads with, get this, skateboard grip tape. Wash the rotors in Dawn. Remount everything and go ride out the brakes in my parking lot until they bed in.
#9
Peace and bicycle grease!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: The Island, CA
Bikes: '85 Schwinn Voyageur, Ross Mt Hood, Rossin, the Nugget
this might be interesting to y'all:
https://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_bedintheory.shtml
https://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_bedintheory.shtml
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,104
Likes: 1
From: Athens, Ohio
Bikes: Custom Custom Custom
I believe Veloce flat bar levers came in two versions. A road caliper version and a v-brake version. Make sure you match up your brakes with the correct lever version you have.
#11
Spinning @ 33 RPM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 3
From: NE Ohio
Bikes: '89 Fuji Saratoga, '97 Schwinn Mesa SS, '07 Felt F1X, '10 Transition TransAM, '11 Soma Analog SS
My brakes are perfect now though.
#12
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,848
Likes: 4
THanks for the replies...
Well so far i have both bb7 versions, road and Mtb... same problem with both versions. Looks like the campy veloce flat bars work with v brakes long pull maybe?
I havent done a single thing as many of you state, wash and sand the discs and pads. I'll try that i guess
Thanks again
Well so far i have both bb7 versions, road and Mtb... same problem with both versions. Looks like the campy veloce flat bars work with v brakes long pull maybe?
I havent done a single thing as many of you state, wash and sand the discs and pads. I'll try that i guess

Thanks again
#13
Spinning @ 33 RPM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 3
From: NE Ohio
Bikes: '89 Fuji Saratoga, '97 Schwinn Mesa SS, '07 Felt F1X, '10 Transition TransAM, '11 Soma Analog SS






