Dragonboy13

I have BB7's and so far I've been happy with them. Easy to install brake pads and adjust. However, rather than upgrade, you can try swapping out the brake pads and see if that helps. Also, when I am downhilling, I only use my rear brakes and pull my weight backwards (abdomen to saddle) This allows me to go over small obstacles and prevent the superman dive. And Jsigone is right about "thinking about crashing will make you crash"! Confidence going downhill goes along way.

700 x 35 should fit your wheels but if unsure, check with your LBS. Here is a helpful resource I came accross Top 15 Best Clincher Cyclocross Tires Guide | CYCLOPHILIAC - American Made Cycling. Hope this helps!

rekon

Thanks this helps a lot. I am not as scared as I was when I first did this trail. I'm almost keeping up with my buddy who has a MTB. However, I still crush him on the climbs.

Anyways, I know they'll fit the wheels. I was more concerned if my bike has enough clearance for a 700x35 tire. I'm guessing it does. Don't all CX bikes have a fair amount of clearance?

Leebo

^^^ Only rear brake? The front brake provides most of the stopping power. Try to balance the 2. No reason not to use both brakes on the OP's smooth dirt roads.

Kopsis

UCI rules limit cyclocross tires to 33mm width, so true CX bikes (bikes designed for CX racing) don't need to accommodate anything wider. Some do, particularly those targeting "recreational" riders as well as racers, but CX is not synonymous with fat tires.

rekon

For my purposes wouldn't 35mm be better? I'm not looking to do any races any time soon. Just have fun up & down steep hills.

Andy_K 

Your frame should have plenty of clearance for 35mm tires, and they would be better for offroad.

Regarding the BB7 vs BB5, I'd of a mixed mind here. The BB7's are definitely better than BB5's, but they aren't the pick-of-the-litter among drop bar disc brakes like they used to be. When you're riding downhill offroad traction is typically the limiting factor in your braking power. You might find that all the BB7's do is let you get into a skid faster. On the other hand, they are easier to keep adjusted.

Kopsis

Not saying you shouldn't go wider, just saying don't assume that a CX bike can take wider. Some can, but you need to make some actual measurements to see what yours can fit.

rekon

Update: I talked to the shop and they said 35mm would fit just fine.

With my current Kenda Quicks i got 3 flats in 2 weeks on this trail! I think it's the rocky parts combined with the downhill speed that blows my tires.

I hope the Kenda Happy Mediums will help!!

rekon

I just ordered the happy mediums! they are 40c. According to the manufacture they will fit. Hopefully 40c doesn't impact my climbs too much!!

paddybogman

I'm not sure if BB5 to BB7 is much of an upgrade. I think the TRP Spyre calipers may be the best mechanical brake available currently. The 35c tires should fit on that bike. You should be able to tell just by seeing how much clearance you currently have.

rekon

Thanks, 42c is the max. I think if i'm going to upgrade the brakes they better stop on dime. I don't want new brakes that are only going to give me a slight upgrade.