I just pulled the trigger on a 29er frame. I'm going to build it up with a tour on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route as a goal. I want to put disc brakes on it. I've never had discs and have very limited knowledge. People recommend mechanicals for this ride. They say they're easier to deal with when you're out in the middle of nowhere, which is where I'll be on this road. I'm considering Avid BB7's.

In poking around I've discovered that these come with different sized rotors. Great! Now what?

Does anyone have any advice? I weigh 200 lbs. I would be carrying a touring load - camping gear, clothes, food for up to 3 days, etc. The route is mostly forest service roads, but with some singletrack. There are plenty of passes to climb, and then ride down the other side.

185 front and rear, and be sure to have a couple spare sets of pads. Use a good stainless cable, and a high quality compression-less housing, full run from lever to caliper.

I would at least consider 203s for that rider weight and load. BB7s aren't that awesome to where they could not benefit from the extra leverage (esp on a 29er) and heat dissipation.

True. My main thought was to have the same rotor size front and rear, and spare pads.

I ran BB7's for many years before going hydro, and taking the time to do a good setup with quality cable and housing is well worth it.

Indeed.



I actually raced downhill on BB7s for a few seasons before I got picked up by Hayes.