3speed

Looking for a disk brake(just one) for ~$50 or less. I was looking at the BB7s, but I'm not OK with brakes squealing so I guess those are out after all I've read about their problems with it. What would be the next best option that isn't known for squeals?

scyclops

My BB7s (4 bikes with them) don't make any noise when I'm on them and rolling fast, only if I roll the bike really slow they kind of groan a little. Noise or not, they sure work well enough.

3speed

Hmm... I wouldn't really care about slow rolling noise. I just can't stand when I'm heading into a turn at speed and hit the brakes and they start screaming. And I ride for relaxation and pleasure and that gets ruined too by brakes that are constantly squealing.

roccobike

We have four bikes with Avid brakes, two with BB-5s, one with BB-7's and one with Juicy hydraulic brakes. THe only one that squeals at speed is the Juicy. I've never had the mechanical make any noise.

dsprehe89

My bike has BB5's and it doesn't squeal at all. As scyclops said, while rolling slowly and applying the brakes they make some slight rubbing noise, but you will have that with all disc brakes.

ed 

Some of it has to do with your frame too. My XLT with juicy 5's was completely silent. Moved those brakes over to a hardtail 2004 Komodo and they made some noise. Code 5 brakes on the same frame were extremely noisy as crap.

Elixirs with 6" G3 rotor on a 2005 komodo frame howled a bit. Same setup with a 6" Hayes v6 rotor is pretty quiet. Occasional squeek. V5 rotor was completely silent.


Stroker Ryde on 2010 Jamis Parker has a vibrating howl at low speed light braking. Increase pressure and it goes away. Increase speed and it goes away.

commo_soulja

Set up correctly and using the correct pads for the conditions I've never had squealing BB7s.

The only exception being when the rotor and (sintered) pads get wet.then they'll squeal til they dry out.

scyclops

+1

3speed

Alright. Guess I'll definitely try the BB7s. Thanks.

rat fink

I would recommend BB7s to anybody. They are dependable, quiet, easy to set up and work well. Are they the best? No, But they are effective and a great value. For XC and trail use, they seem to be more than adequate. For bigger, faster styles of riding, there are better options.

Be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Sram has videos on YouTube on how to set the up. I watched those and compared with the written instructions before installation. Disc brakes are one of those parts that have to be set up right, or the performance decreases significantly.

scyclops

Sounds like you're sort of definitely convinced.

3speed

^ Haha, well honestly I'm still not convinced they aren't going to squeal and me end up having to get something else, but I'm pretty mechanically inclined and figured if several real riders on the forum are saying that they can not squeal then I can probably get them not to. There are a LOT of online reviews talking about how much BB5/7s squeal, though. In any case, I'm gonna try em' and see what happens.

ed 

Some of the problems with disc brakes actually stem from rider weight:frame flex. I've proven that. You little guys (sub-180#) won't ever experience it. It takes more power to stop a bigger dude like me. (200#) Some frames will flex in the rear tri enough to cause the caliper/rotor interface to be torqued out of alignment under heavier braking. This will cause all sorts of fun noises...no matter how "proper" you think you set it up.

3speed

Thanks for the input. Maybe that's part of the problem people are experienceing with the BB5/7s. Also maybe improper setup. I'm only ~150lbs and pretty mechanically inclined, so hopefully that won't be an issue.

scrublover

In that price range, you're not going to find anything that will work better than the
BB7, unless you find a good deal on something used.