I am shopping for my first set of disk brakes, and I am going to install them on my 2002 Rockhopper (yes it has disc mounts!). I definitely want to go with the BB7's and would also like to get the best matching brake levers (speed dial 7's).

The following is the best deal i've found (outside of some e-bay china stuff, that may or may not be counterfeit):

Avid BB7 Mountain Mechanical Disc Brake Combo Kit - BlueSkyCycling.com

I am just not sure about the rotors. The ad claims the HS-1's are an upgrade from the normal stock rotors that come with BB7's. Is that true? Will this combo work well?

I am also a little hesitant to go with the 160mm front and back, optimally I had planned to go with 180 front 160 back since I live and ride in the mountains. However, my budget is tight, this is a good deal and I am pretty light ~145lbs. I figure I can buy a bigger rotor later if I need to.

Should I buy this set?
Also, does anybody have experience with this company?

Can't comment on the HS-1 rotor, but I had 160s front and rear on the Specialized FSR XC with BB5's and currently have 160s on the 05 Rockhopper with BB7s and they perform perfectly. Unless you're doing downhills I don't see the need to go with the bigger rotor. If I remember correctly, you're currently using Avid V's. You'll enjoy the BB7s. I actually like them more than the Avid Juicy hydraulics on the other two bikes we have.

I've had two sets of BB7s; one is still on my CX bike and I love them. The other set went to my BIL and he likes them a lot, also.

I can't vouch for the rotors, either, as I bought both of my BB7s calipers only and used with existing rotors. Rarely would you have a problem with a beefy rotor like that, it's sometimes when using slotted models that you'll have issues.

Thanks guys. I am going to order the set.

roccobike - I am not currently running Avid V's though I ordered some and they should be arriving today. I am currently running lower lever shimano V's. I found a good deal on a set of nice disc compatible wheels yesterday, so I figured I might as well go all the way with a worthwhile upgrade. It turns out the disc upgrade is only going to cost me a little more than the Avid V-brake upgrade. I will be putting the avid v-brake set up back in the mail for a refund as soon I get them this afternoon. Thanks again for the insight.

HS1's are a definite upgrade over the old rotors that came with bb7's.

HS1 rotors are an upgrade. I use BB7 brakes with Avid levers on my commuter/tourer, they work just fine slowing down me(250#), the bike (31#) and my son in a bike trailer(70#) with 160mm rotors.

Different Avid brakes have different size pads.
The BB7 pads have a higher profile then some of the other Avid pads.
The G2 Cleansweep rotor used to be supplied with the BB7, the braking track on the G2 matched the size of the BB7 pads.
The HS1 rotor has a smaller braking track then the G2 and use to be supplied with Avid brakes that have smaller pads then the BB7.

Avid Code pads & BB7 pads.


Avid Code & HS1 - see the pad wear on the rotor


BB7 & HS1 - see the pad wear on the rotor


G2, HS1 & BB7 pads


BB7 + HS1 = less pad to rotor contact

I'd say the BB7 & HS1 aren't a perfect match even though Avid is now supplying the HS1 with the 'lightweight' BB7 S & SL models.

I've heard some people say they've felt pulsing with the BB7/HS1 combo, pads rubbing on the rotor arms might be the cause of this.

In saying that, there's plenty of people using the HS1 with the BB7 without any problems.

Thank you!
This is why I was unsure. I had looked up reviews on the HS1 and I just didn't see a lot of information or history behind them. Of the reviews I did read some people were complaining about pulsing, and strange brake pad wear even though the HS1 is a more expensive rotor. I wasn't sure if it was just a few outlier reviews from incorrect setup or something or if there was a real incompatibility. It seems as if they are not an ideal match, evidenced by those pictures. Now, I may just spend a few more dollars and get a more proper match.