Disc brakes: cheap hydro vs cheap mechanical?

[huskerdont]

I’ve had good luck with BB7s myself, and have preferred mechanicals since my old MTB with hydros leaked and I replaced them with BB7s. However, I’m looking at a winter road bike with Shimano BR-RS 505 hyrdros and was wary, so it’s good to hear folks say they’ve had good luck with Shimanos.

[hozn]

Yeah, I used to be worried about hydros in cold weather, having heard a few bad anecdotes, but have had no issues with SRAM road or Shimano. If Shimano had better shifting and 1x options, I would use Shimano hydro brakes on my road bikes too. The SRAM stop great but are a bit grabby; I love the smooth progressive / linear feel of Shimano brakes.

[huskerdont]

I’ve tolerated the Promax disc brakes on my gravel bike about as long as I’m going to. Wanted to use them a bit first, and I have. But honestly, who puts brakes on a bike that don’t really work?

I’ll probably just do BB7s, but am considering Shimanos or even Spyres. Other than disc size, are there any compatibility issues to be aware of between brands, like BCD? Other time I did this I stayed with the same brand.

ETA: mech to mech, inconsistent with original post.

[hozn]

@huskerdont 157953 wrote:

I’ve tolerated the Promax disc brakes on my gravel bike about as long as I’m going to. Wanted to use them a bit first, and I have. But honestly, who puts brakes on a bike that don’t really work?

I’ll probably just do BB7s, but am considering Shimanos or even Spyres. Other than disc size, are there any compatibility issues to be aware of between brands, like BCD? Other time I did this I stayed with the same brand.

ETA: mech to mech, inconsistent with original post.

The only compatibility question I know of is road vs MTB (cable pull). The Spyres do have more dimension inboard, which can make for tight spoke clearance on certain hub/spoke/rim combos. Was a problem on one of my front hubs, but no prob on two others.

I think BB7 and Spyre are similar in terms of stopping power. Spyres are nicer from an adjustment and pad wear perspective, though. And lighter. They’re not hydros, but they are decent brakes. I would take them over rim brakes for sure. I’d also consider TRP Hy/Rd as a compromise if you didn’t want to go all-in for hydro levers.

[anomad]

I’m upgrading to Spyre’s from BB7’s, partly out of irrational brand loyalty. If you’d like the well used BB7’s give me a shout.

@huskerdont 157953 wrote:

I’ve tolerated the Promax disc brakes on my gravel bike about as long as I’m going to. Wanted to use them a bit first, and I have. But honestly, who puts brakes on a bike that don’t really work?

I’ll probably just do BB7s, but am considering Shimanos or even Spyres. Other than disc size, are there any compatibility issues to be aware of between brands, like BCD? Other time I did this I stayed with the same brand.

ETA: mech to mech, inconsistent with original post.

[peterw_diy]

Thanks, everyone, for your advice. We decided to go with cheap mechanical disk brakes (low-end Tektros). Initial setup has been OK, kid1 seems to like them, even before the pads are bedded in. Only time will tell if they’re better than Jon’s dreaded BB5s.

[Author]

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