Avid BB7 replacement disc pads, what type to buy?

[Darren Gregory]

Hello all

I need to replace my BB7 front disc pads as I have had them for over a year and the lever pull is almost reaching the handle bar.

I already knew that there was a choice between sintered and organic but looking on a few website and this one in particular there seems to be much more choise! What are people running on their disc bikes? What are the differences between the types?

I have been quite happy with the pads that came with the bike (no idea what material they are) as I was amazed at the stopping power compared to my old recylced mountain bike but perhaps I could do better?

Appreciate yout thoughts.

Darren

 

[Jody]

Tried organic, sintered and Kevlar and ended up liking the Kevlar most. The only thing I didn't like with sintered was the grinding noise, stopping was good and they were ready to brake hard from the off. Kevlar seemed like best of both worlds. They prefered a quick stop when first on the bike to feel their best but from that point they were great.

 

[raleighnut]

Do they need replacing or just adjusting.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NasGJFtgq0A&feature=player_detailpage

 

[Darren Gregory]

Thanks for all the quick comments. They could well just need adjusting, I haven't had a moment to check them. I know it is entirely depandant material, how many miles and what sort of riding you do but in terms of a ball park figure what sort of mileage can one expect from a set of pads?

 

[LetMeEatCake]

Short answer:
This piece of string I've got here is 52cm long

Longer answer...
I think sintered are supposed to more durable than organic. I replace my sintered pads at around the 3000 mile mark but tbh there was still plenty of pad left. I've now also got organic pads at the front - more in an attempt to do something about the squealing in the wet than anything else - and they've now done 800 miles ish. But I've read reviews where MTBers get through multiple sets of pads in one day. One day!

Anyhoo - to echo raleighnut's comment - you maybe just need to adjust them. I've got the road versions and find I need to add a couple of notches to the adjusters every few months or so to keep lever travel just right.

 

[Jody]

But I've read reviews where MTBers get through multiple sets of pads in one day. One day!.

Not myself but I know of people who have got through a new set of organic pads in a 20 mile ride. Some even carry a spare set just in case.

 

[MichaelW2]

My Shimano rotor says organic pads only. Sintered seem to be the choice for muddy off-road and big hills. For normal road riding, organic are fine. Superstar are good and cheap.

 

[LetMeEatCake]

got through a new set of organic pads in a 20 mile ride

@Jody - just out of interest, do you think that's because of the intensity of the braking (so maybe heat?), or because it's all dirty and grindy?

 

[Jody]

@Jody - just out of interest, do you think that's because of the intensity of the braking (so maybe heat?), or because it's all dirty and grindy?

Areas they are riding. Places like Sherwood pines are mud and sand, which makes it like a coarse grinding paste. Similar thing out in the PDNP.