Shimano XTR V brakes circa 1998 vs Avid BB5 mechanical disc

[1997BlackC5]

As it says in the title.........what would you rather have on your ride & why?

 

[Rampage]

XTR, mechanical disks are carp!

 

[jonnymcenroe]

i have both the above brake sets.

not interested in discs at all.

never ran discs before and i don't downhill or anything so..... i won't use 'em.

 

[drystonepaul]

XTR, mechanical disks are carp!

Sounds a bit fishy. Don't be coy though, say what you mean.

Given a choice between BB5s and XTR V-brakes; XTR would be a clear winner.
BB7s however would be a different kettle of fish.

 

[FST4RD]

The BB5's I used to have were more then enough to throw my 125kg frame over the handlebars, same with the XTR v's.
XTR V's are much better looking for sure, but if your prone to buckled wheels go with the BB5's.

 

[Dave_H]

In dry conditions, I'd say the power is pretty equivilant. In anything wet/muddy then the Avid wins hands down and as FST4RD has already said, discs aren't affected by out of true wheels.

BBs every time for me - particularly with a 185mm rotor.

 

[JonR]

On those fancy modern forums there is a school of thought that the Avid BB5 is better than a hydraulic disc brake as there is more pad to rotor clearance so mud casing rub is never an issue.

These people are mental and for me its the XTR v brakes every day, they look better, the feel of the braking is lovely and progressive and if I riding anything that requires more than a PP v brake I'll have proper disc brakes.

 

[Reluctant]

Discs every time for a bike that'll be ridden in all weathers, through the gloop and grime, but for a nice retro build/ fair weather bike, XTRs get my vote.

 

[Whatleymeister]

Probably about to get crucified for this, but I would mix with disc on front and v, or even a canti, on the rear. To me, most of the braking is covered with the front and I can lock the rear wheel with any brake type so, in my mind, why have more power.

I started a thread on something like this a while back and realised that peoples most pressing concern with this was mis-matched levers! With an Avid brake though, you can use their levers for a BB brake and a V!

Alas, this is only my opinion though, so feel free to criticise if you disagree

 

[1997BlackC5]

Probably about to get crucified for this, but I would mix with disc on front and v, or even a canti, on the rear. To me, most of the braking is covered with the front and I can lock the rear wheel with any brake type so, in my mind, why have more power.

I started a thread on something like this a while back and realised that peoples most pressing concern with this was mis-matched levers! With an Avid brake though, you can use their levers for a BB brake and a V!

Alas, this is only my opinion though, so feel free to criticise if you disagree

That is the exact set up I have on a Trek Y3 that I did up last year! I am only asking this question as I have recently picked up a slightly modded (but tired) Giant Box 2 that I intend to be my next project. The Giant (unlike the Trek) can take a rear disk without an adaptor, & I've been checking out ebay over the last few days at brake parts.....

Now moving the goal posts a bit, I was checking out my recent purchase last night & noticed it already had Deore v's on it with a mix & match set of Avid levers. I am now tempted to keep the Deore v's front & rear & buy either a matching pair of Avid levers or Shimano STX RC levers (most of the drive train appears to be STX RC). Obviously an after market upgrade at some point from the origional Giant spec. What do the people think of this idea - are the Avid BB5's still an option? Or stick with Deore v's with STX RC or Avid levers?