So there’s an ongoing debate at the bike shop as to whether or not I’m an idiot for putting Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes on my current project, a Gunnar Ruffian singlespeed.
The primary person I’m arguing about this with cannot fathom why I would “skimp” on a part for a really nice bike. And I’m getting tired of that argument. I’m hoping that this posting will generate some debate and further comments.
My Bike-Building Background
For the past half-decade, I have seldom bought a complete off-the-shelf bike. In fact, it’s only happened twice. In the first case, I bought a 2007 Giant Bowery singlespeed. Over the course of it’s existence, I replaced the stock wheelset, seat, handlebars and fork. I then, later, parted it out and sold the components to fund a new commuter rig. I also purchased a Cervelo P2C to use as a time-trial and triathlon rig, and had planned for some serious upgrades. Those plans have been scaled back for a number of reasons.
So what about the bikes I’ve built? Only one, my road/criterium machine, was a case in which I spared no expense. The cyclocross rig I scaled back the plans on and “skimped” here and there. And the commuter bike, a Surly Cross-Check, even moreso.
The Current Project
So the Gunnar Ruffian. I’m planning on a hardtail 29′er. Rock Shox Reba 29′er fork. Chris King hubs and headset. Other than those items, it’ll be fairly pedestrian. This is a “fun” bike — something I’ll bomb around on at Theo Wirth, maybe race in the singlespeed category at a ‘cross race when I’m feeling saucy. It’s not intended to be a super-high-performance racing machine — just a bike to have fun on. I might take it out on a multi-day expedition at some point.
My Argument in Favor of Mechanical Disc Brakes
The first point of argument is simplicity — I want something that can be repaired trailside with easy-to-pack-and-carry parts. Carrying a bleed kit, extra hose, and extra fluid is not a realistic proposition. In the case of a mechanical, all I need to schlep around is a spare cable, which can be coiled up and weighs only a few grams.
The next point is inclement weather performance. In Minnesota, winter riding is a given. It’s going to happen, and it’s going to be ugly. The hydraulic fluid intended for mountain bike disc brakes gets sludgy and reduces responsiveness. This is not the case with a steel cable actuated brake.
Cost. The price differential between the two systems is significant and the mechanical system wins this argument hands-down.
Your Argument?
What’s your take? Hydraulic or mechanical? Why?
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