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DIY Repair

mechanical disc brakes

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A newcomer to replace the standard, the TRP Spyke Mechanical Disc Brakes might be the perfect replacement for Avid bb7.

Avid bb7 mechanicals have become a staple in the fat biking world.  They are simple, easy to use, cost effective, and able to brave the coldest.  Many fat bike riders have chosen to shun hydraulic brakes for mechanical brakes that are not susceptible to freezing brake fluid.  Heck, I have them on my Salsa Mukluk 2.

But for me the Avid bb7 mechanical brakes seem outdated, cheaply-made, and ready for replacement.   Now don’t get me wrong, there isn’t anything inherently wrong with the bb7s.  I just think I’m ready for a change.

As I was researching the best hydraulic brakes for the sub-zero temperatures here in Minnesota (I’ve heard Formulas are pretty good), I ran across the TRP Spyke Mechanical Disc Brakes.  Unlike the single actuation system of the bb7, these brakes have dual actuating pistons.  This should assist with even pad wear.  Gone are those tacky red adjustment knobs on the bb7’s outside pads because the TRP Spyke’s have a clearly labeled 3mm adjustment screw instead.  The inner pad also is adjustable using a 3mm screw rather than the odd choice of a Torx T25 screw of the bb7.

Weighing in at 169g/caliper these Spyke Mechanical brakes retail at $99.99 on the TRP Brake Website.  Included in the price are all the mounting hardware, rotor (available in 160mm and 180mm), and adapters.  The Spyke Lever Set is sold separately for $39.99; however, the brake set is compatible with all linear pull levers.

I am pretty excited to try these out. I’m planning on ordering them and writing about how they work in comparison with Avid bb7’s.  In the meantime, check out the review written by Sven Haamer of fat-bike.com.  In his post, he says they feel more like hydraulics than mechanicals.

Photo Credit: www.bikerumor.com 

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Josh

Hi I’m Josh. I grew up in the Twins Cities and as a kid I rode my bike all over the west metro area, in addition to fixing up bikes for myself and others. Through these experiences, I developed a life-long passion for biking. Since then, I received a B.S. in Physics from Bethel University and met my wife Santi. When I was in college, I spent a lot of time building and collecting bikes in our tiny one-bedroom apartment in St. Paul. At one point, we had at least 6 bikes stuffed into the apartment. I’d have a bike build in progress on the floor of the living room and the rest of the bikes hanging on DIY storage racks. I built my first fat bike, a Salsa Mukluk 2, in that apartment. I’m currently working on an Alubooyah Fat Bike build.

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