_tom_ - Member
Do you use the Avid Speed Dial Levers with your BB7s? If so does the speed dial thing actually work to adjust modulation and does it ever get close to a hydraulic brake?
The levers and callipers are good, but where you can improve things and get close to the feel of a hydraulic is by improving the outer cable casing. Almost every casing compresses to some extent, and this is where you lose braking capability.
If you have a cable that suffers from a lot of compression you end up having to adjust the callipers so the pads are close to the disk and so are more likely end up with scrape and rub.
Good outer cable casings are worth paying for. I like Jagwire and Avid Flak Jacket. Nokon is recommended by some, but the price will make your eyes water.
What I do is to use aluminium tube instead of cable outer, and this gives a much firmer brake. Obviously there is still a need for cable outer for the bits where it has to be flexible, but these are short lengths.
The aluminium tube is dirt cheap from B&Q, and I use it with a teflon liner.
This pic probably tells you all you need to know.