Yet more evidence that the disc brakes for road bikes movement is gaining momentum. Avid have announced details of their new BB7 Road SL (RSL) cable-actuated disc brakes for road and cyclo-cross riding.
Avid say the BB7 RSL is a lightweight upgrade from the original BB7 and saves 25g per wheel thanks to titanium hardware, alloy backing plates and lighter organic friction pad material.
A Falcon Grey anodized finish is designed to match SRAM’s road groupsets (SRAM and Avid are from the same brand stable). The BB7 RSL will be available as an aftermarket purchase from November with 140 or 160mm HS1 rotor and titanium rotor bolts. European prices have been set at €152 but UK prices are to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, SRAM’s new SlickWire Road Brake XL Cable Kit has been optimised for use with BB7 Road SL, with reinforced compressionless housing which SRAM say results in perfect response and modulation, plus it’s a claimed 30 per cent lighter than traditional wound brake housing.
The XL Cable Kit also works for larger road frames with rim brakes, and includes aluminum SRAM ferrules, rubber frame protectors and PTFE coated 1.6mm cables. The cable kit will cost €40 on the Continent and, again, we’re waiting for UK prices.
