While building the Mudxium, I decided to try and figure out if there are alternatives to the old trusty Avid BB7 mechanical disk brakes. Don’t get me wrong, my Hunter uses Avid’s BB7, but if you’re going to build a new steel horse why not look at what’s in the market.
In recent years, especially since UCI announced that disk brakes are ok (and is now considering receding that rule), disk breaks for drop bars-type levers started appearing in the market.  As with every new technological development the competition is fierce and the market is experiencing some challenges.  This week TRP announced a STOP SALE on their Spyre models and Shimano, only a few months ago, did the same for the CX75 brakes (which is why the current model is called CX75).  You’d think that such recalls are only experienced by new comers but hey, Avid also announced a recall on Hydro-road brakes. Campagnolo, possibly the only big name that did not join the party just yet, just confirmed recently that they are working on disk brakes.  So with all these developments these are exciting time for a technology that is, in the mountain bike world, comfortably dominating.

The list below is by no mean an overview of everything that’s in the market.  There are other options, but I’ve focused on these guys since they are the market leaders and seem to appeal to folks who race.  For the record I do not belong to the Folks Who Race club.  All weights below are provided by manufacturer who, sadly, don’t always take great note of what does the weight include.