How to Set Up Avid BB5 Disc Brakes

Avid BB5 is a design of disc brake for use on an off-road bicycle. A mechanical disc brake, the BB5 uses a cable connected to a handlebar-mounted brake lever to operate the BB5 brake caliper. Given the unique dimension of each cyclist, Avid provides a series of options allowing the cyclist to customize feel and fit for ease of operation. The process of setting up includes various brake lever adjustments, including angle, reach and travel, followed by positioning of the shifters. Keep tools handy during the process to make any required adjustments.

Things You'll Need

  • 5 mm hex wrench
  • 2 mm hex wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a 5 mm hex wrench to loosen the bolt that clamps each brake lever to the handlebar.

    • 2

      Sit on the bicycle and place your hands on the handlebars. Wrap all fingers around the hand grips except for the forefinger. Extend each forefinger over its brake lever.

    • 3

      Check that the forefinger is closely in line with the top of the hand, rather than bending down at an angle. To reposition either lever, for an even reach, use a 5 mm hex key to loosen the bolt that clamps the lever to the handlebar. Tighten the bolt after any adjustment.

    • 4

      Reach for the brake levers once again, with the forefingers of each hand extended over the levers.

    • 5

      Determine whether the bend at the end of the brake lever touches the base of the first joint on the forefinger. Adjust the reach as needed, for a more comfortable reach, by turning the reach adjuster knob on the front of the lever. If there is no knob here, use a 2 mm hex wrench to turn the hex bolt near where the lever pivots.

    • 6

      Squeeze the brake levers, and note how far each lever travels before the brakes engage. Ideal brake travel is a matter of personal feel. Less travel means the brake engages sooner. More travel means the brake engages later. To adjust, turn the dial at the front of the shifter to adjust lever travel. Turn the dial clockwise to shorten travel.

    • 7

      Place your hands atop the handlebars once again. Place your thumbs against each gear shifter. To adjust the shifter position to suit personal feel, loosen the shifter clamp bolt using a 5 mm hex key. Position the shifter as needed, and re-tighten the bolt.