Balfa BB7 parts and accessories

WHERE CAN I BUY SPARE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR MY BALFA?

The last dealer of Balfa was Balfa UK. They still produce spare parts for the BB7 frame. Decals, pulleys, link plates, bearings, bolts etc. are all in stock. You can find them here:

http://www.balfa.co.uk/
enquiries@balfa.co.uk
Tel: 01442 826007

Pricelist for October 2011:

  • Flat Link Plates - £85.00 per set
  • Bent Link Plates - £85.00 per set
  • Main Pivot Axle - £25.00
  • Bent Plate Spacer Bar - £25.00
  • Complete Bolt Kit (excluding shock bolts) - £25.00
  • Shock Bolts - £8.00 each
  • Pulley Wheel (complete with bearings & bolts) - £40.00
  • Decal Kits - £40.00

LINK PLATES

In the last years of production Balfa provided updated link plates (connecting the swingarm with shock mount). They are stronger (old ones was prone to breaking), lighter, and black ;) You can see the difference below:

Balfa BB7 old link plates 2004 Balfa BB7 updated linkage

New linkage plates are compatible with all second generation BB7s (2002 and above - see also "Model history").

CHAIN PULLEY

In terms of durability, the roller guiding the chain to the pivot was always the Achilles' heel for Balfa. This part was updated too, so it's a good upgrade.

BEARINGS

The Balfa BB7 uses standard size sealed bearings, available at good bearing stores (always choose the best bearings available!):

  • Pivot bearings: 6001 RS (two)
  • Pulley bearings: 6001 RS (one) and 626 RS (one)

FLOATING BRAKE CALIPER (a.k.a. "FLOATER")

Like every single pivot bike, the BB7 is prone to brake-jack under heavy braking. This means the suspension squats and hardens, so it doesn't use all the travel when you need it (e.g. on braking bumps). Thanks to the high pivot suspension design, it's less of a problem than in other single pivot bikes, but if you want plush suspension every time, it's still a good upgrade.

Original floaters are no longer available, so you'll have to make one for your own (I'll try to add some drawings and design notes to help you out) or contact the guys at BrakeTherapy, who are specialist in this field.

Note that 2003 and newer models have the floater mounting holes integrated to the seat tube, while older models require a floater arm which clamps onto the frame.

Balfa BB7 brake floater - floating caliper