| Size | Shot put | Thickness | Price |
| 203 mm | 194 gr. | 2,15 mm | €99 |
update 19/12: READ THE FULL SYSTEM TEST
High Tech BCA Performance is an Italian brand (Lecco), which is getting noticed thanks to its build quality. BCA specializes in the production of top-of-the-range braking systems for bicycles and motorbikes, using the most advanced technologies and high-quality materials, and has been working as a designer and contractor in the motorcycle sector for a long time.
The choice to propose a line with its own name came not many years ago, since before it produced products for third parties. In the BCA bike catalogue, we find both brake discs and the entire braking system (caliper + pump – READ THE TEST), recommended for the gravel world up to the enduro e-bike (naturally offered in various sizes and thicknesses).
VERSIONS
The Yod4 disc (the only one in the catalog) is offered in both Center Lock and 6 holes starting from dimensions of 140mm up to 240mm. To these versions are added two with increased thickness of the braking surface specifically for the 203mm diameter with a 2.5mm option and a 3mm option.
In testing we used the most balanced model for enduro, namely the 203mm with a thickness of 2.1mm, made up of two non-floating pieces. The whole is lighter than the monobloc.
The structure of the disc, except for the braking track, is machined from a solid sheet of 6082 Anticorodal 100 aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy hub guarantees greater rigidity, the braking track is made of AISI 420 steel. The particular profile guarantees greater pad grip and less lateral bending stress in operating temperatures.
FEATURES
The aesthetics are really cool: ok, I'm often the first to say less appearance and more substance, but these records are quite eye-catching. It's definitely a color that you either love or hate, given that it's the only one available. And sometimes it's a bit risky with certain shades of bikes: however, this is an aspect that certainly makes BCA clearly distinguishable and identifiable from any other brand. This color is the result of a complex anodizing procedure.
The braking surface is very segmented/wavy, with many processes that serve to offer greater rigidity and give the disc the possibility of cooling more quickly. The black color in the transition sections, applied by cataphoresis, is a special treatment capable of resisting high temperatures. The various grooves also have the function of brightening the surface of the pad lining.
The weight of the version with a 203mm diameter that I tested is 194 grams, a weight slightly higher than average but, also considering the thickness of the disc, well within the range and approved.
FIELD TEST
I put BCA Performance's YOD4 discs to the test for an entire year: many races too given that I took part in the entire Maxi Avalanche circuit with my friend Mirco Montagni and various special guests such as Andrea Righettini in Pra-Loup o Michele Ferro in Cervinia. So I would say they were put to the test. I initially used them on the SRAM Code system and then on the SHIMANO Saint system.
The performance improvement was more perceptible on SRAM than on Shimano, giving punch to the "spongy" braking of the American brand. But it must be said that, on the SRAM Code system, the original SRAM discs were mounted: and with the BCA YOD4 it was a nice positive change given that the SRAM discs have a completely different quality compared to these BCA (the price is also significantly lower).
The best advantage of this product, in my opinion, is its resistance to heating: no overheating problems during the Maxiavalanche races, and this is a very convincing test! The response is always constant throughout the entire descent and the disc does not suffer thermal shock and maintains the same performance and characteristics from the beginning to the end of the descent.
The pads last a little less due to the highly machined discs: it is difficult to increase braking performance while also extending the life of the pads. However, the advantage is that consumption is regular and allows you to use up to the last mm of the pad.
The resistance of the discs which remain straight is also really good and we did not need to intervene often to straighten them. It should be noted that we have never had problems with loud noises when braking or in other situations: the disc is silent apart from a metallic ticking when the discs are hot and need to cool down.
Regarding wear, I can say that the braking surfaces are still in excellent condition: measured by caliper (after several months of use including races) they still maintain almost the original value of 2.1mm.
Having a thicker disc leads to having less margin in the event of deformation, so it may happen that you have to center it a little more often than necessary to avoid, on certain models of calipers, touching the metal part. But it wasn't a problem that caused us major inconvenience (we tested them on a Shimano SAINT system), also because the resistance of the BCA is excellent and they don't bend easily.
| Particular signs | SPIDER The Ergal spider, with a particular anodization, gives it a very refined finish |
| + | Silent Heat resistance |
| - | The price reflects the exclusivity of the product |
HOW MUCH DO BCA YOD4 DISCS COST?
- YOD4 160mm: €94,50 (1)
- YOD4 180mm: €99,00 (1)
- YOD4 203mm: €99,00 (1)
THE VERDICT
An album at the top of its category
A quality disc for those who want to improve their braking system. Discs improve everything but they can't work miracles: if the starting point is bad, the disc can't completely change the sensations. But if combined with a good braking system with questionable discs (I'm thinking of the many first-fit SRAM discs that I see on production bikes) it can positively change your riding sensations. The price is among the highest in the category but you pay for the quality and research into materials.
MORE INFORMATION TO THE OFFICIAL SITE
