[TickTock]

You guys were so fantastic with my previous fork and wheelset questions I suppose Ill ask this here, too!

As you can guess I am building a new bike.

(I got a fox vanilla rlc 125 fork btw)

I am looking at disc brakes for pretty aggressive xc up here in the northeast, which, from other places in the country's pictures, is basically freeriding. Lots of technical downhills with drops, rock gardens etc.

I am looking for some real nice braking power. Though I have heard lots of good things about avids, I prefer to stick with hydraulics.

The brakes I am thinking of are as follows:
Hope minis (would put 185mm up front, 165 in rear)
-These are sweet, I tried some and loved them. Will they hold up to rough handling, though? Also problems with squeal seem bad.

Hope enduro m4's (185/185)
-Serious stopping power, pretty much the best. Probably serious overkill unless I do a lot more downhilling. Heavy.

Hayes (6"/6")
-Staple discs, tried and tested. Easy to find parts and service

What would you guys go for? Im leaning towards Hope mini's because of reviews and people I know who love them, but i see constant posts about seemingly unstoppable brake squeal. I see raves about the m4's but I know I dont really need a pro-level downhill brake for my needs (plus theyre big $$).

Once again, suggestions would be great!

These brakes will be going on a specialized enduro pro frameset onto chris king iso hubs and the new fox vanilla rlc fork.

Thanks so much in advance! You guys friggin rock!
-TickTock

 

[RideMonkey]

I have heard horror stories about squealing from Hayes and Hope users. I think its just a general problem with discs. I replaced my Hope pads with EBCs and so far so good (but I need for time with them)

Hopes are pretty. And light. And work well. I've had a problem with a tiny fixing bolt coming loose and interfering with the movement of the lever. This resulted in complete loss of a brake on the trail. Hope needs to address this issue cuz its kinda dangerous. Its an easy thing to fix, but if you arent aware of the problem its kinda scary.

I used Hayes for a bit this year. I liked them. They squeaked a bit but not bad. Not pretty and the shape of the lever is not as good as Hopes. Stopping power is about equal IMO.

 

[boboso]

Have the Fox 125 RLC and Hope Mini's... No problems to date (approx. 300 miles or so). RM - I am going to look into that fixing bolt issue you mention, thanks!

 

[Dog Welder]

I think if you are primarily a xc/trail rider Shimano XTs are probably your best bet. Excellet modulation, great power, environmentaly sound via mineral oil, and last but not least CHEAP! Cheaper than just about any hydro unit out there. I love mine! I use them for DH as well. I only JUST upgraded to 8in but I'll tell you what, I've ridden a number of hayes in 6 and 8in sizes and my 6in XTs feel like they have more usable power than my 8in Hayes setups. And talk about cheap...brand new you can find XTs for approx 120 plus cables. If you decide to go used you can get them even cheaper...and disk brakes are the kind of parts, in my opinion, that can't really get jacked up..so if you do find a used setup chances are very good that they are in excellent condition.