[Colin]

Hi,

I currently run Hayes HMX-1 mechanical brakes, and while I really liked them at first, I'm slowly starting to loose confidece in them. I mean, they stop great, but not really any better than a good V-brake.

So, are Avids really that much better? I had planned on getting a nicer set of levers for the Hayes, but now I'm wondering if I should just get another brake set. maybe Shimano Xts or Hope Minis. I do like the price of the Avids much better than the various hydraulic oferings, but I don't mind spending the money if the performance is superior.

Thanks.

 

[KonaDude]

Yes, simply put, the Avids are miles ahead of the HMX-1's. All the HMX-1's I've tried have been horrible and about as useful as a paperweight.

My Avids stop my 250 pound arse and 42 pound bike no problem. VERY powerful brakes. According to my experiences with owning hydraulic brakes and trying many other sets, all of which were properly set up, my Avids have beat them all. That includes Hayes Hydro's, Shimano XT and Deore hydro and cable disc brakes, etc.

 

[Colin]

KonaDude,

Ok, I think I will order some Avids come Monday along with some new cables. Which levers do you recommend for the brakes? I just bought a pair of Avid SD-7s, but I really don't like the "feel" of the lever. Should XTs be ok? I know they only offer 3 leverage positions, but I really like my LXs another bike, but don't want to have to grind my shifter down. Also, should I go w/ say an XTR cableset or one of the snazzy Avid pairs?

Thanks!

 

[indieboy]

go w/ the xtr cable set. the avid cable system isn't all that great.....any levers will do. i personally like the sram levers. xtr levers have a really nice feel to em too, as well as the avid ultimates.

 

[KonaDude]

Originally posted by Colin
KonaDude,

Ok, I think I will order some Avids come Monday along with some new cables. Which levers do you recommend for the brakes? I just bought a pair of Avid SD-7s, but I really don't like the "feel" of the lever. Should XTs be ok? I know they only offer 3 leverage positions, but I really like my LXs another bike, but don't want to have to grind my shifter down. Also, should I go w/ say an XTR cableset or one of the snazzy Avid pairs?

Thanks!

I like the feel of Shimano levers over Avids, so I'm using XTR levers. XT's would be fine too. They would be very comfortable. As far as cables, I run cheap standard housing and smooth ground brake cable with some Tri-flow and replace them every 4-6 months. If you ride a lot in the wet, sealed cable systems like XTR or the Avid Straight Jackets will help. Maybe look into the Avid Full Metal Jacket, they are supposed to increase braking action with the cable discs.

 

[oly]

Originally posted by Colin
KonaDude,

Also, should I go w/ say an XTR cableset or one of the snazzy Avid pairs?

Thanks!

I had 3 sets of avids all with the full metal jacket setup. With a little shrink tuba at all the ferrules you can make your brakes 98% sealed. I went for months riding in mud and water and had no trouble with contamination. Im not sure what the XTR system is like, but i would suggest at least looking into the avid FMJ system. Im actually upgrading to hayes hydros now. I really like the mechs, but over long steep rides i had more fatuige in my hands.


Oh XT levers are fine too. ITs a matter of what lever shape you like.

Good luck

 

[aoe]

avids arnt the best. they looses alot of power when the cable stretches, when the get wet or in winter, and when the cables gunk up. get some nice hydros like xts or minis. i use the xt's and there great

 

[R.T.]

I've got two sets of Avid Mech's and love 'em. On one of my bikes I've got an Avid 203mm rotor up front and the 165mm in the rear.
With just the standard 165mm (smaller 160mm for 02' is standard) the power is amazing, any cable stretch and pad wear can be dialed out when you use speed dial levers very easily.

I liked my reg 165mm Avids so much that I don't even use a set of Hayes that I have laying around. The DH 203mm rotor is "dinnner plate" massive and the performance is unreal for mechs, much more powerfull than most disc set ups I've tried and easily on par with 8" Hayes hydros.

Price and ease of use make these a great choice, go with a set of levers that have speed dials as well. Worlds better than the Hayes mechs you've had.

 

[kitchenware]

Originally posted by aoe
avids arnt the best. they looses alot of power when the cable stretches, when the get wet or in winter, and when the cables gunk up. get some nice hydros like xts or minis. i use the xt's and there great

Simply untrue.

Cable stretch is a poor/weak argument against Avids, unless you're buying your cables at K-Mart.

If you know how to tie your shoes, you can set up and maintain Avids with your eyes closed.

Hydros AND Avids are great.

Ride 'em both and then try and justify the extra coin.

jim

 

[PGKelly]

what i've heard about hydro's is that they fade, and are affected by temperature much more than mechanicals. my avids work perfectly, once broken in they work better than most hydros, plus you don't have to bleed them every 5 seconds

 

[gravity]

Originally posted by kitchenware


Simply untrue.

Cable stretch is a poor/weak argument against Avids, unless you're buying your cables at K-Mart.

If you know how to tie your shoes, you can set up and maintain Avids with your eyes closed.

Hydros AND Avids are great.

Ride 'em both and then try and justify the extra coin.

jim

you can't justify the extra coin. value wise, you are getting ripped off if you buy hydros, BUT, like buying XTR or an Ellsworth/Intense etc, to get that little bit of extra performance you have to pay a whole lot more.

Avids are great brakes, but Hayes and Hopes can offer a little bit more power. not much, but enough that if you go DHing regularly/exclusively, you probably can warrant spending the extra money on hydros.

 

[rfemurfx]

there is no such thing as cable strech. the cables do not strech(unless you bought them at kmart), it is the housing that compresses. that only happens the first few times you use them. the strech everybody talks about is the settleing of ferulles and some compressing of the housing. also DONT use iol or grease in them, use Joni-snot. it is made by grip shift and it works awsome. your housing will last for at least a year of riding. oh yeah use stainless steel cables from shimano, they are the smoothest and most flexible. but with all this the most important thing is, CABLE ROUTING.
-peace