[urbaindk]

I'm spec'ing out a new bike and need some advice.

Hayes HFX-9 vs. Avid Ball Bearing 7's (185 or 203mm)? Both are in my price range.

They are for an all around application. A little XC, a little DJ, a little urban and the occasional kitchensink-shaped skatepark. On a soul cycles titian frame. I'm leaning towards the avids although they cost a little more. I hear mixed reviews of the Hayes. In my build I have the option of better wheels and hayes or lesser wheels and avids. Its a tough call.

Thanks.

Dave

 

[Handlebarsfsr]

if you get a good set of hfx-9's, i go with those. the problem is, it seems about half of the users have serious problems with those brakes, and its a crapshoot as to whether you'll get a good set or a lemon. id go with the avid's, 8" on the front and 6" on the rear. if you can find a set of mags or older hayes, then get those, i have a set of the older purple hayes and they work incredibly.

 

[Incubus]

I've never used hayes 9s, only the mags, but from what I understand the levers on the 9s are terrible.

I have a set of avid mechs and short of their weight, they're great brakes. You can set them up to your liking in a snap. You can also pick them up on ebay or used somewhere for short $$$.

Good luck

 

[GoHuckYourself]

I've always had great luck with Hayes and swear by them but will say that the HFX 9's can be a pain as they are either right on or don't work at all. Most work great but some have to be sent back.

 

[caputo1989]

If you get the 9's and a bad pair; Hayes will fix them within 2-3 days and all you need to do is pay one way shiping and they will match shipping with what you sent them out with. Their customer care is really good. I talked to them earlier today about my 9's. And if you do get a good set they are better than th Mags.

 

[caputo1989]

Also the Avids dont feel ferry good unless you spend even more money to get Full Metal Jacket cables and housing.

 

[BaggyShorts]

I would go with the avids. They're a lot more straitforward and reliable IMO. I have had a few problems with my hfx-9's, as have my friends, and I dont care for the levers. However, Hayes has been pretty cool about fixing stuff for me and I really like my set of mags. I have ridden the avids a few times and have heard a lot of good things about them. So, I say go with the avids, but if you want hayes pay the extra cash for the mags and avoid the hfx-9's.

 

[Hungry_Hank]

nobody seems to like hayes, like someone said, it depends on if you get a good set or a bad set (i dont know how you'd determine this before you buy em) but a friend of mine was running 9s on his bike and they crapped out on him. but i've been running mine for almost 3 years! all i've had to do is bleed em every year and change the pads! bottom line: i dont have any experience with the avids but i love my hayes, so of course i think you should go for the 9s.

 

[HRDTLBRO]

I use the 9's on my DH bike and love em'. The annoying lever reach adjustment screw can be cured with about 15 minutes of your time, an old rag, and some blue loc-tite. As posted above, Hayes has recognized the problems with the 9's and will promptly fix them. When dialed, the brakes feel great. What they lack in modulation, they make up for with incredible power. Replacement parts are easily available, as well. I've also ridden the Avid's for a short time, and were very powerful for mechanical brakes. They are easy to adjust, especially when mated to a Speed Dial lever, and low maintenance, to boot. Try both that are set up correctly, and see what you like. You may want to focus on what wheelset you want first, then choose the brakes accordingly.

 

[urbaindk]

After waffling back and forth a while I decided to go with the Avids w/ speed dial levers. Here's a link to my build: http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1384764#post1384764

The short of it is a Soul Cycles Titan frame, Sherman Flick, Sun/Ringle Singletrack wheel set, and the Avids. I should order it next week. I can't wait to start building it. I'll send pictures.

I'm a little over my budget but not by much. I don't think my wife will complain too much because I'm upgrading her ride with the parts off my old ride...

Thanks for the advice.

Dave