[Colin]

Hi,

I'm thinking about making the switch to XT hydros. Anyway, I currently run Hayes HMX mechs, which I like, but I'm looking for something with more modulation. Are the XT hydros a good brake in terms of power and modulation?

 

[MikeD]

In my experience, the Shimanos were not worth the money. They came on a bike I got used and were not properly bled and shimmed...but as hard as I tried, I couldn't get them to feel as nice as my Hopes, even after much adjustment.

I'd say get Hopes...but that's just me. I also use the Avid Mechs, which are amazing once you get them set up just right (which isn't hard). But they obviously don't have that hydro feel.

Tried some Maguras today, too, and they felt nice; better than the XTs. I know some people who rave about the XT though, so it's the same as always...no one real truth, you know?

MD

 

[Colin]

Well, right now it's either keep my current Hayes mechs. or get Shimanos (great deal). Guess I'll just replace the crappy SRAM levers I have.

 

[MikeD]

Might try some speed dial levers...they can help with your modulation adjustment. Also make sure you have fresh cables, and maybe try the Avid Full Metal cables for an extra boost.

Then again, there ARE lots of happy XT users out there, so don't just go on my words.

 

[Colin]

I must be the only one, but I really don't like the "feel" of Avid levers. Have LX levers on one bike and SRAM 9.0 levers on the other. I really like the LX levers for the leverage, but despise the SRAMs -- maybe I should just get another set of LX leers and save $400.

 

[aoe]

i think xt's are amazing. but i agree you have to take your time and set them up. i had them properly bleed when they came and i shimmed them in like 10 min. not too bad at all. they also take a long time to break in, but there are ways around it. thant being said they are the best breaks i have ever used. absolutly kills the hayes mechs and hayes hydros even. soo much smooth modulation. great leaver feel and tons of power. much better feel then "stick through the spokes" hayes hydros. you may also may want to try different pads. they break may be a pain in the ass to set up but once its perfect its perfect. ive also tried avid mechs, very nice in summer, awfull in winte, and hope, i think they were minis? well they were alright.

 

[shocktower]

I have them on my Bullit and I have been running them for over a year ,they kick ass ,as with any product if it is not set up it can be a POS ,so what Mike D said does not really apply ,get them they work great BTW I have hayes Hydro`s on my other bike and I like my shimanos much better

 

[MikeD]

What part doesn't apply...the part where I said (twice!) that lots of people are very happy with XTs?

I just know that I wasn't happy, so I said so.

For all I know, the pads on the XTs I got were contaminated or something... I do know that the brakes sucked, and I had them well-shimmed. Bled them and they were a little better, but not my favorite. My real reason for going to Hopes was that it was just nice to have the same system on both bikes for compatability of pads, fluid, hose, what have you... And I found someone who'd even-up trade, so I was really lucky.

We'll see you at Big Bear then, shocktower?

MD