[bikeguy100k]

But I don't really like Hayes too much right now!

I've used Hayes brakes since they first came out, pretty much. I never had a problem with them. Ever. I've been a mechanic for 18 years and know how to work on things. I've replaced everything in them from pistons, to master cylinders, to lines/hoses (that's about all there is!).

So, i get a set of HFX 9s on a bike I bought used. I go to change the lines and the damn hose nut that threads into the lever that mashes the compression ferrule completely disintegrates on BOTH lever! I know how to turn a wrench and pay attention to that sort of thing. I tried a couple different wrenches for the best fit too! I managed to get one of the damaged nuts out with an ez-out. The other one was not going to budge! (You've got to drill out the pieces that fit into the line first.) I ended up destroying the lever in the process.

To make a long story longer, i just bought and installed a set of HFX9 Carbon brakes and went to shorten the lines. I figured that since these were new, they come apart like they should. NOPE! One did but the other didn't! I even tried the ez-out and it moved it about 1/4 turn, but no more.

Anyone else had this problem? I've calle Hayes and left a message. I'll call back tomorrow. How has their warranty service been for anyone with a problem?

 

[Kornphlake]

I don't believe I've ever read a single positive review of the HFX-9's. I haven't searched for reviews but of the ones that pop up from time to time all seem to be bad, particularly for the HFX-9, the mags and comps seem to get higher marks.

 

[KleinMp99]

Hayes customer service is top notch, I just really hate their brakes :

 

[JRogers]

I don't believe I've ever read a single positive review of the HFX-9's. I haven't searched for reviews but of the ones that pop up from time to time all seem to be bad, particularly for the HFX-9, the mags and comps seem to get higher marks.

Well, here's one good one. I've never had any problem with my HFX-9s that would not have happened on Mags. Even then, I've only had one issue (a pad fell out and ripped the post off of the piston...kind of irritating). I've been using Hayes for many years and really like them. And yes, I have tried Hopes. I even own a pair.

 

[bikeguy100k]

Well, here's one good one. I've never had any problem with my HFX-9s that would not have happened on Mags. Even then, I've only had one issue (a pad fell out and ripped the post off of the piston...kind of irritating). I've been using Hayes for many years and really like them. And yes, I have tried Hopes. I even own a pair.

to this point, I've never had any issues. It just seems they need a better design for the lever. Hopefully I can send in my lever(s) and get either new levers or have them repair the if possible. I just hope it doesn't take too long...

 

[Fonzie18]

Unfortunately, the 2004 HFX9's have been very problematic. I work at a shop and have warranted and repaired dozens of them. Leaking interfaces, pulled out levers, leaking bodies, frozen pistons and countless other problems have plagued the 9's. The 2005 9's have been almost completely redesigned and appear to be a 100% improvement over the 04s. The HFX mags are virtually problem free and the El Caminos promise to be the next big thing in disk brake technology.

 

[Pau11y]

What about going mech disc instead of the crappy HFXs? I was thinking specifically the Avids as I've had really good luck with them, and a whole lot easier to setup than any hydros?

 

[dexterq20]

*cough cough buy Hope brakes cough cough*

 

[RubberSideUp]

a pad fell out and ripped the post off of the piston

That same thing happened to me! I had never seen it before or since. I was at Whistler on the kill me thrill me trail. I had to finish half the ride with the front brake only. Only problem I have ever had and my mags are four years old now. Hell, I think I have only bled them twice! Hayes don't suck but '04 Hfx 9's do.

I am intrigued by the Hope Mono 4's though. With the new aluminum carrier on the rotors 8" M4's weigh the same as 6" Hayes mags. Good news for trail bikes.

 

[dexter]

iv got 04's hfx nines that i swithc between my dh bike and my mtn x bike (mag +'s only for racing and looking good on both bikes) and have never had a problem with them. ohh yea once the lever ball thing poped out but i put it back in and its money

 

[biggins]

yep they certainly suck, but ya know what doesnt suck? really good whiskey. man i love it. its the nectar of the gods really. i tried some cheap whiskey one time, it made me hurt. but now that all i dronk in my camelbak is knod creek with some ice cubes, things have gotten so much better. I am riding so much better to. Maybe i just feel like im going a lot faster but sometimes i think i really am.

 

[ioscope]

Well, I've heard of good performance as an out of the box hydro, but not much else. My Mags are pretty good, my rear outside piston sticks occasionally. However, I do not see why they ever introduced the Nines. The Mags are better. It seems to me that Nines cost them more in cs than they're worth.

 

[lovebunny]

im hopin to get a pair of el caminos this season

 

[preppie]

one issue, a pad fell out and ripped the post off of the piston...kind of irritating.

Same thing happened to me, so I bought the HFX-9 Carbon. (Very cheap)

- Are the probems of the older hfx-9's solved with the newer 9's Carbon series ?

- Can I replace my HFX-9 lever with my Mag lever ?
I know that the hose connection for the calipers are different but the lever connection 'looks' the same in the manual ?

- Does someone have a MAG lever connected to a HFX-9 Hose and caliper ?

Thx

 

[HippieKai]

all the new hayes i have played with suck donky. And ever since i got setup with a set of saint brakes i have been in heven. So out with hayes and there new poorer quality and in with shimano because they feel oh so sweet.
kai-

 

[S.G.D]

im hopin to get a pair of el caminos this season

you and me both.



~SGD

 

[Five]

I got rid of all my Hayes and am running Magura's. So much better.

 

[llkoolkeg]

Like the others have said, the HFX Mag DH rules and the HFX-9 blows farm animals. You get what you pay for and cheaper usually is.

 

[MikeD]

Same thing happened to me, so I bought the HFX-9 Carbon. (Very cheap)

- Are the probems of the older hfx-9's solved with the newer 9's Carbon series ?

- Can I replace my HFX-9 lever with my Mag lever ?
I know that the hose connection for the calipers are different but the lever connection 'looks' the same in the manual ?

- Does someone have a MAG lever connected to a HFX-9 Hose and caliper ?

Thx

HFX 9 levers suck, possibly more than they used to, it seems...but the caliper and hose, though, are the same for the mags and the -9s. So it's all interchangable.

They did lose the friction-fit master cylinder plug for this year, right? That's at least one positive step on the 9s.

 

[kidwoo]

yep they certainly suck, but ya know what doesnt suck? really good whiskey. man i love it. its the nectar of the gods really. i tried some cheap whiskey one time, it made me hurt. but now that all i dronk in my camelbak is knod creek with some ice cubes, things have gotten so much better. I am riding so much better to. Maybe i just feel like im going a lot faster but sometimes i think i really am.

Don't forget Maker's Mark and Woodford Reserve. You actually live close enough to visit the distilleries you bastid.


mmmmmmmmmm whiskey.

 

[How]

everyone knows that the HFX9 levers are retarded, you need to get the older style levers and if you can, calipers... i'm putting yet another season on the Hayes Blacks my rear one got rebuilt last year, and other than that they've been solid for like 3-4 seasons, and i ride my stuff to death, only thing i'm changing is new pads/bleed/and a rear 8" rotor, they'll be like new.

 

[Pau11y]

This has to be the most obvious thread hijack I've seen yet. I know, 'cause SS and I do our fair share.

 

[Fonzie18]

im hopin to get a pair of el caminos this season

Mine are on their way, buuuut...they are lagging due to the overwhelming O.E demand

 

[bikeguy100k]

I got a call back from Hayes today. I got an RA# and am sending them back via UPS overnight. They say they'll send them back the same way. They're going to replace the lever bodies (I'm also sending in the first one that broke the same way) and send them back to me. The hose nut is improved as well as the compression ferrule. I'll make sure I post the results when I get them back.

To this point, their customer service has been good. I've been a loyal Hayes user since the beginning and hoepfully they do things right to keep my loyalty! I'm pretty confident, so far...

 

[biggins]

Don't forget Maker's Mark and Woodford Reserve. You actually live close enough to visit the distilleries you bastid.


mmmmmmmmmm whiskey.

yes i do.

Knob Creek is the best whiskey/bourbon out there. damn.

 

[biggins]

This has to be the most obvious thread hijack I've seen yet. I know, 'cause SS and I do our fair share.

huh?

 

[leprechaun]

For those who have the 9's don't even bother putting a wrench on the nut that compresses the ferrule,grab it with vise grips hard enough to ovalize it a tad an then you can get a grip on it and remove it.Replace the nut with a new one.The're in stupid tight.
the calipers are compatable with the good Mag levers.
The 05 9"s still have the lame plug on the lever,but do have the good hose and split perch.
I sure hope that the Caminos are the bomb since they're the only American brakes,i mean buy here when you can right?

 

[bizutch]

Every pair of Hayes I've had worked like magic and I never messed with them. I've had them since the original 68mm posts. But my 04HFX 9's are honestly a turd. The levers magicly sink to the bar once or twice....mysteriously but never ever did it again. The thing they've done more than once was catch while ALL the way out from the bar and then go back to working a second later?? Freaky!!!!!
Then the rear pucks leaked and had to be replaced. For some reason that run of brakes from that year are TURD INCARNATE!

But I will buy Hayes religiously because I have faith in their products.

Oh, and Biggins opinion doesn't count. He traded a PS2 for his Purple Hayes....used...from Sanjay of all people.....and he was shocked that they didn't work that well.