[jacksonpt]

I gotta pick up some new brakes this week... currently I have avid SD3 vbrakes. My main concerns would be stopping power (duh) and if they tend to get clogged/gummed up with debris. I ride in soft dirt/mud a lot and I don't want something that's going to foul up easily - my SD3s have been pretty good.

Are all vbrakes basically the same (aside from weight)?

I saw Supergo is having a special on the Hayes HFX Comp Disc Brakeset (F&R)... $200 for the package. I've been wanting to go to discs for a while, but financially this is a bad time. I was going to go with Avid mechanical discs... what are the advantages of mech/hydo? Disadvantages? I know about having to bleed hydros... any other disadvantages?

Thanks

 

[recidivist]

For V's,they're most all the same. There are some weight differences. Also, some get a reputation for being 'flexy' which may affect their feel. There are also ease-of-adjustment concerns, but most quality brakes use the ball-socket adjust, which is simple enough.

In general, though, it's hard to go wrong with either Shimano or Avid brakes.



For disc brakes -- hmmm. A lot depends on what else you'll have to change to run discs. For example, do you have disc hubs? If not, suddnly the $200 upgrade becomes a $400 upgrade.

Discs (Avids, Hayes, or most anything more expensive) will be moderately stronger than Vs, but will have more maintenance.

They won't clog with mud, but may have problems of their own -- like squealing when wet.

 

[oldfart]

From what I've read here, I think Avid makes the best mechanical disc brake going. I have read not so good things about the Hayes mechanical brake.

You'll find rim brakes are all pretty similar in stopping power and modulation. Some are better than others but they all work poorly when wet. None of them modulate very well particularly when they just dry out the braking surface and are grabby.

Hydraulic discs are the best. Very low maintenance and very easy to work on, at least Hayes are easy to work on. I can't imagine others are too much different as they all work on the same principal. The downside to hydraulic brakes is cost. But they are cheaper to run once you have them because they won't need pads too often, you won't be wearing out rims which cost more than a rotor, no cables to futz with constantly.

 

[golgiaparatus]

Originally posted by jacksonpt
I gotta pick up some new brakes this week... currently I have avid SD3 vbrakes. My main concerns would be stopping power (duh) and if they tend to get clogged/gummed up with debris. I ride in soft dirt/mud a lot and I don't want something that's going to foul up easily - my SD3s have been pretty good.

Are all vbrakes basically the same (aside from weight)?

I saw Supergo is having a special on the Hayes HFX Comp Disc Brakeset (F&R)... $200 for the package. I've been wanting to go to discs for a while, but financially this is a bad time. I was going to go with Avid mechanical discs... what are the advantages of mech/hydo? Disadvantages? I know about having to bleed hydros... any other disadvantages?

Thanks

Heres the brake scoop IMHO.

The best Brakes are Shimano XT Disc, Hayes Hydrolic Disk, Hope Hydrolics, some people have a good time with high end Maggies.

If you are not willing to fork over the $$ then get some Avid Mechanical Discs but be ready to adjust your rear brake caliper at least 3 times a week.

If your still not willing then forget about discs and get some Maggie hyro Vs, XTR or XTs or some Avid Arch Rivals

Thats it...whats the point in getting anything less... far less stopping power, more headaches and you only will save like $20.

- JB

 

[Zaskar Rider]

If you don't want to spend the time and money to convert to discs I'd get the Magura rim brakes. They have been on my bike for five years now and once they're set up and bled all you ever, and i mean ever have to do is chang the pads. And you don't even have to do that very often. Anyway, good luck on your brake search.

 

[bomberz1qr20]

Jenson USA, on the first page:

Hayes HMX discs and Alex/Deore wheels, a full setup for $170.00

Dude, I can't get that price w/ employee purchase at my shop.

 

[Echo]

Just get the brakes, those wheels are worthless.