Brakes Disc > Avid Brakes Disc > less than 20 GBP

HFX-9, a 9 out of 10

Advantages: single master cylinder design, tried & tested, easy to bleed, parts availability
Disadvantages: single-peice master cylinder requires removal of grips to fit

...an absolute doddle with the hayes bleed kit), and then centralising the caliper by holding the brake on, then tightening the bolts. The HFX-9 has adjustable lever reach via a small allen bolt and features a single master cylinder design, meaning that the left and right master cylinders are identical and can be swapped. My only minor complaint about the master cylinder is that it is a single-peice design, meaning that it requires removal of the grips ...
...The Hayes tool-free pad removal system is a welcome feature of the caliper. After a few rides to bed them in, the brakes really began to show their true colours. I've always thought of hydraulic systems as having an "on-off" feel, but the level of modulation is very impressive, even with the gigantic 203mm discs. The feel at the lever is ever so slightly spongy, but is something I can live with given the price level of the brakes. Heat dissipation ...

Jack_cheese 25.09.2009 · Read full review
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Review of Hayes HFX-9 Front Brake OEM Packed

Stopping power from Japan

Advantages: Excellent lever feel, stopping power, durability
Disadvantages: when they squeel, they REALLY squeel

...Orange), Avid Juicys and the Shimano XT. I chose Shimano for various reasons and the following review will hopefully outline why I took this course of action over the much hyped Hope and Avids. Having tested various systems on demo bikes around the country, it seemed to me that there was little to choose between the braking characteristics of my shortlisted products. However, the Shimano just edged it on the progressive feel of the braking action. ...
...was the aftermarket availability of Shimano parts. Only Hope comes close it seems. Go into any bike shop anywhere in Europe, or the world for that matter, and you will see Shimano products on display. It's reassuring to know that if things do go wrong, you're never far away from the part you need. So, one year (almost) in and how's the system performing? In short...I made the right choice. I wouldn't swap them for any other product if I was paid ...

HokaHey 05.11.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Shimano XT Disc Brake System

Hope M4 Brakes

Advantages: Superior build quailty and maintence free
Disadvantages: Set up is time consuming

...and stopping power that the Hope M4's have. The brakes came pre-bled so it was just a case of bolting them on and aligning them. This can be a bit time consuming as the pads sit close to the rotor so they have to aligned well to stop any rubbing. Once everything is set up these brakes are virtually maintenance free, only have to replace the pads ever so often. The system stops any air leaks very well, I haven't had to re bleed them in the 6 months ...

bikerider1 30.10.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Hope Open 4 System Front 185

Avid BB7 Mechanical Disc Brakes

Advantages: Easy to fit and maintain plus great price
Disadvantages: Will need adjusting from time to time

Overall: The Avid BB7 mechanical disc brake is a good option if you're looking for an aftermarket mechanical disc brake that's both affordable and adjustable. By most accounts (including mine), the Tri-Align Caliper Positioning System is the easiest way to mount a disc brake on a mountain bike, and it allows you to spend less time cursing tiny shims and stomping around your shop or garage. While I wouldn't argue that the long-term performance of ...
...choice between a set of Avid mechanicals and pretty much any other mechanical disc brake available today, go with the Avid and save yourself a bunch of headaches and many days of sore hands. If you're considering a set of lower-priced hydraulic brakes as an alternative to the BB7s, check out a set of Hayes HFX-9s or Avid Juicy 5s - both brakes offer quality hydraulic stopping power for only a little more money than the BB7s. Durability: Avid utilizes ...

helix1250 29.08.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Avid BB7

Avid Sintered brake pads (Gold)

Advantages: Last for ages and easy to fit
Disadvantages: None

I've used the Avid BB7 mechanical for over three years now & have been satisfied using these sintered (Gold) pads. The setup was both the stock 160mm rotor & 185mm rotor. Even in pouring rain the 160mm plus these Avid pads stop the bike with great modulation. Now I have one installed for the front for my XC bike which stops like a dream. Occasionally dirt and oil may require you to clean them by either soaking the pads in alcohol & sanding a thin ...
...and the break-in period is fast! (Just pour water on the rotor, go down the hill and brake hard couple times) These brake pads can vary from dealer to dealer but mainly the retail for around £15, there are various online stores that they can pe purchased from including "Evanscycles.com" and "chainreactioncycles.com" ...

helix1250 28.08.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Avid Pads Avid - All Disc Brakes