Strengths: This is for the V-brake/canti pads as pictured, NOT disc pads. Cheap(ish), easier to find than Kool-Stop, much less squealy than Kool-Stop salmons, really excellent wet braking (they even work well in snow), reasonably rim-friendly because they don't embed chips of aluminium or grit as easily as some.
Weaknesses: Wear out quickly in the wet compared to Kool-Stop salmons. They make plenty of mess (pad material and aluminium sludge from the rims), so avoid if you have amber-walled tyres.
Bottom Line:
I've tried most pads (except the overpriced Swisstop) and settled on these. Kool-Stop salmons have some advantages but squeal like pigs on honeymoon.
I am reviewing the Aztec disc pads. I don't know what to make of the reviews. I think they're fricking great. Half the price of the Hayes replacements. I am halfway through a season of about 30 mtb races. These pads, and other brands I have tried, have seen all kinds of conditions. In the mud and wet it's typical to go through a set in a single race. These don't wear any slower or faster than others. Break in was quick and howl free, they don't howl at all in any conditions, they don't fade as bad as others I have tried. No complaints.
Submitted by
Bryan S
a Cross Country Rider
from Saskatoon, SK
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2004
Strengths: Cheap
Weaknesses: They wore out in 3 months of primarily commuting! Man do they howl! They have been noisy since the start despite adjustments. It doesn't seem to matter - wet, dry, dirty, or clean - they howl. We're not talking a little squeak either but an air-horn blast howl. They have little stopping power when dry let alone wet.
Bottom Line:
These brakes were presented by the LBS as a cost-effective alternative to some of the more expensive options. I put up with them for 3 months of poor performance until they were sufficiently worn out to warrant replacing them. In retrospect, I should've taken them back ASAP but I thought they would get better somehow.
Strengths: Nothing. These things are very dangerous. Bed them in very carefully to see if they suffer catastrophic failure.
Weaknesses: Cannot withstand normal braking heat.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the Aztec (Delta) pads for Avid Mechs and Juicys (part #PB8300). They suffered total failure during bedding in. Almost all the material scraped off the metal carrier within 1 mile. Check the brakes board on this site for pics and a description (paste address into browser if it does not show as a link): http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=160259#post160259
Aztec had better pray that no lawyer buys these pads.
Similar Products Used: Avid ACP, UCP, B3, B4, C4, and EBC Gold
Bike Setup: Turner XCE and 5-Spot, Avid Mechs and Juicys
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
morgan
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2003
Strengths: none
Weaknesses: I rode one run with brand new pads at mammoth when they gave way. Half way down the first run they were gone and I was going about 50mph down kamikazi run into a turn. The pads were down to metal on metal. I have nothing good to say about them. DO NOT BUY THESE PADS, THEY WILL KILL YOU!
Bottom Line:
Your risking your life with these pads. DO NOT BUY THEM!
Here's the deal. I bought these along with a pair of Eagle 2's. I put the Aztec's on the back, and after less than 10 miles of aggressive trail riding in wet, muddy conditions they were gone! Warn past the wear bars! The smell of burning rubber was discuraging. Then I was without rear breaks for the last 5 miles! I am a 200lb rider that values the ablity to stop within a reasonable distance. And I am tipically much harder on the front break than the rear. But at least I had the Eagle's up front. They showed only minimal wear and did most of the work. So if you are trying to save a few bucks like I was, forget it! Buy the Kool Stop Eagle's. They are a much better value. I wish I could give the Aztec's less than 1.
Similar Products Used: kool stop e2, kool stop thinline
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
RICARDO ORTEGON
a Cross Country Rider
from BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2003
Strengths: SILENT BRAKE, DURABLE.
Weaknesses: WEIGTH AS A ROCK, DOESN'T BRAKE AS KOOL STOP, IN WET CONDITIONS THEY'RE CRAPT 'CAUSE ONLY BRAKE AFTER 30" ( I GET A HORRIBLE PAIN IN MY HAND BECAUSE OF THE FORCE ), BUT DRY THE WORK GEAT.
Bottom Line:
THEY BRAKE GOOD ENOUGH IN GOOD CONDITIONS, DURABLES AND LOK NICE. DON' TRUST WHAT THE COMPARISON CHART SAYS. IT'S CRAP.
Similar Products Used: KOOL STOP, SHIMANO ORIGINAL PADS
Bike Setup: SMITH FRAME, R/S JUDY XC, RITCHEY BAR, STEM, GRIPS. DEORE CRANKSET, R/D, CASS; XT F/D, LX HUBS AND MEGA 9 SHIFTERS. SUCH A BIG SALAD ISN'T IT?
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew K.
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, NE USA
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2002
Strengths: cheap, stop ok, no squealing
Weaknesses: not a good grip when wet
Bottom Line:
a good cheap pad if you are just a bike around town person, but be careful when they get wet. they do not seem to stop as well, especially down a hill.
Weaknesses: TERRIBLEE IN WET CONDITIONS, COMPLETELY WORN OUT AFTER 3 SHORT RIDES. I SUPPOSE THEY WOULD BE OK IN THE SUMMER FOR ROAD RIDES, WHEN WHO USES BRAKES ANYWAY.
Similar Products Used: SHIMANO , CHEAP PYRAMID LASTING BETTER
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Pavel
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord, CA, US
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001
Strengths: Smooth, cheap
Weaknesses: Noisy in the beginning
Bottom Line:
I've replaced worn factory pads on my 99 Trek 7500 with Aztec x2 pads and the difference is quite nice. Breaking distance is shorter and overall breaking is smoother. There was a lot of noice during the first few days from the rear pads, but it was gone soon. I've sanded the front pads a little with fine sandpaper and I haven't noticed any sounds from them.
Submitted by
Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2001
Strengths: None
Weaknesses: Lasted 2 rides and one race..for 12 bucks that's bull Really harsh on rims No perceived increase in stopping power Wear limit markings difficult to see
Bottom Line:
These pads (v-replacement) are a waste of money and pure garbage. Go with Avid Rim Wrangler's...about to try el cheapo MEC pads...we'll see.
Similar Products Used: XT,XTR, Avid Rim Wrangler, MEC generic
Bike Setup: some metal, rubber, plastic, and oil
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Allen
a Cross Country Rider
from Conway, AR
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001
Strengths: Aztec II pads
Great braking quiet Gentle on Rim
Weaknesses: n/a
Bottom Line:
these pads are great. They stop great, don't produce black dust like shimano pads, and don't scratch rims. They are quiet. I have never heard them squeel, even when wet.
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