The tasty looks and comfy feel of the super-light lever. Avid Juicy 3 Disc Brake so good at so many things that it's hard to even put in a category like cross country or all mountain.
Submitted by
cascademtnbiker
a Weekend Warrior
from Myrtle Creek, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2012
Strengths: Good modulation
Seals robust and don't leak
Rebuild kit and parts readily available online
Cheap price, good quality
Weaknesses: Contact point is not adjustable
Reach adjustment is limited
Bleeding is difficult and requires an over-priced avid bleed kit to get the part you really need
Have to remove the caliper from bike to replace pads
Bottom Line:
I'm writing this review to offset all the bad reviews these brakes are getting here. I'm not giving these brakes 5 stars because I'm sure that there are better hydros out there, but price to performance ratio is probably as good as it gets. I have two sets of Juicy 3's one is the '08 model on my Enduro, the other '11 on the Reign X. I've been using them for two seasons and I have never had any problems with mechanical failures. I used Dot 4 and Dot 5.1 fluid and there's not really any difference in performance, except 5.1 has a slightly higher boiling point. The one time I had brake fade I was running Dot 4 and I've since moved to Dot 5.1 (which is what Avid uses). I weigh 200lbs with all my gear and water. I run 203mm rotors in the front and 185mm in the rear on both bikes. The '08 set was used and needed to be bled when I got them. I replace the hose with Clarks Hydraulic hose, which is very high quality BTW. The '11 set was new but I wanted orange hose so I replaced the hose and never experienced the factory feel on these brakes. I first replaced the hose with Jagwire hose that suuuucked, I could feeling the hose expanding under pressure. Jagwire was kind enough to give me a redesigned replacement hose but I don't think it's as good as Clark's. I can't get the '11 set to feel as firm as the '08 set, which, after many bleeds, has to be the hose.
Modulation: I used Avid Ball Bearing brakes prior and the modulation with those brakes was poor at best. The Juicy's modulate well enough that I can keep the back wheel rolling on the steepest trails I ride (several pitches exceed 50%). The lever feel is firm at the pad contact point but feels a bit soft when modulating under heavy braking, though this might be a good thing. I never tried other hydros on the trail so I can't give an accurate comparison nor do I know what is typical for lever feel. The Juicy's do work so well I can lock up the front, especially going into corners, if I'm not careful.
Overheating: I've had the brakes overheat on one very steep, long downhill run leading to a bit of fade but it didn't compromised my safety as I could feel it happening so I slowed down. I was running Dot 4 then and have since changed to Dot 5.1 so I hope this may not happen again. I not a racer but I destroy wicked descents faster than anybody else in my riding group.
Noise: None except when the rotor is wet. If you ride in the rain or snow rotors are always going to squeal. Once the rotor dries the silence of Juicy's is exceptional. I think brake noise when not wet is due to poor caliper alignment with the rotor. Avid Tri-Alignment system makes caliper alignment a breeze. Pad type and condition of the pad can effect noise and performance. Make sure the pads are properly broken in and that the rotors are kept clean. I clean my rotors with alcohol after every few rides to get the brake dust and other contaminants off.
Bleeding is a PITA. This is the major weakness/complaint I have with the brakes. It takes several times to get proficient with the bleeding procedure but once you get it it ain't that bad. I'd suggest bleeding on a warm/hot day as it helps the air bubbles move through the fluid a lot easier. You've got to get all the air out of the caliper and the lever otherwise the brakes feel spongy and really don't work at all. The bleed kit cost ($40-50) is way to much for what it is; 2 syringes, 1/8" tubing, special threaded and barbed has adapters, bleed blocks. All you need really is the threaded/barb adapters the rest is off the shelf parts. I use an old rotor as my bleed block.
Adjustments: Another weakness of the design is the limited reach adjustment, and no pad contact adjustment. I always wear down the front pads faster than the rear so after awhile the contact point on the left gets closer to the bar than the right. When I start to feel the difference I switch fronts pads to the rear and the rears to the front. With a pad contact adjustment this wouldn't be necessary. I run the reach adjustment set as close to the bar as possible but I would like them closer still in the ideal world. My fingers aren't short, but I don't like having to reach too far either.
Bottom line is that you've got to be reasonably mechanically inclined to maintain hydraulic brakes. All the weekend warrior posers complaining about noise and drag have gotta learn that any disc brake can experience these problems if abused, neglected or not setup properly. With a proper bleed and normal maintenance Juicy's perform well in nearly all situations (except extreme downhill). I know that each brake off the assembly line is slightly different and manufacturing flaws can happen but over all I have two sets of really good brakes.
Bike Setup: Specialized Enduro 6" travel mod
Giant Reign X - 2x9 drivetrain, Joplin 4 post, Fox Float 36, Cane Creek double barrel, Syncros DH rims
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jeharris44
a Cross Country Rider
from Waco,TX
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2011
Strengths: You can't beat hydraulic brakes and these are great bang for the buck. I have thoroughly enjoyed them. I ride hard and these brakes have never failed me. They are worth the upgrade if you want more stopping power and more sensitivity than mechanical disc.
Weaknesses: They get out of line a little to easy.
Submitted by
Omid Ghassemi
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2011
Strengths: They worked ok for a little bit.
Weaknesses: They squeak like crazy, the levers get loose very fast, they accumulate debris and air bubbles like no other and are not very strong....not to mention that they have zero modulation.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are horrible. they are unreliable, require constant bleeding as they are not sealed well, have very little power behind em and are cheaply made. Buy it for a hybrid or MILD trail bike....otherwise dont bother...get some used elixirs for 150-200. you dont wanna have to pay for a bleed every two months.
Submitted by
Stillbill
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2011
Strengths: Works fine, economical
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I've used the Juicy 3 for three months now...it works fine! Nice feel, and strong braking. I don't know what the detractors on this blog are talking about.
If you are a millionaire, then spend $500 on some "high-end" product, otherwise, buy this.
Submitted by
Gman Jackson
a Weekend Warrior
from Prince George BC
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2011
Strengths: None... Absolutely none.
Weaknesses: Everything. They lack power, as in you couldn't lock them up to save your life. Quality - Believe me or not, I was on a trail, hit a 4-5 foot vertical drop and the pads literally came out of the rear. Apparently the post holding the pads in broke, and sent the rear pads for a dirt nap. Avid told me that I was "Too hard on them" and refused to warranty anything. So I ended up switching to Shimano Saint. Sorry Avid, no more of your junk for me.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are less than trash. I'd rather flintstone it down the hill, dragging my foot on the rear wheel to try and stop, it would be more dependable. I wish I could give negative flaming chillis but you can't on here, so please take my 1 flaming chilli as one with a negative in front of it.
Similar Products Used: Hayes stroker Ace, Avid Code, Avid Code R, Hayes Mag HD, Hayes El Camino.
Bike Setup: 2005 Norco Shore: NO stock parts :D
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
JMBURKETT
a Weekend Warrior
from Monument, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2011
Strengths: None
Weaknesses: The standard rear disc is too small. Warped after less than 500 miles. I am not a pro but I know how to brake. I rode the Silver Rush in Leadville and the rear disc was so warped at the finish line I could not stop.
Bottom Line:
I have the Juicy Three on the Trek EX5. I know it is not a high end bike but it was not cheap either. The brakes squeak and slip constantly. Trek will not respond to my complaints (to my satisfaction) and Avid actually told me I was too hard on the brakes. I bought the bike in Colorado Springs, Colorado, not in flatlands of Florida. It seems if they are going to sell a bike in Colorado they should know it is going to be abused, even my the most basic riders as myself.
Submitted by
ballpythonman
a Cross Country Rider
from Wichita, Ks
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2011
Strengths: Very strong action, decent modulation, G3 rotors look sweet. I weigh 200+ and they work great in any situation that I put them in.
Weaknesses: Takes a few times to get them adjusted with no drag. Have a long break in time.
Bottom Line:
These are great brakes for what I need them to do. They do take a little longer to break in than they should. I have never had a problem stoping. Nothing leaks. They just work great. Oh, and they are priced very well. I would recommend these to anyone that has a budget and wants great braking power.
Submitted by
norcorider95
a Downhiller
from london, england
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2011
Strengths: loads of replacement pads to buy, cheap, fairly light, dont look bad either. fairly strong (not the disc)
Weaknesses: hard to bleed. peform crap, need dot 4.1 oil, pads wear in a few days.
unreliable and i cant trust them
Bottom Line:
terrible brakes if im honest. my pistons, seals and pads have all disintegrated.
had them bled twice and it made no difference from when they needed bleeding.
cheap to buy but expensive to maintain.
good for xc or all mountain i could imagine, but they shouldnt come stock on a freeride bike
Similar Products Used: hayes nines, theyre just as bad.
Bike Setup: 09 big hit with 66's
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mnt_biking
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa, OK, US
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2011
Strengths: Functionally, they do what they need to do. The brakes work fine. The feeling in the levers allows me to brake however I need to. They look good and the feel comfortable. I can brake as gradually as I want and they will lock up if I need them to.
Weaknesses: Definitely LOUD! The front brakes are just now starting to make a "turkey gobble" sound but, the rear brakes have been loud, since the get-go. The rear brakes sound like the brakes on the old school bus I used to ride when I was a kid! That's the best way I can describe the sound, like old bus brakes! Sometimes, I feel I must apologize to other riders for exposing then to such an awful sound.
Bottom Line:
The functionality of the brakes is actually really good. But, the sound might be enough to overshadow everything else about the product. At first I didn't mind the loudness, but now it's just out-right embarrassing! If you're going to upgrade, find another product. If the sound persists, I might have to consider finding another product, myself.
Submitted by
swinfurkon
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2011
Strengths: Simple fitting, even to my 7 year old Norco. Light years ahead of the Hayes So1e that came with the bike. Maybe it is because the So1e was so average at pulling up, but the Avid Juicy 3 brakes are exponentially better with great feedback and feel through the lever
Bottom Line:
excellent product, does the job well. Makes me disappointed I spent 7 years not using Avid brakes
Similar Products Used: Hayes 9, Hayes Stroker Trail, BB7's, Shimano XT
Bike Setup: 09' Bighit
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
duggus
a Cross Country Rider
from Minnesota, USA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2011
Strengths: Mmmmm?
Weaknesses: SQUEEEEALING & GROWLING
Bottom Line:
These started with the squeal/howl/growl sound that everyone complains about after 20 minutes of riding. AVID!!!!!!!!!!! DO YOU CHECK REVIEWS ON YOUR PRODUCTS??? THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON COMPLAINT SINCE THESE BRAKES HAVE BEEN AROUND!!!!
They stop OK... not GREAT. I have the bigger 185mm rotor in front and that still doesn't help it stop any better. Going to switch these out when I get extra $.
Similar Products Used: Hayes HFX9's, Hayes Stroker Trail
Bike Setup: Came stock on `11 Trek/GF X-Cal
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Bray
a Cross Country Rider
from uk
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2011
Strengths: ermmmmmm....
Weaknesses: Everything else
Bottom Line:
These brakes are worse than useless. I am a trained bike mechanic and no amount of bleeding, facing or adjusting has made these any better. They leak slightly from the top caps and the breather hole, the calliper pistons need constant attention otherwise one will seize. They do not stop or lock up.
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