great stopping power, ive got 8in front and 7in rear rotors, and even when the thing is gobbling like a november turkey, it still stops like mad.
I'd buy again, as they are fairly cheap, and stop really good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D1PHAM
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Clara, CA, USA Date Reviewed: September 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Ebay.com
Strengths:
Good stopping power and modulation. Very comfortable levers, the dial adjust helps to fine tune your lever settings. Not too heavy (~400 grams). Very easy to work on and bleed. Hayes customer service is excellent!
Weaknesses:
A little more difficult to align and setup. Can be loud during the bedding process. The way the pad mounts to the caliper is suspect.
Similar Products Used:
Tektro Auriga, Juicy 3/5/7, Shimano Deore.
Bike Setup:
On-One Scandal 29er
Bottom Line:
They are good brakes once you get them aligned and setup. The pad mounting spring is a little suspect, so make sure you check them before every ride. For the price they are a great value, however if you are looking for a set it and forget it brakeset look elsewhere. If you do run in to an issue with the brakes, just give Hayes customer service a call and they will take care of you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RidgeUPGrade
a Cross Country Rider
from College Station, TX, USA Date Reviewed: August 28, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Direct from BTI
Strengths:
Incredible braking, everyone who rides my bike can't believe how well they work, the best customer service I've ever received, great modulation, easy setup, prebled, great astetics, easy adjustment for caliper and lever, there is always more than enough power for a given situation
Weaknesses:
At first the rear brake did make a gargling noise but it is nothing to be worried about, it's only caused by the caliper being unaligned with the rotor and catching the slots on the rotor, has no effect on how well they work.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes MX-2, Avid Juicy's, Magura's
Bike Setup:
07 Marin Eldridge Grade, 2009 Fox F120 RL, Easton XC One, Crank Brothers Eggbeater SL, FSA K-Force Riser Bar, XT m772 Shadow RD, XT m770 FD, XT m770 crankset, SRAM PG-990 Cassette, SRAM 991 chain, Hayes Stroker Trail V7 Brakes, Thomson Setback s
seatpost, Selle Italia Shiver Gel Flow, Blue Chris King Nothreadset, Maxxis Ignitor 2.1
Bottom Line:
I had a problem with one of the pads coming loose a little (barely any movement) so I emailed Hayes techs and they mailed me out 4 new pads for front and rear, no questions asked, no cost to me. Then after 11 days I emailed them back to ask if they had sent them and they said they should have already been there but would send out another full set, I received the first set the next day and the second set 3 days later... $60.00 worth of brake pads at no cost to me. Buy these brakes and you won't be let down!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gomeroz
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Sydney,NSW,Aust Date Reviewed: August 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Lucas Heights
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop Mortdale
Strengths:
Good looks,supposed good reputation, easy modulation system
Weaknesses:
Purchased as stock brake system on Kona Hoss 2008 . From inital ride constant front brake "singing" and rubbing against pads impeding wheel spin.It appered that set up was not correct and wheel was never centered in forks or brake pads.The bike was sent back 3 times to the store to fix but to no avail.From other reviews it appears that adaptors are needed to align within brake and centre to fork.Disappointed that BSM could not fix but they offered to send back to Kona or replace under warranty with Shimano BRM 486's.Decided to take the Shimano's and could not be happier.Although cheaper there are no issues as yet(touch wood) and the larger 8 inch rotar gives even better breaking with better controlled speed.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano BRM 486....leaves the Stroker for dead...great budget performance brake for the "average punter"
Bike Setup:
Kona Hoss 2008 18Inch as standard
Bottom Line:
Was really excited to try the Hayes Stroker based on reputation.However my own experience ,the reviews of others on this site and the fact the 2009 Kona Hoss has moved to Shimano would indicate Hayes are not delivering on expectation.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mistreeboy
a Downhiller
from Calgary, AB Canada Date Reviewed: August 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Moose Mtn Trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Bicycle Cafe
Strengths:
WOrked for a whole year.
Weaknesses:
Worked for only a year.
Bottom Line:
Don't get a bike with Hayes brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kmorton
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville Date Reviewed: July 22, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Smooth modulation, good aesthetics.
Weaknesses:
Reliability has been very poor; quality control at manufacturer.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Stroker Ryde; Hayes 9, several mech. disc brake configurations
Bike Setup:
Kona Caldera, Trek Fuel 70
Bottom Line:
I've been very disappointed with these brakes. The front arrived from the manufacturer with defects in the plunger assembly in one lever such that it never could be properly bled and hold its fluid pressure. The opposite lever (rear brake) is subject to constant fade such that even when modulating the brakes, the rear brake loses virtually all fluid pressure in about 30 minutes of medium-intensity riding. Even when properly bled, the lever squeeze is still very spongy with a lot of free-play before the calipers engage the rotor. I've seen that many people on this forum have been very satisfied with this brake set-up. Maybe I just got a dudd, but I think I'll steer clear of Hayes in the future. Even if this brake did work properly, I still think it's overpriced.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DavidNeiles
a Cross Country Rider
from Chattanooga Date Reviewed: June 5, 2009
NONE. Don't see why people have problems with them. ie. short cable housing below, not hayes fault, yours or bike manufactures!!lol!! whatever
Similar Products Used:
A ton of different Hayes from way back in 98! Hope and avids
Bike Setup:
08 DB Mission 2
Bottom Line:
Very strong and reliable brake system. Easy to setup and go ride. Don't have to mess with em. Love the quick dial reach adjustment. I have always enjoyed Hayes quality and will stay with them for years to come. I have 2 sets on other bikes and stroker carbons on my Sortie Black, Love EM!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
north20
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington state Date Reviewed: May 31, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Stopping power, modulation, easy to set up. I like the looks, which may not be for everyone.
Weaknesses:
Only one, and I see it's been mentioned in these reviews once before: the lines can pop off the master cylinder when a fistful of lever is grabbed. I've had it happen 4 times now, 3 of those when doing some 'trialsesque' riding on some boulders at a local park. Under normal trail riding it hasn't happened. The problem seems to be the barbed compression fitting used at the m.c. - one barb just isn't enough.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes 9, Juicy 5, ancient Formulas.
Bottom Line:
I really want to like this brake, and do for the majority of time I've spent on them. However, I think this is a problem that needs to be sorted out sooner rather than later.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jbgilm
a Cross Country Rider
from Williamsburg, VA, USA Date Reviewed: April 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
York River
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
These brakes have awesome stopping power. They came with a 7" front rotor, which I replaced with a 6" because they tended to grab too much. With a 6" rotor, they are very nice.
Weaknesses:
The pads. The pads are held in with a small spring that can be easily damaged. One of the pads developed a tendency to fall out unexpectedly when the spring got loose somehow. Hayes sent me four replacements, however. They also tend to squeak, but this may be common to all disk brakes.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
2008 Giant Trance X1
Bottom Line:
These brakes stop very impressively, which, obviously, is the most important feature in a brake. But the way the pads are held in is less impressive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
troyjones
a Cross Country Rider
from Port Angeles wa usa Date Reviewed: April 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Xc
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$122.00
Purchased At:
Treefort bikes
Strengths:
Stopping power.
Weaknesses:
Pre-Bled out of the box! Back break line not long enough, Too much play in the lever, Have to bleed brakes again and hope that fixes the problem. Um have to buy new back break line cuz hayes came up almost 3 inches too short and reorder a banjo,Thats that thing located on the caliper cuz its pressed on there so more money + labor. I shouldent have to fix Hayes's screw ups but i want to ride and not wait forever and fight them.
Similar Products Used:
Old hayes disc. and avids. They worked at least.
Bike Setup:
Specialized enduro Pro. Mavic Wheels, Kenda Tires, Fox shocks around, shimano XT, and HAYES STROKER TRAIL
Bottom Line:
Maybe I got unlucky and got a lemon. Hard to say. But Pre bled brakes outta the box over rated. And If i can fix the lever play, and look past the short back line and re bleedinf the brakes. Then i will be happy. Other than that kinda Unhappy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Montytian
a Cross Country Rider
from North England Date Reviewed: April 13, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
easy to bleed, good stopping power and well design, rotors and running very smooth (they are light too).
Weaknesses:
Lever is feeling a little bit(just a little bit) soft.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX mag, Juicy seven
Bike Setup:
an updated Orange Evo2.
Bottom Line:
well, brake is brake, it's doing what it should do: to stop your bike, and it's doing very well(in all conditions).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
towman910
a Weekend Warrior
from MA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Strong, easy reach adjustment, good modulation, a whole hell of a lot better than my BB5's!
Weaknesses:
Took awhile to get them set up so they weren't rubbing, but now that I've got 'em tweaked, they're great.
Similar Products Used:
BB5's, V-brakes
Bike Setup:
03' Raleigh M50 Frame, Deore drivetrain, mavic x223 rims, Hayes Stroker Trail w/203mm rotors, wide azonic riser bars, RS Judy XC fork (next thing to get upgraded)
Bottom Line:
I love 'em. I'd never go back to rim brakes, or probably even mechanical discs. I'm a big boy who does stupid crap, and I need the stopping power, hence the 8" rotors on what is basically an XC ride. I couldn't ask for more from these brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wvcheeze
a Cross Country Rider
from Charleston, WV, USA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
B&B
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Dependable, stops, nice modulation, easy pad removal
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes El Cameno
Bike Setup:
Titus Racer X
Bottom Line:
Great Brakes. Easy Maintenance. Better than the piece of sh$t El Cameno's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jwood1157
a Weekend Warrior
from NH Date Reviewed: March 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
great brake system xc to full on downhill they can do it all
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
hayes 9 juicy 5
Bike Setup:
08 coilair
Bottom Line:
i had now problem with them at all going downhill or out in the trails very good stopping power work great in the rain mud what ever dont know what people are complaining about great brakes would recommend to any one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul1977
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: February 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Works well in all conditions and consistant lever feel. I havent had to do any maintenance other that lubing the oring when installing them.
Weaknesses:
The rear brake gets a bit vocal in wet conditions
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Nines, Avid Juicy's
Bike Setup:
6 inch all mountain monster
Bottom Line:
Buy these if you want a reliable low maintenance brake. Dont believe the hype that juicies are good, they;re not.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
conpoo
a Weekend Warrior
from devizes Date Reviewed: January 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Salisbury Plain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
chainreactioncycles.
Strengths:
look great! tool free adjustment, tool free pad removal, great stoping power, they do have GREAT MODULATION, a doddle to set up, so much brekaing power for the money
Weaknesses:
.........
Similar Products Used:
hope mono mini
Bike Setup:
giant xtc
Bottom Line:
great stopping power from a relatively cheap product, they look better than any other brake on the market (in white!) so so easy to set up, good modulation, what more do you want from a break???
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
slalomnorth
a Racer
from Cedarburg, WI, USA Date Reviewed: January 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
I could tell ya but I'd have to shoot ya
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Used bike
Strengths:
Lots of stopping power, easy to dial everything in, easy to adjust, Lever design is the best I've ever used, looks awesome
Weaknesses:
a little bit on the heavier side
Similar Products Used:
hayes sole
Bike Setup:
Kula sumpreme
Bottom Line:
I am a big fan of Hayes, and they really hit it right on the button this time. These brakes stop on a dime, they're strong, easy to bleed, and easy to adjust everything. If you're gonna get some disc brakes you have to look into hayes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RocknRide
a Downhiller
from murray, utah Date Reviewed: December 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anything sick
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
on bike already
Strengths:
extremely good braking power. These are not a "on" or "off" brake. You can skid with one finger if you choose to, but also feather it for cornering, wheelies, manuals.. Good adjustability on the leaver. Couldnt ask for a better brake.
Weaknesses:
None..
Similar Products Used:
Hayes sole (junk) and avids
Bike Setup:
Kona Stinky
Bottom Line:
These brakes rock!! These will handle anything you throw at them.. Used 1 FULL season of dh and lots of riding, no probs at alL! Perform great! Get em, they rock!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
t.martin
a Racer
from Telluride, CO Date Reviewed: December 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The design, easy to adjust and maintain.
Weaknesses:
the lever gets sticky sometimes; but a quick turn of a screw fixes that.
Similar Products Used:
Avid Jucy 5's
Bike Setup:
Intense M6 with all the options
Bottom Line:
This is truly a great break system. The burn-in period was a little long with the stock pads but once set, they were great. The modulation is consistent and the power does not fade away at the end of the race run. Would recommend to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jmowatt
a Cross Country Rider
from lantzville bc Date Reviewed: December 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
O-fig-no
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
arrowsmith bikes
Strengths:
ajustment is great strong and fade free
Weaknesses:
stock pads were grinding (but got new ones from hayes free)
Similar Products Used:
9s hayes
Bike Setup:
giant reign
Bottom Line:
this came on my bike but were noisey so i called hayes direct, a week later a full set of rotors and pads arrived at my house, does not get any better than that. thanks hayes great service..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clockwork
a Downhiller
from arizona Date Reviewed: November 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
sixshooter
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$179.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
The look good, feel good , have great modulation , nice reach adjust, durable and have lots of power for 1 finger braking.
Weaknesses:
After a few crashes and a years riding the lever is a bit sloppy but it doesn't bother me or affect performance.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano deore, m755 4-piston,hayes nine.
Bike Setup:
sxtrail,fox 36,deemax wheelset,xt componets and thompson bits.
Bottom Line:
These are great brakes and I would buy these brakes again no questions asked. I have never like the Hayes brakes due to performance and weight . But they raised the bar when the designed produced the stroker. Their customer service is also top notch better than my experince with other manufactures by far.
5 chilis for value because I purchased at a LBS and when it came time to use the warranty they just sent out a new brake even though I had said I was willing to pay to get my brake fixed as I felt I had gotten my use of them and was near the end of warranty.
5 overall chilis because these brakes have delivered very good results enabling my to push my limits becuase I know my brakes will perform like the should when I need them .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erikober
a Downhiller
from FoCo, CO Date Reviewed: October 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The A
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
Great stopping power. Very well designed lever and easily adjustable. Looks great on my bike. Longer hoses. Very lightweight.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Saints. Hayes Soles. mechanicals.
Bike Setup:
Singlespeed hardtail with LOCO's, '08 Dirt Jumper 1, Hayes stroker Trails, LX cranks. DB stem with Truvativ bars
Bottom Line:
My favorite brakes so far. they can hold up on DH runs and can hold up to the crashes when dirt jumping. they can also lock up when you want them to for trials or urban riding. These are a great investment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kfedick
a Downhiller
from Leesburg, VA Date Reviewed: October 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Strong, good looking, easily set up
Weaknesses:
long hoses
Similar Products Used:
avid 5's, hayes sole, tecktro mechanical
Bike Setup:
jamis bam-1, bontrager king earl bars, straitline bar end caps, odi, sram x-0, animal bmx pedals
Bottom Line:
a great brake i like my brakes to stop when i want them to. once used to the SENSITIVE modulation they are by far the best feeling brakes made. I dont like my brakes to be squishy (or modulate a lot) the quicker you stop, the quicker your times are
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CaveGiant
a Weekend Warrior
from York, England Date Reviewed: October 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Phazor
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Quite powerfull
Weaknesses:
Grabby
Low modultation (they are on or off, never in between)
Dangerous design flaw
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Sole (poo), Hayes HFX9 HD (Good), Hope Mono (great), Formula The One (the brake all others aspire to be)
Bike Setup:
The best
Bottom Line:
Terrible brakes, hard to modulate, very grabby and with the WORST design flaw I have seen.
The bolt that holds the lever onto the brake is cheap and unreliable.
I was warned that they had this problem at the rental shop.
They said they had a few that failed and they just stuck a normal bolt through.
Halfway through the ride I broke HARD. SNAP lever falls off!!! the bar had snapped and fallen out on the rear brake, the front brake had snapped and was in place!!!
I almost lost both brakes in one use!!!"
I got an allen key out of my bag and dropped it through the hole, feeling of the brake significantly improved!
small design flaw that makes a bad brake awfull
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slyp Dawg
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: October 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
PSP Lakeview I, II, and IIII
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$268.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
great stopping power, great modulation, lever feels great, lever pivot placement feels really good, reach adjuster is great
Weaknesses:
master cylinder is a tad large, rear brake squeals a bit, but that's likely due to not breaking them in properly
Similar Products Used:
Tektro Aquila mechanical disks, Juicies (on a friend's Ellsworth ISIS/Joker XC), demo'd a set of Servo Wave XTs
I highly recomend these brakes to anyone who's got large-ish hands who wants a brake with great modulation and stopping power. I feel like, at least before the tire swap (velociraptors to michelins), I could stop on a dime and get 9 cents change back on pavement without the tires even hinting at wanting to lock up. the only thing I would change is make the master cylinder a bit smaller so I can put Sram shifters right up beside them rather than offset a bit (although the brake line is spaced just far enough out for the bolt on the X7 shifters. wonder if they did that on purpose?)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rockhead77
a Cross Country Rider
from St Chales, MO, USA Date Reviewed: September 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Castlewood
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Price was 0.00 b/c I
Strengths:
They stop well when they work. Lever adjustability is nice.
Weaknesses:
If I apply lots of pressure to the lever, you know like when I need to stop, the brake line pops out of the master cylinder. It came like this from the dealer, and they claimed everything shipped to them pre-bled set-up and ready to go. I didn't get a bleed kit with the bike, asked for one from hayes and they told me to go buy one at a local shop. Which they (the LBS) or anyone don't carry on-hand they have to order from some distributor, which means I'm not riding for another week. Its only been in the past month since you've actually been able to get pads for the stroker's even though the brakes have been available since at least feb 08.
I'd rather go back to BB5 than continue riding the stroker, at least I know I'll come to a stop with a cable in the housing rather than having the brake line pop out and then faced with having to bleed the brakes (again!!) w/o any support from Hayes rather than being told to go buy a $20 brake bleed kit that is hardly available, with time off from riding while waiting for bleed kit to come.
Similar Products Used:
Avid Juicy, and BB5.
Bottom Line:
Check out the number of bikes that came stock with strokers in 08 vs. how many dropped strokers for their line up in 09 to get an idea of reliability and quality. I wouldn't buy a set of these brakes, and if a new bike I was considering came stock with them I would negotiate to have them replaced with another set of brakes even if I had to pay a little more out of pocket the get a set of brakes I trust.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scwhitey
a Cross Country Rider
from Kailua Date Reviewed: September 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Pali
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Strengths:
Nice look and feel. Came with fluid and bleed kit. Good modulation. Much more powerful then the Avid Juicy 3's that were on the bike.
Weaknesses:
no bracket for caliper but shouldn't be a problem unless you change the rotor size. Take a while to bed it and make some weird noises until they do.
Similar Products Used:
Avid bb5, Juicy 3
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel ex 7, crank bros acid pedals.
Bottom Line:
I had an issue with the rear brake as my bikes rear bracket mount was slightly out of spec so wrote a E-mail to Hayes. They responded within one hour and I was able to get the caliper mounted. Next I questioned the bed-in noises and in the meantime deglazed the pads. Turns out I didn't get the pad in right and ended up flicking it out when I took the wheel off to transport the bike that day and didn't notice. Well, on the first downhill I fried the caliper piston. Embarrassed I again wrote to Hayes thinking they were going to tell me to tell me to go back and learn how to r&r a wheel. Actually, without out even asking they said they are sending me a new piston and set of pads. Okay, when was the last time you got that kind of customer service? Very rare in this day and age. I'm blown away!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
studer
a Downhiller
from Portugal Date Reviewed: September 3, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Les Gets
Strengths:
Powerful and simple.
Weaknesses:
To brutal, wether it doesn't brake or it brakes 200%, very hard to give it the right dosage.
Similar Products Used:
Avid juicy 5, 7. Shimanos. Hope 24k
Bike Setup:
Giant Glory 1
Bottom Line:
I really didn't like these brakes. The worst thing was this screw that defined the position of the lever that was very loose, so after each descent, I had to give it some 5 turns in order to have the apropriate lever positiong again. Hated that!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
specialized18
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisville, Kentucky Date Reviewed: August 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Wilderness Loop and Cherokee Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$274.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Very strong breaks. Still breaking in but very good modulation.
Weaknesses:
Break in period can be a real hastle. I have had to go to my LBS and get them reset.
Similar Products Used:
first hydro brakes. Did have Avid BB7. Not nearly as strong
Bike Setup:
2006 Specialized Epic Comp, Hayes Stroker Trail
Bottom Line:
Great Brakes. Go out and buy! You will not be disappointed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
slowrider
a Weekend Warrior
from Midway City Ca U.S. Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Porc
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
The Path
Strengths:
Strong, reliable, good modulation, White.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, Left lever feels wrong; mushy slightly slow return. White.
Similar Products Used:
Most
Bike Setup:
5 Spot 27.75
Bottom Line:
Other than the odd left lever feel, weight and whitness they work great and even the whitness looks O.K. with my XC 700 sl.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
prestavalve
a Downhiller
from Reno NV Date Reviewed: July 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
N Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
treefortbikes.com
Strengths:
Good power
Great modulation
Great lever feel
Durable
Good looking
Quiet (w/ 160 Avid CS2 rotor)
Weaknesses:
Not the brake revolution Hayes promised- a slightly less powerful but much better modulating version of a Juicy 7.
05 Mongoose Teocali
Pike
General downhill oriented AM bike
Bottom Line:
I've now tested the pearl white Stroker Trail for about three weeks in Reno NV, riding everything from rolling xc trails to hard-core DH trails. The brake has performed admirably so far. One finger braking is easily possible with a 160 setup, and power is consistent and linear right until lockup. Modulation is also very good; I never had to think about braking to brake well. In addition, after a serious crash ramming my front brake lever into a rock garden, the only damage was a minor scratch. Overall, I think these are great brakes, however, they are not the revolution Hayes was promising. Yet for the price, they are quite attractive, and therefore, these brakes get five flamin' chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick b
a Downhiller
from jackson wy Date Reviewed: June 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$210.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
nice lever feel, good power and modulation, bigger pads means more stopping power
Weaknesses:
after longer downhills, they do get a little squishy
Similar Products Used:
hayes 9's, juicy fives
Bike Setup:
Haro x3, 66rc2x, 5th element, shimano drivetrain
Bottom Line:
great improvement over the 9's. the lever has a great "natural" feel. with the trails you can move around the lever easily also, which is a plus. the break in time was very short. a couple of rides. The power these have, with 8 in rotors, is equal to any juicys ive tried, maybe even better. It would take more time to tell. There is also much more modulation over past hayes breaks. which is a huge improvement i feel. have not bleed the breaks yet, so cant comment on that.
overall, great breaks for DH/Freeride. lots of stopping power and good modulation for the corners.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marcincan
a Downhiller
from Burnaby BC Canada Date Reviewed: June 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
CBC, Corkscrew,Pingu, Team Pangor
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
There really aren't any
Weaknesses:
They are quite terrible, they leak at the Master cylinder stop like rim brakes and make a very wierd watery sound
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Saint Shimano Deore Avid Juicy 5 /7
Bike Setup:
2007 Kona Dawg stock mostly
Bottom Line:
I am really a Shimano Brake guy but when i got the Kona Dawg for my girlfriend... They came on it, so we gave it a try. TERRIBLE the front brake was screwed from day one it leaked and the lever never returned to the full open position, They don't have any sort of stopping power when they moderatly warm up . They also make a wierd noise when you but them on hard I can't describe it really... (on my friends Kona Five-O as well makes the same sound)
so we brought them back to get them warrantied and low and behold they do the same thing... when back to the the shop and swapped them out for a set of Shimano Deore brakes and everything is good NOW...
Don't buy these if you have to go down any sort of hills !!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wayne cantwell
a Downhiller
from marquette, MI Date Reviewed: April 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
THE BENSON
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
E-BAY
Strengths:
Very good modulation, Adjustable lever reach, once broken in very good stopping power.
Weaknesses:
They might not take to crashes very well as the levers tend to have small parts that may break.
Similar Products Used:
hayes nine. Juicy 5s.
Bike Setup:
Kona Coiler, Diablous stem/handlebar, DhX 5.0, Azonic outlaws, Hayes stroker, marzocchi 66
Bottom Line:
Everyone I have spoke to LOVE these brakes. I felt the difference right off after switching from nines to strokers. I can go into corners much faster due to braking distance being reduced. If your looking for a brake that is not ON/OFF then these fit the bill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stripey
a Weekend Warrior
from Bay Area, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Resolution
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Blue Sky
Strengths:
Very easy setup. Excellent power. Very good modulation.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Hayes 9, Shimano.
Bike Setup:
5.5 inch trailbike w/ FOX 32 7" roter in front, 6" on back.
Bottom Line:
These are very easy brakes to install. The caliper window makes it very simple to center them on the rotor. Levers go on without removing anything. The system came pre-bled. Break-in was rapid.
So far very pleased. A huge step up from the older Hayes and Shimano discs I was used to. I have tried Juicy's on park bikes, and I would say these that the Stroker's are on par powerwise, and have a more 'natural' modulation, though that is likely to be a matter of opinion.
The brake lever does have a nice feel, just as they claim.
Overall, very easy to modulate, and I haven't had to use more than one finger yet, even on steep technical terrain.
I'll post again once I have more thoroughly abused them, but 5 chilis for now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J C
a Downhiller
from sandie eggo Date Reviewed: March 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
berms
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
power, modulation, fade-free, lever feel, comes with everything you need
Weaknesses:
makes weird bubbling noises after broken in
Similar Products Used:
hayes 9, codes, soles, mx1
Bike Setup:
05 sx trail w/ sram x9, 66r, dhx 5 ect... and 1 on my blk mrkt riot w/ azonic outlaws, nitro cranks, argyle 318..
Bottom Line:
so far i really like these brakes, they have a good amount of power, excellent modulation, lever feels really nice, the do not fade at all. these are a big improvment over the hayes nine and are on par w/ other brakes on the market. each brake came w/ everything you need, mounts, rotor, pre-bled, bleeding kit, DOT fluid, and bolts. the only problem i have witht these is that they make weird bubbling noises when stopping, and its not just a faulty brake because I have 3 of these brakes and they all do it.
o yeah, and you cant beat 200 bucks for front and back brakes...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Curt Shelp
a Weekend Warrior
from Midway City Ca. U.S. Date Reviewed: February 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Porc
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Jensen
Strengths:
Attractive and powerful
Weaknesses:
Fairly heavy and at the beginning of the first ride the lever feel felt like I was pumping oatmeal instead of brake fluid. I used the old rotors which made a ton of noise for for the first few stops but that cleared quick and by the end of the ride they felt great and worked very well.
Similar Products Used:
All types of Hayes disks. Avids, Magura and Hope monominis.
Bike Setup:
Turner Horst link 5 Spot with a Marz XC 700 sl.
Bottom Line:
After my bad experience with the ElCaminos that made me allmost take Hayes off my list and the initial feel I think the Strokers are fantastic and on par with the high quality I had come to expect from Hayes. I wish they were lighter but thats not as important as performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: February 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Local dj n happy valley trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$281.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
power, modulation, feel, lever reach dial is handy
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Tektro mech discs (crap), avid juicy 3s & 7s (great but more maintenance)
Bike Setup:
Apollo Gauntlet sun mtx 33s, strokers, easton vice, truvative Howitzer Ruktion, dice hoodoo hubs, Kenda Nevegals
Bottom Line:
I got the 8" rotors and they are ridonkulous. buy these if you want a hassle free Hydro brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kim Klein
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix. AZ Date Reviewed: January 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
rivers edge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$285.00
Purchased At:
Blue Sky
Strengths:
NIce ergonomic design. White color. Adjustable dial.
Weaknesses:
Stopping power
Similar Products Used:
avid, magura
Bike Setup:
Scott Spark 30, XT, XO, laser discs.
Bottom Line:
Really nice looking brake but braking power is pretty mediocre. Even Juicy 3s I had were considerably more powerful. They are adequate for light trail riding with rolling hills. A nice, intermediate brake for those who want to move up from rims or pull brakes. I would recommend any of the juicy's over this if you are going to do serious riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eugene Kim
a Weekend Warrior
from Larkspur, CA Date Reviewed: January 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
China Camp
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Nice style. White looks great. Adjustable lever. Relatively low weight for solid build.
Weaknesses:
Moderate braking power. Extremely similar to El Camino. No mounts included (have to purchase them seperately)
Similar Products Used:
Hayes El Camino
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur XC. Full 2008 XTR. Mavic Crossmax SLRs. 23 pound racer.
Bottom Line:
These are basically a rehash of the El Caminos. Very similar feel with slightly improved modulation and a tad lighter. I feel though that the braking power is not nearly as good as Juicy 7/carbon/ultimates. This is a trail rated brake but not a stop on the dime set up. Got squeeze to find power. So this would be good XC brake if you like to have some feel and don't down hill much. This would be not a good down hill brake as you would have to squeeze and white knuckle your way down the mountain. Overall, I do not feel as though this is an upgrade at all to their previous lines. Same stuff in a new package.
For the money, buy the El Caminos which are cheaper now. Or buy Juicy 7/carbons if you need more stopping power.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Layfield
a Downhiller
from Ridgecrest, CA Date Reviewed: December 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
A-line
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$289.00
Purchased At:
cambria
Strengths:
These brakes are a huge step from my hayes 9s. Very sensitive and havent had any fade going dh. The lever feel is awsome. The adjustment knob is really nice to have.
Whatever riding style you are, these brakes will work for it. The are sensitive yet dont just lock-up on you. The color is sick, who doesnt like white? I use them for freeride/dh and they are great... The first time i used them i was conserned because they werent that impressive. but after a little bit of riding and some water on the brakes they worked extreamly well!GET THEM, worth every penny!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee Lau
a Cross Country Rider
from North Vancouver BC Date Reviewed: November 15, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Reviewed for magazine
Similar Products Used:
Magura Louise Magura Louise freeride Avid Juicy Five Hayes Mag Hayes HFX - 9 Hayes El-camino Shimano XT Grimeca
Bike Setup:
Norco Six One - http://www.norco.com
Bottom Line:
Full writeup here: http://www.nsmb.com/gear/gear_shots36_11_07.php (middle of story)
Excerpt
I tried the brakes on some North Vancouver trails and also had some longer runs in the Whistler bike park. Initial impressions were of some brake pump trail-riding but this appears to have been more my imagination then anything else, as brake pump and brake fade were non-existent on the longer bike park runs. As an additional data point, I did a continuous descent from 1500m to 200m and the brakes were also fade-free and pump-free on this wild and rather exciting run.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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