Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Dearborn, MI, USA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
They came stock on my 1998 Gary Fisher Big Sur
Strengths:
These are bomb proof levers. Fairly light and super durable.
Weaknesses:
They'll probably never break, I'll be using these levers for the rest of my life!
Similar Products Used:
I've been using these levers for so long that I can't remember any others!!!
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar XC Frame, Manitou Elite Black Forks, Fox Float R Rear Shock, Mavic XC 717 Rims, Shimano XT Disk Hubs (front & rear), Old School Shimano XT Crank, Shimano XT ES71 Splined Bottom Bracket, Speedplay Frog Pedals, Shimano XT Front Dérailleur, Shimano XT Rear Dérailleur, Shimano XT 9 Speed Shifters (front & rear), Shimano XT 9 Speed Cassette, Shimano XTR/Dura-Ace 9 Speed Chain, Avid BB5 Disk Brakes (front & rear), Old School Avid 1.0 Brake Levers, Cane Creek Headset, WTB Laser V Saddle, Avid Flack Jacket Housing/Cable (shift & brake)
Bottom Line:
These levers have outlasted any other component that I have ever used! It's crazy! These levers were stock on my Gary Fisher Big Sur when that bike was still considered a good mid level ride; now the Big Sir is barely a respectable entry level bike, but I digress. These levers have never given me a problem since I acquired them! They've been on three different bikes with three different types of brakes. When I built my current ride a few months ago, I decided to upgrade to Avid Mech. Disk brakes, but opted to keep the old school levers. They're simply awesome!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nikola Djurdjevic
a Weekend Warrior
from Downtown Eastside Van Date Reviewed: April 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any nice drop or stairset or jump
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
From sum Australian dude
Strengths:
super smooth, stop like crazy and do it as good as some mechs.
Weaknesses:
maybe that theyre a bit farther from the handlebar, making it harder for 1 fingeres trials, but other than that, perfect
Similar Products Used:
the no-name u brakes on my bmx that caused my friend to get hit by a car
I don't know what people are saying that these levers are heavy, and why the hell would someone drill up their lever to save a few miligrams. Bottom line i got these stock on my XC bike which i turned into a urban dirt jumper and these v's rock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
istrate mihai
a Weekend Warrior
from cluj Romania Date Reviewed: January 31, 2005
Favorite Trail:
park,street trials
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
light.they do their job prety well.
Weaknesses:
actualy the lever bends down if you push constantly.Ex:trials,bunny hopping
Similar Products Used:
lizard vanguard
Bike Setup:
good stuff
Bottom Line:
good material for tials and street.it is a light set up,unlike disc systems.if you go for DH forget'em.this the cheapest v-brake lever from Avid but works SUPER.they worked for me so they shoud work for you too.i'm onto discs now.i wanna go big this year so i need heavy duty parts,so parts that are heavier.buy'em!...DON'T TIGHTEN THEM HARD ON THE BARS!They will brake.SAFE RIDE TO ALL OF YOU GUYS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Saratoga CA, USA Date Reviewed: September 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Saratoga Gap
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came with the bike
Strengths:
Very simple, very solid lever. Crisp feel, not slushy.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
god damn Tektro.
Bike Setup:
k2 softail, xt drivetrain, xtr real derailleur.
Bottom Line:
These are the nicest levers i've ever felt, they have a clean crisp feel, and when paired with XT / XTR parallel push V-brakes, you will stop when you want to, not when need to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
They feel great, strong leverage, last & last & last....
Similar Products Used:
Shimano levers, hayes cable levers, hayes hydro
Bike Setup:
XC commuter, freeride HT, urban assault HT
Bottom Line:
These levers are handed down to my third bike now (always felt the best). Bought them stock in '99 on my commuter. They are scratched, gouged and banged to h3ll bu still feel great. Used them on Avid v's, XT v's, and now on rear 8" hayes cable disc. They even feel balanced with the front hydros. Work extremely well in all cases.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from DC, USA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Came stock on my 99 FSR
Strengths:
Do everything levers are supposed to do. Durable. Zero maintenance.
Weaknesses:
Weight? Non-adjustable.
Similar Products Used:
Avid 2.0, 7's
Bike Setup:
FSR with Avid Mag brakes
Bottom Line:
I think these are the last stock item on my FSR. they've lasted 3 years, 4000 miles, many, many crashes and they just keep going. No bells and whistles, not the lightest levers out there, but they get the job done.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Youngblood
a Racer
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Windridge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light, dependable, Look Good.
Weaknesses:
Heavier than some levers, but thats what a drills for. Plus after you drill around the clamp it adds a pretty cool look. (Don't do this if your a warranty freak)
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR, Coda there all the same! give or take a few grams.
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Custom Frame, Manitou Mars C, Chris King Headset, XT Shifters, Thompson Elite Post/Stem, Easton Handlebar, XTR frt/rear Der., Mavic Cross Max Wheels, Avid Arch Rival V-Brakes, Awesome Avid Levers
Bottom Line:
For the money there great levers and with a few modifications they can be as light as the next lever just use your imagination. You can always upgrade parts by simply changing the bolts from Alum. to Ti. drill the clamp, hell drill the lever if your really are a stickler about weight. Look I'm a mechanic and a Expert racer and I'm not trying to say it's a good thing to drill your levers but it's an idea if you just don't give a care.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M
a
from T Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
It is cheap. Came stock with my bike
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX brake lever
Bottom Line:
Not as strong as everybody thinks - I just broke mine on a trail, I fell on a log. Go with Shimano
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spraduke
a
from england, wiltshire Date Reviewed: January 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
very reliable and quiet, no cliking or nething
Weaknesses:
um not the lightest
Bike Setup:
Orange P7
Bottom Line:
Very good budget leaver. Strong, reliable and i havent had a single problem in the two years ive had them. If you can still get them do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
derek
a Weekend Warrior
from WA Date Reviewed: September 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tiger Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Look good, veryu strong, couple of good adjustments
Weaknesses:
Kinda heavy
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX
Bike Setup:
Stock Jamis Durango SX
Bottom Line:
These things ock. They look and feekl like MX levers and they have GREAT modulation. I am riding Tiger tommororow and will put more results in
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wacked Out
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: August 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
They work just as well if not better than most mid range brakes out there.
The feel is solid and braking is strong and accurate.
Feathering is easy on the front when D-Hing
Not too expensive.
Weaknesses:
They don't look like XTR, and there is just something about that grayish/blue anodized look that makes me feel like a better rider.
Oh, and they're a little heavy...whatever
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT, XTR, Avid 2.0 etc, etc....
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper (Stock)
Bottom Line:
Will probably upgrade to a better Avid or XTR, but i'll wait until they break.
They feel solid, so unless I eat a tree I should be good for quite a while.
Price point is sweet compared to high end components. If they're stock, stick with them. If you're building a bike up then spend a little more for lighter stuff.
Four flaming turds. Woo Hoo.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andi Baumgartner
a Weekend Warrior
from Berne, IN, USA Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
alot of them
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
came stock on my bike
Strengths:
Well, i bought a Kona Caldera last year, i was checking to see what brakes felt good for my price range. I came to the Kona, and this is what made me buy it. These levers are nice, they are pretty cheap, arent too heavy, and have the closest feel to a disk brake, instead of a rim brake.
Weaknesses:
Little heavy, who cares
Similar Products Used:
none, but have tested them
Bike Setup:
Kona Caldera, hopped out
Bottom Line:
If you are on a budget for new levers, i highly recommend these, they are nice, and for the price you cant beat them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
guy harrington
a Downhiller
from derbyshire Date Reviewed: February 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
ENTHOVENS
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
stanley f's
Strengths:
good levers ok for jumps and duel
Weaknesses:
don't go doing long descents they make your hands feel like S*IT.
Similar Products Used:
avid ultimates 96.
Bike Setup:
quake 7, psyols, hopes soon.
Bottom Line:
ok levers if your on a budget.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam young
a Downhiller
from melbourne, victoria, australia Date Reviewed: January 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
lots
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Nice lever feel,good adustments
Weaknesses:
bent lever blade
Similar Products Used:
avid speed dials, dia compe, shimano XT & XTR(very nice)
Bike Setup:
Specialized rock hopper, judy DHO's, kujo & factory dh,AC pro,Azonic shorty & world force bar, d521,LX
Bottom Line:
A quality lever with a nice feel with a few good adjustments like a "play" adjustment, a lever reach adjusment, and a normal cable adjustment,I have no problems with this lever except for the time I crash in a rock section and managed to bend the lever blade and the paint on them scratches kinda easily...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Woeldern
a Weekend Warrior
from Sweden Visby Date Reviewed: January 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hangmans hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came stock on a TREK
Strengths:
Cool looks, and they work too!!! Best levers I have tried (except other avid), better feel than all shimano!!
Weaknesses:
None that I know of!!
Similar Products Used:
All shimano+ avids and some others......
Bike Setup:
Change all the time.....
Bottom Line:
Buy them or some pricier avid levers. Depends on the size of your wallet.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ronen
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bayside Annihilator
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Maroubra Cycles :(
Strengths:
The brakes work... If set up right(which takes quite a bit of effort) works sweet especially if you get a brake booster .
Weaknesses:
I actually originally got that spongey feeling in mine....i probably got a dud. No progressive breaking power. If that is a bad thing :)
Similar Products Used:
Mostly shimano junk
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Newman NX 7.3 98'
Bottom Line:
These brakes are sweet if done up right.... Unfortunatly one of my levers bent after i had a stationary drop onto a road due to my friend pulling my bar-end while i was doing a track stand :( still, lasted me till now...last me a bit more :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MeandMyself
a Racer
from MD USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
My own
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
No spongey feel Bend zone Cheap (price)
Weaknesses:
their not the "ultimate"....but hey, they're not $120 either
Similar Products Used:
Dia-compe....**** real designs in the day of centerpull brakes
Bike Setup:
'99 Giant XTC se-2 with almost no stock anymore
Bottom Line:
Great levers....I took a nice flight through the air without my bike once and the right lever bent to all hell. Luckily I just bent it back and it was fine. To the guy a few reviews below, it BENT! Better than breaking!! It is what it is designed to do! To get you home when you crash instead of snapping in two. Anyways...get em if you don't want speeddial or are on a budget.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Lawrenceville, Pa Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ASAPH
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Not "Spongy" like stock brakes, strong feel when you need it, nice looking finish. (i got the black lever with silver housing!)
Weaknesses:
Little heavier, but for the price and model nothing to worry about at all.
Similar Products Used:
Stock......gross!!!
Bike Setup:
2000 Trek 6500zx, Sakae Ti flat bar, Avid SD 10's lever's and brakes, Kore 120mm, 0 deg rise stem. wellgo clipless
Bottom Line:
Great brake lever, i really like what Avid puts out in their products, i haven't wrecked hard enough yet where i have seen any distinct bending in the levers, i've read some reviews on these levers where racers say they wrecked and bent them pretty good. they are nice and solid feeling when you use them, they aren't spongy and forgiving like stock brakes which is one thing i hate the most about stock brakes and levers! bottom line for the money these are great brakes for the average XC rider who is tight on a bugdet(such as college kids as myself!!) and they look cool..nice finish and good looking!!! so with that in mind i give them five of those chili thingy's!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hans
a Cross Country Rider
from Canmore Date Reviewed: July 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good feel once you get used to it, I like the two-fingered pull. They look pretty good.
Weaknesses:
They're great 'till you crash. I endoed and my lever was bent like a used car salesman. The shop bent it back but now it's weak so it will break soon. If you are one who crashes (we all do), buy something stronger. (They came on my bike)
Similar Products Used:
Avid SD 1.9
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000; XT LX; Judy XC
Bottom Line:
If you don't crash, they're okay. Personally, I want something stronger.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Racer
from Northeast Date Reviewed: June 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
No spongy feel like other less expensive levers Adjustable leverage (although not as much as XTR or 2.0) "Bend Zone" Nice lever feel
Weaknesses:
Fair amount of play (can move lever up and down about 3/8") Not the lightest, not the heaviest
Similar Products Used:
Dia-compe
Bike Setup:
'99 Giant XTC SE-2 with a lot different from stock
Bottom Line:
Great inexpensive lever for people who don't do 20 minute downhills, and don't mind the play.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kamil
a
from BC Date Reviewed: June 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Durable, nice lever shape, look cool, comfortable.
Weaknesses:
I haven't found any yet.
Similar Products Used:
Other Avid levers, Hayes Hydraulic, Non-name crap-ass levers.
Bike Setup:
98 Kona Cindercone (all stock components)
Bottom Line:
These levers are beautiful. They are very comfortable to ride with, and dont put much stress on the wrists from a lot of braking when riding down-hill.
Just the other day, I was doing some urban trials when my bike slipped out from under me and landed right on the brake levers. My left lever was bent up and ceased functioning. This was the end of them, or so I thought. I took the bike in to the local bike shop, and a minute later my levers were working good as new (though with a few scratches). Apparently they are made of a specially malable material so that they do not break on impact. Very cool.
If I ever need to get brake levers, I would definately go with a pair of Avids, they are quality made and I highly recommend them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ev
a
from NZ Date Reviewed: May 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Pivots smoothly & precisely Looks more aggressive than Shimano
Weaknesses:
Possibly the lever is too long.
Similar Products Used:
Alivio cantilevers - do they count?
Bike Setup:
DB Topanga, Z3 bombers, Deore brakes
Bottom Line:
Awesome modulation, average power - but hey, I'm using the Avids on Sh*tmano Deore brakes. They feel good to use. Well designed and manufactured, this is a good product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Racer
from CT Date Reviewed: April 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
looks okay, easy to remove cable
Weaknesses:
damn pivot or whatever came loose so it grinds when i squeeze the lever..thank go for XTR
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX 98' Shimano XTR (if you hit the lotto BUY THESE)
Bike Setup:
GT AggressorSE z4 Bomber flylight air XT/XTR (Upgraded my crappy hardtail do somewhat decency)
Bottom Line:
okay until your first crash then eveything goes wrong, and just buy different ones to save yourslef the grief. these were okay, but they feel very mechanical and not smooth at all. They also have little in the way of adjustment oh well if you have them go for it, but i wouldnt reccomend buying them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Guarente
a Cross-Country Rider
from Laconia, NH Date Reviewed: January 6, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Cheap, easy set-up, cool as all hell, lightweight(compared to others this price), excellent feel
Weaknesses:
not very adjustable(2 positions!), pivot slop, bit too big
These levers were a great upgrade over the LX models I had before, which were mushy throughout the time that I owned them. They are simple to adjust for play, with a barrel adjuster that is much more comfortable than the LX, XT or XTRs. They must be good, otherwise, why would companies keep OE'ing them, and getting them to be one of the good things about the bike? I don't plan on getting rid of these anytime soon, unless I can get a pair of SD-2.0L or Mags dirt cheap.5 dead horses, or whatever they are.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bike Master Mike
a Racer
from Canton, MI Date Reviewed: December 24, 1999
When I originally built up my racing hardtail, it was gonna be a bike to ride to classes with. I went overboard on everything but the brakes. I bought the 1.0 levers with 10 Vs. They are the best feeling brake set that I own. I also have XTR levers w/ XTR Vs on my Y and they feel like crap-since new. When it comes to overall power, theyre just barely weaker than the XTRs,The modulation of these brakes is amazing. The lever is longer then most other levers, which is how every lever should be. The front of the lever is tall and flat and you can one finger the brakes VERY easy with that. I liked these levers so much, I put the exact same brake set on my single speed and they work damn good. You get huge amounts of power and a VERY firm feel at the same time. No mush whatsoever. If you have mush, they arent set up correctly. The pads dont need toe, they only squeel when the rim gets wet. The best part about these is that I paid delaer cost, which was $18.50 per set!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross-Country Rider
from Winona, MN Date Reviewed: December 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
economical, fairly light Sturdy consturction, good modulation
Weaknesses:
Could use more leverage ratio adjustment
Similar Products Used:
Shimano V levers
Bike Setup:
Trek/RockShox
Bottom Line:
These lever are a pretty good deal, they have the feel of a high end lever, with a little more weight and a little less looks.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nobby
a Cross-Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: October 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Chevin Chaise, you know, the track above Belper in Derbyshire. ;)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Apparently strong and lightweight
Weaknesses:
More spongy feel than the M600 lever it replaced
Similar Products Used:
M600 V Brake Levers
Bike Setup:
Orange P7 with Spyders (and wheels too)
Bottom Line:
They seem a good lever but feel a little spongy after the M600 (LX) V Brake levers I used before. Also less adjustment to the feel is catered for. It could just be a case of becoming accustomed I 'spose. 4 Chillis for a perfectly satisfactory lever.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cam
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, B.C. Date Reviewed: July 30, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good value for the money, light.
Similar Products Used:
XT, LX, STX.
Bike Setup:
Parkpre frame, Bomber Z2, XT, STX, Avid, Race Face
Bottom Line:
I think that this is a better deal than the similar priced Shimano levers (LX, $52 cdn). I bought them for my bike a few weeks ago, haven't had any problems, they look nice, and come with most of the newer mid priced bikes (I noticed them on a Kona, etc.) High leverage for Vbrakes, I use them with XT V's, no complaints. There's nothing special about them, there just a good lever for the money. I have to take one off because I don't know how reliable they are yet...
Overall Rating:
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