Submitted by
dat
a Weekend Warrior
from NY Date Reviewed: May 3, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Great feel compared to the sd3's I had. More powerful braking. Very adjustable. Lightweight. Easy install.
Weaknesses:
Lightweight- is a strengh also but I can see how they could break on a good spill.
Similar Products Used:
Avid SD3
Bike Setup:
01 schwinn rocket
Bottom Line:
These work great and give a great adjustable feel. For a $20 spot it makes a huge improvement in braking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MTBng4fun
a Weekend Warrior
from orange couty, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Old emerald
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Great adjustability. Can adjust the reach and pull force. Lightweight.
Weaknesses:
The "bend zone" is a bad design concept. I took a spill and found the lever was bent up. It is light weight, but the thin-walled body is not durable enough. While riding through the trails in the San Gabriel mtns., the rear brake started acting up. After the ride, examined the brake lever and found that it had smacked into something. The body split open where cable slit was. The barrel adjuster fell out. It is lightweight, but not durable at all.
The product did not last one month. All it took was one ride through some demanding singletrack to bend one lever and bust the housing on the other. I received some Cane Creek levers and upon examination, the housing wall is almost double the thickness. Awesome! It is heavier and doesn't have the "Speed dial" feature, but after using the Cane Creeks, who cares. 4 chillis for value. $25 for levers with features (beneficial or not) not found on other levers. 1 chilli for durability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BigK
a Racer
from Philly, PA, USA Date Reviewed: June 4, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint and LBS
Strengths:
-Great Feel -"Tunable" modulation -Improves stopping -Last year, hit a tree hard enough to spin the bar, crack the shifter, and crack a rib. The lever didn't break.
Weaknesses:
-none that I can see
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR, Other Avids, Cane Creek (dc), Tektro
Bike Setup:
I have 4 bikes with these levers- 2 with BB7's, 1 with Avid SD SL, 1 with XT
Bottom Line:
Bottom line: I had one of my bikes at the shop about a year ago. When handing the bike back to me, the mechanic said, "These are the best feeling disc brakes EVER. Not just the best feeling mechanical discs but, the best feeling discs, period! Everyone in the shop tried them and said the same thing." I think that says it all.
I let someone borrow one of my BB7 equipped bikes yesterday. When he returned the bike he said, "I have BB7's on my bike but they don't feel as good and stop as well as yours. Those levers are the best I've ever used. I'm getting rid of my Paul's."
Lastly, I put these on my kid's xc bike (she's 8). She can stop the bike with one finger.
This is a cheap way to improve an important part of your setup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Frances, Ontario Date Reviewed: April 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sandilands
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Light, easy to adjust reach, compatible with both V-brakes and mechanical disc brakes
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Tektro, Avid SD5
Bike Setup:
Salsa El Santo, Reba Race, XT shifters/deraileurs, Race Face bars/FSA stem, Race Face Evolve crank w/ X-type BB, Avatar saddle/Thomson post, Avid BB7s, XT hubs/717 rims.
Bottom Line:
I used these with V-brakes all last season and they were noticeable stiffer than the SD5s on my commuter MTB. The modulation is smoother, the response is more crisp and I just felt more in control with them.
This year they're on my new El Santo and paired up with BB7s, and so far they're just as nice. Definitely money well spent and a worthy upgrade over SD5s (which are already really good themselves).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Haven
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida Date Reviewed: February 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Santos
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$22.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
easy install, fairly light, very adjustable, solid feel
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
stock shimano shifter pods
Bike Setup:
hardrock w/ ongoing upgrades
Bottom Line:
great value, looks great in the darker color version, adjustability is super! shop around online and you're sure to find 'em for under $25... great, cheap upgrade to mech brakes!
*some people still don't think they work w/ disc brakes... where they got this from I don't know???? I'm running them w/ BB7's and the work fantastic!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry Leigh
a Weekend Warrior
from South Orange, NJ Date Reviewed: October 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Commuting; paved park trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Sturdy. Feels well-built. The "one finger action" sales pitch is true. Works great with mechanical disc as well as V-Brakes.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Stock levers that came with the bike. Boy, were they clunky and definitely low end!
Bike Setup:
Kawasaki KDX2 Full suspension. Promax front disc brake. Avid Single Digit 7 Rear V-Brake. Rock Shox Dart 2 Fork with Cane Creek headset, SRAM trigger shifters, derailleur and 7-Speed cassette. Tried and true Shimano square taper BB and crankset.
Bottom Line:
The 2008 models have a great feel (easy clerance between the shifters and the brake levers) and great looking in charcoal grey. Have the LBS install and adjust. No problem to adjust to achieve great touch without flying head-over-heels over your handlebar.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Collin Papke
a Cross Country Rider
from SC Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Durable, good feel and power
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT, LX, Deore. Tektro cheap OEM levers
Bottom Line:
Great levers, I have had them 5+ years...lots of miles on them with no complaints. Pivots are now worn to the point that I am ready to replace them.
I liked the feel of the XT levers better but they are hard to find as levers only.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Victor
a
from Tampa, FL, USA Date Reviewed: May 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Awesome feel and power transfer. I endo'd when testing them out.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Generics, Shimano, older SDs and older Avid levers.
Bike Setup:
SD7s with SD SL vees and Straight Jacket cable/housing.
Bottom Line:
Absolutely the best levers as they doubled my stopping power from the generics I had.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Hagen, NRW, Germany Date Reviewed: March 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
actionsports
Strengths:
relatively lightweight, look, feel, speed dial to even up my brakes
Weaknesses:
they easily bend (have seen 'em bent on other bikes after contact with trees or crashes)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano ALTUS to LX
Bike Setup:
Self-made CC bike with Avid BB5s
Bottom Line:
They are great levers in look, feel and cost - better than all the Shimano levers I had by now. Speed Dial is a GREAT thing to have. If you got mechanical brakes (VBrake or disc) get 'em!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ST
a
from Australia Date Reviewed: September 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light Great power transfer to Avid SL V brakes Speed dial allows you to even up front and back brake feel
Weaknesses:
None yet - will review again in a year
Similar Products Used:
Shimano V-brake
Bike Setup:
XC hardtail with Rock Shox Recon 351 solo air and Avid SL single digit V-brakes
Bottom Line:
Very effective - works great with Avid SL V-brakes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho Date Reviewed: September 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
light, looks good, works good.
Bike Setup:
Steel hardtail
Bottom Line:
I like the adjustability and they are light
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel Braun
a Cross Country Rider
from winnipeg manitoba canada Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
a good one
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
natural cycle
Strengths:
-Nice shape -light enough -good adjustment
Weaknesses:
snaped when I tightend it a little too much
Similar Products Used:
shimano, hayes
Bike Setup:
rockhopper comp 2005
Bottom Line:
They are sweet untill you have strong hands and then they snap...lame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Coram
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynnwood, WA, USA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2006
I was lucky enough to find these 2005 Speed Dial SL's for just two dollars more than what the 2006 FR 5s were going for. I didn't anticipate the speed dial adjustability to work so well. I've played around the last two rides with adjusting the brake modulation front and rear. Good stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lachlan
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: March 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
eBAY (the place of cheapness)
Strengths:
Good design, tension knob (increase the feel strenght of the brakes WITHOUT tensioning the lever). Ease of use...increased performence.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Levers
Bike Setup:
Hardtail running w/Avid SD7 Levers.
Bottom Line:
These levers will increase the feel, power, modulation and adjustment to your braking experience. They are not essential, but i stronly recommend them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tigger
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: November 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Lysterfield Lake Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
Powerful, reasonably light, easy to use and adjust on the fly. awesome.
Weaknesses:
old styling. price (compared to overseas) and availabilty in Australia
Similar Products Used:
Tektro, shimano deore, lx and xt levers
Bike Setup:
04 I-Drive 3.0 with SRAM X-9 setup. Rockshox Reba's Team. Avid BB5 Mech disc brakes. Fox FLoat rear shock XT cassette and chain
Bottom Line:
I installed the SD-7's about a month after installing the BB5 brakes and it made a huge difference compared to the BB5's performance with shimano xt levers. I race mainly cross country but i do ride some of the less insane downhills around my area and they work well under all conditions. Couldnt be happier with my brake/lever setup. My only gripe is the availability of the product in Australia. Other than that i would recommend to anybody with Mech Disc brakes who is looking to get great performance at a lower price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rex
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: September 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Amazing power, adjustable, relatively light.
Weaknesses:
I broke it :-( DON'T OVER-TIGHTEN THE SCREW, it will break... that's what happen on mine.
Bike Setup:
80mm travel Hardtail
Bottom Line:
Buy it, it's overall a good product and worth the buck, only do not overtighten the screw, you'll feel sorry by the time you hear the crack. Gonna give it 4 chilis on overall coz I broke it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael pocrnich
a
from minnetonka,MN,USA Date Reviewed: August 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$27.00
Strengths:
it has an amazing feel super nice lever execpt for the breaking part.
Weaknesses:
has a major weak point on the lever
Similar Products Used:
i also like the deores im running now
Bike Setup:
02 rainier with avid mechanicals maxxis hookworms, a thompson stem(i love it its bombproof), truvitiv XR bars and deore levers
Bottom Line:
i really liked this lever. my brother works at a bike shop so he got a pair and told me he could get a really good deal. im mostly an urban freerider be i was up at my cabin riding our skinnys. i went over the bars looked back and my front brake lever had been snapped clean off. great cross-country lever.even though it broke its still a great lever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rex Tse
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: July 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Marin
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Cool looking, works well, strong, adjustable.
Weaknesses:
non so few
Similar Products Used:
other cheaper stuffs
Bottom Line:
I think the price is good. Also it's very easy to adjustable. I got the bronze/black version and I love it.
*Bottom line: If you don't want to spend a lot than get this lever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany Date Reviewed: April 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Feel; Adjustability; Power
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
XTR, Deore
Bike Setup:
G.T. Avalanche; Avid mechs (185mm); Avid Flack Jack cables; SRAM 9.0; Sun Singletrack wheels.
Bottom Line:
After purchasing my Avid mechs (185mm), I hooked them up directly to the Shimano Deore shifter/lever cluster that came stock with the bike, added some Flack Jack cables, and the brakes worked well. Last week I put the Speed Dial 7’s on…what an absolute incredible difference in brake feel and power from the brakes. Not sure how they works, but they truly explore the full potential the Avid mechs have to offer. Seriously, it felt like I purchased new brakes… As a bonus, they also offer easily adjustable lever reach (great for the winter/thick glove riding). These are excellent levers and highly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: April 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Trail of Tears
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
On line
Strengths:
Positive feel, easy to set up, range of adjustability
Weaknesses:
Not the greatest looking
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT/XTR, SRam 9.0 SL
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC hard tail w/Rock Shox fork
Bottom Line:
Awesome freakin' levers- 'cause Stone Cold said so. Seriously, though, these levers are awesome. Reach adjustable, on-the-fly leverage pull adjustable, with a positive feel that really does only require 1 finger to brake hard. These were a snap to set up and dial in, and they just work great. Performance is better than any lever I've used. My one minor, minor gripe is that they don't look as sleek and sexy as the XT or XTR levers, but thats it. If you need new levers- get these. They're worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn Vernes
a Cross Country Rider
from Middletown, CT Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Price Point in a brake/lever package
Strengths:
Great shape, well made, speed dial makes adjuting feel a snap.
Weaknesses:
They bend real easy.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT and XTR, Paul's, pos Tektro
Bike Setup:
Sugar frame, Bomber fork, CC Cloud Nine Shock, Arch Rival brakes.
Bottom Line:
They're well made, have a great shape (easy to find but never in the way), and the speed dial makes adjustment a snap (or a turn, really). It's for adjusting the FEEL of the brakes, not for taking up cable slack. They remind me of my old Paul's Component levers, only better, and for one fifth the price. But I find them REALLY easy to bend (other people comment on it on their reviews too). I bent mine on the first crash (a slow speed endo). The good news is you can bend them back by hand, and they're cheap to replace if they break. Five stars stars for value, four overall. They'd get five and five if they didn't bend so easily.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gaz Edmunds
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington, DC Date Reviewed: April 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
All ova' NoVa!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint (Where, apparantly, Price is the point.)
Strengths:
Relatively light. That tasty little red wheel that makes all the difference.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano stuff, Hayes.
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth ISIS, Fox Vanilla RLC, Avid BB7s with Speed Dial 7s, full SRAM X9, XT hubs with Mavic X321 rims, Race Face Turbine LP cranks, and other stuff I can't remember...
Bottom Line:
If you have mechanical disc brakes, and don't want to shell the $100+ for SD Ultimates, then these are for you. They're light, they're strong (for me, anyways), and the adjustability of the speed dial uhh.. dial... is outstanding. An inexpensive upgrade that makes a lot of difference.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andro Galero
a Weekend Warrior
from Butuan City, Philippines Date Reviewed: March 1, 2005
I set up the lever adjuster farthest from the pivot. The color of this lever (bronze/black) goes well with my Raven's frame color, it has black-tinted gloss clearcoat with titanium decals. It is also very cheap, bought my set for $17, its performance is better than XT and XTR but not as good as Sram 9.O... This is the heaviest brake levers i have tested, it weighed in at 198 grams a pair. My XT weighed 164 grams while the Sram 9.O weighed 154 grams per pair.
Buy this lever... its price to performance ratio is very very good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johann Gonzales
a Weekend Warrior
from Manila, Philippines Date Reviewed: February 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Maarat
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$14.00
Purchased At:
King's Bikes Quiapo
Strengths:
very very light and responsive
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
shimano intergrated rapid fire deore
Bike Setup:
yukon, firex, deore hubs and der.
Bottom Line:
i am very satisfied with this set of levers. for me, it is the best compromise of lightness and price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Llloyd
a Weekend Warrior
from Cebu, The Philippines Date Reviewed: November 16, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$18.00
Strengths:
I like the modulation... its easy to adjust. I also like the weight of the levers (at an amazing 195 grams)... it's a sure winner... Performance wise when paired to an Avid Ball Bearing Disc Brake System you'll get close to hydraulics but more cheaper money wise...
Here in the Philippines, I only spent $18usd (peso equivalent) for the brand new pair... newest SD 7 with an embossed Avid logo. WHAT A PRICE!
Weaknesses:
None so far...
Similar Products Used:
None... used the Shimano Deore LX lever prior to these but the performance is way below these Avid SD 7s.
These babys will exceed your expectations. I highly recommend to anyone who'll purchase a new set of levers as a new set up or upgrade to buy these. You can save some cash but if you want to purchase those next in line (above models) then go to the more superior SD Ultimate.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Puckhead
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: September 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
123 Bikes
Strengths:
This review is for the Avid SL brake lever. The levers are really light weight and look great. They adjustments are really easy and the levers have a firm feel.
Weaknesses:
The handles have the strenght of a wet noodle. I had a minor crash the other day and both of the break handles were bent. Avid's web site said you can bend the handles back but I'm not that crazy about riding with brake handles than I can bend back in place. Avid needs to ditch this "bend zone" feature and just make the blades stronger.
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain ETSX, SRAM X9, Avid Mechanicals, Talas, AVA RL etc.
Bottom Line:
Nice levers but you might as well buy two pairs in case you crash. And they will bend if you crash. You can use one pair while you're waiting for replacement parts from Avid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D T
a Weekend Warrior
from Lowell Date Reviewed: July 6, 2004
Love the speed dial feature. This makes Avid outstanding from the rest. This is one of the best levers you can get for the money. The only thing better is its big brother, the Ultimates. But that cost tripple (or more) and wont give you tripple performance. These levers are strong and held up well. Highly recommend
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: May 31, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Kelso
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Excellent feel, speed dial is a handy feature.
Weaknesses:
The bend zone bends perhaps a little too easily.
Similar Products Used:
Tektro, Deore LX and XT, Alivio,
Bike Setup:
2003 Kona Blast, Avid SD7 Brakes and Levers
Bottom Line:
Great set of levers, the shape fits amazingly to my fingers, good for 1 or 2 fingers on. I don't use the speed dial a whole lot, I find them to be just great when set on least modulation. The bend zone part bent on a somewhat light hit, though I managed to bend mine back into shape pretty easily. They feel more solid than the Deore LX and Alivios, and a more comfortable than the XTs. WWWAAAYYY better than the Tektros...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cameron Hedges
a Cross Country Rider
from Saugus, CA, U.S. Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Today - 5 points in Sylmar CA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Got em' w/set of Avid mechs
Strengths:
Easily adustable, strong, responsive, comfortable, great pull.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
xt's
Bike Setup:
DB Topanga Comp Disc, Marzocchi, Crank Bros., XT, Avid, etc., etc.
Bottom Line:
Love em'. Got a great deal on e-bay with a set of avid mechs w/speed dial 7 levers. Have not had a single problem to date and have ridden hard (and crashed hard a couple of times). These bad boys have hung tough. Love how easy they are to adjust. Just get them, you won't be sorry...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lars
a Cross Country Rider
from AZ Date Reviewed: February 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Scored huge deal!
Strengths:
Excellent feel and performance. On the fly adjustability is also very cool - it's helping me find what I like in braking characteristics.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
C'dale F??? hardtail w/ thudbuster, Marzocci MX Pro, WTB Ti saddle and such goodies...
Bottom Line:
Great Levers! They feel good in my hands. Used with both Shimano and Avis SD7 rim brakes - installing mech disc this weekend.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Losaw
a
from Lenox MA Date Reviewed: January 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great feel, adjusts easily, works well for tuning modulation on disk brakes. inexpencive
Weaknesses:
none found.
Similar Products Used:
Avid FR-1
Bike Setup:
Kona Dawgmatic
Bottom Line:
these are rather light, to get lighter it costs twice as much. the easy adjustment allows you to think less about your brakes. the adjuster stays where you set it even under heavy use. Avid's levers have exceptional reach, leverage, and overall feel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tony
a Weekend Warrior
from ny Date Reviewed: January 7, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
excellent stopping power
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
shimano
Bike Setup:
khs, xtr/xt
Bottom Line:
great breaks, stop on a dime. I upgraded from cant, and what a difference. excellent feel, no vibration or squeak. I use with a set of avid levers and the combo provides excellent feel. after countless amount of research, this seems the best break, especially for the money. I would say this is just as good as xtr for less than 1/2 of the price. I ride single track in mostly dry and don't need exotics like disk breaks which are heavier and costlier.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sean
a
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: October 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
great braking power easy to adjust power knob lever design makes it easy to keep fingers on lever
Weaknesses:
haven't found any yet
Similar Products Used:
shimano lx, xt
Bike Setup:
norco nitro
Bottom Line:
great lever, lots of power and modulation via easy to adjust knobs
slightly heavier than TI model but I would rather upgrade something else for that much money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon C
a Cross Country Rider
from FL Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
carter road
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
supergo.com
Strengths:
light, quality feel at the lever, viewport windows, speed dial adjustment, avid reputation.
Weaknesses:
a little heavier that the ti's but i dont think the ti's are worth the extra money.
Similar Products Used:
techtro
Bike Setup:
head to toe custom diamondback
Bottom Line:
after much research i think that these are the best brake levers on the market, and the sd7's are the best value to wieght ratio
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: June 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lambton DJ's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Bike Show
Strengths:
-Looks -Adjustability -Comfortable -1 or 2 finger braking
Weaknesses:
MSRP price a bit high...
Bike Setup:
2002 Kona Stuff with '02 Psylo XC, Answer ProTaper
Bottom Line:
Awesome levers, get them on sale and they are a smoking deal!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug Croxford
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland, Ohio USA Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Dodging traffic, hardpack
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
They work great- the Speed Dial thing is great- on-the-fly adjustments are a snap. Atractive design, cool View ports.
Weaknesses:
I try really really hard to NOT fall off of my bike, therefore I haven't bent the levers... so none yet. I'll update when I get hit by a bus.
Similar Products Used:
LX 01's, tektro puke trash
Bike Setup:
2001 Schwinn Mesa GSX, SRAM 9.0 calipers, full Deore
Bottom Line:
I love them. I bought them and installed the SRAM brakes on the same day- I couldn't believe how much better than stock they were. Can use 1-2-3 fingers, fantastic adjustablility with the speed dial knob. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steven o'bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from fort carson Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003
An awsome product have used for two years, with-out failure. Those of you who are thinking of up grading to these will be happy. If your a v-brake diehard, than look no further for a great set of brake levers. Avids ROCK!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON Date Reviewed: April 22, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Duke's On Queen, Toronto
Strengths:
Great modulation, easy adjustability, good leverage
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX, XT
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Blizzard
Bottom Line:
These came with the Blizzard and what a great spec they were. Compared to the Shims I was used to, these have great adjustability and I love the modulation on them. I like having great sensitivity on my brakes and these feel 1000 times better. That speed dial idea was a great one.
I haven't had to bite it too big yet, so don't know how the brake levers will react. So far though the durability seems pretty good. These things look and feel really well constructed.
I have them paired with XT brakes right now, but am considering swapping them back to to the stock Avid 7 to see how an all Avid setup will be like.
Great levers for the price if you're looking to upgrade.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Judson
a Downhiller
from Bellingham, WA USA Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Chuckanut Mt.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Great light weight, very crisp action, extremely adjustable, good looks.
Weaknesses:
Not too strong, lever surface wears and gets slick
Bike Setup:
Azonic DS-1, Avid mechanicals, Duke SL, Race Face Hell Bent bar, Rhyno Lites, WTB Weirwolf, IRC El Gato
Bottom Line:
Great lever for mechanical use. Feels real stiff and sturdy with extremely crisp pull and retraction, low friction. Barrel rollers are plastic but seem quite strong, never really used the speed dial knob. Only problem is I have now toasted both levers. Three days ago I hit a tree on the right and bent the lever part, today I nailed a tree on the left and bent the casing in so that the lever can't retract. I suppose it's fixable, but neither crash was very serious, kind of surprised they bent so easy. Top notch lever, just don't smash them on anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Megan
a Weekend Warrior
from Claremont,CA Date Reviewed: February 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
light, responsive, pretty cheap,
Weaknesses:
didn't come with cables or housing, kind of ugly color
Similar Products Used:
crappy plastic STIs off my '91 nishiki cascade
Bike Setup:
access XCL frame, lx/xt drive train, stx-rc vees with avid sd7 levers, thudbuster w/ selle italia gel flite, titec hellbent bars w/ big al stem, indy c fork - don't laugh, I'm on a college student budget
Bottom Line:
Light responsive, but with plenty of hand room. Adjustable. As responsive as the shimano levers I've ridden, but with out the flex I've felt from shimano. Ugly color. No cables or housing - which means the XTR c&h are, ironically, the best component on the bike I just built. For $25, they are a good deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: December 23, 2002
I'm worried parts will be hard to get if they bend; these are expensive
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX
Bike Setup:
Avid levers used with LX Vees (soon to be front avid disc).
Bottom Line:
Probably the best mechanical levers there are, next to the $$$ Avid Ultimate lever. These are nicer than the shimano. Just make sure there is some way to get replacement parts if there's a chance you will bend these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
some place online.com
Bottom Line:
I had been using Shimano LX levers for over a year now and I had purchased the Avid's to replace them...I put off installing them because my grips were glued on and I did not want to mess with all that. Well I finally got some new grips and put the Avids on. These things are great!!! The Shimano servo-wave action is lame compared to the speed dial! The speed dial doesent give you that mushy feel of the Shimano. I highly recommend getting these there cheep and paired up w/some Avid brakes there wonderfull! I wish I had installed them 6 months ago when I recieved them!!! Eheheh too bad my new bike just arrived and has Hayes Mag Disc Brakes << These things 0wn!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
darren rohne
a Downhiller
from van. island Date Reviewed: November 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
unforgiven, lots-a-others
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
lacks
Strengths:
strengths? well if they were strong they wouldent have broken now would they?
i guess they'er cheap but i dunno
Weaknesses:
well i fell of a slippery log ride only 2 feete of the ground, and they bent alot. they shouldent have off such a small drop either. They hurt the fingers like a mofo. and stiff too!
Similar Products Used:
brake levers
Bike Setup:
VPS drop, JR.T......
Bottom Line:
meh. not worth getting
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Nipomo, CA usa Date Reviewed: November 18, 2002
After trying Deore and then XTR levers, I settled on the Avids. The lever surface is slightly larger than the XTRs, it fits my fingers perfectly, and provides extra confidence. Adjustability is nice and they are well made. Got em' on a package deal with the brakes too. Great upgrade!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hurkey Creek
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Adjustibility and modulation
Weaknesses:
Lever slop
Similar Products Used:
Precision
Bottom Line:
Though there is lever slop, I only notice it when I'm working on the bike, not when I'm riding. I'm not sure it makes any difference in performance, but I really like things to be dialed in. Maybe some slim stainless steel washers?
I'm building up a new carbon fiber bike and I realized I never even think about these levers. Combined with the Arch Rival 5 brakes, I get down the biggest hills with just my middle fingers on the levers. I'm moving the whole four year old setup onto the new bike. I don't know what better endorsement I can make than that. Avid makes great stuff!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pedro
a
from Spocompton, WA Date Reviewed: May 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Galbraith Mt., or North Shore 'couver
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
Light brake lever, looks fairly trick. Does its job, with less hype then a shimano. Has plenty of "modulation adjustment" Which means, do you like to pull your brakes all the way back, or do you like to mash on em. I just like a really firm pull, I know it isn't as powerful or graduated as more modulation would be, but I don't care. So you can do whatever you want with them, but I end up just maxing them out and leaving it.
Weaknesses:
These things get wacked way too easy. Avid decided to make the levers out of play-doh so that you wouldn't bend the entire lever system. Good idea, bad results. 1st ride with them I ate it pretty well and I ended up finishing the ride with one lever pointing skyward and another towards the ground. If you try and buy just the lever, you can't find anyone that carries just levers. Here is my solution: I am an engineering student and have access to materials laboratories. So I removed my tweaked levers, bent them back into shape and then cooked 'em. With the use of a heat treating oven I annealed them and brought the yield strength up considerably. I haven't had a problem yet, and I have taken quite a few spills.
Similar Products Used:
No-namers, Shimano LX
Bike Setup:
IF custom frame, X-vert air, avid mech., eccentric mix of LX, deore, and XTR
Bottom Line:
Nice levers, but unless you have the resources they will continue to get wacked. an XTR lever will last much better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL, USA Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
-Strong, simple, yet very adjustable design. -Bend zone means it will survive crashes -CHEAP!
Weaknesses:
The "smog" color is ugly, but who cares, they were CHEAP!
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT, cheapo KHS brand that came on the bike.
Bike Setup:
2001 KHS Alite 800, rear V's, front mechanical discs (promax.)All stock except these levers.
Bottom Line:
The brake setup that came on my bike was cheap crap, especially the levers. They had zero adjustability, and I was pulling them all the way to the bar to get the stopping power i wanted. However, after putting the Avid's on, my brakes feel 10 times better. No more mush, no more slop- even my lowly promax front discs feel like the real thing now. Speed dial lets you choose between a firm feel (which i like) with a little less leverage, or a softer feel with more modulation and leverage. Its as easy as the turn of a thumbscrew. Sure, the color is ugly, but nothing clashes with my all-black bike anyway, and they were 20 dollars, so who cares? Bottom line- best $20 I ever spent on a bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Atascadero, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Morning Glory
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bike Outfitters
Strengths:
Very light, great for quick adjustments, good grip.
I am pleased with this upgrade. I went to the shop thinking I was going to stick with Shimano levers, but Iwas really impressed with these Avid's. The view ports for the speed dial make it really easy to adjust the leverage to your liking. I was also impressed with how light these are compared to the XT's. I havn't hit these on anything on the trail yet, so I can't say how strong they are. They go well with the Arch Rivals, if you can't afford XTR's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dick
a Weekend Warrior
from West Milford Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
OE
Strengths:
Good feel, good modulation, 1 finger is all you need. Stop on a dime. "Bend Zone" The finger lever is designed to breakaway thus saving you from having to buy an entire lever assembly.
Weaknesses:
"Bend Zone". No one stocks or can get the broken part so you still have to buy the entire assembly. Avid should give up on the Bend Zone garbage and make a stronger lever or make the parts easily available.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano stuff
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Super X Kit
Bottom Line:
Super brakes with cheesy "Bend Zone" breakaway levers. I'd give this break 5 chillis except for the breakaway levers
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: October 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
they feel and work very well, lightweight I guess
Weaknesses:
they bent, both of 'em
Similar Products Used:
some noname levers that came stock on my specialized
Bike Setup:
99 Specialized Hardrock A1, Manitou SX-R, other stuff
Bottom Line:
These levers worked great for about five months but I had two minor crashes(not even any blood) and they folded like a Gap employee. I used my previous noname levers for almost 2 years with many, much worse crashes and they held up like a champ. Hopefully I was just unlucky and everyone else will have better luck. I give em 5 for value cause hey, they were cheap and a 3 overall cause nobody else seemed to have problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from New Mexico Date Reviewed: September 15, 2001
I replaced my old canti setup on my old bike with these levers, before getting my new frame and couldn't believe how much confident these and the Arch Rivals gave me on descents. It's nice to finally find out what stopping power is. Have been awesome in the time I've had them. No complaints here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel Shapiro
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, NY Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001
Great levers, great replacement for the cheesy promax things that came with my Big Sur. (If you're upgrading from stock, make sure to change the brake pads too - the stock shimano hunks of plastic on my bike couldn't stop anything, and they weighed a ton. Bought YPK pads ($20.00 a set) along with the levers and it was like night and day). Super cheap at Supergo - you can't go wrong with these. Can change the cable length with ease and the speed dial thing works great - though I just keep it on the normal high setting because I don't like mushy brake feel. They feel super strong and sturdy. The only problem is the wierd yellowish-grey color doesn't match anything on any bike but the summer smog that floats around downtown LA. I've seen other speedial 7s that weren't yellowish -maybe that's why supergo sells these for $19. But you can't beat the price, as long as you don't mind the smog color it's an Awesome, Super value - Check-em out!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Bolder Colorado Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Walker Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$44.00
Purchased At:
Excel Sports
Strengths:
Very strong, but bend when you need them to. Light, nice color.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
LX, Promax
Bike Setup:
2000 Fisher tassy
Bottom Line:
Great levers. Got rid of all the noise up front. Pulls a lot harder on my stock brakes then the pro's or LX's. I think anyone would be happy with these levers. The speed dial thing really lets you choose what kind of pressure needs to be applied.
Bottom line is buy it!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chas
a Weekend Warrior
from Upper State, NY Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$54.00
Strengths:
Very adjustable, very stable feeling.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Promax
Bottom Line:
These are just simply awesome. I use them with Avid Disc Brakes and can't say enough about them. One nice feature about Avid levers is that if you really bite a hard one, these things bend REAL easily. You don't have to worry about destroying anything on you bike because they didn't give. Plus, it makes it a snap to bend back into shape and keep on riding. They are extremely adjustable to accomodate anybody's preference for distance, torque, etc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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