Submitted by
danny
a Cross Country Rider
from orange,ca Date Reviewed: June 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
the luge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
they stop
Weaknesses:
collect alot of mud in the rain,but i live in southern california so uhh big deal
Similar Products Used:
xt disc,xt lx deore mechanical,hayes disc
Bike Setup:
ironhorse full suspension
Bottom Line:
Being an auto mechanic disc brakes are far superior in stopping power and effort.However cars dont use rim brakes but drums,i would use these rim brakes on a car if i could
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andro Galero
a Weekend Warrior
from Butuan City, Philippines Date Reviewed: March 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Malalag Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
-very powerful -very good modulation -very easy to install and adjust -unique looks -price
Weaknesses:
-a little heavy for me but still lighter than going disc (460 grams pair)
My previous set-up had Avid SD-7 levers but when i switched to Sram brake levers, my Arch Rivals became more powerful and yet i can control how powerful i want it to be. If you haven't tried using Flak Jacket cables or any teflon coated brake cables, use one, it will improve your brakes a lot, its like i have disc brakes without the price and weight disadvantages. Of course, braking performance still goes out the window once you get your rims wet when crossing streams.
It was easy to install, my front brakes squeeked at first but when i had the pads toed out, problem solved. The arch is also beautiful and unique, i get a lot of questions about how my brakes look, I'm the only one who has them. I also got it cheap, $36.00 for the front and rear.
Bottom line... buy it! Its powerful, its beautiful and its affordable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cruzader
a Cross Country Rider
from Jersey City, NJ Date Reviewed: November 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Hunter
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
iCyclesUSA
Strengths:
Great looks, awesome stopping power.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Deore XT, LX
Bike Setup:
'97 Rocky Mountain Spice
Bottom Line:
If you can't use disc brakes, this is the closest thing you can get to that level of braking power and modulation. I had zero problems setting them up. Like someone else here said, there's no reason not to buy these brakes, especially considering the price. Avid did a great job with these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric L
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Hills, CA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Schoolyard
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Stops on a frickin dime-literally. Very sexy too.
Weaknesses:
Something seems to be vibrating-it kinda moves, but it doesnt affect the performance in any way. I dont really like the pads
Similar Products Used:
Yo momma? XT(ughh) XTR(what a rip off) Single Digit 7(good, but I need the arch)
Bike Setup:
XC hardtail(I built it so it would take wayyy long to list all the crap on it)
Bottom Line:
There is no reason not to buy these brakes. I put these on my XC race bike, so im not doing any crazy downhill or nothin, but holy crap they brakes are powerful. The arch is a pretty good and simple design. It seems to serve it purpose of centering. People compare them to the XT but there is no comparison. These are simply outstanding. One of the better rim brakes, even though they dont cost a whole lot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Buffy Ramos
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines Date Reviewed: March 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Sta.Rosa, Tagaytay Ridge 1,2,3,-
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
xxxxxx
Strengths:
Powerful braking and very good modulation of paired with Avid speed dial levers. Shimano levers worked thou, most levers compatible. Color and style, they know they are Avids
Weaknesses:
The 2 adjustmnet bolts on the side broke on me during routine cleaning and maintenance. left bolt , broke right on the allen screw crown. Right bolt, poped out while installing the front wheel. Loose threaded bolts. Tried placing some teflon pipe tape to fix the job. Still pops off.
Excellent brake for the power and the price. How can you go wrong. light enough for xc use, but strong for the trail and technical courses. 5 chills for the archrivals. BUT Wait!!!!2 chill for durability om stuck with a problem of getting an archrival for the frontbecause of those soft allen bolt adjusters that broke on me. 1 missing bolt head(no adjustment there) and one loose threaded bolt( no bolt there) . Probably , 2 + years is a long time for these brakes, maybe time (bad Timing) has come for me to replace these . So averege of 3 for them. exceptional but hate it when things brake to fast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christian Uy
a Cross Country Rider
from Phillippines Date Reviewed: January 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Ross Bicycle
Strengths:
Easy to install, lightweight and a hard stopper
Weaknesses:
brake pads easily worn out
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
GT avalanche, rockshox judy xc, ea5O seatpost, stem & h bar, velocity rim, lx hub, frnt & rear deraileur
Bottom Line:
Great stopping power for an affordable price and stricking looks to
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KGT
a Weekend Warrior
from Bishop Auckland Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hamsterley Forest
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Hardisty Cycles
Strengths:
They stop the bike like you just dropped anchor.
Weaknesses:
Debris collection.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore V's / Marin OEM V's
Bike Setup:
Marin Rock Springs - Mostly XT throughout + Avid Arch Rivals + WTB various.
Bottom Line:
Im a sucker for new products and would be much richer if I listened to the other guys I ride with. I mess about with my bike and hardly ever ride the same set up twice. (Yes I realise Im a moron) Yet these brakes are the only things Ive left alone. I originally had them on my Zaskar which has become my No.2 ride. Once set up (pretty easy - 20mins) they bring you to a halt as required. Obviously when wet, all brakes suffer, but in all other conditions, these will do the biz. Still thinkin about spending money on discs, but they will have to be a SEVERE improvement on these to make me part with cash.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allison
a Racer
from Newfoundland Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Massey Drive, Corner Brook
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
good stopping power
Weaknesses:
brake pads, i switched to kool stops
Similar Products Used:
stx rc
Bike Setup:
Giant 860
Bottom Line:
GReat brakes!! Much better than the stock stx rc that I got rid of after a year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joshua
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson Date Reviewed: February 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Chiva Falss
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
CambriaBike.com
Strengths:
inexpensive - great stopping power - fairly light - easy to install
Great - inexpensive rim brake... read the reviews these things rock...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee Taylor
a Racer
from Victroia BC -- Hartland Dump! Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
All of em
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Came with Bike
Strengths:
Not to bad of a price, work nice and reliable
Weaknesses:
After about 2.5 years of heavy use the washers on the pivots combines with cheap-pot meatal wear and the breaks become useless
Similar Products Used:
none I have a new bike and xtr brakes
Bike Setup:
Kona roast 1999 SE Only rode XC
Bottom Line:
They were good breakes but after use like anything they just fell apart. I do like the XTR breaks better but I do have them on a new bike. I would recommend these breakes to anyone but if you do heavy riding in BC where there are big hills and wet conditions expect to replace them every couple years.
Peace and happy trails, Lee T.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kyle
a Racer
from Phx,AZ Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
power, true single digit(one finger)brakes!
Weaknesses:
people who havnt used them dont have a clue how good they are
Similar Products Used:
avid SD 5, various center pull brakes
Bike Setup:
k2razorback 3.0, monkeylite x/c, Mars Elite, Rocket shorties, Serfas Terazzo, off with the "SD" 5 and on with the arch rivals.
Bottom Line:
I had no idea how good theese brakes were because I had'nt had much experience with other brakes before these. But then new bike came in and it had so called SD 5's on it. Halfway through first race and my fore arms were fatigued from having to pull brakes and I was forced to go double digit(use to fingers) to slow down, and it was still difficult. Arch rivals were always true single digit and never fatigued me. I live in Arizona, so wet conditions are never an issue, so I cant comment on that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Gananoque, Ont, Canada Date Reviewed: September 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
unavailable
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
T.I Cycle
Strengths:
Stopping Power, looks, easy to setup, always perform perfect.
Weaknesses:
I noticed play developing in the front at the linear pivot point, more then I think should be there, but because of the way its used and the way the wheel pulls at the brakes it could be normal wear. I fixed it with some really fine washers.
Similar Products Used:
just the other crappy brakes.
Bike Setup:
2001 SuperCaliber, XTR everything but cranks and brakes, race face next lp carbon cranks. Sram 9 cassette- lighter then xtr.
Bottom Line:
Awesome Brakes. I wouldn't dream of changing them to anything but a newer pair of avids.. stopping power is as strong as anything could be!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Casey Hodges
a Weekend Warrior
from Bedford, Tx Date Reviewed: July 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lake Bryan
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$31.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
no slop linkage. I think the arch looks cool. allen head adjusment screws, if you've tried to tune shimano brakes you know this is a plus(or maybe not, but it drives ME nuts). oh yeah, POWER.
Weaknesses:
none so far. I am sure they will squeal if I get them wet
Similar Products Used:
old school canti's, entry level tektro, tektro quartz, Shimano LX
Bike Setup:
fisher Vandium steel frame, LX/XT drivtrain, Judy T-2, LX/221 wheels, and of course these sweet brakes
Bottom Line:
setup was easy and had no squeal problems from initial installation. I was overall happy with my LX's, but I had self inflicted problems with the rear from the get go, and it was cheaper just get a good deal on a full set of these than to replace the one LX. I don't know what "modulation" means really, but these have good lever feel which is very important to me. oh yeah and they have more power than my old LX's which we're as good as my brothers '98 XT's.
5 chiles for value - $31 plus shipping for the pair, how could they not get 5?
4 overall rating - hey, there are 2 brakes above these in the avid line plus shimano XT/XTR. they could probably use stiffer arms, but I have all the power I can handle as is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacob Landin
a Cross Country Rider
from Sweden Date Reviewed: June 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Wicked stoppingpower. I haven't even had the chance to put them to the test for real yet. I've ridden a few times on them but haven't encountered any big obstacle, though... And they look great on my '99 Marzocchi Z3...
Weaknesses:
Huh??
Oh, yeah. Squeeky noise, just like all rim-brakes when wet!
Similar Products Used:
XT, SD 5, Tektro (sorry 'bout that)
Bike Setup:
Moab with Deore, Z3 Light etc lots of Salsa-stuff
Bottom Line:
Great stopping power, got them really cheap, so I think I couldn't have done better! Really awesome looking, strong and absolutely great!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yo Dude
a Cross Country Rider
from TEXAS, North America Date Reviewed: June 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
that one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
they stop like RIGHT NOW!!!!
Weaknesses:
are you kidding?
Similar Products Used:
XT/XTR, Avid 2.0
Bike Setup:
ZED-M full XT, Z2 bomber, Nuke-Proof/Velocity wheelset
Bottom Line:
Holy faceplant, Batman!!! They may weigh a few grams more than the XT setup they replaced, but these work about 200 times better! I have them tied to the XT shift/brake lever combo and they're excellent. Got the pair from a guy on ebay and they came with cartridge pads, so I've never had a noise problem. Setup - well, you COULD screw it up...if you have an IQ lower than your shoe size...otherwise it takes about 10-15 minutes per wheel to make 'em perfect.
The bottom line? If you don't want to fork out the money for discs (or your frame doesn't have tabs) this, or AR50 or Arch Supreme, is the best, most cost-effective solution available. BUY THESE AND BE HAPPY - 5 FRYIN' ROADKILLS!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Sac. Ca. Date Reviewed: June 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Salmon Falls
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
They work well with Kool Stop pads, and don't squeel wet or dry.
Weaknesses:
The arch collects mud.
Similar Products Used:
LX and XT
Bike Setup:
K2 OZ-x. XT and Race Face drive train, Ti Tec steering, Bontragger wheels, Noleen shocks and Cross Link Fork.
Bottom Line:
As a Cross Country Rider I have no clue why anyone would want to spend the money for the extra weight and expense of discs. Espically after listening to a couple of my riding buddy curse their Discs! It's always, the pads need to bed in, the disc won't stay centered bla....bla, and these are not cheep crap brakes either! And the best thing is when their discs squeel like pigs when they heat up! Woo Hoo great hydros guys. These Arch Rivals modulate well, toed in a scosh they don't squeel wet of dry, unless the pads get old and heat baked. I have hauled my bike down from 40 miles per hour with no problem on long dirt down hills at Sea Otter and Mammoth and could lock and slide as needed. They have sent me over the bars when I grabbed a handfull in panic, in short no lack of power. They really work sweet with the teflon cables available aftermarket. They do collect mud in the winter and need all of the pivots cleaned and dry lubed every couple of weeks so maintanance is important. Riding is expensive, I need value for my dollar, these brakes provide it, for XC hard to beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a
from IL Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001
I have a love-hate relationship with these brakes. I love the stopping ability they have when set up properly, but I hate that I can't get my rear wheel off without deflating the tire or screwing up the pad adjustment. I never had this problem with my cantis, but then again, I couldn't stop with them either.
I also have intermittent problems with squealing that seem to come and go. I'm blaming it on the pads.
Finally, the arch seems fairly useless. I understand that it is supposed to provide centering or something, but it seems like all it really does is collect mud and leaves. Plus, other brakes (including other Avids) work fine without an arch.
If I had it to do over again, I would get a set of Vs without the arch.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt k
a Weekend Warrior
from logan, UT Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
-looks tough -quiet after initial break in (wet or dry) -short smooove stops
Weaknesses:
some bolts have low quality chrome plate or parts where the plate missed. doesnt look too bad except up close. just costmetic stuff though
Bike Setup:
2000 Jamis Exile stock w/LX shifters
Bottom Line:
initial break in was tough, and im not sure exactly how it would be different for most of you out there. I put it on my bike in december and started riding it to work then, so in its first few times out it saw 0 degrees (or less), and if there was a hint of water/snow that got onto the rim, forget about the brakes doing anything, except locking up completely with considerable pressure. they squeeked like a mother for the first month or so, but maybe just because of the cold. they worked fine, but were just far to noisy/embarassing. since it started warming up though they work great, and are finally silent.
good stuff for the bucks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tripping Billie
a
from NY Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
From a friend plus old avid 1.0's
Strengths:
-looks cool -great stopping power -simple setup
Weaknesses:
-a little play in the arms but it doesnt effect stopping power.
Similar Products Used:
Avid 1.0, LX, XTR
Bike Setup:
Azonic DS-2 setup mainly for urban assault, freeriding, and some XC. Basically a beat around bike that can handle whatever I throw at it.
Bottom Line:
Nice brakes, especially for what I gave up for them. Great performance and a sweet look. Setup was very simple, took me 5 minutes at the most, a trained monkey could probably set these brakes up. Nice solid feel, cant wait to really break them in and see how they handle it, I am very confident they will continue to perform well for as long as I take care of them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kellin
a Cross Country Rider
from idaho Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
strong braking
Weaknesses:
arms have play, cheap pads, tension screws have to be adjusted offen because when the brake arm is pushed on, the return "spring doesn't return it back to the adjusted postion you started with. arch adds weight
Bottom Line:
go entry level brake system
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zman
a Cross Country Rider
from Kalamazoo, MI, USA Date Reviewed: April 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ones with dirt on them
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
Easy setup and adjustment. Crazy stopping power!!!
Incredible stopping power! I have endoed a couple times because the brakes work too well (my own fault). Supergo had a sale last summer that included Avid 2.0 lever w/ brakes. One of the better purchases I have ever made! I have never ridden a disc bike, but I have to imagine that is the only thing better than the Arch Rival line.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crazy Bit#$
a Weekend Warrior
from NY Date Reviewed: March 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
PLATTEKILL!!!!!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
-Arch looks trick -GREAT stopping power,better even than my SD 2.5's -Simple setup -Good modulation
Weaknesses:
-Mud and crap tends to collect on the arch -Some fade
Just installed these on the Chameleon a week ago...these brakes(paired up with LX levers)KICK ARSE!I can already feel a difference between these and the SD 2.5's--these are stronger,and modulate better.Nothing like endo'ing headfirst into a snowbank right after installing new brakes! Setup?WHAT SETUP?!It took me all of about 45 minutes to get both of the things dialed... Disadvantages?Well,the arch looks SWEET and does its job(parallel push),but it collects mud,leaves,equine manure,etc. like a mofo.Also the brakes do fade,but not as noticeably as the SD's.I have to ride on them some more to see how long they hold up. So far,THEY ARE THE SH$T....Five chilies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ALVO
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001
Very efficient stoppers. I didn't like the stock pads so I got some, cartridge style ones, save some weight and less fidily when it's time to change pads. Apart from that, great power, with good modulation when set-up correctly. Wanna stop on a dime, get these babies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from NY Date Reviewed: January 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Similar Products Used:
XTR, LX
Bottom Line:
Strong brakes, confidence inspiring feel. The arms are less flexy than XTR's, which can be considered more powerful or less modulated depending on your personal preference. Rusty bolts are a drag. Adjustable leverage levers are cool, but I never change the setting. Lever machining is inferior to XTR's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: January 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Woburn Woods
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Power,Power,Power, they look great and are full of adjustability
Weaknesses:
The rivetted pad holding comes loose after a while and cant be tightened, leaves and general crap gets caught easily and they made my old forks flex
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT, HS33 Maguras, Hope discs, formula cable discs, hayes discs, odyssey A brake, AR50's, Dia Compes, SD10's, Sd20's
Bike Setup:
DDG Shooter, JR T's, XT R mech, syncros c ring, dmr cranks, ddg bars, planet x stem, d521cd's on lx, dmr seat, ddg seat post, dmr speed guide, dmr v8's, lx cassette, avid sd2.0 levers, ar40 v's. etc etc
Bottom Line:
Buy them if your after lots of style adjustability, and power, yet dont expect them to last long if youve got them set up right, too powerful for their own good, the most powerful v's ive ever used!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fatty Deux
a
from Vancouver, Canada Date Reviewed: November 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything on the North Shore!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
1812 Cycles
Strengths:
They work okay and have no squeal. They have pretty good stopping power too!They Also look awesome on my bike
Weaknesses:
!cheap pads and they bend easy, leaves also get caught in them too!
Similar Products Used:
avid arch rival 50 avid arch
Bike Setup:
99 Specialized FFR Extreme, Bomber Jr. T's, these brakes,XT/LX parts. and a wicked THE fender!
Bottom Line:
There okay but I want hayes hydralic! Buy it if you want a cheap brake with wicked power!
Not really similar but whatever: a pair of old cheap-ass no name brand v's that came stock on my bike.
Bottom Line:
I luv these brakes, they're much better than the pieces of trash they replaced. I have had no problems with them aside from getting leaves and stuff stuck under the arch so I always hear this whirring sound from my tire but it ain't too annoying and doesn't take that long to fix, so it doesn't really matter. I got these for free which kix some serious ass. 5 spanish death chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: November 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
South Nountain Reservation
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Cyclecraft
Strengths:
Awesome Breaking, No Squeal, Cool looking
Weaknesses:
The brakes always catch mud and leaves between the cable and brake booster arch, so get used to hearing leaves whirring against your tire. the center of the hex bolt holding the booster arch doesn't rust quickly-it comes rusted (You don't believe me? look in the catalogs it's always rusted in the picture)
Similar Products Used:
LX side pulls. Tried a friend's Hayes Disks
Bike Setup:
99' Cannondale F1000 with Avid 1.0 levers and Arch Rival 50s (same as 40s but with different holes in the brake booster and cartrige pads)
Bottom Line:
These are the best side pulls there are. they stop almost as well as Hayes disks in the dry but only weigh half as much and cost a quarter as much. the only better brakes are the Avid Arch Supremes but they cost $120. The 50s cost about $50, but come with the cartrige pads. IF YOU WANT GOOD SIDE PULLS THESE ARE THE BRAKES FOR YOU.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joshua
a Cross Country Rider
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: November 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Bites like a snake, good modulation, easy set up, cheap and reliable!
Weaknesses:
STOOOOOPID brake pads
Similar Products Used:
XTR V's, LX V's
Bike Setup:
Bomber Z4 flylight air 2K, mix of XTR,XT,and other goodies
Bottom Line:
Greaaaaaaaaaaaat brakes! the accu-push system is outstanding onli thing that really sucked was the brake pads! it emitted noise that was so loud it could kill small animals! i swapped them for XTR cartridge pads then onli the nuisance would stop (plus the brakes work 10 times better with XTR pads) onli 4 chillies cause of the horrible pads they come with!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from houston Date Reviewed: October 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anthillz
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
strong pull cool looks kool stop pads little arch thingy don't rub when you don't want them to
Weaknesses:
??
Similar Products Used:
tektro POS
Bike Setup:
Motobecane frame, LX/XT/XTR sh/der, Jett XC
Bottom Line:
BUY THESE!!! They pull hard, look good, and are Avid quality! They are great!!!! I paid $35/ea at Pricepoint.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Stanwood,WA,USA Date Reviewed: September 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The one that almost kills me
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
The brakes are unbelievably reiable. I can literally stop on a dime. Can not beat the price for the brakes and the 2.0 levers. Love them, won't change anytime soonn
Weaknesses:
I don't like the cable clamps on the brake side. They have slipped once. I fixed it by tightening a little harder. No problem since.
Bike Setup:
Trek 6000zx with 00 sid xc
Bottom Line:
Get them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel Ankeny
a Cross Country Rider
from Wrightsville, PA U.S.A Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The ones in my back yard
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Adventure Cycling & Fittness
Strengths:
Adjustability, Design Features
Weaknesses:
Are You Kidding
Similar Products Used:
None
Bottom Line:
These brakes are the best brakes I have ever used. These brakes stop on a dime, and they work great in the rain. There's not much to say about these brakes except that they rule!!!!!!!! I defintly will be using AVID products far into the future. The people that sould get these GREAT brakes are racer wana-be's. The races sould get the 50's
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike drew
a Cross Country Rider
from ottawa canada Date Reviewed: August 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
everything you can think of that you need in a brake is in this brake. its cheap, and thats the worst thing about these brakes, so you can imagine how good they are. there right there when you squeeze. i have had no problems with these brakes at all. even the guy at avid has been way, way more than the coolest guy. do yourself a favor and buy these brakes, and with the money you save, bike over to the store and get your significant other some ice cream.
Weaknesses:
kool stop pads. i took mine out and replaced them with cartridge style pads. worth the switch.
Similar Products Used:
them all
Bike Setup:
kona pahoehoe tricked to atom bombs,cross max, xtr/xt, avid specs.
Bottom Line:
try them all, thats the best way to come to the conclusion that these are the best brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brendan
a Downhiller
from united states Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
MY BACKYARD
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Agressive, strong, and sensitive
Weaknesses:
the bolts are already startin to rust
Similar Products Used:
shimano xtr brakes
Bike Setup:
Gary fisher frame, shimano lx 9 speed drivetrain w/ SRAM 9.0 SL rear der. adn half pipe shifters. Rock Shox Sid XC, and some hayes disk brakes, with the new mavic 223 rims, with michelin hot s tires. Very tight bike!
Bottom Line:
They rock!!! Would buy for my whole family!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul D
a
from Victoria Australia Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
great performence beutiful quick stopping!!!!!
Weaknesses:
just dont adjust if you dont know what your doing or else it will go fully out enliment and the brake lever will become very loose. very loud screaming may need to change to a different pad.
Similar Products Used:
shimano XT's v brake
Bike Setup:
kona roast 2000
Bottom Line:
iv had not trouble with these... they are just very very touchie!!!!!! fiddlie when adjusting. but i would recommend them to anyone who wants some nice V's i woudnt recommend it for downhill tough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RMC
a Cross Country Rider
from Stafford CT Date Reviewed: July 29, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Avid customer service
Weaknesses:
One I got must have been a lemon, much play in brake arms
Similar Products Used:
XTR Vs
Bike Setup:
98 Cannondale SuperV XT/XTR/Coda
Bottom Line:
I was perplexed because not one review described the trouble I had. The brake had an enormous amount of play in the entire assembly. Less braking power than my shot XTR it replaced and squealed like a *&$#*!. LBS saw nothing wrong with installation and couldnt correct. Avid came through with phenominal service - replaced the brake - sent me an Arch 50. Installed that - awesome power - maybe better than the XTR and totally quiet. Arch 40 must have been a lemon but based on the performance of the arch 50, avid's excellent service I'll put up 5 chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Landau
a Cross Country Rider
from Fredericton, NB, Canada Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
coloddy
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The arch centering mechanism works sweet! No squeal, sweet stopping power, and they're hard to lock up even in wet conditions.
Weaknesses:
Pads wore quickly with a lot of trail riding. Upgrade to the Arch 50 pads and they'll last you much longer.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX, Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
KONA munimula 2000, stock parts
Bottom Line:
These brakes are sweet. They aren't expensive, so what are you waiting for, BUY THEM!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mxzman
a Cross Country Rider
from mi, usa Date Reviewed: July 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
great brakes, good modulation, easy adjustment (if needed)
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
shimano lx (have ridden xtr's)
Bike Setup:
kona pahoehoe
Bottom Line:
love these brakes, only problem i have had is in muddy condition my brake pads wore quickly. have since upgraded to avid 50 cartridge style pads, these for some reason seem to last much longer
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
4nic8r
a Downhiller
from Vancouver BC Date Reviewed: July 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Excellent braking power. Cool looking. Relatively light. NO SQUEAL!
Weaknesses:
The 40's don't come with the cartridge pads -- I got my mail order company to swap them for me from the 50's for future convenience (www.airbomb.com).
Similar Products Used:
XT brakes.
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR XC Pro frame + Rock Shox Judy XC LT + XT build group + truvativ stylo cranks and avid brakes
Bottom Line:
Cheap. Superb braking power. Quiet operation. :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Catch
a Cross Country Rider
from Helsinki, Finland Date Reviewed: June 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
easy to maintain, inexpensive, lightness
Weaknesses:
incredibly bad braking power
Similar Products Used:
LX V '99, Avid Single Digit 10
Bike Setup:
Kona Muni-Mula, Marzocchi Z1 Drop-Off '00
Bottom Line:
These brakes may be more durable than the LX '99 but if you ride anything that needs reliable braking.. Well, then these brakes just aren't for you. I've tried with different pads w/o success. The Accu-Push thing works quite well, though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dana
a
from arizona Date Reviewed: June 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
POWER!!! Excellent modulation and dirt cheap price ($25 per wheel!!)
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
cheap oem dia compes, avid 2.0 on a friend's bike
Bottom Line:
I just had to add my voice to all of the others in singing the praises of this brake. They're a freakin' steal, they work great, and that's all that really matters. I definitely recommend using a brake booster with these, as they flex the seatstays on my bike about a quarter of an inch without one. Get a gorilla booster, they're cheap + effective, just like these brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tomas
a Downhiller
from California Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
none.
Weaknesses:
broken the arm on the front brake twice. Bad service, took a long time to get replacement. Product spent too much time trying to be light, and stopping power was not good. Disc brakes are the way to go. All disc brakes, maybe even hayes (eww!) are better than these.
Similar Products Used:
shimano xt vee
Bike Setup:
giant atx one dh (ex-pro rider) with foes f-1 fork.
Bottom Line:
broken the arm on the front brake twice. Bad service, took a long time to get replacement. Product spent too much time trying to be light, and stopping power was not good. Disc brakes are the way to go. All disc brakes, maybe even hayes (eww!) are better than these. If I were looking for v brakes, like for a trials bike or somthin glike that, I would buy xt. Xtr is too expensive, these brakes suck, and anything else just isn't good enough. Otherwise, I would buy discs.... even for xc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KAAAbooom
a Weekend Warrior
from The North SHore Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cant find it
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
They stop strong, progressive and are easy to setup. Personally these have a better feel then SHimano brakes ive tried
Weaknesses:
no colours to choose from ..ha ha no there great brakes
These came with the bike stock. I purchased salsa boosters (5 stars as well) and they made a huge difference in stopping power and feel. I might bite the bullet for Disks (hayes) but for the money ive spent and the braking power with the boosters these have i doubt that will happen. These brakes stop very well in the wet muddy condition clean well and in dry they are top notch. BUy boosters for any cable brake you have they make a huge difference. Well if when the day comes that these fail i'll buy Hayes disks but for now these rule..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: April 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Everything
Bottom Line:
Great brakes for your money. Buy if ya need some good braks and are cheep or buyin' something else. The weight aint much unless your a wimp. Awsome power.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Cummings
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, B.C, Canada Date Reviewed: March 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Skull Trail-Harland Dump
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very Strong, Durable. Very good price for what you get. Incredible power, one of the best v-brakes.
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
xt v-brakes, arch rival 50 v-brakes.
Bike Setup:
2000 Kona Roast
Bottom Line:
It gets the job done. Doesn't squeak, if you want power at a low price this is for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: February 25, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
it works, and works and works. Super strong. Extremely powerful one finger braking, superb modulation, and get this.. it DOESN't SQUEAL!! My 1999 Shimano XT-V brakes (you know, the ones redesigned to not-squeal, were loud enough to kill small animals. Unbelievable squeal. Tried absolutely everything. Nothing worked. So out go the XT-V and in come Arch 40's. The Arch 40's are better in every way, not just because they dont squeal. They are just as powerful, maybe a tad MORE powerful, have far better feel and modulation, and did I mention they're dead silent?? Excellent brakes!
Weaknesses:
Maybe a tad heavy, like a few extra grams. Not really a weakness, especially given the awesome performance and the price. If you're really concerned about weight move to to Arch 50s or Arch Supremes.
Similar Products Used:
1999 Shimano XT-V, Shimano LX-V
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Super V 1000
Bottom Line:
Awesome brake. Everything you want in a brake. Silent. Powerful. Excellent feel and modulation. And its even fairly cheap! Looks good too. Though you can't really see it behind my carbon brake booster.
Far better than Shimano XT-V, new or old design. Get it. It works.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
trailrat
a Cross Country Rider
from western washington Date Reviewed: February 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
sun top, ape canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
PERFORMACE! Looks, price
Weaknesses:
weight
Similar Products Used:
dia-comp, LX
Bike Setup:
K2 hard tail, LX-sram, Smart shock, Titec, Grip shift
Bottom Line:
I have been riding these brakes all winter in soggy West. Washington and these babies work great. They are a huge improvement over LX V's. Wet or dry they stop. You can't beat this brake or the Avid 1.9 speed dial levers at it's price or perfomanc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pablo
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, California Date Reviewed: February 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Strong, quiet, easy-install
Weaknesses:
Built-in arch booster adds weight.
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT V-brakes, Ritchey cantilevers
Bike Setup:
Kona steel frame hardtail
Bottom Line:
Completely functional product, well-priced. I hammer them on steep downhill several times a week. A great improvement over squeaky Shimano V's. Simple to install, no hassle over toe-in, easy pad replacement. I get solid stopping power in wet or dry conditions. It does flex my rear frame, but they're powerful brakes, and the weight is well-spent. I'm not having the maintenance problems like pad clearance and pin slip issues the way other people report. Poor job setting up? Avid brake levers are also moderately priced, well-designed and functional.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Salinas Date Reviewed: January 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Henry Coe
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lightweight, strong, queit, light lever pull.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
XT's, LX's, Coda disc.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight X
Bottom Line:
The Arch 40's are awesome. They're super strong. One finger use is enough. They have never howled or squeeked in wet or dry weather. You can get them for either $30. or $40. if you mail order. You can't beat that!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lenexa, KS Date Reviewed: January 5, 2000
These brakes work extremely well. I've been using a pair for almost a year and have had few complaints. They provide ample stopping power and are easy to adjust. For instance, I had no trouble stopping while hauling a 100+ pound trailer. I recommend them for any cross-country rider who doesn't get too muddy. They tend to fill up with mud. Five stars for the Arch Rival 40's...(I don't ride much mud)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis Rodríguez
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Juan Date Reviewed: December 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Cambalache Rain Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Always stop, quiet, pro look.
Weaknesses:
Fragile hardware.
Similar Products Used:
Ricthie Canty lever, Avid 1.0
Bike Setup:
Haro Scape, Full XT, Manitou LTS, Mavic CrossLink, continental traction pro 2.0 rear, continental pro tracker 2.1 front.
Bottom Line:
They look terrific and stop quiet in any wheater. But my rear brakes breaks in my first xc ride, the same week installed. I fix that using my old Avid 1.0 hardware and also had to reinstall the rear brake booster. The arch rival is an excellent idea, but, because the experience with the hardware... just only 3 stars for it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Hodges, SC Date Reviewed: December 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wine Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Quiet, easy to set up, looks, price.
Weaknesses:
None found so far.
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT, Avid 1.0 30
Bike Setup:
Kona Sex One F/S with Marzocchi XC-R front and Risse Genesis in the rear.
Bottom Line:
This brake works as well as a brake should be expected to. Set up was quick and painless, no squeal wet or dry. Main reason I purchased was for added clearance when removing front wheel as every other brake I have used would hit the fork and not spread enough to remove the wheel easily. The tire clears this brake with room to spare. No problems with the arch loosing up so far, very rigid design, lots of stopping power.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peyton
a Cross-Country Rider
from Augusta GA Date Reviewed: November 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Baker Creek(fast trail)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Perfect in all conditions ans makes no noise when wet.LeightWieght with awsome stoping power. Easy setup
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT
Bike Setup:
Fisher with SIDs
Bottom Line:
This is a Great brake for the price. Works great in all conditions and wont sueal when wet. Its also very light and looks tight.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john cloyd
a Weekend Warrior
from Newfields, NH Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
nonesuch trail :->
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Silence is golden ! Power
Weaknesses:
nada
Similar Products Used:
cantis, LX
Bike Setup:
Access/XT-Plasma
Bottom Line:
Yeow. I tried everything to get my LX front from screaming like a burning cat, but nothing worked. Sick of the incessant howl I got the AR40, man o man. Absolute silence in dry or wet, and the stopping power is amazing. Still have an LX on the rear so I can do a pretty good comp. and it'll be replaced with another AR40 real soon ! Install took about 5 minutes, and unlike the LX that required screwing with after every ride these don't need to be touched. Maybe the best performing part I've used.jc
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geri
a Cross-Country Rider
from HUNGARY Date Reviewed: November 12, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
power,silent,works in all weather
Weaknesses:
collects leaves
Similar Products Used:
dia compe 757, shimano stx-rc
Bottom Line:
after buying these I no more consider to invest in disc brakes. these brakes work great in all conditions. they are powerful, one finger brakes, work like an ABS on a car. I highly recommend it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Fitzpatrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Deal, Kent Date Reviewed: September 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Down the local jump spot!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
One of the most powerful v-brakes out there right now, better than anything shimano has to offer (except xtr). All weather performance, at an affordable price.
Weaknesses:
None that I have noticed
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT, Arch Rival 50
Bike Setup:
Trial's/Slalom
Bottom Line:
These are one of the best v-brakes available, and at an affordable price. 5 flaming turds!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lafayette, CA Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Flume (Backcountry Loops)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good modulation, No Squeals, Works great when wet,
Weaknesses:
What?
Similar Products Used:
737's, XTs
Bike Setup:
Fisher XO, XT, Judy, Cane Creek
Bottom Line:
A good upgrade from a company making a name for itself with high quality engineered products. A strong alternative to Microsoft.....I mean Shimano.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from IowaCity, IA Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great stopping power Easy set-up Good looks No squeal after break in period
$ 35.00
Overall Rating:
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