Submitted by
long_h_lam
a Weekend Warrior
from London, England Date Reviewed: June 30, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Bonthrone Bikes, Vau
Strengths:
- Power. Best V-brakes I've used to date, except maybe for the Magura HS33 (hydraulic rims).
- Excellent modulation.
- Easy to adjust to get max power.
Weaknesses:
None for the price
Similar Products Used:
Lots of Shimano v-brakes, Deore, LX, Alivio, etc.
Tektro v-brakes (cheap ones)
Magura HS33
Bike Setup:
Marin Quake 9.0 2001 model (Manitou X-Vert, XT rear, LX front), downhill frame, double butted and reinforced ALU.
Bottom Line:
One of the best v-brakes on the market, very easy to adjust to get the right setup. Has adjustable modulation for adjusting feel, very smooth to operate.
I tried to get another set a few months ago, but they sold out :o(
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
headwerkn
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart, TAS, Australia Date Reviewed: May 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Came with bike (Spec
Strengths:
Hugely powerful, look trick, cheaper than discs (at the time)
Weaknesses:
Could get noisy, not immune to water/mud, replacement pads weren't cheap, disc brakes are now affordable.
Similar Products Used:
Whatever the cable discs are on my Shogun hardtail (they suck, anyway).
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR Extreme, Mavic Crossride rims and hubs.
Bottom Line:
It was nearly 10 years ago but I still remember the day a mate and I picked up our new FSR Extremes from the shop. The guy warned us about the brakes... "These are stronger than any brake you've used before, go easy with them".. we just grinned and thought yeah yeah whatever dude and rode off... come to the first traffic light and we both nearly endo-ed over the bars.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam
a Weekend Warrior
from england Date Reviewed: May 12, 2007
really powerful, easy to fit, very adjustable, and looks pimpin'
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt K
a Weekend Warrior
from Pretoria, South Africa Date Reviewed: April 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$64.00
Strengths:
Extremely powerful! Great Modulation, well designed. Makes endos easy.
Weaknesses:
If your rim is not perfectly trued then adjusting becomes a bit difficult by nothing too bad. as powerful as discs but weaker in mud and rain
Similar Products Used:
tektro v brake, clarks pads, kool stops
Bike Setup:
giant 06 boulder
Bottom Line:
a great product! the best v brake
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Tisdale
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: August 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Grapevine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Well engineered, awesome looks, cheap, easy to adjust
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Dia Compe
Bike Setup:
Specialized M2, Spinergy Rev-x Rox, Race Face Cranks
Bottom Line:
These are the best v brakes I have ever tried. On my first ride I almost went over the bars because I under estimated their power. Damn good product. I don't understand how anyone could be unhappy with them. The complainers are probably not as honest as they would have you believe. Get'em and forget 'em!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lindsay D
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis Park, MN, USA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
new Theodore Wirth trail, Mpls
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Maple Grove Cycling
Strengths:
-Ease of setup & maintainance. -Very little adjustment to switch between wheels with different rim widths. -Stopping power!
Gunnar Rockhound (steel, baby.) w/SRAM 9.0, TruVativ cranks, LX/Salsa wheels, and an old, inexpensive, but reliable and easily adjustable Judy SL fork.
Bottom Line:
These are great. Buy 'em. I'm the parts buyer for a shop in Minneapolis, and as much as the nifty new technology is nifty and new, more often than not I see that stuff in the shop while the people with regular stuff are out riding and not wondering why their expensive crap doesn't work for, well, crap. I've got two rules of thumb for disc brakes: 1) Disc on a cross-country hardtail? 2) For full-suspension, if your suspension travel is smaller than the diameter of a disc rotor, why bother, Evel Knievel?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn Vernes
a
from Middletown, CT Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Trail of Tears, Sandwitch Ma
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Very easy to install, set up, and adjust. All adjustments can be made with an allen wrench.
Weaknesses:
the SD 7 levers bend very easily
Similar Products Used:
Avid Single Digit, Shimano XTR
Bike Setup:
Sugar freme, Bomber Z3 fork, ceramic rims
Bottom Line:
Vey easy to install and set up. With the Speed Dial levers you can adjust the feel with the turn of a knob. They provide braking power comparable to the Avid mechanical disks (in dry conditions, and as long as you're using ceramic rims) and better then any other rim brakes I've tried (including XTR). It's very nicely made (espescially for the price) and has a look of quality. And they don't squeal. The arch seems to catch leaves a little ealier than regular v-brakes. I got mine as a package deal with SD-7 levers from Price Point and the levers are also well made and have a great shape, but they bent very easily. I bent mine on the first crash (a slow speed endo onto rocks) and was able to bend it back by hand. They're cheap to replace, though. I've only got one ride on the system but so far so good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George F
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: March 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Sunview
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Christmas Gift
Strengths:
VERY POWERFUL brakes! These things WILL stop on a dime! I was amazed at how well these babies work. Comes with a built in brake booster. Also amazingly light. VERY impressed.
Weaknesses:
None, still work great like the 1st time I tried them a year ago.
Similar Products Used:
Promax
Bike Setup:
Marin Novato Triple Butted 7005 Aluminum Edge Tubed Frame, Mavic Crossrides, Bontrager Comfort K Hardcase Tires, Rock Shocks Jett 2, Kore Elite XC Comp Handlebars, Kore lite 3 Stem, Avid Arch Rival V-Brakes, Avid Speed Dial SD 2.0L Brake Levers, TruVativ 5D Crank, WTB Momentum Comp ST Headset, WTB Rocket V Saddle, Sette 7 APX seat post, Shimano XT Derailleurs, Cateye Wireless 7 computer, Profile briefs bar Ends, BLT mini-Doppler Light.
Bottom Line:
SUPER brakes! Very powerful and strudy. Very very light aswell.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
todd
a Cross Country Rider
from garner Date Reviewed: December 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
They have great stopping power.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bottom Line:
These things work great. I'm a heavy rider and have never had a problem slowing down with them. I've been running this style brake for over 4 years now and can't see myself switching. Best rim brakes around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
edouble
a Cross Country Rider
from wyandanch,ny Date Reviewed: September 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
dupont nat. forest,nc
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
great stopping power and modulation.
Weaknesses:
dont look as sleek as the ultimates
Similar Products Used:
shimano xt and xtr
Bike Setup:
i use these brakes on both my voodoo bizango and my jamis dragon. steel baby, all the way all day!.
Bottom Line:
for those who say these brakes have no stopping power i say this. im 6ft. 2in. and 245 lbs of muscle and when i put the hammer down my bikes mooove. yet ive had zero broblems braking, even when im flying downhill. if your having problems its not the brakes, that leaves you with one other option. ill let you figure it out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland NZ Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Woodhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Trademe
Strengths:
Modulation, stopping power and easy to adjust.
Weaknesses:
None as yet.
Similar Products Used:
Dia comp, avid etc
Bike Setup:
Now that would be telling, although its a specialized.
Bottom Line:
My bike originally had dia comp brakes, which really are the crappiest i've ever used, specialized must have got em for free cos you definitely would'nt pay for em. Anyway after scaring myself too many times and doing some homework, i upgraded to these with speed dial 7 levers. They took about 1/2 an hour to install, aligned themselves first time and stop me sled like a treat. As a result my riding has improved and i feel more confident in the hairy stuff. They also have more modulation and power than some disc units i've tried, go figure!! Great for the price and they look good too. Speed dial 7 levers a must, they will work with other avids i.e. 1.0l but not as good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SCOTT
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakewood, Colo. Date Reviewed: April 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Buffalo Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
1.BRAKING POWER WITH ADJUSTABILITY 2.LOOKS 3.RETAIL PRICE ESPECIALLY FROM VENDERS LIKE PRICE POINT.
Weaknesses:
1. CABLES AND LEVERS ON LOWER END MODELS ARE LAME!!!
Similar Products Used:
1. AVID SINGLE DIGIT 7'S WITH MATCHING LEVERS. 2. AVID 3'S WITH AVID 5 LEVERS.
Bike Setup:
04 STUMPJUMPER WITH AVID ARCH RIVAL BRAKES, DIGIT 7 LEVERS, AND FLAK JACKET CABLES. CARBON BAR ENDS AND NEW GRIPS. ALL ELSE IS STOCK.
Bottom Line:
I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH HAVING TO PULL SUPER-HARD ON THE LEVERS TO GET THESE BRAKES TO STOP! MY HANDS WERE WORN OUT AFTER A LONG DESCENT! I REPLACED THE DIGIT 5 LEVERS AND THE CABLES WITH 7 LEVERS AND KEVLAR FLAK JACKET CABLES. IT FINALLY WORKS LIKE I HOPED IT WOULD!!! ARE ARCH RIVALS WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY? LETS JUST SAY I HAD EQUAL OR BETTER BRAKING WITH THE DIGIT 7'S AND I COULD HAVE USED THE MONEY I SAVED TO BUY A NIFTY MULTI-TOOL OR SOMETHING. AT LEAST THE BRAKES LOOK COOL...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Sullivan
a Cross Country Rider
from Overland Park KS USA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
minor park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$37.00
Purchased At:
Bike America
Strengths:
Supposedly amazing stopping power
Weaknesses:
makes the rear stays flex almost as much as a full carbon bike like the 9.8
Similar Products Used:
avid single digit 7s stuff of that nature.
Bike Setup:
gary fisher sugar 3+ black adjustable fork, xt front xtr rear, xt shifters and xt cranks.
Bottom Line:
dude i installed these brakes looking for something with amazingly good stopping power and looks good too. THEY HAVE only LOOKED GOOD. i hate everything about them! they stop worse than a pair of generic low end tektro brakes. THEY STINK. the tension on the left side is all screwed up and it doesn't stop unless you freaking pull lever to your bars. i have tried almost everything i could to fix them and i can't so im going to sell them for a quarter hahaha thats all they are worth to me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
syammim arifin
a Cross Country Rider
from shah alam, malaysia Date Reviewed: October 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
gruber's grinder
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Low load sensitivity due to the parallel push
Weaknesses:
A little hard to clear out the linkage in case of detaching the wheels.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Rusty hardrock with no stock parts xcept for the friggin 31.7 mm diameter seatpost
Bottom Line:
Better modulation, less sensitivity to brake load making your braking maneuver less susceptible to lockups. Works transparently. Gets a lot of attention too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Houston
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Conyers International Horse Park Olympic Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$79.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Everything. These breaks rock. They breaking is strong and reliable. They were easy to set up, they clean up easily. Good support from Avid if anything breaks. A reasonable alternative to disc breaks at an excellent price.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes a little too strong. A little heavier than some of Shimano's breaks.
Great product. Great Company. If you want a good solid breaking system, these are the breaks to have. Speed Dial levers are also recomeneded.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Racer
from Mexico Date Reviewed: April 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$79.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Price Simplicity Quiet Good looking
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Avid SD5, SD7, XTR
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper Hardtail
Bottom Line:
This is an extremely good product for the price. It delivers more or less the same amount of power of Avid’s SD7 or SD5 but with a lot more modulation and without squeal. With a good set of cables, you can achieve single finger braking capability and instantly improve your ability to clear step and twisty singletrack sections.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martyn Nash
a Cross Country Rider
from Carmarthenshire Date Reviewed: December 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
llanddowror
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
chain reaction
Strengths:
Power, ease of set up.
Weaknesses:
Didnt find any
Similar Products Used:
Avid SD 3, Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Then M4 Hardtail, M4 FSRXC
Bottom Line:
These are absolutely the best I have tried. Now have Shimano XT on a M5 Sworks Hardtail and they dont really come close for stopping power (have now XT changer and brake levers in one so expensive to change). They were excellent on a hardtail M4 to avoid some flex on the seat stays. I never used anything but wrim wrangler pads and they were excellent and no squeal!!! I definately rate these up with thomson seat posr and stem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Beast
a Cross Country Rider
from Aberdeen, UK Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Glen Tress
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Care
Strengths:
Powerful, great modulation, easy to set up, rim wrangler pads are excellent, quiet, no signs of play after 3 years of muddy abuse.
Weaknesses:
Difficult to remove tyres wider than 2".
Similar Products Used:
Other Avid, Shimano LX
Bike Setup:
'97 Marin Rift Zone
Bottom Line:
The best rim brakes you can buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cosworth
a Cross Country Rider
from Verdugo City Date Reviewed: October 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
South Beaudry
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
$45.00
Strengths:
Excellent strength and smoothness at speed.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
XTR-Way too much vibration at high speed.
Bike Setup:
Masi Titanium, XTR, King head and hub, Thomson, Mavic, Scott.
Bottom Line:
The customer support at Avid is absolutely perfect. When swapping out frames two of the small set pins remained in the old frame stays. Dan at Avid sent a complete set free of charge. Very nice as the LBS had non in stock and were not willing to help find any.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Weekend Warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: September 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Blue Mtn
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
Arch eliminates braking flex in the seat stays, strong brakes, look good, fairly light.
Weaknesses:
Not very durable, flawed tension adjustment system, rim wrangler pads are not great.
I barely scraped my rear brake going through a rock garden and it knocked the brake tension out. My rear wheel started rubbing the rim so I tried to adjust the spring tension - BIG MISTAKE - these little screws are so delicate that any amount of torque is going to strip them and your SOL. I couldn't use my rear brakes for the rest of the trail and of course the front ones sent me over the bars and messed up my hand. To their credit, Avid sent me new spring tension screw setups (without directions - it took me a long time to realize you have to pry the platfoms off the brake arms - but you have to be very careful not to damage the delicate aluminum bushings).
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Fisher Big Sur, Aerospoke, XTR/XT, Avid Arch Rivals w/SD7's.
Bottom Line:
I've never been that impressed with the durability and quality of Avid brakes. My buddy has XTRs which have a much smoother feel - brakes and levers. Even the stock Alvio brakes that came with bike seemed better made. I wanted the arch rivals rather than XTRs because of the arch (my shimanos flexed too much), the looks the weight, and the price. When I put them on, however, they didn't seem to stop as well as the stock brakes (I had put YPK pads on the stock ones, which work even better than the Rim Wranglers). I put the YPK's on the Avids and now they're really good stoppers. But after my horrible experience with the spring tension screw, I can't say I'm their biggest fan. If you get a good price on them, buy em, but if you can afford XTR - go Shimano - you can definitely feel the difference in quality, squeal or no squeal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The next one
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Durable, fairly light, stays centered and very pretty (Sounds like my wife, and I like her a lot, too!)
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, MachineTech
Bottom Line:
After four years with SD 7 levers, I'm moving the whole setup to a new carbon fiber bike. I was trying to decide what new brakes to get for it, when I realized I never think about these babies. They just perform, quietly and solidly.
Scary descents are not quite as scary when you know your brakes have saved you countless times before. One finger braking is standard procedure, with no noise. Carefully true your rims, dial in your pads and let 'er rip! These babies stay centered and will send you over the bars if you're not careful. But then, who's careful? Five whatevers for Avid! They deserve it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CalMTB K
a Cross Country Rider
from Alameda Date Reviewed: August 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
POWER! Relatively light. Looks like a million bucks.
Weaknesses:
pricy; pads can wear out quickly (after 1 sandy ride), but they can be replaced; pads do leave some black residue after a long ride w/ hard braking.
Similar Products Used:
cheap stock Vs; tektro; Alivio
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hardrock as single speed. All stock except for riser bar, Englund Total Air fork upgrade, Hutchinson Python Air Light tires (great!), and ZuZu pedals. All came in at around 24lbs or less.
Bottom Line:
Sick brake. Beware of its power. Enough to save my ass on steeps. Looks cool. No squeal. Probably the best V-brake, period. I set it up in front, while still keeping the cheap stock set on the rear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Surrey, UK Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great power no sqealing parrallel push linkage (or whatever its called) works amazingly and needs no maintenance come with cartridge pads
Weaknesses:
erm... the rrp is a bit steep but i bought mine online (www.supercycles.co.uk i think) for about half that price so no complaints at all
Similar Products Used:
Avid SD-1, SD3 and Shimano LX V's + a few low end shimano ones
Bike Setup:
modified 2000 Kona NuNu
Bottom Line:
Put simply, the best cable rim brake there is. No doubt. Bargain price if you shop around, consistently outstanding performance in wet/dry/mud whatever - these never let you down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BOB
a Cross Country Rider
from Marysville CA Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
South Yuba
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
PRICE POINT
Strengths:
EXCELLENT STOPPING POWER. Large size allen adjustment for springs. The levers are awesome.
Weaknesses:
Front brake bolts were too long for my fork.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano , Dia comp , Avid 25 and 7 single digit
Bike Setup:
Specialized , Psylo XC , LX XT drive train , Sun rhyno lite rims , Avid Arch rival
Bottom Line:
Awesome brake. The price was for a set with the single digit 7 levers. I had XT shimanos on the bike before these and they were hand me downs from my other bike( which has 7 avids ). The shimano front brake squealed worse the older it got. I had to replace it and I made the best choice for the money period. At least thats how I feel. The stopping power is better than the XTs and I feel. These brakes are primarily being used for urban rides and the BMX track with the kids this is my second bike.I also tow the kid around on the Tag a Long about twice a week and they stop me and him very good.I like the levers alot because I can set the brakes tight yet the lever does not pull the brakes until the lever is close to the handle bars. The best V brakes for the money are Avid. Both my bike use them and I am reluctant to go to discs(cost). AWESOME BRAKE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from London, Canada Date Reviewed: July 20, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
sweet breaking, great response. great modulation.
Weaknesses:
rubber cable boot wont stay put.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Kona Explosif, XT, rock shox, easton CT2 handlebar, sram shifters(8speed).
Bottom Line:
great brakes for the money. lovely for an xc rig. keepin' it light!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dick Hallorann
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester, UK Date Reviewed: July 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The MBR Trail, Coed-y-Brenin, Wales
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
www.ChainReactionCycles.com
Strengths:
Poised, quiet, simple to set up, look good, brake better than any other rim brake, including XTR.
Weaknesses:
None. Not even the price. Worth every penny.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano STX, Hayes Hydraulic discs
Bike Setup:
'95 Raliegh M-Trax frame, '97 RockShox Judy XC, full '02 XT, Avid SD5's, Avid Arch Rivals, Mavic X571's, Maxxis Tyres, RockShox suspension seatpost, Selle Italia Flite Geniune Gel XP, Kore 69 stem, RaceFace AirAlloy Riserbar, Tioga Beartraps, various X-lite bits 'n' pieces.
Bottom Line:
Put it this way: I weigh 17 stone (240lbs), my co-rider - who uses Hayes hydraulic disc brakes - weighs 13 stone (180 lbs). Same surface, same speed I out-break him. Recommend using a brake-booster, 'cause these babies are so powerful, my frame flexes like mad (I'm currently trying to source a set). For $120 I got the complete set - 2x brake sets, 2x lever sets and all cabling and housing. BARGAIN :D
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Rundle park crazy area
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Powerful. Easy installation (no idea how v-brake installation could be horribly hard anyway), price
Well to say the least, the breaking power endoed me over a nicely large drop already and laid lots of my rear tires rubber on the pavement/dirt, and prevented me from running over a porcupine. Light, inexpensive for the kind of power they achieve. Look good, but it will be a cold day in hell the day that matters to me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Belchertown,Ma Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
m&m
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
They make my bike stop really well. They look pretty cool. Im a big fan of cartridge pads. The levers are curved just right, and I like the speed dials.
Weaknesses:
nothing that doesnt apply to all rim brakes (mud, water)
Similar Products Used:
Genero v's that came on my bike XT and XTR's on friends' bikes.
Bike Setup:
Specialized rockhopper, stock except these brakes and levers, Manitou x-vert fork, Nashbar clipless pedals and Ti saddle.
Bottom Line:
When I upgraded my front fork, I finally was able to ride really fast and zip down steep rocky trails without worrying about going over the handlebars (as frequently). The crap brakes that came on my bike just weren't cutting it, though. After a few really close calls when I just couldn't slow down fast enough I bought a new set of brake pads. When that didn't fix the problem, I invested in these bad boys. Problem solved. I have yet to re-experience the fear I knew so well since I upgraded to the Avids. Bottom line: these brakes rock. I've tried the XTs and the XTRs and they just aren't as good. They aren't as strong and what everyone says about squealing is true. Go with avid. Brakes is all they do, and they do it really well. The levers are good, too. I like the adjustability factor, but I pretty much just keep them dialed to maximum pull. Oh, and I have had less leaves get caught in the arch than I had get caught in the noodle of my old death brakes. Enjoy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
OC.
a Downhiller
from Oz Date Reviewed: June 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Strong,Light,Power,Feel.
Weaknesses:
They're the perfect V-brake.
Similar Products Used:
Other Avids and Shimano's(over rated).
Bottom Line:
You cann't ask for a better brake.Powerful,light,no squeal and no maintence required if you look after them.They stop you in the wet,no worries and in the dry they're good enough to rely on for doing trials stuff.
Cann't recommend them enough.An excellent buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Ashland Oregon Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
They work perfectly and were easy to set up.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Avid and Shimano rim brakes
Bike Setup:
Trek OCLV
Bottom Line:
I purchased these and the SD-7 levers for 90 bucks. What a tremendous upgrade over the Avid 20's and the LX combo levers that came on the bike. These are the best V brakes I have ever used period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan Kalmes
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, VA, USA Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Wakefield Park Singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
supergo.com
Strengths:
Price included two sets, SD7 levers, cables and housing. These things REALLY stop you! Looks way cool - people ask questions. :) Comes with variable spacing to fit many bosses. Adjustable strength and spacing for the levers.
Weaknesses:
They're leaf collectors. Screams like a banshee when wet (but still works good). Hard to get tires off - they don't open quite wide enough.
Similar Products Used:
Stock Shimano STX cantilevers.
Bike Setup:
Rigid Trek 930 with mostly STX components - Giani suspension seat post - Speed V seat - Time ATAC pedals.
Bottom Line:
They rock! I got tired of constantly adjusting the stock cantilevers, so I snagged these. Installed them in less than an hour for both sets and levers. I've put about 60 miles on them since I got them, no signs of wear. Works great wet or dry, but does squeal when wet. These things work and look good doing it. Only complaints are that they don't open quite wide enough to get the front tire off easily - it does come off, but it takes some effort. It would be worth getting a slightly narrower tread in order to compensate for this (only need about 2 mm narrower on mine). They do catch leaves more than my stock cantilevers, but no more than any other V-brakes I've seen. Even so, I can't imagine anything better. Don't hesitate - just get them!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: April 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Simple, durable with tremendous stopping power. very cool design.
Weaknesses:
say what?
Similar Products Used:
factory supplied junk.
Bike Setup:
Raleigh, shimano gear, grip shift, profile design bar and stem, thomson elite post, wtb saddle and knuclkebone grips(if you haven't seen these grips get them they're very cool)
Bottom Line:
I haven't experienced any of the problems others have had with debri getting stuck in the rear arch or squeaking from the pads. This is definately the last brake system I'll ever need to buy. (I got front/rear and Speed dial 7 levers)These brakes stop when you want to stop and are hassle free. If you want to upgrade this is definately the way to go. There is no better out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Gyver
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, Texas Date Reviewed: March 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Ant hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Bike Barn Houston - Great place!
Strengths:
Great performance, awesome looks, light.
Weaknesses:
None yet. (Some may say price BUT you always get what you pay for.)
Similar Products Used:
Avid SD3, XT, other stuff not good enough to mention.
Bike Setup:
2001 Gary Fisher Paragon, XT cranks/BB, XT front and rear derailleurs, everything else stock.
Bottom Line:
I have never installed brakes on a bike before. It was a snap! They worked great with little adjusting. I did some XC riding the day I put them on for some serious testing. After 4 hours of jumping, uphill, downhill, XC action they proved to be worth every penny! As a bonus they look as good as they work! Great buy! Who should buy these? If you want light, great performing V-brakes then this is a great choice! If you want cheap then there are cheaper. If you have fat cash and want to be the toast of the party then these are for you too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sindross
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: February 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint.com
Strengths:
Light, Strong (no arm flex... at all!!) The Arch looks mental. No squeel (like the linkage of the shimano's v). They brake better than my disc... and the pad isn't even broken in...
Weaknesses:
People say leaves get caught in the Arch... Why doesn't it get caught in the cable over the tire???
Bottom Line:
If you want top of the line V-Brake, get these ones here. They rock. The look sweet, a lot better than Xtr(i find). The removable pad really help! you only need to set them once.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Laramie, WY Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Great, hassle free design that stops like mad
Weaknesses:
Weakness is not a word associated with Avid
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR, LX, Tektro
Bottom Line:
I bought these breaks and they were the best upgrade that I made. These breaks really stop. I used the economy AD3 levers, and the Avid Straight Jacket cables and they really stopped like mad.
One time I tightned the spring tension screw too much and stripped the threads in the assembly, I was really pissed, but I just called up the Avid waranty guy in Colorado and he sent me the replacement part no questions asked in about two days! Another time when I installed them an a Surly Instigator, the crappy canti mounts broke the spring index pins off, once again Avid came through and mailed me the parts in about two days, those guys are great.
These breaks are also much easier to setup and fix than other V's I've tried. It took less than two minutes to replace the broken parts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shane
a Cross Country Rider
from mobile Date Reviewed: January 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
south
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
jbmountainbikes.com
Strengths:
strong strong strong
Weaknesses:
very hard to adjust, bolt stripped out brake and cracked
Similar Products Used:
Coda Disc (SUCKED!!) Onza Cantilevers
Bottom Line:
I am pissed, I just got the brakes and had to take the fronts off because they stripped out. Spent 3 #$@%$ hours trying to figure out how to adjust them. Still dont think I got it right. Overall probably a good brake. Just be careful when adjusting them. Do not tightening the little bolts very tight at all. It will crack the brake. While they were working, they worked great. Now, they are in a ziploc bag, waiting for the bike shop to open in 2 days so I can order a new part or a whole new brake.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dex
a Cross Country Rider
from escondid, ca, usa, Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
daley ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
supergo?
Strengths:
strong as f*** great feel to em, nice articulation
Weaknesses:
too strong? ( is that bad)
Similar Products Used:
magura julies
Bike Setup:
k2 razorback pimped
Bottom Line:
if ya can get em cheap do it, i got mine with sd7 levers for only 90 bucks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
trialsin man
a Downhiller
from Kamloops B.C. CANADA Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Lolo
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
-light -good braking -nice levers
Weaknesses:
-none if you know how to maintain them
Similar Products Used:
Magura HS33 cheap A$$ tektro
Bike Setup:
Gnarly DH hardtail with a litle bit of XC love!
Bottom Line:
BUY THESE BRAKES! if you own a pair of crappy v-brakes and dont feel like throwing money out for a pair of crappy shimano v-brakes.They are awesome and fairly indestructible. All you need to do is buy a couple of brake boosters for them and you are set to go.
**If you are wondering why I bought these brakes and got rid of my Mag's it is because mine were like from the way shway mid nineties and I could not buy replacement parts,plus they were a piss off because they had like the eight finger brake lever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AB
a
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: December 23, 2001
Bought the XT V's and within a week was hearing this wailing sound, kinda like a possum on a spit. Soon realised it was coming from my stoppers and it drove me NUTS! Brake booster worked for the rear brake, but nothing short of selling my soul to beelzebub could stop that front yakking away. Ditched it, bought the Archies, and that, said john, was that. Bewwdiful... At least the girlfriend gets a nice rear brake upgrade.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dustin
a Cross Country Rider
from charlottesville, va, us Date Reviewed: December 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Panorama Trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
great stopping power for a light weight brake (see bottom line) easy as anything to set them up/ adjust them great price
Weaknesses:
rubber housing cover cracked off in the cold, hardly a big deal
Similar Products Used:
Avid SD3, SD20
Bike Setup:
'01 trek 8000, xt drive, easton bar, Arch R. brakes
Bottom Line:
this system gives great stopping power due to the arch, which is light than XTR, but doesnt squeak. that heavy shimano linkage crap has a lot of room for vibration between the small parts, and that results in a squeal like a dying pig's. no weight weenie racer should be concerned about an extra 25 grams for that much more braking power. it also works better when wet than most v-brakes around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joE .....
a Weekend Warrior
from eng-er-land Date Reviewed: December 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
in the middle of borneo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
je james cycles
Strengths:
parallel push makes the pad wear even lots of power looks the nuts cheaper than xtr cartridge pads mean no pissing about with spacers when changing pads
Weaknesses:
more expensive than xt?
Similar Products Used:
avid sd20,tektro pooh, magura hs33, hope enduro4 (better than hayes by far)
Bike Setup:
kona stuff, 2k judy races avid arch rivals etc...
Bottom Line:
dont get shimano v- brakes,get a set of these and be very astonished 5/5 for both
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Buffalo NY Date Reviewed: November 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sky Top
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Great design, Powerful, quick stopping.
Weaknesses:
Zip
Similar Products Used:
XT brakes- dont pay the extra cash
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500, Judy XC, Avid Arch rivals, LX cranks (sick as well), Wellgo flats, Serfas seat, Kore stem
Bottom Line:
Buy this brake system. Its a sick looking brake, they work well, require no maintenence, and you'll have dozens of good looking females coming on to you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Heath
a Downhiller
from Bellingham, Washington U.S.A. Date Reviewed: November 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Galbraith Mt.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
bike celler
Strengths:
Great Feel, good stopping power, minimal cable streaching, Good looks, fair price, slip on pads, nice levers.
Weaknesses:
like all v-brakes loss of power in the mud, in some mud and clay there can be loud screaching and/or grinding.
Similar Products Used:
other canolevor barkes, v-brakes, disc brakes.
Bike Setup:
modified 2001 kona stinky
Bottom Line:
good product for the price, can be a bit annoying at times (MUD). i would have to call thme some of the best v-brakes on the market, but if u have the choise go for discs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Guenther
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Great stopping power. Easy installation. Cool looks. Excellent modulation. I dif 'em for trials.
Weaknesses:
Came with 7.0 levers, have break away pins that attach lever to lever body -> might develop some slop & there's no way to tighten it (maybe that should be under the lever review?)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX V-brakes
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche half trials, half cross-country
Bottom Line:
Word to the bird! Sweet brakes, sweet deal, just sweet
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Harwinton Date Reviewed: November 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Case Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
quick and easy setup everything in one kit from pricepoint with the avid 7 levers everthing is adjustable
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
xt v-brakes
Bike Setup:
Rockhopper, with xt and xtr, rhino lite wheels and a marzocchi shock up front
Bottom Line:
I installed these brakes in about 15 minutes and have not had to look back since they are perfect. Really a light system with awesome stopping power(I weigh about 250), I need all the power I can get. I could squeeze and flex my old xt brakes the arch rival's harness a lot more power for stopping. Better brakes at a better price than xt stuff. Anyone who wants good stopping power and adjustablity in a light weight package can't pass up these brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Surrey Date Reviewed: October 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
supercycles.com - VVV cheap for UK
Strengths:
AMAZING power Control Looks Durability of stock pads in harsh conditions
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Avid 1.0, LX, Avid 2.0
Bike Setup:
2000 Kona NuNu with V8s, Z4 100s, arch rivals & FSA Orbit Extreme headset
Bottom Line:
Just to make sure were all talking about the same thing - these are the 2001 arch rivals - teh only ones they made in 2001 whihc i dont thin had a number after teh name but hey,u get the idea.
basically, these are the best brakes ive ever used (not tried discs). So confidence inspiring on steep,wet,muddy,greasy mountians/hills whaever - these are the best brakes i have ever used
Plus mine were only £50 for a set inc deliveryu from supercycles.com - RRP is £45 EACH!! so teh value rating is for teh price i paid, not the RRP
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from uk Date Reviewed: October 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Never been in a situation where they didn't stop me but still allow total control.
Weaknesses:
Catches leaves + undergrowth in the arch.
Similar Products Used:
Dia-compe
Bike Setup:
Specialized rockhopper, XT, XTR,
Bottom Line:
Replaced the original dia-comp brakes on the bike after 1month of constant adjustment and never looked back. Works just as well on steep descents as fast singletrack. Though about some Hope disks, but decided there was no point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
endoh
a Cross Country Rider
from claysville, pa Date Reviewed: October 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the one nobody else rides
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
quiet, no flex, great looks
Weaknesses:
arch traps leaves.
Similar Products Used:
other v and cantis
Bike Setup:
fsr with psylo xc, shimano 636s
Bottom Line:
who needs discs? i weigh 200# and these brakes will lock both wheels with minimal effort. i've never been able to do this with any other v brakes. i can stop on any % grade. utterly amazing. the only downside is that leaves get caught in the arches. it's autumn in PA. the trails are covered with leaves here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bray
a Racer
from Gainesville, FL Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hard Rock
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Strengths:
excellent feel and strength. worth the money for sure.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
oem v-brakes
Bike Setup:
k2 hardtail w/ xtr
Bottom Line:
excellent upgrade. time will tell if there are any problems. but so far i don't expect to find any.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from Tennessee Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Black's Canyon, Jackson Hole
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Stopping power, ease of installation
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
shimano xt and xtr
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz SL, have this brake on rear and xtr on front
Bottom Line:
These brakes are great. I bought one cause it was on sale and my xtr brakes were starting to get sloppy. I have the xtr brakes from a few years ago on two of my bikes and I think the Avid 50 is a much stronger brake. I am as pleased with this purchase as just about any I have made for my bikes. These brakes are rock solid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from New Mexico Date Reviewed: September 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Signal Peak Race Course
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Gila Hike & Bike
Strengths:
Strength, Stop on a Dime, Modulation, Flex-Free, Easy to install.
Super strong without going to discs. 110% improvement over my previous brakes. Paired with Avid SD-7 levers and Delta Teflon cables. Gave me a lot more confidence on the downhills. They are easy to install and setup. Can't feel any flex at all. Would recommend to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kip schlinker
a Racer
from idaho Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
vertical earth
Strengths:
will stop you fast
Weaknesses:
squeeks when the pads get hot
Similar Products Used:
avid 1.0
Bike Setup:
kona roast
Bottom Line:
if you want to stop without the cost of disc these brakes are your best choice the arch makes them so rigid when you stop there is no play at all the only problem is the pads when they get hot they squeek alot change the pads when you get them or get a migrane hedache
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ
a
from North Hampton, NH USA Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ft. Rock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
*Note for 2001 Avid has only 1 model of Arch Rival and that is what I am reviewing here.
These things were ridiculously easy to install. Front and rear brake each come as one set piece--even the brake pads are already attached. Just take off the old brakes and slide these suckers on. Keep in mind I am no bike shop mechanic. They are strong brakes but they don't send me over the handlebars; they are great at getting me through rough, steep spots. I had a tendency to over-brake, stop, and clip out, but these brakes allow me to slow enough to regain my balance and position myself to change direction on the steep stuff without ending up with a face full of rocks and dirt.
Weaknesses:
None so far...I've only had them a few months.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT, Avid Single Digit 1.0 (both on my StumpJumper), Avid Single Digit 1.9
Bike Setup:
'99 Intense Tracer, Fox Float RC, Manitou X-Vert, King headset & rear hub, Easton Monkey Lite, Thompson post, XT, XTR stuff, Mavic 517 Ceramic, Michelin tires, 747s
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike used and it came with Single Digit 1.9. These brakes were pretty much done, new cables and pads only slightly improved performance. I eventually want to upgrade to discs, but I don't want to shell out the money yet, nor do I want to discard a perfectly good 517 Ceramic/King wheelset. I was considering dropping $150 for an XTR kit or $100 for XT, but PricePoint had the Arch Rival w/ Speed Dial 7 levers for $89, with cables and housing. SOLD!
2 weeks ago I was at the NORBA NCS at Mt. Snow. I had my bike with me as we were watching the Dual Slalom finals. Afterwards, we headed down the slope. I was able to stop and just sit there, clipped in, on a steep grade, letting people pass in front of me with no brake squealing, no loss of balance, and, of course, no endos. Just stopping on a dime and sitting there. Nice. 5 chilis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from BC Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Easy to set up, powerful.
Weaknesses:
In comparison to other rim brakes, no real weaknesses.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR, Shimano LX.
Bottom Line:
This is truly a great product - it's a simple design that offers above average stopping power. Installation is a breeze and the price is very competitive. It lacks fancier features such as cartridge bearing pivots, but I really didn't notice.
I'm using LX levers with the Avids, my other bike has full XTR. The XTR definitely feels smoother, but I can't notice any difference in power.
If you have the money to burn, there is lighter and nicer stuff available. But for "budget" bikes, these brakes are the cat's ass.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas
a Racer
from Colorado Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
No Fade, None. The arch makes the quite powerful, a little too much so on the first ride or two! Very affordable, I purchased direct replacement ceramic pads from Nashbar for $9.50/set. The combination of power and ceramic are (nearly) as good as disc, and way lighter and easier to maintain.
Weaknesses:
None noticed.
Similar Products Used:
shimano v-type.
Bike Setup:
very light stumpjumper set-up.
Bottom Line:
for the best all-around brakeset, go w/ the AR-50's and ceramic rims/pads. the Avids work great on my regular old training wheels too. the bomb.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mico Valera
a Cross Country Rider
from Dublin, Oh Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001
These were the first V-brakes I've ever used. I'm not an expert critic but I think anything that has a parellel push mechanism like this and the MT20 are the best way to go. The pads stay straight and the power is just amazing. Recomend for any one who can afford it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Furious George
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
- Excellent modulation - Nice POwer - Relatively cheap - Cartidge pads - Avid - Dont suffer as much as the sd series in wet conditions
Weaknesses:
- Not the best without the cartdige pads - Damn expensive regular price $100/brake cdn - Not as good as disc but no v is
Thesse brakes are sweet! they modulate well, powerful and will stop you wheenever you want. no questions asked!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zubie
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA, USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
One finger braking; good modulation, super easy to adjust; easy to change pads; minimal maintenance required.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
2001 Cannondale F3000 SL
Bottom Line:
You can't go wrong with these v-brakes. They're strong, easy to install and adjust, allow one-finger braking on steep downhills and are pretty cheap. The only way to upgrade from these brakes is to go to discs. XTRs are probably eqivalent in power and modulation but cost significantly more. After two years of heavy miles, these brakes are as solid as the day I bought them.
Highly recommended for any cross-country rider from week-end warrior to racer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mitch
a Cross Country Rider
from Prior Lake, MN, USA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
terrace oaks, murphy hanrahan
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
catz bike shop
Strengths:
light, cheep, stopping power, makes getting wheels with FAT tires off easy compared with the Sh. lx's, they have been very durable for me.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX
Bike Setup:
C'dale f700
Bottom Line:
The Shimano LX's broke so I thought I would upgrade. Looked at the xtr's then looked at the price and was immediatly sold on the avids. They were even lighter. I ride quite a bit and these thing work great. I have several wheel sets with different tires for diff. situations (I find it easier to swap out wheels than changing tires) They have worked on everything I have in all kinds of conditions (snow, rain @ mud, steep down hills including a few harsh crashes, Highspeeds with road tires. I now find places on the internet that sell them for much less then what I paid for them. They are easily worth retail price but shop around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Yep thats right
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: July 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
dont have one
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bike addiction
Strengths:
Damn powerful, lock up virtually fade free
Weaknesses:
hyrdaulic discs are better
Similar Products Used:
shimano deore rims
Bike Setup:
2001 kona stinky
Bottom Line:
there damn good
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gebhard
a Cross Country Rider
from Austria Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Bike Gear
Strengths:
Work very well due to the long arms. They are not so noisy as the Shimano V's. The arch idear is nice an simple, and it works.
Weaknesses:
Quality is rather poor, compared to XT ore XTR. Break Arms have play, the finish is a bit rough. There is also a little rust on some screws appearing after the first rides in the rain.
Similar Products Used:
XT V - brake
Bike Setup:
Mixed XT, XTR, Bomber Z2, alloy frame, hardtail
Bottom Line:
I bought the Avid 5.0 in Set with Avid SD 2.0 Leavers for the price above which is O.K. They work well, we'll see for how long.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan
a Cross Country Rider
from ma/nh Date Reviewed: May 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Arch Rivals with SD 7 levers @ Price Point
Strengths:
- Braking Power - Design - Reasonable Price
Weaknesses:
- Quality can be better
Similar Products Used:
Avid SD1, Shimano XTR
Bike Setup:
Cdale CAAD4, Ultra Fatty, 8sp XTR/LX drive train
Bottom Line:
- Avid makes best brakes out there. I had their SD1 before and very happy with them. Then I upgraded to XTR. They are also good brakes. I recently built new bike with Avid again this time. And it is an excellent choice. Amazing braking power,Light, good design and attractive price tag make the Arch Rival an great investment. On the downside, material quality is little cheap compare to XTR
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fruitysnacks
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: May 8, 2001
I am sold on Avid brake products. They will go on every single bike I have from now on. These things are amazing, and priced very comfortably in comparison to the competitors. I have the Arch Rival 50 hooked up to SD7 levers; the combination gives unlimited modulation control and confident-boosting stopping power. It's even better if you can get them on sale. Oh, by the way...Avid has excellent customer service to boot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin Finn
a Cross Country Rider
from Matane, Québec, Canada Date Reviewed: May 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bromont, Québec
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
It has superb braking power under any conditions. You can come to a complete stop on dry and/or wet terrain using only one finger. They offer a lot of modulation and constantly let you in complete control of your bike.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
I've ridden with friends who have XTRs which just can't keep quiet. Does it ring a bell anyone???
Bottom Line:
I used to come home after a long day riding having about no sensation in my fingers since I had to pull so hard on the levers, especially in wet conditions. Now, that era is over. When I installed them on my bike (late last fall), I felt like I had changed my bike. I'm currently shopping for a new bike and I don'T even care what brakes come with the bike since I'm going to change them to AVID ARCH RIVALs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: April 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Templeton
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$98.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
price (98 w/levers!) strong, good modulation, easy setup, look cool
good for the money- i got good levers and brakes for about 100 dollars and it was worth it. the people who say that XTRs are a better deal are full of crap and should price around before buying. good XC brake for someone on a budget and who wants to set the brakes up themselves; it took me 1 hour to install them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TT
a Racer
from USA Date Reviewed: March 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
cambria
Strengths:
Easy setup. Quality fasteners. Good spec. sheet for optimal setup. Strong springs. Low price.
I did ALOT of research to find the right stoppers for an all out road racing tandem. Yeah, I know this is a MTN review BUT, the important part of this is that the brakes are amazingly well optimized for a heavy duty setup. No bull, I can almost endo our road tandem with two 180 lbs riders! That is unheard of with a road tandem. I use these with the Dia Compe road levers that are designed for direct pull brakes.
Great pads come with the brakes. Nice and hard, just the way they should be.
Weaknesses:
Do I have to even say anything? Hmmm. Wish Avid would add Speed Dial technology to this hummer so I can make adjustments on the fly sans tools.
Similar Products Used:
Shiman-no! XT. Sorry not even close.
Bike Setup:
Santana Noventa w/ Dia Compe 287 V drop bar levers.
Bottom Line:
Tandem riders take note. You want the MOST awesome stopping power possible and not succumb to disk brake weaknesses? Get these from Cambria ($35 apiece) and get the Dia Compe levers from Sheldon Brown (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tandem-brakes.html) and switch to Dura Ace bar ends...you will not look back.
Others. I plan to put these on my MTN bike commuter. The brakes are priced nice and are beyond strong. Avid, way to go guys. Keep up the good work...could yah add the speed dial to this brake pls?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Altoona, PA Date Reviewed: March 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Excellent stopping power in both wet and dry. Good price (got front and rear with Speed Dial 7 levers for $100) and they look nasty.
Weaknesses:
I'd need a brake booster for the back if I put it on my Super V because of swingarm flex but the booster would need spacers. The stock bolts were too long for my bike's studs.
Similar Products Used:
XT, XTR, Avid Mechanical discs, Hayes HMX-1, Hayes discs, Coda discs.......
Bike Setup:
my back-up bike- '97 Cannondale M500 with '01 Manitou SX-R, full SRAM 9.0 drivetrain, Speed dial 7 levers, lined cables all the way around, Arch Rival 50's
Bottom Line:
So far, these are the second best rim grippers I've used. XTR is better, but I refuse to buy their products because I don't like to give in to the Japanese when we have good companies over here in the states (I'm like that with cars too). Anyway, I have Avid Mechanical discs on my primary bike and to tell the truth, these Arch Rivals rival the discs in power. For the cost difference, the Arch's are the better buy, especially when you can get front, rear, and levers for the same price as one Avid disc. So far, these bad boys show very little power loss when the conditions get bad. The only thing is that the arches get huge gobs of mud stuck on them which makes my dad mad when it all falls on the garage floor... Bottom line is get them! They're the best brake for the money and one of the most powerful. There gets to be a point when you don't need more power or you start locking up brakes everywhere (i.e. Hayes hydros) These brakes have found that point and with a set of Speed Dials, can be adjusted all over that range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Colorado Date Reviewed: February 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
fairly inexpensive
Weaknesses:
very weak feel, can get much stronger brakes for a little bit more, too heavy for serious racers
Similar Products Used:
XTR, Hayes disc, XT
Bottom Line:
These brakes aren't worth your trouble. They hold up in rough conditions, but have weak stopping power. And I know that all of you know it alls out there are saying they weren't adjusted right, but they were adjusted perfectly by our team mechanic. These are just very good brakes. You are better off spending a little more for XTR.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gavin
a Racer
from Middlesbrough, UK Date Reviewed: February 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Hardisty Cycles
Strengths:
Outright braking power 5* (Best V's around) Modulation 5* (Best V's around) Adjustability 4* (No poxy grub screws or nowt) Looks 4* (I dig that terminator look!) Durability 4* (No probs what so ever)
Weaknesses:
Weight 3* (not exactly featherweight - but these work v. well) Mud clearance 3* (just as bad as any V-brake)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT (these brakes suck to hell and back - dunno who allowed them on the market but the have hopefully been shot. Not the big S's finest hour!)
Bike Setup:
In the process of converting my lovely steed to a disc brake version to eliminate the 1) wearing of rims, 2) dreadful mudclearance of V's, 3) the power lost to brake rub, 4) poor braking performance in the wet, etc etc etc.
Bottom Line:
For the cash these babies are the best out there by a mile. The best performing V's I've ever used. If you want the great brakes but dont want discs - buy these!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a
from harrow,ont,canada Date Reviewed: February 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
pickney
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
bicycle world
Strengths:
great braking power easy to set up
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
it's the best v-brake out there, exept for the arch supreme. but the rival 50 gives u ur money's worth
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stefan
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakville, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: February 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
these are the best, i love 'em, they work well in almost all conditions, people say they don't have much mud clearance but that hasn't been a problem for me since i don't ride mud very much, everyone complains about loose bushings and stuff like thatbut nothing like that for me... these rock
Weaknesses:
nothing, only that it's a little hard to get your wheel out but that's the prive you pay for greatness, i don't like shimano brakes so i can't compare to them
these are great, if you ride in thick mud don't buy 'em cause of the lack of clearance but other than that their great, never have i ridden with something like this, i tried a couple bikes with shimano brakes and they make a lot of noise plus i don't like to be all crazy mainstream, so i like something that's a little different and these are, they look great, they work great, they're amazing
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from N.Ireland Date Reviewed: February 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Shaws Bridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Mail order from MBUK ad
Strengths:
Looks, Weight, Easy to install and service, Stopping power
Weaknesses:
None found yet
Similar Products Used:
Tektro V's , Avid single digit
Bike Setup:
2001 Aggressor, Marzzochi Z3, Avid 5.0, Tioga 2.1's, World force pro DH risers....The rest is stock......
Bottom Line:
These brakes when set up perfectly work very well, I spent about 1 hour fitting both and thought they were good, then my mate came round and spent another hour fine tunning them and they are ten times better. They have more stopping power than a 44 magnum ! I did find a lot of frame flex on the rear until i fitted a brake booster which does the job rightly... Also mess around with different pads too, i am using razor double comp on the back which are good in this present crapy wet weather , but in the dry the front rim wrangler pads are better.... For a V brake at £50 you can't do better.... GET UM !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Herraghty
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh, Scotland Date Reviewed: February 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pentlands
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Edinburgh Bike Co-op
Strengths:
Great stopping power, fairly easy to setup, look sweet.
Weaknesses:
Tight fit getting the wheel out sometimes - (maybe this is just my tires). Also I had to put in an extra washer so one pad reached the wheel okay while maintaining the correct alignment specs. Could be just cos I have old forks and therefore brake mounts. (Judy XC 96's!!)
These things rock. So much power compared to cantis and (I believe) compared to XT/XTR. Also look cool and lots of clever design features. Top buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alberto Flamini
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, Fl Date Reviewed: January 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
great modulation, stoping power
Weaknesses:
none
Bottom Line:
this brakes had worked great till now, I am not going to change them, and I buyed them at a low price so i feel very good with this purchase! if u need good v brakes this are the ones!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ken dogg
a Weekend Warrior
from Chester Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the shute
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
pricpoint
Strengths:
they are strong for v's they are different from all my friends they look mad cool
Weaknesses:
none(yet)
Similar Products Used:
standard brakes that came with bike esp.7.0
Bike Setup:
these brakes, answer pro 99
Bottom Line:
these are the best brakes that i have ever used i can endo with ease, stop with control, and are the most awesome product on my bike definately sufficient for a rider/racer
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA Date Reviewed: January 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
El Corte de Madera
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Stopping power, weight, looks
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
no name brakes that came with bike
Bike Setup:
2000 Gary Fisher Katai
Bottom Line:
Took a ride down a local trail over the weekend that has a reputation for destroying mountain bikers. Trail was very scary. Brakes performed perfectly. No noise at all. Very glad I had them for this downhill run. I would give them higher than 5 chili's if possible based on how they performed in keeping me alive after this weekend. Buy them. Nothing should be more important than really good brakes on a bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RAFI JULIUS
a Weekend Warrior
from Jerusalem Date Reviewed: December 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
ISREAEL - EXPENSIVE!!!
Strengths:
EVERYTHING: GREAT BREAKING POWER: MUCH BETTER THAN XT. VERY GOOD MODULATION AND FEEL. VERY LITTLE POWER USED TO FULL BREAKE: VERY GOOD WITH 2.0L LEVERS. SOOOOOOOO SILENTTTTTTTT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
IF YOU FIND ONE - LET ME KNOW.
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT, TEKTRO , PROMAX
Bike Setup:
AVID FRONT LX REAR WITH 2.0 LEVERS
Bottom Line:
PROBEBLY THE BEST V BREAKE AROUND. YOU CAN GET LIGHTER BUT NOT BETTER PERFORMANS. A FRIEND WITH NEW XTR CHANGED TO AVID ARCH AFTER RIDING MY BIKE. THIS BREKE REALY MAKE YOU DRIVE BETTER ON DOWNHILL, AND YES - NOW ONE KNOWS THAT YOU BREAKE - NOT EVEN THE BIRDS ON THE TREES. IT'S THE ARCH AND AVID'S QUALITY THAT MKE THE JOB DONE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stuart Campbell
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland Date Reviewed: December 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
West Highland Way
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Northern Ireland mail order
Strengths:
Powerful, easy setup, easy maintenance, great feel, aesthetics
Very impressive stoppers. These are very well engineered brakes and when paired with a set of Avid Speed Dial levers offer very precise modulation allowing the perfect feel without sacrificing power. Stripping down for servicing is easy and they look great. My only gripes are a locked-up allen bolt on one of the arch mounts and a squeel problem which was easily solved by replacing the cartridge inserts with a different rubber compound. Sorted!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
skinny denis
a Racer
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: December 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Left Loop - Tsali
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
These are the bomb! They are easy to use and have great stopping power. Blow away the avid 1.0's that came with the bike. They look great and are as light as xtr's w/o any problems.
Submitted by
jack jack binks
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monica, CA Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Incredible stopping power! That comes after the marginal performance of the Shimano XT's I was running prior to switching over the the AR 50's.
Weaknesses:
None, so far.
Similar Products Used:
XT's, XTR's, Arch Supremes
Bike Setup:
2000 Yeti Arc, Sid XC, full XT, Mavic 517's with King Hubs, Time Atac's
Bottom Line:
You can't find a better brake for a better price. Hats off to Avid!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
orpheus
a Cross Country Rider
from eastampton, new jersey Date Reviewed: November 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
clayton state park, imlaystown
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Wow! I can stop my bike without using the Flinstone method. These brakes fit my ideal of what brakes should be, and look great too. The stock no-name brakes on my 2000 Cannondale SuperV 500 couldn't stop a bike with training wheels, let alone 200 lbs of me going down a hill. I got a package price with Avid speed dial levers, so altogether the whole system rocks. Now I think I'll wait quite a while longer before I even think of discs. Oh, easy to set-up, too. These are the first brakes I've ever installed and they're working fine.
Weaknesses:
uh...they don't come stock on all bikes?
Similar Products Used:
stock brakes
Bike Setup:
Cannondale 2000 superv 500, Bontrager Valiant wheelset, XTR hubs, Avid arch rival 50's, speed dial levers, SRAM gripshift shifters (they rock), xt cassette, selle italia flite gel saddle, cane creek ad10 rear shock
Bottom Line:
If you're not getting discs, get these brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Harrison
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: November 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Cost, Stopping Power, Modulation..its all good!
Weaknesses:
None so far.. Very good Brake
Similar Products Used:
XT V Brakes, Hope Disc
Bike Setup:
I have two bikes one Dually with Hope Disc, another just built upo with the Avids, I must say the Avids have great stopping power, almost as good as the discs!
Bottom Line:
Great Break, I got 2x levers and brakes for 99 at Supergo.. its all good, one very happy customer!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Esempio
a Racer
from Dresden, OH Date Reviewed: November 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Tom @ Arcadia, RI
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$52.00
Purchased At:
Gearheads Bike Shop, Indianapolis, IN
Strengths:
Easy set-up and adjustment, incredible power, little or no fade on long descents
Weaknesses:
Non-standard brake pads
Similar Products Used:
Deore XT V-brakes, Avid SD-20 V-brakes
Bike Setup:
'97 Trek OCLV Pro Issue, '97 Manitou SX-Ti fork, Race Face Next Crank, Taperlock Cro-mo BB, and RealSeal Headset; Avid 1.0L Levers w/Flak Jacket cables, XT 9-spd drivetrain
Bottom Line:
Really nice brakes. Nowhere near as pricey as the CNC'ed to the max Arch Utimates, these brakes have all of the features except the centering bolt atop the arch. Even so, they are still very easy to center using the set screws (one on each side), and they look very different from anything from the big S. Even in severly wet and muddy races, the standard (non-ceramic) pads have performed very well, although I do wish I had the option to use Ritchey pads, a favorite of mine on other bikes. The Avid 1.0L levers don't have the speed-dial feature, but have 2 different leverage positions, and for these brakes, that's plenty. Good modulation, very little fade, and they stay centered. And the price is pretty good, too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Kaeppel
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: November 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lake Grapevine
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
These brakes are very powerful, they also work really well in wet weather too
Weaknesses:
hahahahaha
Similar Products Used:
shimano deore
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Rocket stage 3, stock except for brakes
Bottom Line:
These brakes are awesome, if you buy some just be careful not to get thrown over the handlebar
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah Date Reviewed: November 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Desolation Lake
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Awesome stopping power, great modulation
Weaknesses:
Gave up a lot in the wet
Similar Products Used:
Precision Billet (the best), other Avid stuff (also good), SRAM (alright), Shimano stuff (squeal city)
Bottom Line:
I loved'em as long as I had'em, particularly impressed with the modulation. They were the first linear-pull brakes I felt were worth paying for, and the fabulous modulation shortened my learning curve. Most brakes give up performance in the wet, so I still think Avid is the best overall brake company in the industry by virtue of having a lot of offerings. Precision Billets brakes are even better, and are perhaps the only rim brake I've found that lose very little in the wet. If you cant' find Precision Billet, or just want to buy something most people are familiar with, Avid is the way to go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Ruiz
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine, CA Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Aliso Woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Wow - more stopping power than any other V brakes I've ever tried - instead of worrying about not stopping, I have to worry about going over my bars. Avid 2.0 levers have cool modulation feature - I like it best set to full mod.
Weaknesses:
none for me
Similar Products Used:
XT, LX
Bike Setup:
A mix of stuff on a hardtail
Bottom Line:
Would recommend to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Palmer
a Cross Country Rider
from Groton, MA, USA Date Reviewed: October 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Groton Town forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great brakes, they stop better than any others I have ever used, simple install and maintenance, the guy's bellow me must have problems, and the only rusting is a wee little bit of surface rust inside of the wrench hole on the post nut.
Weaknesses:
ummm.....well I guess if you are a weight freek, they are a little on the heavy side, the lightest option is no brakes at all, use your foot or something!
Similar Products Used:
Big S, Diacompe
Bike Setup:
Giant Iguana SE, Full XT, Raceface, Avid
Bottom Line:
These are GREAT brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick karahalios
a Cross Country Rider
from scarborough, me, 04074 Date Reviewed: October 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
widow maker challage
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
does not squeak, looks cool, replacement pads, others
Weaknesses:
i dont know if its me or the brakes but, they dont have the best stopping power, rust, can not get wheel off,
Similar Products Used:
shimano lx,xt,xtr.
Bike Setup:
gary fisher big sur, manitou xvert 99, xt/ lx
Bottom Line:
cool looking, weak, hard to setup, rusting, wheel cant come off, i had a 2000 lx on the front and put the 50's there and moved the lx to the back, I WANT MY LX'S BACK ON!!!!!!! If you want a good brake for a better price, shimano xt's THESE SUCK!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyson
a Weekend Warrior
from FL Date Reviewed: October 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
looks pretty and would probably work well
Weaknesses:
I just bought brakes and had it installed on my bike and the spring retention pin fell off before i could test them out on the trails.
Similar Products Used:
tektro
Bottom Line:
These seem like nice brakes and I prob just got the only defective product out of the batch. But i am going to give it just one flamin chili since it broke before i could really test it out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from NY Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Brookfield State Lands
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
NONE
Weaknesses:
Bushings wear easily 2.0l levers are a joke rust easy
Similar Products Used:
LX
Bike Setup:
95 GT Timberline, full xt
Bottom Line:
Don't plan on riding these brakes in the winter. They rust horrible and lose their smoothness. Had then a year and the bushings went now the pads drag on the rim. These brakes SUCK don't buy them. The levers they have major problems there is so much play in them. Everybody else seems to have had good luck with these brakes maybe I just got a friday pair. I thought Avid was a respectible company, we'll see if they warantee any of this
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bala
a
from Hungary Date Reviewed: September 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$33.00
Purchased At:
local bike store
Strengths:
excellent braking power no squealing nice look
Weaknesses:
you have to readjust the brake pads every time you remove the wheels as the arch is not wide enough to let the tire (even 2.125") through smoothly AVID THIS IS ANNOYING!
Bottom Line:
very good brake except wheel removal problems
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joseph Rodras
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: September 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any one at North Georgia
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Awesome braking power for less than the price of any disk brake system!!!!
Weaknesses:
It seems that they call the mud, but it is my own fault!!! Maybe I have to think about riding at asfalt instead of mud trails!!!
Similar Products Used:
Original brakes of Cannondale F-400. Shimano Deore XL
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F400 with all XT parts (except brakes, of course)
Bottom Line:
If you love to take mud bats with your bike, take good care in lubing very well these babies (and all your bike). Change the brake pads when you feel that the slopes are going faster than usual.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Flanighan
a Cross Country Rider
from Kent, UK Date Reviewed: September 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Supercycles.co.uk
Strengths:
Amazing stopping power! I nearly went over the bars when I first tugged on them! Look cool and different from the big S Price with levers!
Weaknesses:
None that I can think of, maybe time will tell
Similar Products Used:
XT V's Hayes Disc LX V's
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F1000 now with Arch rivals on XT STI's Trek VRX 400 now with an ARch Rival rear V, probably has more stopping power than the Hayes disc up front
Bottom Line:
These brakes are the mutts nuts. Look good, relatively light, and they work without squealing or rattling!!(or rubbing binding fading etc)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from NB Canada Date Reviewed: August 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$33.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Kick ass product! Everyone will say that they are crap compared to XTR but they aren't!!!! They are 100% better Brake better than some disk brakes.
C'dale F3000,Fatty SL headsock, 9.0SL shifters and rear deraileur, 9.0 front deraileur, Avid 2.0 levers, Cane creek wam wheels, coda expert 3 crank, XTR BB and cassette, Sram PC59, Axiom riser bar. UNDER 20 LBS
Bottom Line:
Buy these if you want the stopping power of disk brakes and don't want to pay the high price of disk brakes. These are great for XC riders or freeriders, but don't give the weight that downhill riders usually need. Goto pricepoint.com and get a set of these with avid 2.0 levers for under 20 bucks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Dunbar
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, FL Date Reviewed: August 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Santos
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Strong & Lots of stopping power. Very Adjustable.
Weaknesses:
Maybe a bit heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Cheap Cantilever brakes and other V-Brakes.
Bike Setup:
Avid Arch Rival 50 / Avid 2.0 Levers / Rhyno Lite Rims / XT Hubs / Raleigh Hard Tail
Bottom Line:
These brakes rule. They really stop you when you want/need to. My old cantilever brakes would require sqeezing the levers very hard to lock up the rear wheel and weren't even strong enought o lock up both wheels if I sqeezed both levers simultaneously, but with the Avids, I can lock up the rear or both wheels bu squeezing with one finger. Amazing difference. They were a bit tough to install but this was my first time installing V-Brakes. I would recommend these brakes to anyone and I would buy them again in a heartbeat. The 2.0 Levers are excellant as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hillrider
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland Oh USA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Pontiac lake
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great modulation Avid customer service That milled-out look
Weaknesses:
More parts than early V-brake designs
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT, V brakes and cantis
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Hiwassee HT, Marz Atom bomb fork, Sun RynoLite rims, Suntour cranks, Shimano Lx/Xtr drivetrain, Tom Slick tires
Bottom Line:
Just finished a very hilly road century with these brakes, going down some big scary hills at 45mph, and could actually stop at the bottom. Set up right, they are the quietest-stopping brakes I've ever run.
Now, I had some problems with another set, and Avid responded quickly and went above and beyond what I ever expected.
I don't ride off-road much at all, but put on thousands of road and paved trail miles a year, and finesse, not brute force braking is important. The funny thing is, while V brakes are strong, they don't have the range that good cantis have. These Arch rivals however do.
Lastly, I'll take off a chili for the extra parts that linkage designs require. Winter riding here exacts a toll on all moving parts.
Ride on...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from NY Date Reviewed: August 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Nyles Hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great stopping power avid product
Weaknesses:
rust cheap noodle
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT
Bike Setup:
95 GT Karakoram, Full XT, 00 Manitou SXR Bontrager Mustangs Gore Cables
Bottom Line:
I got a great deal on these brakes at Supergo. They worked very well, until I ran then through their first winter. Even in the winter they had good power but they quickly froze up and lost their smoothness. I took them apart and lubricated them but still they haven't quite worked the same. I had a pair of LX that are on their 3rd winter with no rust and are butter. And another complaint the rubber noodle cracks easily. For a high end product I would have expected better especially from avid.
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Submitted by
Bryan Holland
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, UT Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000
These are confidence inspiring breaks! In combination with my ceramic rims they stop me as fast as I ever want to stop. Way faster than my friends. Sure I did a few front wheelies when I started using them. But now I wouldn't use anything else. They rock!!
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Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Centerville, Oh Date Reviewed: July 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ceasar's Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great stopping power...if your not careful...endo city...
Weaknesses:
Nothing...
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hard Rock FS Comp Frame...XT guts...Mavic 517 Ceramic rims...Avid 2.0 Levers
Bottom Line:
These brakes are awesome...I wouldn't trade them for anything...not even discs...Paired with the Mavic 517 Ceramics, they are an unbeatable combination...stops on a dime..
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Submitted by
Richard
a
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any one that ends at a brewpub.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good stopping power, good modulation, almost linear pad movement so pads don't dive under rims or eat into tires, cartridge brake pads so you don't have to fiddle with brake pad alignment when changing pads, and bets of all, no squeal (once adjusted).
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any aftermarket brake pads that fit the Rim Wrangler cartridges -- have to buy expensive Avid pads (but they work well, so I can't really complain).
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT, LX, Paul Motolites, Dia Compe cheap-o brakes
Bike Setup:
Two wheels with stuff in between.
Bottom Line:
I had Shimano XT V-Brakes on a new bike, and for various reasons (including the fact that they squealed louder than I have ever heard brakes squeal) I swapped them for the Avid Arch Rival 50's. Very good move. These are probably the best V-Brakes out there at a reasonable price, and are the only V-Brakes I would buy in future.
$ 45.00
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