They do what I bought them for. They stop well with minimal noise, which varies with moisture (mostly quiet). Great modulation with one finger ease. I ride agressive XC and weight about 150 lb. All the stopping power I need. Light enough. Look good. A great value these days with the intro of the Elixir line. This is just my experience. To each their own! :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CDA MTBer
a Weekend Warrior
from CDA, ID USA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Many....hmmm
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
LBS blowout sale
Strengths:
quality product, adjustability, good modulation, good durability, easy to adjust and maintain.
Weaknesses:
Price if you pay MSRP
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, Hope, Magura
Bike Setup:
I bought these as a set of 160mm front and rear for a Stumpjumper Pro FSR
Bottom Line:
These brakes stop well and handle everything I can put them through from fast fire roads to steep technical trails with speeds reaching 40+mph. I have never experienced brake fad or overheating problems which I believe are largely related to riders dragging thier brakes from the top of the hill to the bottom. Yes I would recommend these brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mkldesigns
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacto Ca Date Reviewed: February 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
who cares!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$215.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
I wouldn't know, They were junk right out of the box & I haven't been able to ride them yet.
Weaknesses:
It's an Avid
Similar Products Used:
Hayes
Bike Setup:
08 Trek fuel 8
Bottom Line:
I bought these as an upgrade to the Juicy 5's that came on the bike. The 5's howled non stop until I switched the pads to the organics. (why do they even make the metallic pads!!!)
Right out of the box the front lever was junk. It wouldn't return to the released position after the lever was squeezed.
Now I remember why I got out of mountain biking three years ago. The stuff is under-built & overpriced!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fast_ticket
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterey, Ca Date Reviewed: January 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Various Fort Ord loops
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Cabria Bike
Strengths:
All the power I need, great modulation in the corners
Weaknesses:
Tempermental and tedious set up, Tri-align is a myth
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Ventana El Saltamontes
Bottom Line:
Once these brakes are dialed in they're great, getting there takes patience. Contrary to other reviews Avid Customer service (Nate) hooked me up! I'm running '07's w/ a 185 front (with no problems) and 160 rear (brake wurbled like a turkey in heat) After getting nowhere with Cambria or local LBS I went to Avid who sent me their newest rotor and brake pads, free. The new rotor did help the noise but then I noticed pulsing. Turned out the pads were riding 3mm down the rotor arms. I replaced the adaptor using a 160 front and it positioned the pads perfectly. Now I only have the sweet sound of speed scrub. Unless you are a great wrench set up is best left to the pros. Oh, the pad adjustment dials are next to useless.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
UpSideDownBiker
a Cross Country Rider
from Holmen, WI, USA Date Reviewed: November 26, 2008
I hate to say this but these brakes kind of suck. I've seen other reviews for them and was excited to see them come on my 29'er. But after a few rides I had problems. Brought them in and had new lines put in and new oil but a very good mechanic. Same issues. The power is non-existent, they squeal, the lever slowly dives over time. Not during the ride but almost as if the pads are wearing down. So, yes I put pads on and no luck, bled them again, blah, blah, blah. I ended up taking them off and putting on my Juicy 7's. All the problems went away. Still not as powerful as my new XT's but at least I stop now. I hope the new brakes Avid has out work much better because I would have rather had a set of BB7's on the bike because they work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JackHammer
a Downhiller
from Brighton, East Sussex, UK Date Reviewed: October 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
PORC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Evanscycles
Strengths:
Super powerful, excellent modulation, sexy loooks, the carbon lever feels really good against your fingers. Light weight
Weaknesses:
None yet, but i'm scared of breaking the lever, but i'm yet to fall of hard enough to jab it into the ground. Maybe the squealing when wet.
Similar Products Used:
avid juicy sevens, hayes hfx 9s
Bike Setup:
DH FR moorewood shova lt.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are brilliant improvement on the already brilliant juicy 7. The carbon lever blade has no friction against your fingers during the lever pull, although i'd never noticed it until i ran a juicy 7 with alu balde and a juicy carbon on the same bike. Makes me wanna upgrade to the new elixirs cos they are supposedly better! If you can afford them, get em!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris_nor_cal
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area, Ca Date Reviewed: July 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Downieville
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Looks, Weight, Simplicity of Setup, Adjustability
Weaknesses:
They SOUND and FEEL terrible.
Bottom Line:
I really wanted to like these brakes, the performance is just not there. They howl and shudder and it just ruins the ride. The calipers are centered. all bolts torqued to spec. Tried 2 sets of rotors, two sets of pads, tried sanding pads. These brakes sound like absolute garbage and shudder the whole bike. I'm selling them on ebay and i will never buy another set of avid brakes, they suck. I'll be getting Formula K24s
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BE Krustie
a Downhiller
from Prince George Date Reviewed: June 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
BlYnD eYe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$135.00
Purchased At:
Pro Deal with cycles
Strengths:
Great breaking power and control, strong, look awesome in the right set up.
Weaknesses:
Takes a while to get them bled properly and they squeal some times but all discs do.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Fat Possum X0, Race Face fsa splined crank, sram x.7 derailleur's front and back, supra bh 32 front and back, avid juicy carbon front brake 160mm rotor, shimano deore xt composite v-brakes on the rear (don't ask lol), maxxis dh f minion 3c 2.5 on the front and a maxxis high roller 3c in the back
Bottom Line:
bottom line is for the price that i paid for them they are ridiculous brakes. They give you all the moderation that you need with fast smooth stops and quick speed re-adjustments at just a tap. They do take a little tinkering to set up though so plan out about and hour to set them up but as far as they go they're a great break to use under high brake turns and steep slopes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joel
a Weekend Warrior
from uk Date Reviewed: April 29, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
powerfull, quiet, easy to bleed
Weaknesses:
Set up instructions could be better
Bike Setup:
whyte 46
Bottom Line:
I have front 203mm rear 185mm and find these breaks work really well.
The callipers need proper alignment (easily done) not as the instructions state "loosen the calliper alignment bolts, squeeze the lever and tighten". I tried that and the front kept rubbing! Loosen the bolts spin the wheel and adjust as necessary, tightening a little at a time, being careful not to "torque" the calliper out of position.
Once set up correctly there is masses of power and bite and no real noise to speak of.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shannon Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland OR, USA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Too many
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
universal cycles
Strengths:
Excellent lever ergonomics, loads of power and modulation, super easy to bleed.
Weaknesses:
Lever reach requires tool. They work crappy if the pad contact srew is adjusted in too far (no warning in instructions).
Similar Products Used:
Stroker Trails, Mag-Plus and Martas
Bike Setup:
07 Nomad, Fox 36RLC, 8 inch Clean Sweep Rotors F&R
Bottom Line:
DO NOT SCREW PAD CONTACT IN TOO FAR! I've had good luck with these other than when bringing the pad contact screw in to close. Much quieter with organic pads, but need frequent replacement in winter. Still a great brake after a hard year of abuse. Take away one star because new designs are step up. If your looking for a good brake for low price, not the newest technology, you will be happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jaye
a
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: February 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
local bike store
Strengths:
Carbon look, Stops when u want it to, light not to hard to setup.
Weaknesses:
The lever's screw which holds the pivot togetheris not as tough as expected.
Similar Products Used:
XTR disc brake
Bottom Line:
These brakes are good, but can be better. It stops when you want it to but the lever's pivot is an issue. For the amount you pay for it should be flawless. However these brakes do stop when you want it to stop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zane Dordai
a Cross Country Rider
from Maplewood, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: October 27, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
High Gear Cyclery of Millburn
Strengths:
Super powerful, awesome modulation, super smooth lever throw, light, looks sweet.
Weaknesses:
hmmm, a good question! None so far, although its difficult to get them to not rub (they don't rub significantly at all, barely noticable.)
Similar Products Used:
Rim brakes
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
I bought my bike stock with rim brakes because I thought i wouldn't need the extra stopping power. After jeers from everyone i decided to get discs, and man am I happy with these. All the upsides i could've imagined on discs came with these brakes. I did a very wet, rainy muddy (and TONS of leaves) sort of ride today to break them in, and i was amazed by their power. I could lock up the wheels easy with one finger. The carbon lever feels awesome in my hands, and the stroke is super smooth. I bled them and installed them myself, and I couldn't be happier. These were worth every enny in my opinion, but dropping $500 for a set of disc brakes (although that isnt what I paid, i bought these wholesale from the shop I work at) might be abit too steep. For people looking for an awesome high line brake, your search stops here.
Some people said they were having a "spongy" feeling with the brakes. That is because they were not bled properly, and the best thing to do is look up avid brake bleed on youtube and SRAM's official video comes up. If you don't trust your LBS (and i can't see why you wouldn't) the instructions are very clear and super easy.
They also squealed a bit, but what brakes aren't noisy when its wet? Awesome, awesome brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonas Lundin
a Downhiller
from Sweden Date Reviewed: September 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Actionsports
Strengths:
Looks, modulation and weight
Weaknesses:
Lack of quality, too short original hose, squeling and hard to bleed.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes sole and nine, Magura clara and Julie, Juicy three and five, Shimano Deore m525 etc.
Bike Setup:
Identiti Dr Jekyll, Argyle 318, Sun Ringlé Mtx with Marwi Ti spokes and Hope pro 2 hubs.
Bottom Line:
This is the most Wonderful brake when it works properly but unfortunatly that doesn't happend to often. During the year iI've rid this brake i've had to change two pairs of pads, one disc due to leakage and squeling, Two(!) sets of seal kits and one hose. Why? The hose was because i want to be able to do barspins and tailwhips. But all the other replacement parts was due to lack of quality. I've put down twice the price into replacement, service, bleedin kits etc. My adivice is to not buy this brake! Invest your money into a pair of Formulas instead.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian
a Downhiller
from Corner Brook, NL, Canada Date Reviewed: August 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great stopping power, takes very little effort while flying downhill...does not need more then one finger to lock up
Weaknesses:
Absolute worst design I've ever witnessed on lever design. The pin that keeps lever in place will vibrate out of place if they are used any any type of rocky road or downhill track.
Similar Products Used:
Name it
Bike Setup:
2007 Norco Six SE - Stock
Bottom Line:
These brakes stop very quickly, but are noisy regardless of the conditions of riding. Wet, dry, these brakes are noisy if you use them while moving! Being the best Avid has to offer, I am not sold to their brake systems. Avid makes excellant lower end brake systems, but I'd expect more out of their higher end brake systems such as the 7 Carbons. Poor design on the pin that keeps lever in place. It is not threaded and therefore any type of mild downhill riding or rough cross country, and the pin will vibrate loose. 1/4 turn of the allan key and the pin is gone and you are brakeless. Why not thread it? Other then that, the brakes are ok. Just a design flaw that if Avid attends to in 08, these brakes will be nearly the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gerald
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, FL, USA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Jones Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Bobs Cycle
Strengths:
Awesome looks, comfortable feel, performs great, and adjustment is easy and quick, but not very precise...
Weaknesses:
Pad adjustment could use a little tweaking.
Similar Products Used:
Mechanical disks.
Bike Setup:
2004 Raleigh Ram 2.0 thats highly modded...
Bottom Line:
These brakes are awesome!!! Combined with a carbon bar, WOW!!! My set came with 203mm polygons, since I did not need such big and heavy rotors I replaced them Alligator Serration rotors; 7" front/6" rear. I have not experienced any squealing or any other performance issues... They do squeal for the first 50 stops or so while you are trying to breakin the pads... Other than that they are great!!!! I got a 2006 model and it did not come with the Ti hardware; I was a little disappointed... But it wouldn't make that much of a difference in weight anyway...
Great brake system!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brobbo
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto Date Reviewed: May 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Cools looks, Adjustability both leaver and caliper
Weaknesses:
Pad removal, Brake modulation
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT-755 (4 piston)
Bike Setup:
Scott Genius MC 10 - came with the bike
Bottom Line:
Looks cool, excellent adjustment capabilities. Great stopping power but limited in modulation especially compared to 4 piston systems. I would never buy the carbons as only the leaver and the reservoir cap is carbon. To which adds no discernable performance gains, and may save a microgram or two. Other than that the units do exactly do what they are intend to do so it makes them Average in my books. Easy to adjust for the hand off user, but the pad replacement will more than off set the time you save adjusting them in the first place.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Bethlehem, PA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$289.00
Strengths:
Looks, adjustability, power
Weaknesses:
a little lever play, can be pricey
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX9 Carbon, Avid BB7
Bike Setup:
Trek Remedy 6 I built. Thomson, Mavic, Marzocchi.
Bottom Line:
These brakes look nice and perform well. There is a wide range of adjustability which prevents a lot of headaches. I am about 250# with gear and they have no problem stopping me on a dime. The lever has some slack in it up and down but it isnt anything major. I noticed it immediately but it doesnt affect modulation at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
K
a Weekend Warrior
from SB,CA Date Reviewed: April 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
with bike
Strengths:
excellent stopping power, good looks, seems durable, avid reputation (like juicy 7s but lighter)
Weaknesses:
Not that much lighter than regular 7s. Mine seemed to lock up while bike was sitting for 2 weeks??? (might have been due to mischief with adjuster dial)
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, Hope
Bike Setup:
FXR ffffoes
Bottom Line:
I like these brakes from the way they stop, to the modulation and feel of the carbon lever. My Hayes were not this strong, and the Hope levers never felt right to me. I love 'em but they could be a bit lighter and once in a while they make a little noise, but I cleaned em with alcohol and it stopped - maybe just a little contamination? One strange this however is that after a 2 week spell of not riding the bike, when I started on a ride the pads were rubbing against the rotor particularly in the front. I played with the adjustment dial and backed them off which worked, but the front didn't seem to have as much throw before contact even when really backed off (my imagination) The only thing I could think of is that my kids got to playing with them and so I can be sure it was the brakes, so I will not fault them unless it happens again with the bike safe from the kids. So far then 5 chilis for function but they aren't cheap so 4 for value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Coolbreeze
a Weekend Warrior
from RSM, CA Date Reviewed: January 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Performance
Weaknesses:
Price.
Similar Products Used:
Hope, Hayes.
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5 and Ellsworth Moment
Bottom Line:
These are the best breaks I have used to date. They dont make a sound and the rotors dont rub. Great power and modulation!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Shibata
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA, USA Date Reviewed: January 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Strengths:
Modulation, METAL adjustment dial on level, good to go out of the box
Weaknesses:
Polygon rotor squeals like the sounds of hell itself, SRAM customer service
Similar Products Used:
Hayes
Bike Setup:
Foes 2:1 FXR 6", Marzocchi All-Mtn 1 6", built up in June 2006
Bottom Line:
I assume that the recent reviews for the Juicy carbons reflect new versions with the new G2 Cleansweep rotors, not the old Polygon rotors.
I would only buy these brakes if they came with the new G2 Cleansweep rotors. If not, you will be forced to buy the new rotors yourself as SRAM will not swap rotors. The Polygon rotors squeal like a beast not from this earth- especially when wet or the weather is cold.
As mentioned in the regular Avid Juicy reviews, SRAM knew about this problem, continued selling the Polygon rotors, quietly and sneakily switched the design of the rotors to eliminate the problem, then will not take care of their customers by swapping old Polygon for new G2 Cleansweep rotors.
I had my dealer contact SRAM about a swap in January '07. He said that SRAM will no longer swap rotors, and that they were actually quite rude about it. My dealer, being a cyclocross racer, is not easily offended, either.
So, with that said, go ahead and buy the brakes if you get the new rotors. But, given SRAM's attitude and poor customer service, I will never buy anything SRAM, Avid, or Rockshox again.
If I had it to do over again, I would get the Formula brakes. They're the ones who help Avid design their brakes anyway. Skip the chump and go direct to the source.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Condro
a
from NorCal Date Reviewed: January 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Raw Dawg
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light weight, sick colors, ano AL adjuster, Durable, and powerful
Weaknesses:
I had some fading late in the season, rebled with new fluid and good to go.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, Hope, Magura, J7's
Bike Setup:
4x to DH
Bottom Line:
Just as sick as there older brother the juicy 7, but ligher and more durable. Excellent proformance all the way around. If you are a riding looking for the edge on the competition or even just your riding buddies, here's the way to lose some weight without sacraficing performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Owen Bannister
a
from Ipswich, Suffolk, England Date Reviewed: January 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Stopping power, adjustability, looks, weight, fit and forget, easy to fit
Weaknesses:
Difficult to remove pads
Bottom Line:
I was swayed to these simply because of the carbon levers, which look great! Fitting was so easy, and the system Avid use to allign the caliper is great. Once fitted I wound the speed dial up to make the brakes bite very early, and boy do they bite! I have used these for quite a while now, and they only get better. Removing the pads is a bit of a pain but how often do you need to do it?! Not the lightest top end system out there, but an amazing one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Murray Osgood
a Cross Country Rider
from sunny coast Australia Date Reviewed: November 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anything in New Zealand
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Vic MTB
Strengths:
Huge stopping power, no squelling and realatively light
Weaknesses:
none to date
Similar Products Used:
Magura louise, Marta's sl's, xtr and the new avid ultimates
Bike Setup:
Independent Fabrications steel deluxe 29er, Industry 9 wheels, ztr 355 rims, xtr drivetrain, White Bros. magic 29 forks, Ritchey wcs carbon stem, post and bars and slr seat, look egg beater pedals
Bottom Line:
These brakes are not better than any thing else but they are on par with the best stuff out there. You sqeeze the lever and they stop very quick with out making horrible noises, what more do you want really? I have had three serious crashes and the brakes did not get damaged even though they had recieved impact every time that required adjustment. when things cost this much thats great news! If your looking for a great looking, full function brake that doesnt weigh a tonne, then you cant go past these babies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alistair
a Cross Country Rider
from Glasgow Date Reviewed: November 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
blair atholl
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Dooleys Cycles
Strengths:
Lever design, oh so sexy carbon lever, modulation.
Weaknesses:
The most stupidly designed method of fitting the brake pads.
Similar Products Used:
Hope Minis, Hope Mono Minis
Bike Setup:
2007 Scott Scale 30, crossmax st wheels, xtr shifters and rear mech, slr saddle
Bottom Line:
The only reason I am writing this review is to let people know how utterly **** the design of the brake pad fitting. It all sounds so simple on the packet, make a sandwich and click both pads into place.....1 hour later brake pads still not fitted, I oughta sue for wasting an hour of my life and then another 15mins typing this!!!!! I am not the most technical of guys but I can do most things on my bike. When I had the Hopes they were brilliantly easy to fit new pads, if only Avid had 'copied' Hope. I have marked them as '3' 'cause I cannot fault the performance of the brakes, just the pad fitting!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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