Submitted by
Betarad
a Cross Country Rider
from Lahaina, HI Date Reviewed: October 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Turkey run
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Relatively good modulation & stopping power when not hot.
Weaknesses:
Loss of stopping power when hot, lever adjusting screw constantly self-adjusts, noisy when wet (or hot).
Similar Products Used:
Hayes 9
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5 EVP, xtr, Chris King, Fox, Thomson, Easton, Kenda, etc.
Bottom Line:
I've had these on my bike for 2 years, and like some reviewers below, I've experienced all of the weaknesses mentioned. The constantly changing position of the lever adjusting screw on long, bumpy descents is the most annoying. I too tried loctite with limited success. I also got used to re-adjusting the screw on the fly between bumpy sections.
Then there's the fading when hot issue. Not real confidence inspiring. And the shrieking that comes with heat or muddy conditions is equally annoying.
All in all, these brakes are awful for those who ride hard and regularly. I was a Hayes fan until the El Camino experience.
On a side note, I just replaced them with Magura Marta sl's.......Holy crap, what a difference! Now there's some quality German engineering.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rarroyo
a Downhiller
from Oakland CA USA Date Reviewed: October 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Cindy
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
greenfish.com
Strengths:
Modulation, Power, Style, Weight, Adjustability.
Weaknesses:
levers...too long for my taste.
Similar Products Used:
Juicy 7, Juicy Ultimate
Bike Setup:
DB Mission 3, Nixon, Custom wheels, FSA Crank, Thomson Stem, FSA Post, S Type Shock, XO Shifters, XO Derailleurs, Deity Bars, SDB Saddle.......tight!
Bottom Line:
Have been running these brakes for two years with minimal issues, craftmanship is superb, power is great I ride fast and come in at 210 lb. Not made anymore so you would have to get a use set, well worth it. Find good deals on them.
Like any brake system you have to setup them up properly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Reeves
a Downhiller
from Salt Lake City Date Reviewed: August 3, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
One in a thousand pairs works for some rider out there!
Weaknesses:
Going down a long steep hill using the brakes will heat them up so much that the lever becomes all mushy and sinks to the grips - even when screws are all the way in. Makes for a scary downhill when your brakes fail.
These brakes never stop squealing either.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Nine - love them! Juicys
Bottom Line:
Never buy these brakes. You will be nothing but dissapointed. I will spend a little extra next time and buy something that is tried and true (not to mention consistent all of the time). I am going to replace these brakes as soon as I can. I was going to give them to my brother but they are not even worth that. I would feel as though I just gave someone a sack of crap with potentially worse consequences.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
4allday
a Cross Country Rider
from Summit County, CO Date Reviewed: July 20, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on used bike
Strengths:
Light, good modulation
Weaknesses:
Lever adjustment bolt backs out during bumpy DH sections. This causes the levers to come back all the way to the grips sometimes and can also get in the way of a trigger shifter.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mag, Hayes 9
Bike Setup:
Intense Spider XPV, X0 shifters/deraileur, King headset & hubs, Thompson stem, Easton bars & seatpost, Mavic 719 wheels, Manitou Minute IT fork/SPV shock, Hayes El Camino brakes (for now)
Bottom Line:
These came on a used bike that had XTR rapid rise shifters. I mention the shifters b/c if you ride with shifters that have a trigger, this may be a problem. The El Camino's lever adjustment bolt chronically backs out, and this is my primary complaint. It is enough of a problem to give them a bad review, IMHO. When going down extended technical downhills, the damn thing comes out so much that it causes the lever to come back all the way to the grips. Also, this gets in the way of your shifters if you have triggers. Not a problem with the SRAM thumb levers. Blue & red loc-tite both failed easily. Straight-up super glue has worked the best, but still fails after a couple rides. I've gotten in the habit of adjusting them on-the-fly every chance I get so that when I get to a DH section, hopefully they don't back out so much that it hits my grips. Both the Hayes Mag's and Hayes 9's work much better. Too bad i already sold my 9's to a friend, otherwise I'd swap them in a heart beat. It really sucks going down a long stretch of super bumpy stuff and feeling that brake lever slowly getting softer and softer and softer, hoping that it doesn't get all the way to the end before the hill ends.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chabiens777
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma Date Reviewed: May 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Draper
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Great stopping power. I am around 180 lbs and have never had any of the problems everyone is speaking of. The El Camino offer alot of power and lock up tight, very responsive. The have power, have never failed, they will occasionally squeal, but a quick easy adjustment/modulation is all that is needed. You have to dial these brakes in and once you find the sweet spot everything works flawless. Very smooth stopping.
Weaknesses:
Occasional squealing, bleeding brakes takes some time.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mags..Juicy's, Avid
Bike Setup:
Trek EX8
Bottom Line:
Good solid braking. Good looks. I ride XC and these work excellent...just dial them in and your fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RyDog67
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: February 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Colvert Auburn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$79.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Not Sure Yet!
Weaknesses:
Not Sure Yet!
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX 9
Bike Setup:
04 Cannondale Jekel
Bottom Line:
After reading some of these reviews I am kinda scared to see what happens. I am 6'2" 280lbs and still ride somewhat as when I was 230lbs. I purchased the 8" in hope of more stopping power. I am waiting on the adaptors to convert the 6" to 8" rotors. I will give my feedback after the first ride. I can see that the lever adjustment might be a problem as the little rubber end that allows you to turn the screw adjustment already fell off before I have yet to install them. These are brand new and purchased from Price Point! Hope I am able to stop so I can give my next review!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from Reston, VA, US Date Reviewed: January 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Fountain Head
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Lightweight.
Weaknesses:
Squeals, rubs, locked up at one point and pistons needed to be pried back into housing on rear brake.
Similar Products Used:
V brakes
Bike Setup:
Intense Spider dream bike built from the ground up.
Bottom Line:
Buy something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geoff
a Cross Country Rider
from Launceston, Tasmania, Australia Date Reviewed: October 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Silverdome
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
With bike
Strengths:
In new condtion worked reasonably well. Reach adjust seemed handy, reasonably powerful.
Weaknesses:
Floppy levers.
With a little time two things happened - nobs fell off the reach adjust and reach adjust continually worked either loose or tight on trails - with no nobs to grab to re-adjust... this meant getting out the hex, sometimes every 5 minutes! This will drive you nuts!!!
Power adjust does nothing, and is frozen anyway.
Similar Products Used:
Various
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Prophet 1
Bottom Line:
Decided this morning to replace the dead pads. Needed the hex key to wind out the pistons due to the fact that the only way to stop the brakes either winding on or winding off on the trails has been to LOCTITE the threads (other reviewers). Hex key pulled the hex thread out of the adjustment on the first attempt. Now I'll need to carry VICE GRIPS to adjust the levers - no more handy little 'on the fly' adjustment nobs!
I've had enough - now researching replacements.
These brakes are just going to frustrate you, beginner or otherwise. If you have read this and you are a beginner at least you'll know why your brakes keep getting looser or tighter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mountnflyer
a Cross Country Rider
from Aspen, CO Date Reviewed: August 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
slickrock
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Can't think of any.
Weaknesses:
brake contact adjustment moves during ride. Adjustment setscrew gets in the way. Always with the screeching and squeeling.
Similar Products Used:
First disk brakes for me
Bike Setup:
Moots YBB 29er
Bottom Line:
I'm poor. Been riding since '85, but haven't been able to buy my dreambike till a year ago. The El Caminos have turned it into a nightmare. I HATE THIS PRODUCT! The adjustment screw sticks out where my finger needs to be for shifting making things cumbersome. The same screw works it's way loose literally every 20 minutes during a ride. I was forced to put locktight on it, which helped a little but then when I had to use it the plastic cap stripped off and got lost. Now I need to break out an allen wrench every 40 minutes during a ride to adjust it. This in addition to the horrifying noises that everyone within a half mile of me has to listen to has ruined my "new bike experience". These are going into the dumpster as soon as my formulas come in and I will never buy a Hayes product for as long as I live.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
slowrider
a Weekend Warrior
from Midway City Ca U.S. Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Porc
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Jensen
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Unreliable, incosistant and heavy
Similar Products Used:
Monomini, Stroker trail,HFX9, purple hayes, Champane hayes
Bike Setup:
5 Spot 27.75lbs
Bottom Line:
Allmost kept me from buying Hayes again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dylan 66
a Downhiller
from vancouver bc Date Reviewed: July 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
double dog, cbc
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$330.00
Strengths:
feel good for the first 5 min you use them.
Weaknesses:
unpredictable braking feel on downhills, adjustment, allways somthing wrong with them, hard to bleed, finicy, epensive, not powerful!!!
Similar Products Used:
hayes 9, juicys, hayes sole.
Bike Setup:
2006 giant faith, marz 66 and raceface parts.
Bottom Line:
they suck in allmost every aspect and are unreliable at the same time. DONT GET THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
abosch
a Cross Country Rider
from San Rafael, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Tamarancho
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
on-line
Strengths:
Great braking power & love the feel of the modulation
Weaknesses:
Difficult to bleed and not a lot of play for adjusting it. Front brake cable too long. Hard to fine parts for them at your LBS, look on-line
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX Mag, Hope & Avid
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur, Santa Cruz Superlight & Orbea Lanza 29er
Bottom Line:
these brakes rock and work, I liked'em enough to buy a second set for my 29er. I'm 200lbs and an aggressive cross country rider & racer, so I know the value to good brakes. I happily ride with them in rain, shine and at night, so I don't know what everybody else is whining about, they work better than my buddies' squealing Hope and Avid disc brakes... btw, all disc brakes are a pain to initially adjust, but once you do it right the first time, you have set it and can forget it. They are difficult to bleed, but I'm getting better at it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michel
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: May 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
The El Camino has excellent stopping power, I use a 6" rotor and it locks it up with minimal effort with very nice modulation. The lever feels nice and the power adjustment nob is a nice addition to control the brake. The weight is also reasonable, +/- 420g for one brake.
Weaknesses:
No matter what I do, how many times I bleed, I just can't get brake to engage until I squeeze the lever half way to the handle bar. I also find the lever to be far from the bar compared to Hopes.
Similar Products Used:
Hope
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler / Marzocchi All Mountain 1SL
Bottom Line:
Regardless of the lever reach, I really can't complain on the performace of this brake. It has done its job flawlessly.
I did however run into a problem where the adjuster bushing wedged against the push rod's non threaded area. This caused the rod to walk up in the bushing. The lever wouldn't return... I e-mailed Hayes and within a matter of days I received new replacement bushings. I am very satisfied with their tech support.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David McCormick
a Cross Country Rider
from Charleston, WV, USA Date Reviewed: April 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Wallfork
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Great when they work.
Weaknesses:
No stopping power. Always bleeding the brakes. Pad removal is a pain.
Bottom Line:
I do not like these brakes. Riding in wet conditions make pad removal pain. Have had to replace the piston two time in the rear brake and once in the front. I bleed them at least after every forth ride. I am very disappointed with Hayes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fernando
a Weekend Warrior
from Sertaozinho, Sao Paulo, Brazil Date Reviewed: March 18, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Great modulation, adjustments on the levers, stoping power and modulation are perfect for XC and All Mountain, it fits on the Epic, good looking!
Weaknesses:
poor caliper adjustment, you have to adjust it with tools and sometimes you need to make it again nad again...
Similar Products Used:
Hayes 9 carbon, Avid BB7
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic FSR standard, just changed the avid vbrakes by disc brakes and the rear hub by a Hope Pro II
Bottom Line:
They are reaaly nice disc brakes for XC use. I never made downhill or freeride to teel if the fit for them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jorge Islas
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston Date Reviewed: February 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
emma long park in Austin
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
nice and easy set-up, good modulation and stoping power is great, the adjusters work well to sute your preference.
Weaknesses:
brake pads wear very fast, and on wet conditions are very noice, the ruber knob to adjust reach of levers came loose to easy.
Similar Products Used:
HFX-9 Carbon, Hope mono mini and M4, Shimano XT, sram juicy 7.
Bike Setup:
Azonic Saber '04, full sram X-9 azonic wheels, post, stem, etc.and 2 fork options I use on this bike Nixon elite & Fox Van36.
Bottom Line:
I have run the 8" rotors F&R for light Downhill, as well as 6" rotors F&R for Xc-Trail and 8-F & 6-R and they all breake well subject to the trail type, I have relaced the pads with EBC red and gold, and the power braking and modulation was improved as well as they run very quite in wet conditions. maintenance has being minimum, and I have riden in Colorado, Mexico and Whistler with no issues related to brake fade or failure. I will not consider this brakes as DH type, but for XC, trail, 4-X and FR they are light and powerfull enough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacov Lalou
a Racer
from South Africa Date Reviewed: February 7, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
They don't stop the bike!
Similar Products Used:
Avid Juicy 7
Bike Setup:
Extralite & sram x.0
Bottom Line:
The pistons jammed on the rotor during a race, so had to finish the race with no front or back brakes. The Hayes importer drilled out the old pistons, put new ones in and eventually (2 months later) sent them back to me after struggling to fix them. Never worked properly. Have tried to rebleed with no improvement. Even when I pull the lever all the way to the handlebar, the pistons hardly move. I'm sending these back to Hayes because I wouldn't even give them away!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
N D
a Weekend Warrior
from L.A. Date Reviewed: January 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Santa Monica mtns
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
This was one of the worst purchases I've made for my bike
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mag, Hope M4.
Bike Setup:
Intense VPX, Marz. 66SL, yada yada.
Bottom Line:
I bought these brand new, installed them and the lever would touch my handlebar without stopping the bike. I bled them and the same thing happened. I was optimistic so I rode them for awhile thinking that maybe they just needed to break in. Never happened so I had to go back to my old Hayes Mags which are good. This is a poorly made product and Hayes tried to pass them off as a high end line and charge an outrageous amount for crap. I'm giving these away for free.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, OH, USA Date Reviewed: January 4, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
They work sometimes under perfect conditions.
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my previous post, now that I have used the brakes through all 4 seasons. You know how some drug stores have a tiny section of bike parts, where you can still find rubber brake pads for 50 cents? That is where these brakes belong, priced at about $20. These brakes are sometimes acceptable under perfect conditions: sunny, 70 degrees, 50% humidity, peace on earth, etc. However, if it is too hot/cold, wet/dry, cloudy/sunny or any other possible adverse condition then they just can't handle it. Hot weather makes them mushy, and the screw on the lever must be adjusted every few minutes so the lever doesn't bottom out. Cold weather makes them seize up, primarily because of faulty design: there is insufficient room between the sides of the brake pads and the caliper housing, so the pads are no longer free to retract and instead become permanently engaged against the disc. If you are strictly a fair weather rider and don't mind spending an absurd amount of money on brakes, then go for it. Otherwise look elsewhere.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel Loureiro
a Weekend Warrior
from Portugal Date Reviewed: December 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Motovedras
Strengths:
Killer looks. Lots of power at the tip of your fingers. Incredible amount of modulation and control. Acurate adjustments. Super silent too...
Weaknesses:
Breaking period was a pain..."30/40 good squeezes and your done"...they say...It took a lot more...but after that, those things are incredible !!!
Similar Products Used:
Hayes hfx-9, Maguras Marta SL, Avid three and five (Sucks...Even my old Magura HS33 rim brakes are a lot better than the Avids)
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS Frame with a lot of goodies, a little modified for an agressive all moutain riding style.
Bottom Line:
I really don't understand all the bad critics about the El caminos. They are amazing brakes that delivers so much power,that sometime I am almost afraid of them...eh eh eh...Thank God for their great and amazing amount of modulation, and the control feel is really incredible. All the power you can possibly imagine at the tip of your fingers. With my weight (180 Lbs), you must realize that I really need a lot of power to stop me, or to some hard late braking on corners...The El caminos, just do the job flawlessly... "...Lack of power..."???, "...inconstant braking..."???, "...squeals like a pig..." ??? I haven't experienced any of that...at least with my system. I've tried about everything from Hayes to Maguras, Hope mono's(not bad)to Avid's ( waste of time and money...) Except Formulas...And the El Camino's deserve 5 hot ones per rating without hesitation. They are just great !!! Did I mention the sexy look too ? Definitly one of the most fantastic braking system I've tried.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Baltazar Franco
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Altos Date Reviewed: November 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
420's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Bob's bicycles
Strengths:
Looks
Weaknesses:
Leaky rear res. and adjustment screw
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Nines, Avid Juciy 7s
Bike Setup:
Sweet
Bottom Line:
I bought these brakes because they were on sale $125 per wheel . When I installed them the lever feel keep getting worse on the rear, while the front stayed the same. I took them off and the inside of the clamping area was a little wet( brake fluid). sent them back, Hayes pressure tested them and said they were fine. I put them back on a rode them, they never stay in adjustment( rear only) and sure enough, when I removed them from the bars there wet around the clamping area. I called Hayes and left a message about my problem. Within a hour or two they called me back and said they would send me a new/ replacement for the rear, I haven't had any problems with the front brake. Right now I am very happy with ( John at Hayes) customer service and hopefully this solves the problem. Unfortunately 2 reputable bike shops said they have known about problems with these brakes. I wouldn't buy them again but I would definately buy a different Hayes product again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andy
a Cross Country Rider
from vancouver Date Reviewed: October 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
look good
Weaknesses:
garbage
Similar Products Used:
many hayes and avid
Bike Setup:
nice
Bottom Line:
garbage...utter gabage!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ahren
a Downhiller
from USA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
WIll stop eventually if you grab the lever.....and start to pray.
Weaknesses:
Brakes fade very quickly, adjustments don't seem to do much until they adjust themselves on their own.
Similar Products Used:
Avid Mech and Juicy series, Formula, Other hayes, hope, magura.
Bike Setup:
Wheels and parts= A bike
Bottom Line:
This brake is just not very good. It is constantly fading, pumping up, and generally just doing things that suck. The adjustments don't really do much if you mess with them, but if you leave them be....everything changes 1/2 way down. I have tried Red threadlocker to keep this from happening, but the adjustments still managed to work themselves loose. One of the reviews below states that the reason they purchased this brake over a Avid juicy was they wanted something "lighter and different". Well, a big stick is lighter and different, and would probably work better than these brakes in every situation. All my old Hayes brakes would blow the El Camino out of the water. I will be going to a Formula right.....about.....now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garth Flint
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula MT Date Reviewed: July 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Fence line
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Fairly light, low maintenance
Weaknesses:
Over heat easily
Similar Products Used:
Juicy 7
Bottom Line:
The rear started locking up on medium length (quarter mile?) heavy braking downhills. Deduced it was from over heating. Borrowed a set of Juicy 7's from my shop. No locking, no over heating, also better modulation. Switched from DOT 4 to DOT 5 fluid. The El Caminos did not lock up on my test hill any more but I could feel the lever getting tighter. Anybody interested in a set of used El Caminos cheap?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jake
a Downhiller
from Ogden UT USA Date Reviewed: July 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
I St.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
bike shoppe
Strengths:
Light, good looking
Weaknesses:
NO POWER!!!!!!! The power adjustment dial does ABSOLUTLEY NOTHING! Parts come loose and cannot be tightened from minor stress
Similar Products Used:
Hayes hfx 9 hd
Bike Setup:
Kona stinky
Bottom Line:
Do NOT buy these unless all you do is ride on flat trails and like to make imaginary power adjustments.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Francis Graziano
a Racer
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$279.00
Purchased At:
Richards Bikes
Strengths:
Lightweight, adjustability, comfortable levers, easy instalation, primo cables, looks sweet
Weaknesses:
no reservior
Similar Products Used:
Avid Juicy 7
Bike Setup:
07, Specialized Epic, Sram x-o, Fox fork
Bottom Line:
After reading these reviews I was a little nervous about my decision to go to Hayes el Camino. However, after a weekend of riding these brakes and riding them hard, I am totally satisfied. first off, the brake is designed properly. I like the lever position as it allows for comfortable one or two finger braking. In my opinion, these brakes are much nicer than Juicy 7's and provide plenty of stopping power. I never had a problem with the Juicy 7's, but I did want something lighter and different. They do have a different feel to them. Some may describe the feel as "mushy" but these brakes are far from "mushy". They feel the way a good hydroic brake should feel. If you are looking for a brake with the stoppingpower of a Mack Truck, or if you are into hardcore downhill stuff, I can understand that perhaps these are not the best brake for you. But if you are into real xc racing, singletrack/switchback or xterra, I think these brakes are a perfect option. Quite responsive and comfortable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leonardo
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
eBikestop
Strengths:
Updating my previous posting - After an extensive time with the brakes, I really want to emphasize how impressed I am with these brakes. All of my work is done at Pasadena Cyclery (I'm not mechanically inclined though I love to fiddle with settings), and apart from their work, these brakes have performed remarkably well. I would also like to reiterate, these brakes take some adjusting and finding what you like best. Very predictable and consistent. If you want quick immediate stopping power, or slow moderate reduction in speed, it can be done. Again I can't emphasize enough my limited knowledge in mechanics, but they are very simple to adjust.
Weaknesses:
Maybe the only weakness is that they are to easy to adjust, and you might end up being lost.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mag 9
Bike Setup:
Trek 9.8
Bottom Line:
Fine tune to your hearts desire. If you don't like that, then maybe look elsewhere, but I would HIGHLY recommend these brakes - Bottom Line.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leonardo
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
eBikestop
Strengths:
Updating my previous posting - After an extensive time with the brakes, I really want to emphasize how impressed I am with these brakes. All of my work is done at Pasadena Cyclery (I'm not mechanically inclined though I love to fiddle with settings), and apart from their work, these brakes have performed remarkably well. I would also like to reiterate, these brakes take some adjusting and finding what you like best. Very predictable and consistent. If you want quick immediate stopping power, or slow moderate reduction in speed, it can be done. Again I can't emphasize enough my limited knowledge in mechanics, but they are very simple to adjust.
Weaknesses:
Maybe the only weakness is that they are to easy to adjust, and you might end up being lost.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mag 9
Bike Setup:
Trek 9.8
Bottom Line:
Fine tune to your hearts desire. If you don't like that, then maybe look elsewhere, but I would HIGHLY recommend these brakes - Bottom Line.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leonardo
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
eBikestop
Strengths:
Updating my previous posting - After an extensive time with the brakes, I really want to emphasize how impressed I am with these brakes. All of my work is done at Pasadena Cyclery (I'm not mechanically inclined though I love to fiddle with settings), and apart from their work, these brakes have performed remarkably well. I would also like to reiterate, these brakes take some adjusting and finding what you like best. Very predictable and consistent. If you want quick immediate stopping power, or slow moderate reduction in speed, it can be done. Again I can't emphasize enough my limited knowledge in mechanics, but they are very simple to adjust.
Weaknesses:
Maybe the only weakness is that they are to easy to adjust, and you might end up being lost.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mag 9
Bike Setup:
Trek 9.8
Bottom Line:
Fine tune to your hearts desire. If you don't like that, then maybe look elsewhere, but I would HIGHLY recommend these brakes - Bottom Line.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leonardo
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
eBikestop
Strengths:
Updating my previous posting - After an extensive time with the brakes, I really want to emphasize how impressed I am with these brakes. All of my work is done at Pasadena Cyclery (I'm not mechanically inclined though I love to fiddle with settings), and apart from their work, these brakes have performed remarkably well. I would also like to reiterate, these brakes take some adjusting and finding what you like best. Very predictable and consistent. If you want quick immediate stopping power, or slow moderate reduction in speed, it can be done. Again I can't emphasize enough my limited knowledge in mechanics, but they are very simple to adjust.
Weaknesses:
Maybe the only weakness is that they are to easy to adjust, and you might end up being lost.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mag 9
Bike Setup:
Trek 9.8
Bottom Line:
Fine tune to your hearts desire. If you don't like that, then maybe look elsewhere, but I would HIGHLY recommend these brakes - Bottom Line.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leonardo
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
eBikestop
Strengths:
Updating my previous posting - After an extensive time with the brakes, I really want to emphasize how impressed I am with these brakes. All of my work is done at Pasadena Cyclery (I'm not mechanically inclined though I love to fiddle with settings), and apart from their work, these brakes have performed remarkably well. I would also like to reiterate, these brakes take some adjusting and finding what you like best. Very predictable and consistent. If you want quick immediate stopping power, or slow moderate reduction in speed, it can be done. Again I can't emphasize enough my limited knowledge in mechanics, but they are very simple to adjust.
Weaknesses:
Maybe the only weakness is that they are to easy to adjust, and you might end up being lost.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mag 9
Bike Setup:
Trek 9.8
Bottom Line:
Fine tune to your hearts desire. If you don't like that, then maybe look elsewhere, but I would HIGHLY recommend these brakes - Bottom Line.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gozer
a Cross Country Rider
from Lehtbridge Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: June 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
fast
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
my shop
Strengths:
Don't know, did not ride it long enough to find any.
Weaknesses:
Just to be clear I have ridden Hayes products in the past and quite liked them and the feel of the hayes lever was my primary reason for wanting hayes over avid. BUT...
Here we go. Had these on my bike for 1 hour after install. Maybe I didn't give them a chance but after a single test ride i knew these were unacceptable. The adjustments are a joke, tool less reach is a rubber knob that pops off if you try and use it and if you use the power adjust it screws the reach up anyway. COULD NOT GET THE LEVER HOW I LIKES IT!
Similar Products Used:
Juciy 7, HMX 9 which I loved and are the reason I wanted a hayes product, oh well back to the juciy 7
Bike Setup:
Stock 2007 Specilized Enduro SL Expert
Bottom Line:
I'm a bike mechanic, have been for over 8 years, yeah I know a lot of people say they are mechanics, but I know enough to know an inferior product. Hayes should be ashamed, this is not worth $600 and the majority of reviews I've read seem to agree. For those of you out there that have had good luck with these brakes keep riding them, but if you are someone looking to get new brakes there are a lot of other disc brakes out there and I would steer clear of these. Hayes better watch it, don't want to pull a manitou. Bottom line unjustifiably high priced and not that good. You can get more for less.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leonardo
a Cross Country Rider
from Eagle Rock, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
270.00
Strengths:
Great stopping power - very adjustable - After reading the reviews listed, the fact that they are very adjustable, for some it seems to be a weakness - so far I really appreciate this ability and would recommend this to anyone who enjoys detailed fine tuning. If you don't, then you probably won't like these. Awesome Brakes so far!
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mag 9
Bike Setup:
Trek 9.8
Bottom Line:
If you love to fine tune your brakes, get these -
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Lawn, SC Date Reviewed: May 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Tsali, NC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Greenfish
Strengths:
Cool Looks, Light weight, Hayes great reputation.
Weaknesses:
long break in period
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX 9
Bike Setup:
Trek EX 8 front & rear 6" Rotors
Bottom Line:
These brakes took a while to break in, but once they was, they are exactly what they are suppose to be, a very powerful stopper! The adjustments do exactly what they claim to. They are easy to set up and maintain. I would reccomend these to all my friends.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, OH, USA Date Reviewed: April 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
They look nice. Also, I chose these brakes because I wanted hydraulic lines rather than cables.
Weaknesses:
First, the stopping power of these brakes is wildly inconsistent: sometimes they are right on, and sometimes they are mush. Second, the "self-adjusting" feature should more accurately be called the "self-tightening" feature. During normal operation the caliper pistons protrude but do not completely retract. After a few squeezes of the brake lever the pads rub constantly, and there is no amount of adjustment that will prevent this. Perhaps this design was inspired by disc brakes on cars, which rub constantly. Anyway, I used to get upset about it, but now I look at the lost energy from the brakes rubbing as an offering to the bike gods.
Bike Setup:
Front and rear El Caminos on a single speed.
Bottom Line:
Not ready for prime time. Way too expensive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
orange
a Cross Country Rider
from sao paulo, brazil Date Reviewed: April 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
kevlar hydraulic line, very thick and strong
Weaknesses:
al but the hose...aweful reach, is really hard to grab the brake levers and they don´t feel weel at your finger. pad ajustment changes the reach, hard to bleed, hard to align pads, etc etc
Similar Products Used:
avid juicy, hayes 9, hayes mag, magura gustav and marta, xt 4 pot.......
Bottom Line:
this brakes suck big time! don´t buy them. it is a real waste of money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Downhiller
from England Date Reviewed: April 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
A-line
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
They look sweet.
Weaknesses:
They fade easily, adjustment doesn't last for more than 1 ride, the rotor's rub no matter how you align them. Basically don't buy them they're a waste of money.
Similar Products Used:
HFX9,Juicy's,Codes,Formula oro and Hopes.
Bike Setup:
Kona Stab, 66sl ata,deemax,x.o,mrp,holzfeller throughout,chris king.
Bottom Line:
I'd rather have mechanical disks than these pieces of S**t.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shaun oconnor
a Racer
from australia.nsw Date Reviewed: April 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
loops
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
www.fortheriders.com
Strengths:
shiney delivery box????
Weaknesses:
no power,feel spongy, constnt rotor rub,lack of ajustment
Similar Products Used:
shimano saint,hayes,diatec,avid juicy 7
Bike Setup:
v10
Bottom Line:
these brakes were a flop not good at all
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alessandro Ugoletti
a Racer
from Roma - Italia Date Reviewed: March 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Design, facilità di montaggio e manutenzione
Weaknesses:
Peso.
Similar Products Used:
Avid juicy seven - shimano xtr
Bike Setup:
Cannondale scalpel con lefty carbon ELO, cambio sram X0, comnadi sram X0 grip shift, guarnitura xtr mavis crossmax ssc sl.
Bottom Line:
Si installa con facilità, l'allineamento è immediato, lo spurgo, tramite apposito kit, è immediato. Dopo poche frenate a fondo raggiunge una buona potenza di funzionamento. Peccato per il peso un pochino sopra i concorrenti.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: February 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, snazzy lookin, modulation
Weaknesses:
No power, constant rubbing
Similar Products Used:
Hayes 9's
Bike Setup:
'04 kona dawg completely rebuilt
Bottom Line:
Well for starters the only reason i didnt rate this the lowest i could is because of the great modulation these brakes give but other than that i cant find a real positive. quite frankly these brakes are weak and this is coming from someone who rides xc 90% of the time. i was excited when i bought these as an upgrade from my 9's but now i would love to have those old brakes back, imperfections and all seeing as they are not as bad as these things. I will definatly be buying avid next time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance Hamilton
a Downhiller
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: February 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dirt Merchant
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Race Team
Strengths:
Light weight
Weaknesses:
Lack of breaking power, inconsistant performance, flexy lever design, constant bleeds neccesary
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mag DH
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz V10, set up for DH
Bottom Line:
I would not ever purchase these brakes again. Too much money, and everything I have ever ridden has been bettethan these, even Hayes Nine's....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Medford, MA Date Reviewed: January 31, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Light, easy to swap pads and bleed
Weaknesses:
Did not stay in adjustment very long, performance faded noticeably over the course of 1 race
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, SRAM 9.0 2x9
Bottom Line:
These brakes performed admirably for the first few races. I was glad to have them, as the 2006 season had some of the muddiest, wettest course conditions I've ever raced in. It's really too bad that toward the end of the summer, the brakes just would not stay functional over the course of one event. They would start off great, with nice modulation and perfect power. I felt like I could brake late into the corners and have complete control on steep, technical sections. Then the pads would slowly retract less and less until my wheels just were not spinning freely. By the end of a muddy race, the pads would typically be gone and I would be squeezing the lever all the way to the bar.
Bottom Line: I'm looking for new brakes for the 2007 season.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vladimir
a Cross Country Rider
from Slovakia Date Reviewed: October 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Orava trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
Weight, handling comfort
Weaknesses:
Instable braking power, long lever movement unable to adapt according to my preferences
I mounted El Camino on my Scalpel, being reccomended from local shop owner, but despite many attempts to set up the braking power I gave up and sold. Tried to bleed up, changed discs from stock to Wave (Hayes too), bot no improvement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
demo_slug
a
from san jose CA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
not worth it.
Weaknesses:
lack of power inconsistent hydrolic performance flexy levers manual reach adjustment knobs are a joke. leverage adjustment knob is hard to turn.
Similar Products Used:
brakes I own. hayes mag HD, formula oro, avid bb7
Bike Setup:
motolite
Bottom Line:
very bad hydros. had to give up on them. I'd feel guilty about selling my used set.
my hayes mag HD are much better.
i've got the 203mm front and rear on my lite AM bike. even with the 203mm disks the power is only OK at best. and it gets worse as they get hot. this is not a good brake set.
if you do long desents, even fire roads. I have to echo the same issues that the last few others have posted. its true. one second they pump up to the point that they drag hard. the next min. I have to pull them to the bar to stop. with 8 inch brakes I should not need 2 fingers on the front brake.
junk!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Owen Simpson
a
from Asheville, NC Date Reviewed: September 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Razorback / Tsali
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great stopping, they don't go away in the rain. They have a vey nice feel.
Weaknesses:
Levers "jiggle" on rough terrain, even after making sure they were snug.
Similar Products Used:
Avid
Bike Setup:
Race ready Flyte Celsius 9
Bottom Line:
These are great working brakes, the lever adjustments did move in on a long ride, but that was easily fixed with blue loc-tite. I ride XC and these brakes are exactly what I need.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Andrews
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Date Reviewed: July 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Mostly in Salmon Arms
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Rikes Bikes
Strengths:
Adjustability
Weaknesses:
Alignment
Similar Products Used:
Julies
Bike Setup:
Canondale Prophet 4000
Bottom Line:
I'm getting very fed up of the rear brakes as I continue to get rub regardless of alignment. Rub occurs after long downhill sessions. To correct the problem numerous re-alignments have been attempted and now Rick's Bike is ordering a new rear brake. I'll update my review once the replacement brake is installed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bayrider
a Weekend Warrior
from SF, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$370.00
Strengths:
Great level feel. Nice feature of changing the pads from the outside of the caliper. Powerful stoping power, although I prefer more of the on/off sensation.
Weaknesses:
"Power modulation" is a gimmick. It only changes the pivot point which also changes the reach. I can't tell any difference in pad contact. Beeding these brakes are a hassle, especially when compared to the Juicys.
Similar Products Used:
Juicy 7s, HFX-9, HFX-Mag, Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Ventana El Salt, F100RLT, X-9, XT, Thompson, etc.
Bottom Line:
Look at another model or another brand altogether. These brakes cost too much for the amount of actual performance you are getting. I returned them after using them for 3 rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Downhiller
from Boulder, CO, USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
its a seeecret
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Sports Gayrage
Strengths:
Lighter than some. Great breaking out of the box. Great lever feel (at first).
Weaknesses:
Needed bleeding all the time. Discs warped. These breaks completely fade under intense downhills. Biggest problem, however, is that the levers are junk. The "tool-free lever adjusment" moves itself in and out during rocky decents. So by the time you are at the end of your ride, you have no lever room left. This happened so many times the threads eventually stripped and I am left without a front brake. I've hung in there for a year, but I'm done.
Similar Products Used:
Juicy 7s, Magura Marta SL
Bike Setup:
Maverick ML8
Bottom Line:
Crrrap! At least for a freeride style rider (more down than up).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Wright
a Downhiller
from Morristown Date Reviewed: May 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
good looks, light, reliable
Weaknesses:
not enough power for DH or freeriding, they heat up and fade fast, not or finger braking, the adjuster does nothing IMO
Similar Products Used:
mags, nines, juicys
Bike Setup:
IH sunday, then onto my heckler
Bottom Line:
they are great for XC or AM type riding. but if you get your brakes hot, these simply dont have enough power. the adjustments dont do much. the lever has to travel to far save your money and get juicy 7s.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Sweden Date Reviewed: May 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Infinite braking power at the tip of your fingers.
Weaknesses:
Flimsy, crappy discs that bends easily. This means a lot of squeking, hissing and partial disc to pad contact.
Similar Products Used:
HFX-9, Saint.
Bike Setup:
66RC2X '06, Giant Faith frame.
Bottom Line:
If you don't care that the discs are unaligned and that you might perhaps lose some power due to this, go for it. When you go downhill you don't really notice the noise they make and the disc to pad contact is only a problem when pedaling. The noise drives me insane! The discs bend when you ride hard (not even hitting the discs directly) and they wobble when you go fast.
Levers and calipers are OK, but nothing special. The discs suck ass. For this price range El Camino is not worth buying. I would choose Saint any day if they didn't require all new parts to mount.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from TC,MI Date Reviewed: March 28, 2006
These work, well. I can't understand some other reviews with negative comments these are too good to say anything bad about them. If you know whats what about putting parts on your bike then you cannot install these wrong. If you dont know what your doing I suggest your lbs for instalation then maybe you would get the most out of this wonderful product. It deserves 10 Flamin Chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allan
a Downhiller
from Clemson, SC Date Reviewed: March 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Shop I work at
Strengths:
Solidly built. Super easy to adjust!!! Very Strong.
Weaknesses:
I have no weaknesses for this product.
Similar Products Used:
HFX 9, HFX MAG
Bottom Line:
Listen, if you know how to set up your system, which means pulling the breaks out of the box and simply installing them on your bike w/ no bleeding or anything, you should be golden. These things are sweet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marco van Dommelen
a Racer
from South Africa Date Reviewed: March 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any were
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
crc
Strengths:
Killer looks very good power on the disc. Ventalation is good... cools fast
Weaknesses:
Brake lines and fiting
Similar Products Used:
formula
Bike Setup:
Marin full sespension
Bottom Line:
Best brskes that I have ever had.... mony well spend.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simen
a
from slovenia Date Reviewed: March 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Power
Weaknesses:
Lever returns slowly, travel increases when they heat up
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT, 555
Bike Setup:
RM Switch 06
Bottom Line:
This thing sucks. The lever returs so slow it is frightening and the travel increases after some DHing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, CT, USA Date Reviewed: February 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Timberlands
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Won Them @ Hayes.com (Riders Just Know)
Strengths:
Very powerful, Adjustable. One Finger Braking.
Weaknesses:
Squeaking, but get some generic brake cleaner and it stops.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX-Mag, I got a defect!
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Instinct With RockShox Reba Race w/ Poploc, all X.9 gearing, Fox Float RL Rear, Mavic XC 717's, Hope XC hubs, Maxxis, Chris King NoThreadSet, Easton EC70 carbon, Truvativ FireX crank,.....
Bottom Line:
This is a brake that can do it all, but for some reason, I lost pressure in my back, I think I have to get it reblead, probably air in line, very powerful and adjustable. I'm not complaining, I got them FOR FREE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max M.
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin TX Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Green belt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Freewheeling Bicycles
Strengths:
Great stopping power, far more than the v-brakes i was useing had. The feel of the lever is also really nice.
Weaknesses:
Because of the piston setup and how close the pads are it is extremly hard to get the caliper set up so that you dont have any rubbing. There also isnt any adjusment besides just moving the caliper back and forth and useing a trial and error method.
Similar Products Used:
First set of disc brakes
Bike Setup:
Mostly Stock 2005 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR
Bottom Line:
After i got them set up which took a good two hours i am happy with them. But the set up pissed me off alot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Harris
a Downhiller
from Holualoa, HI Date Reviewed: January 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Kaloko Hike-a-bike
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
really powerful, dont get too hot compared to other brakes, reliable, not a whole lot of rub
Weaknesses:
squeak like crazy from time to time, and it took a few bleeds to get all the air out of the system. Also , the big selling point was the lever reach adjust knob, but mine never came with one, it just has the regular 2.5 mm adjuster, so that sucks.
Similar Products Used:
avid juicy 5, hayes hfx-9 and mag
Bike Setup:
kona stinky, 888rc, vanilla r, xt/xtr drivetrain,
Bottom Line:
wicked good reliability and power
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
-bd-
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: November 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
swoopy singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light; good modulation; no chatter or noise; smooth operation; looks sexy!
Weaknesses:
many complain about the lever reach adjustment changing while riding, but mine have been solid. Mine needed bleeding from the initial install.
Similar Products Used:
these are my first disc brakes. way better than V-brakes! I've tried some juicy sevens but like these better.
Bike Setup:
large five spot set up for all-around trail riding
Bottom Line:
seems to be alot of different issues w/ different disc brakes, many depending on trail conditions. I've had no problems with them (so far)other than the bleeding issue. I'm very happy with these and don't know what could make them much better (aside from Goodridge hoses...and maybe some cool custom levers...)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Dublin CA USA Date Reviewed: October 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Diablo Macedo Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Danville Bike
Strengths:
No squealing, great modulation, easy to adjust, no fading, overall performance very good. Smooth stopping.
Weaknesses:
The little tiny adjustment screw for the reach ajustment doesn't work but just use an allen wrench and it's fine.
Similar Products Used:
Hope Mono-Mini. Hated those. Squealed like Arnold Ziffel and always went out of adjustment hard to adjust with tiny spacers. Shop guys call them "Hope you stop" or "Hope they work".
Bike Setup:
Titus Switchblade Talus, SRAM X.0, XTR Crank & Wheels, Chris King headset, tubeless, Ritchey Carbon bars. Time pedals. Very nice bike! Bought at Danville Bike, Joe is great!
Bottom Line:
Great solid performance, never need to adjust the caliper, no issues. I set the modulation once and don't change it. The reach adjustment is easy with a allen wrench and I don't adjust it either. Once they burned in, they don't squeal. They just work! Worth the money for sure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Sherman Oaks, Ca Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
caballero to pch and back
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Fantastic modulation. Have not experienced any fade. Great adjustablility for brake lever distance. Great stopping power.
Weaknesses:
Adjustment screw for the brake lever becomes loose after each ride. Quick fix, make sure you adjust your lever distance before every ride.
Similar Products Used:
magura
Bike Setup:
TItus Talas Switchblade, Manitou Minute 3 IT, Thomson seatpost and stem, Sram X.0 rear derailer and grip shifters, El Camino's, Mavic 918 w/ WTB Weriwolf UTB tires, DT 240s hubs, XT: cranks, front derailer, front/rear chainrings, chain, Eggbeater Twin Ti pedals, wtb stealth laser seat, Easton composite xc bars.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic brakes with great modulation. Perfect for cross country. Easily adjustable. One minor drawback, but easily remedied, make sure you adjust your brake levers distance before each ride. At times, they have a tendacy to loosen.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Foster
a Downhiller
from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: September 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Your Mom
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Sport Chek
Strengths:
Good looks, Powerful, lots of adjustments, good lever feel
Weaknesses:
Cost lots
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX 9, Hayes HFX Mags, Hope Mono mini, Hope Mono M4, Avid Juicy five
Bike Setup:
2004 Norco Atomik, Fox 40, Sun mag 30 rims, Boxguide, race face evlove BB, Fsa Vdrive extreme cranks, FSA pig dh pro deep cup headset, formula hub on front, odi lock ons, el camino's
Bottom Line:
Great brakes, great adjustments, very powerful, look neat, but not recommended for anything but super extreame use. Mags are probbably a better idea.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from IN Date Reviewed: September 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bennets Gap-Pisgah NC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Won from Hayes Contest
Strengths:
Adjustment possibilities, ease of brake pad removal, power, and looks
Weaknesses:
Lever reach caps sometimes spin and it can be difficult to adjust the levers
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mag Plus
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Truth 4 & 4, Reba, XT, Chris King
Bottom Line:
I won these brakes from Hayes and I think they are solid. Riding in Pisgah, I noticed that the levers began to come in but with the adjustment screw, it was easy to reset them. The power of these brakes are great and they look really nice. Slightly heavier than the mag plus' but definitely a very solid break thus far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon
a Downhiller
from Calgary Date Reviewed: August 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
SLF
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
won in contest
Strengths:
When set to maximum power, good stopping power and modulation, pleased so far with overall power, better modulation than Mags.
Weaknesses:
Lever reach adjustment screw still an issue, but can adjust without tool now, reach gets smaller and smaller down the trail, a little loctite should fix it
Similar Products Used:
Mags, 9s, Saint, Deore 555, Deore 525
Bottom Line:
Good modulation and stopping power, nice feel to brakes, great for freeride. For overall value I think Mags are the way to go, but they don't have the modulation of the Caminos.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
richard ball
a
from england Date Reviewed: August 21, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
nwmtb
Strengths:
They look good.good feel when warm
Weaknesses:
I bought a pair of these brakes thinking they were meant to be the new best thing.I returned the front brake instantly as it had been fitted with the wrong lever piston and had no adjustor in it.I finally got 2 brakes that i couldnt set up.The pistons would not come out evenly on the rear brake after 3 months hammer so i could not centralize them ever.I sent them back ,I have them back now and both front and rear work but not brilliantly.The lever in out adjustors wind themselves in so you are always fiddling.Also when the brakes are cold you find you have to pull the levers in much more to make them work than when warm.The pads rattle around in the caliper which is v annoying.Basically they are a pain not as good as the hfx 9 although you do get more feel
Similar Products Used:
hfx 9
Bike Setup:
intense vpx manitou sherman fox dhx5
Bottom Line:
unless you are racing downhill dont buy these save your money and get hfx 9,or hope 4/6pot
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren
a Cross Country Rider
from USA Date Reviewed: August 16, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$209.00
Strengths:
Doesn't squeel so far. Good stopping power. Adjustable reach and power.
Weaknesses:
Levers need to be moved pretty far before break pads hit the disk. Doesn't inspire confidance at all.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, Hope
Bottom Line:
Just wanted to write a review to let people know that the new EL Camino breaks may not be for everyone. I Figured that they would at least be as good as my previous Mag Hayes breaks but that just did not turn out to be true. The levers need to travel to far before the pads make contact -- and the distance cannot be adjusted out. This may work ok for some riders but I just cannot get used to it. I am going to swap back to my old hayes units. I strongly suggest you try them out before you buy...I wish I had. It is still a good product but I expected them to be better than the old hayes units and really they are worse (but more adjustable.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Downhiller
from USA Date Reviewed: August 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Down steep things
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
On the fly adjustability, Hayes reputation, swivel line mount on calipers.
Weaknesses:
On the fly adjustability knobs, some play in the levers
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mags
Bike Setup:
'04 IHBC World Cup, little add ons here and there...
Bottom Line:
Stopping power was satisfactory. Being able to adjust the brakes to changing conditions on a mountain came in handy. However, the rather large tension knob is really easy to damage on an unsuspecting tree. Mags seem to have better power...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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