Compact aluminum body and lever blade
All new design combines looks, functionand durability
All-weather pad compound
Reversible master cylinder mounts
Reservoir system compensates for fluid expansion
System weight 430 grams
Submitted by
aknoefel
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunnyvale, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Saratoga Gap
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
They are just o.k.
Weaknesses:
The calipers tend to jam, which feels like air in the brakes. It is a pain in the neck, taking off the tire, the pads, get both calipers aligned again, and reassemble, and not something you want to do on a trail, ESPECIALLY on a 30 degree downhill section.
Even freshly bled, the stopping power is under-impressive, compared to my Shimano XT V-brakes on my old hardtail.
Bike Setup:
2007 Giant Trance 1
Bottom Line:
Due to their unreliability on the trail, find a different set.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GooGuk
a Weekend Warrior
from New Hampshire Date Reviewed: October 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
They stop me when I need to stop and have plenty of modulation. Have used these for 4+ years, never bled, 6+ sets of pads. Low low cost.
Weaknesses:
When pads get low, stopping power starts to go too. Screw in the piston / lever loosens if you don't put locktight on it.
Bike Setup:
Jamis XAM II frame, Rockshox Revelation fork, Hayes 9 brakes...
Bottom Line:
These brakes were a year old OEM take offs when I got them for cheap from a friend. I've worn one set of rotors and am well on the way to wearing out another set of rotors. I've worn out 6+ sets of pads. The sintered Hayes pads make a huge difference in stopping power over the regular Hayes pads or Coolstop pads. For a cheap hydro brake, these have been champions for me. They are a little squirley with brand new pads (rubbing), but are fine once the pads break in a bit. These have followed 3 frame builds for me and still don't have any issues... pretty impressive. I wish my forks were this reliable!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EJ
a Racer
from Denver, CO USA Date Reviewed: October 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
not tellin'
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Berserker Bikes
Strengths:
Solid stopping power, good modulation, great in all weather
Weaknesses:
Levers (or something) sticks when pads get low
Similar Products Used:
HFX Mag, Avid mechanicals
Bike Setup:
current: Kona Dawg Primo, 140MM Fox, XT
Previously on: DEAN hardtail (race bike)
Bottom Line:
They have been a solid XC/trail brake for me. When the pads get low, they start to get quirky, but otherwise, they are reliable and easy to maintain if you know what you are doing (and you really shouldn't be on the trail unless you have a rudimentary knowledge of bike maintenance) No unusual problems with noise, fade or rapid wear. And I'm 180 lbs at race weight, riding/racing in the Rocky Mountains. There's LOTs of extended descents...
I ran them on my DH bike for a year with 12" rotors, but replaced them with HFX Mags, which are much better. However, on my trail bike they are solid.
There's better options out there now (for more money) but I still run them and don't regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ecogeek
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Canada. Date Reviewed: August 30, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came w bike.
Strengths:
Good modulation. Adjustable stroke length. Held fluid well - until first bleed and resultant instant breakup of thread sealant on bleedscrews.
Weaknesses:
Crap bleed-screws. Will lose bleeder caps too. Crappy bleed kit for many reasons. Will squeak unless there's some lube on the back of the pads. Hayes pads not as good as they should be imo. Highly variable yet inexplicable changes in brake power (not bad bleed). First rear brake lost power. New pads fixed it. Now front has gone like the rear was. Pads like new in both cases, so probably slight fluid leaks contaminating pads. Cleaning pads/discs w alcohol doesn't fix it.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes MX-2 Mech.
Bottom Line:
When you bleed these, make sure you have some teflon tape handy. The bleeder screws are a bad fit, so they come covered them in thread locker/sealant to stop fluid leaking out of the threads. If/when you bleed them, the sealant will break up and then, no matter what you do, the brakes will not work until you've put some tape on the threads and rebled. Don't hope for the best because you'll waste fluid and will have to go out and get the tape and more fluid. Just get the tape - which is also good for other things like holding lever stroke adjusters in place. Bleeding is relatively easy, no thanks to the bleed-kit.
The bleed kit itself deserves a special mention. Thanks to the bleeder screw issue, I spent a lot of time with this kit and noticed a lot of annoyances. If you buy the brakes you'll need the kit at some point, so here's the deal. They actually suggest you go and get a spoke and bend it to hang the overflow bottle from the bars rather than include a 5cent hanger in the $20 kit!!! - Which otherwise consists of a tiny bottle, a tiny length of tube (which they also want you to cut yourself), one single bleed adapter (for your particular brakes) and some multi-model instructions some of which apply to your brakes but they're mixed in with instructions for other models. They also fail to mention the bleed screw sealant, or what to do if it leaks after following the instructions to the letter. The contents of this kit must cost less than $1. They leave out even a tiny piece of teflon tape (which costs 69cents a ROLL and is essential - see above), bottle hanger, spare bleed-fitting. The bleed fitting itself is a tiny bit of metal, again worth ~15c max. They should include at least one spare. Instructions should def mention the thread sealant issue. Using a bleed kit absolutely correctly shouldn't result in no brakes and a need to go and get something else (teflon tape) to fix. Bleeding the brakes does get easy fast with practice and some tape handy. I've bled mine about 8 times each now and don't need the instructs. Some of which do not lead to the best results anyway. For example, rotating your lever up above the bar IS a good idea. Instructs say it should be parallel with the ground.
Brakes themselves are good when they work right. They have much better modulation than the MX-2 mechanicals on my Mrs' bike, but not as much power even with a perfect bleed. They don't lack power when the pads/discs are clean/new, but you don't expect them to be less powerful than a mechanical set.
Value is ok. But they lose one flaming turd for the bleed screw, one for the bleed-kit, and if I could, a half more for the power falloff. In fact, I should probably rate 2 overall. If you make something that needs bleeding, you should make the bleeding process/kit bombproof, cheap, and correct; rather than expensive, incomplete and with questionable direction. 3 flaming turds as they're decent when they work - if you forget about the bleeding and the kit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brendan.kane
a Cross Country Rider
from christchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: August 21, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
never functioned well, poor braking, always rubbed
Similar Products Used:
juicy 7, avid cable actuated
Bike Setup:
kona hard, xt through, swiss dt wheels, exr pro marzocchi fork
Bottom Line:
Don't wast your money. I threw mine away. My avid cable actuated were far superior I took plenty of time bedding in and adjusting and checking and rechecking and taking back to dealer to adjust. In the end I gave up. they are rubbish. If you buy them on a bike expect them not to work is my advice and you'll have to get others.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lethalail.com
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: July 16, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
2008
Strengths:
Easy pad replacing , easy bleeding , perfect modulation.
Weaknesses:
heavy brakes , doesn't look cool :D
Bottom Line:
The best hydraulic brakes ever i ride !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ronsfi
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: June 13, 2009
I use my bike daily so they get a good workout and I have been very happy with my nines. They are perfect for my setup and have been quiet and reliable. I like them better than my Juicy 3s. Plus the great deal I got a Pricepoint makes these a no brainer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
codydog1133
a Cross Country Rider
from Date Reviewed: June 7, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Weaknesses:
does not include mounting brackets and pads are not adjustable like other brands I have used. From the start the my rear brake leaked fluid from the fluid cap on the brake lever. Maybe I just had a bad freak bad experience but I will stick to Avids for now on.
Similar Products Used:
Avid juicy 7s
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Vertex 70 1x9, XT components, SID fork, and Cane Creek wheelset
Bottom Line:
Buy Avid juicy 7s or better. I gave these brakes 2 chilis only because the front brake worked fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
justodd
a Cross Country Rider
from Silver Spring, MD Date Reviewed: May 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
National Trail, Phx, AZ
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Hudson Trail Outfitt
Strengths:
Well, they stopped the bike and slowed it down when I squeezed the brake lever...
Weaknesses:
Just didn't seem to be that powerful and responsive as you would expect from a hydro in this price range. I've had Juicy Sevens that seemed much more responsive and reliable and have tried Elixirs which seemed more powerful and reliable. The Hayes came stock on the Anthem 1 I bought last week, and after my first ride today I'm planning on switching out to Elixirs.
If the Hayes 9 is your first experience in hydro disc brakes you'll probably like them. If you've had your hands on other hydro systems you'll probably think you are riding mechanicals. Suit yourself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jumping downhill womper
a Downhiller
from Nelson, SI, New Zealand Date Reviewed: May 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kaka Hill
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Cycle Surgery
Strengths:
Very grabby, great stopping power, low maitanance, common, Good feel and adjustment, look cool, durable (strong)
Weaknesses:
Expensive for parts, loose power when heated... ,not enough different adjustments, hard to self maitain (not recomended)
Similar Products Used:
juicy3,5,7, hayes sole, other type hayes 9, v brakes ha ha
Don't be put off by these, you need a change of if you are!! Best brakes iv every owned or used, highly recomened. Best use would be on a downhill, freeride or a dirtjump bike. Not for your milazo supermarket bike or your grannies cruiser.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
markdr
a Weekend Warrior
from Tilburg, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: April 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Drunense Duinen
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Easy to bleed
Weaknesses:
Sticky pistons
Bottom Line:
Like almost all Hayes Nine owners, my pistons got stuck in the caliper, causing the pads to drag. I got so fed up with replacing pads, that last night I decided to take the caliper apart. One piston came out quite easily, using compressed air, but the other would not budge at all. It took me 15 minutes to get the sticky one out. Then I pried the seal out and tried to fit the piston back into the bore without a seal. To my surprise, it would not fit for it was too big. Closer examination showed that the rim of the bore, the 1 millimeter section above the seal groove, had become too narrow, probably by the heat transferred from the pads. By grinding carefully I widened the entry of the bore, reftitted the seal and piston, rebuilt the caliper and bled the system. The result is an awesome and silent brake, with absolutely symetrical pad movement. Suddenly I really appreciate this brake. Nevertheless, I think the Hayes Nine suffer from a serious design flaw, for which I give it a low rating. But for all frustrated Hayes Nine owners out there (like I was): do not discard your set, it is easier to fix than you think.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
papanoel
a Weekend Warrior
from France Date Reviewed: April 1, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with the bike
Strengths:
Reliable? Easy to set up.
Weaknesses:
Not powerful enough for my taste.
Similar Products Used:
stroker trail, code 5.
Bottom Line:
Those are my first hydro disc brakes. The first braking (with bedded in brake pads, of course) wasn't impressive at all because I was expecting something more powerful and not progressive at all. One more reason why you shouldn't expect anything from something if you don't want to be disapointed.
I also noticed that my old '97 XT v-brakes with new pads on new rims were as powerful as the HFX9. It made me looking for other brakes because I enjoy brutality when braking. :)
But I think it's still a good brake for those who don't want to spend too much money on hydros and don't really care about power.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tiki Mon
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: February 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
SANTOS!
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
came on the bike
Strengths:
Stops well.
Weaknesses:
Sticking pistons, no adjustability, nightmare to maintain.
Similar Products Used:
Avid BB mechanical
Bike Setup:
2006 Marin Wolf Ridge
Bottom Line:
RUN SCREAMING! These stop well, when they're working right. All downhill from there. The pistons stick after a short while. Then only one pad moves, and the rotor grinds against the mount. Bleeding the brakes is a nightmare, requiring special adapters. The piston o-ring lets it spring back out a tiny bit when you push the piston in, making it difficult to make enough room for new pads. Bump your lever with the wheel off and the pads push out, and must be forced back in so you can mount the wheel.
There are no benefits to these brakes that cannot be had in other, better models. Buy anything else, I mean it. Rather than replace pads again, I'm replacing the brakes with some nice Avid mechanicals this week.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ep1nephr1ne
a Downhiller
from Groton, Ct, USA Date Reviewed: January 28, 2009
Favorite Trail:
whiteface Mtn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Good gripping power, brakes dont make any noise unless they get wet, last setup squeeled, I was impressed that the levers pop out when forced the wrong way in a crash.
Weaknesses:
blow outs, I've blown out the rear brake twice in the last 6 months. i'm not sure if its me or the design, but its never a good thing.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Kona Dawg
Bottom Line:
I think there are better out there but for the money they are ok
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Albinus
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, QLD, Australia Date Reviewed: January 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Stonehenge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Zero maintenance required
Quiet with stock pads
Ample braking power
Weaknesses:
Not the most powerful I've tried, however different pads make a considerable difference
Bike Setup:
2006 Marin Nail Trail HT
XT grade running gear
Bottom Line:
My first foray into hydraulic brakes came from purchasing a second hand Nail Trail. The HFX-9s seem to be virtually bombproof!! I've put on a thousand KM of offroad use in 6 months and they just work. Reliable, no bleeding needed and the pad longevity seems good. Curiously, I get much better braking performance from the stock Hayes pads over KoolStop versions, and quieter as well.
Under almost all circumstances I can endo the front wheel, which makes my above "criticism" of not being the most powerful a little harsh. I'm often involved in spectacular OTB incidents, but the Hayes just keep working without a hitch. If they were to malfunction I'd replace them with the same set.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dwsteig
a Cross Country Rider
from Andreas, PA, USA Date Reviewed: January 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Bob's option
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
stock on Jamis XLT
Strengths:
decent weight, quiet, extremely simple and reliable.
Weaknesses:
lever reach/caliper adjustment bolt works loose every time you ride unless it is threadlocked; not the strongest brake on the market
Similar Products Used:
CODA hydros, Hayes Stroker
Bike Setup:
Jamis XLT
Bottom Line:
I used these brakes for 3 years without doing anything to them. Never bled them, never even changed the pads... got about 2,000 miles out of the pads. Do yourself a favor and threadlock the adjustment bolt inside the lever asap. Don't expect one finger braking. Can't beat them for the price.
But them if you want inexpensive hydros that don't require maintenance and are easy to set up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pointandshoot
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: November 2, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Simple design
Somewhat easy to rebuild yourself
Weaknesses:
Not as good stopping power as other brands
Push rod/lever adjustment screw constantly loosens
Messy to bleed
Similar Products Used:
Avid 5, Avid 7.
Bottom Line:
If you have a choice between Avids 5/7 or Hayes HFX/Mag always go Avids -- especially with the deals you can get on Avids these days.
The braking power of Hayes HFX just cannot compare with Avids. If you freeride or do a lot of technical steep descending you're hands will become pretty tired and sooner on Hayes compared to Avids due to Hayes's less braking power.
It is noticeably easier to do one-digit (one finger) braking on Avids over Hayes.
Bleeding Hayes brakes are such a chore. I have yet to bleed Hayes brakes without brake fluid spilling here and there. C- to D for such a lame design. Avids are much easier to bleed due to the better designed hose connection setup.
The push rod/lever adjustment screw problem (where the lever comes closer and closer to the grip as you ride) is epidemic amongst those who use Hayes HFX (I think it was more of an issue on pre 2004 models). Yes, using Loctite will help alleviate the problem but then again this problem should not exist at all. It's simply poor design.
I also cannot fathom why Hayes chose to secure the brake fluid reservoir on the levers with a flimsy little plug. I know more than one person who have accidentally lost those little plugs on the trail.
However, due its basic design it's quite easy to Do-it-Yourself rebuilds and parts are easy to find. Depending on how often you ride you may need to do a caliper rebuild every three years.
I disagree with people saying Hayes HFX squeal too much. Hayes HFX, when properly set up, are quiet. Squealing is more of a function of improper set up, the rotor design, brand/quality of brake pads, or brake pad contamination.
Hayes HFX are a better option than mechanical BB's, but if you have a choice then you ought to consider Avids instead especially since Avid have some pretty competitive offerings these days.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacko
a Weekend Warrior
from Plymouth England Date Reviewed: October 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came stock on my bik
Strengths:
reliable, solid, easy pad replacement, flip-flop lever.
Weaknesses:
lack of modulation, hayes pads seem too thick!
Similar Products Used:
magura marta
Bike Setup:
06 reign with LOTS of upgrades!
Bottom Line:
They work! whilst most other people say the modulation is great, mine are pretty much on/off! the stock 160mm disks dont help with overheating when decending, i've now got a 183mm hope saw on the front (soon to be 203f 283r). the pads do last a fair time, but every time i've replaced them, i've struggle like crazy to get the pistons back into the calipers, and even when they're bottomed out the original hayes disk (which is true) will still not rotate freely.
they're no noisier than any other disk brake out there, they look good, and they do stop you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
leesyg
a Weekend Warrior
from kent Date Reviewed: October 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Very reliable
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude full XT groupset
Bottom Line:
These brakes have been very reliable for the last 5 years with no issues that i can think of. These just work and give confidence when needed. There not top of the line but have brilliant stopping power
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
justjoshnya
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Ozark, Missouri Date Reviewed: October 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Four Winns, Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Oz Cycles
Strengths:
Easy pad changing. Easy bleeding. Nice lever feel. Mad stopping power. Tough. Good modulation. Good rotors.
Weaknesses:
weight. But hey can't beat the cheap price on these things and they are tougher than lighter weight other branded brakes.
Similar Products Used:
avid Juicy's , maguras, hopes, mechanicals of several kinds
Bike Setup:
08 Trek Fuel EX 8 custom build
Bottom Line:
THese are awesome brakes. Great stopping power and modulation. I was a bit sad to read other bad reviews on these brakes. As a professional bike mechanic, having worked on these and several other brands, I came to the conlcusion that all of the bad reviews written about these brakes came from super amature mechanics. #1- THe directions that come with the brakes are some of the best. #2- They are the easies to work on-easiest to bleed and change pads. Setup is easier because there is more space between pads for rotor. Sometimes you do have to use a disc brake mount milling tool on fork and frame however to even out the tabs, but this is the frame and fork manufacurer's fault, not Hayes. #3- noisy brakes are caused by improper adjustment or contaminated brake pads. This can happen to all brakes. Pads are contaminated by hands touching the rotor and getting skin oil on them. Also by chain lube and degreaser, soap. Road Grime from transport. Anything but water and dirt contaminate the pads. Noise can also come from improper torqued caliper and rotor bolts. Bent or warped rotors need trued or replaced to eliminate rub. If you crash(most of us do from time to time) you can bump a caliper causing need for adjustment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jhomper
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ranger Creek
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Reliable. Easy to fix. Easy to bleed if you follow the instructions and have patience.
Weaknesses:
Simple. No very adjustable. Modulation is okay.
Similar Products Used:
Juicy 7
Bike Setup:
Titus Motolite. Hfx 185 in the front and 160 in back.
Bottom Line:
These brakes work well. I have used the 160mm rotors for 2+ years and then switched to 185mm in the front. They are simple to repair and replace. I have ridden them thru rain/mud, cold/snow, desert condition, etc. They can also take a beating. My old bike frame is now retired but the brakes are still in service on the Titus. They are predictable. Frequency of pad changes are usually variable. If I do lots of climbing with subsequent 2000-3000 feet descents, they will wear out faster but no more than 1 pad change a season. Pads are quiet to me after I learn the art of aligning the calipers and straightening the rotor if it gets hit. This is a great brake to get introduced into the hydraulic world.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gerbil1976
a Cross Country Rider
from United Kingdom Date Reviewed: August 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Cwmcarn
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
They do work, well kind of. They have also been relatively maintenance free (but see below). Initially, they seemed okay...
Weaknesses:
...but not for long. After bedding in, they may start to work, but usually not before I've overshot the mark I was aiming for. Gripping the brake level leaves me wondering just when I'm going to stop.
Similar Products Used:
Hope C2s and Hope M4s
Bike Setup:
Marin Rock Springs 2007
Bottom Line:
The low braking performance MAY be down to my weight (106kgs) and so if you're a lighter person, they MAY be good for you.
Stupidly, I sold my Hope C2s (still going strong after 6 years) to friend when I purchased the bike and has be laughing at me for the last year. The last year has been filled with incessant squealing/rubbing brakes despite shop help, lack of "belief" in the brake, and no fun.
Just bought a pair of Hope M4s. By comparison, never will I go back - I would actively consider having no brakes over these for all the good they do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
campisi
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area Date Reviewed: July 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
All of em
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$79.00
Strengths:
Great stopping power.
Weaknesses:
Bar clamp has to be torqued like a mofo before it grabs well enough to stay put. I like to adjust mine so they rotate in a crash rather than break and these are hard to get just right.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
8"rotors front and rear.
Bottom Line:
I like these brakes just fine. The best thing about them is that I can buy an ENTIRE side for $80! Something breaks? No problem $80 gets you a whole nother brake INCLUDING a set of pads AND a fricking rotor. Jeesus what more do you want.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tychodog
a Cross Country Rider
from Durham, NC, USA Date Reviewed: July 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Little RIver Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
These were stock on my Jamis XLT 1.0 and for two years they were great - smooth, powerful, quiet, great feel.
Weaknesses:
And then....it has been hell. Front and rear pads rub. Ignore everything in the Hayes manual or any blog that offers a solution. The problem can't be fixed - the pistons don't retract properly after they've got some wear and tear on them. After endless disassembly, reassembly, banging 10 mm box end wrenches trying to get the pistons back in place, and having the rubbing appear after 30 minutes of riding, I'm trashing them - they suffer from a serious design flaw - in the long run, these things are crap. Complete crap. Once the rubbing sets in, and riding on a hot day only makes it worse, you'll be carrying the bike out.
Similar Products Used:
Avid BB7s - great, great brakes - OK, do they feel like hydros? No, but they are RELIABLE!!
Bike Setup:
'05 Jamis XLT 1.0 stock as a rock - but have replaced front and rear derailleurs, chain, chain rings, cassette - lots of miles and too many falls.
Bottom Line:
Only buy them if you are going to dump the bike onto some poor sap after a year or two.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tychodog
a Cross Country Rider
from Durham, NC, USA Date Reviewed: July 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Little RIver Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
These were stock on my Jamis XLT 1.0 and for two years they were great - smooth, powerful, quiet, great feel.
Weaknesses:
And then....it has been hell. Front and rear pads rub. Ignore everything in the Hayes manual or any blog that offers a solution. The problem can't be fixed - the pistons don't retract properly after they've got some wear and tear on them. After endless disassembly, reassembly, banging 10 mm box end wrenches trying to get the pistons back in place, and having the rubbing appear after 30 minutes of riding, I'm trashing them - they suffer from a serious design flaw - in the long run, these things are crap. Complete crap. Once the rubbing sets in, and riding on a hot day only makes it worse, you'll be carrying the bike out.
Similar Products Used:
Avid BB7s - great, great brakes - OK, do they feel like hydros? No, but they are RELIABLE!!
Bike Setup:
'05 Jamis XLT 1.0 stock as a rock - but have replaced front and rear derailleurs, chain, chain rings, cassette - lots of miles and too many falls.
Bottom Line:
Only buy them if you are going to dump the bike onto some poor sap after a year or two.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kenny-------------
a Downhiller
from Toronto Date Reviewed: July 10, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
price point - where
Strengths:
-if there were any strengths then I wouldn't be writing this review
Weaknesses:
-lever is weak and eventually snaps
-the internals i.e. the retaining clips and rings inside the lever body form a piece of abstract art when the portion of the lever that is inside the lever body seperates from the actual lever housing and when you go to squeeze the brakes the insides become all mashed leaving you high and dry on the trails.....
-squeal like there is no tommorow
-cheaply constructed (looks like the paint and logo was applied with a brush)
-break at the worst possible time
-hard to find replacement parts for the internals
-no modulation what so ever
-shall I go on.........
Similar Products Used:
not hayes nine that's for sure
Bike Setup:
2005 shore, avid code, totem solo air, mag 30's, ck hubs
Bottom Line:
do not under any circumstance by this brake, the brake itself is good at breaking but not the type of braking you want. Don't let some bike shop sales man sucker you into buying this save your money and buy some avid juicy's. This is about the cheapest brake you can buy from hayes other than their mechanical line so don't expect much in the way of performance from these brakes. Bottom line if you had to chose between using hayes nine's and your feet, you'd be better off braking with your feet...I'd give it a lower rating but the lowest I can go is ONE FLAMIN' CHILI!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kingjonny13
a Cross Country Rider
from tonbridge, kent ,england Date Reviewed: June 27, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
Very good power, look great
Weaknesses:
do require a bit of mantainance. and have to be setup well
Bike Setup:
claud butler cape wrath frame.
shimano deore chain set
rockshock forks
Hayes nine xc brakes
Bottom Line:
Good brakes !!!!! a good match for avid juicy 3s
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
epxhammerhead
a Cross Country Rider
from watkinsville, ga Date Reviewed: June 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
ft yargo, winder, ga
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
don't ever buy from
Strengths:
provide braking
Weaknesses:
rear brake has HOWLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and has from day one.
embarrasing to ride with others, scares the wildlife.
Similar Products Used:
xtr v brakes
Bike Setup:
niner emd9
Bottom Line:
suck!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rodolfo pereira
a Cross Country Rider
from Portugal Date Reviewed: May 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
I would say price is probably the biggest strenght.
Weaknesses:
Not enough power and heats up too easily.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Sole, AVid juicy seven
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper, Shimano XTR and XT
Bottom Line:
I would't buy them again. Not good enough for big and long hills.
It get hot too quickly and braking becomes a challenge.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Racer
from san diego Date Reviewed: May 7, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
they work (sort of)
Weaknesses:
hooks up too far down, heavy, clamp gouges carbon bars, not great power or modulation, constant dragging
Similar Products Used:
hope mono mini pro
Bottom Line:
I am a bit picky with bike parts so if you don't care about weight, and are looking at a decent break for cheep will work. They can chirp a bit with the stock pads however the EBC Reds seem to help the power, control, and noise. If you are looking for a deal on them beyond has the 10th anniversary edition for $80
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joseph warren
a
from cherry valley Date Reviewed: April 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
bogart park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
fade, leaking compleatly going out not staying aligned and neading bleading monthly
Similar Products Used:
avid 3
Bike Setup:
fox shox jamis xt components
Bottom Line:
if you are a rider that has money to pay for line and bleeding every month go ahead. but you just want to ride and not try to keep these things working dont get em
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida Date Reviewed: April 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came with my kona
Strengths:
Very solid feel while breaking, great modulation.
Weaknesses:
rubs if not setup properly
Bike Setup:
2005 Kona cinder cone
Bottom Line:
These breaks have a very good feel over V-breaks and mechanical disk breaks, they have a much more direct and solid feel while breaking during all conditions. I trust them on the steepest descents. I had the usual problem of the rubbing from time to time after riding, I would simply adjust the caliper so that they would not rub and then they where fine for a month or two. I feel this is a good entry level system for someone wanting to upgrade to hydraulic disks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Swisgar Swiggle
a Cross Country Rider
from Mordhaus, Netherlands Date Reviewed: March 7, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
De breaks is the Greatests! I likes the semi-metalic compuonds cuse they are mostly-metal.
Weaknesses:
I have to be carefuls sos I donts crush them. I have extremelys strong popeye arms!
Bottom Line:
I had some problems with a sweaking sounds. Keeps the round turney things kleean and you wont have no problems. Sometimes a calipoer cups can get stickys, and wont gos back all the ways. Cleans them and lubes its with brake fluids, but donts get any on the pads or you will suffer from brutal crashings!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john rynders
a Cross Country Rider
from rochester ny usa Date Reviewed: February 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
F.L.T. Mt.Morris
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
came on my bike
Strengths:
Strong, easily modulated, very little fade even on loooong downhills.Pad changes are very easy as is allignment once you figure out how the mounts work.
Weaknesses:
pads wear out fast,especially when riding in wet conditions. Ive been through about 6 sets.
I dont normally submit reviews but after reading all the negatives I felt compelled to put in my 2 cents. I love these brakes. I ride ALOT and never have been let down by the Hayes 9s that came on my yeti. As far as pad rub noises go, I havent noticed it any more than with the avid mechs on my Rocky Mountain. Caliper alignment is a snap. Just loosen the calipers grab a handfull of brake then tighten the calipers while still squeezing the lever. Works every time for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nathan
a Cross Country Rider
from quincy, ca Date Reviewed: February 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
hole in the ground
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
haven't failed yet
Weaknesses:
pad rub
Similar Products Used:
avid mechanicals
Bike Setup:
Giant trance 2
Bottom Line:
These brakes are maintenance hogs, the pads are too close to the rotor and alignment is too critical. All disk brake rotors warp to some degree and there is nothing you can do about it except use headphones or get v- brakes. Dont spend too much time obsessing about it. Go for a ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Danny Balli
a Cross Country Rider
from Seabrook TX USA Date Reviewed: January 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
dannybal@msn.com
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Bay Area Cycles
Strengths:
They modulate great
Weaknesses:
The dreaded pad rub. I have tried everything to center the calliper and have even taken it to the shop twice. These brakes are crap!!!
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance 2
Bottom Line:
Do not buy these brakes. Everyone I know that has owned them has had similar problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra, ACT, Australia Date Reviewed: January 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Excellent stopping power
Weaknesses:
Unreliable
Bike Setup:
Giant XtC2
Bottom Line:
These brakes have excellent stopping power but are horribly unreliable. I have had one problem after another with them. I have taken them to three different bike shops and none of them have been able to make them run without the pad rubbing on the rotor.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve h
a Weekend Warrior
from courtice Date Reviewed: December 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
dont know name
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
love them godd power good modulation and they look awsome
Weaknesses:
sqeeks a lot in the front brake but no other problems so far
Similar Products Used:
first set of disk brakes
Bike Setup:
stock 07 kona stuff [dark green almost black
Bottom Line:
great brakes look great black lever [sick!!] i really like how when u let go of the levers they pop back really quickly and dont stick.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin
a Weekend Warrior
from Marin, California Date Reviewed: November 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Loma Alta
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
at least they work, sometimes...
Weaknesses:
Really hard to align, very bad power and feathering, they break really easily, they are worse than my friends v-brakes, even in the mud!
Bike Setup:
Trek 6700 (05')
Bottom Line:
Ever since i got this bike 2 years ago, after numerous tries, my my LBS and myself, i haven't been able to align them. my LBS said my rotor was bent. they bent it back straight. and now, my rear rotor comes off like halfway through every ride, so i got to get off my bike, hike up(or down) the trail, get my rotor, collect all the screws, and then spend 15 minutes putting it back together, aligning it and cleaning it! Now, my LBS says that one of my Pistons ruptured, and that its been like that probably when they got the new bike, with them on them. Don't buy these brakes!!! treat yourself to some Shimanos, or Avids!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matta
a
from cambridge ontario canada Date Reviewed: November 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
taylor fuels
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
bike store
Strengths:
great stopping power, looks cool with the v8 rotors, easy pad change
Weaknesses:
if not set up properly they suck, always pad rub on the rotor, drives you crazy
Similar Products Used:
first hydro
Bike Setup:
stp2, s-type, argyle 318, husselfelts, ss kit
Bottom Line:
nice brakes for the price, get them professionly set up and theyll run smooth like butter
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matta
a
from cambridge ontario canada Date Reviewed: November 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
taylor fuels
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
bike store
Strengths:
great stopping power, looks cool with the v8 rotors, easy pad change
Weaknesses:
if not set up properly they suck, always pad rub on the rotor, drives you crazy
Similar Products Used:
first hydro
Bike Setup:
stp2, s-type, argyle 318, husselfelts, ss kit
Bottom Line:
nice brakes for the price, get them professionly set up and theyll run smooth like butter
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Hill
a Cross Country Rider
from Simi Valley Ca Date Reviewed: September 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$210.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Compatible with shimano lx shifter levers and good stopping power. Bought the front and rear set with 8" rotors and it feels great.
Weaknesses:
The set didn't come with the post mount that I needed to attach it to my manitou fork
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
raliegh xt 3500
Bottom Line:
A great set of breaks for a good price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dalton Pike
a Weekend Warrior
from australia Date Reviewed: August 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
flying high
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
stock on 07 kona stuff
Strengths:
brakes good in all weather. look good, pretty cheap for what they are. broke the brake lever already, its getting fixed, apparently its not under warranty...
Weaknesses:
don't think about riding in water where it can touch the rotor, otherwise they might aswell be useless. they just make a big screeching noise and vibrate the hell outta you and the bike, back rotor is always rubbing. some brake fade on long desents with the 6" rotor, so im gettin 8" ones put on when they get shipped in with the adapters.
Similar Products Used:
avid juicy.
Bike Setup:
kona 07 stuff, gap cranks (bent the moto-x ones that came stock) camo seat and soon to be 8" rotors and e13 srs chainguide.
Bottom Line:
Good for dry weather, but dont think about using in wet weather.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, Colorado Date Reviewed: June 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$59.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
very strong feel, excellent stopping power. nice looks, and very simple to install. moderately light weight
Weaknesses:
mushy feel when first purchased. once re-bled they stop hard and fast without locking. bleeding is difficult
Similar Products Used:
older versions of hayes.
Bike Setup:
Trek 8900, xtr, dt swiss, bontrager, rock shock sid
Bottom Line:
high quality brake that has excellent feel, and ample power.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tommy
a Downhiller
from england Date Reviewed: June 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
stock on my bike
Strengths:
great stopping power. does the job evry time. came ready bled and havent needed to bleed them yet!
Weaknesses:
bent 2 rotors in a year!!
Similar Products Used:
first hydrolic
Bike Setup:
hardball. dirt jumper 3s. sun single track. hfx9's.
Bottom Line:
absolutly great
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Downhiller
from Mount Shasta Date Reviewed: June 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Strengths:
Has good stopping power once their worn in, good value
Weaknesses:
It has this sqeaking noise from a gap in between the pad and caliper that will irritate you. On my fork its mounted directly to it and i get a rubbing noise contantly I reset them and it just keeps coming back
Bike Setup:
05 kona stuff, 2006 66 vf2 marzocchi fork, Outlaw wheelset.
Bottom Line:
They have good stopping power if you go with the v7's and get them broken in. But they are sqeaky, and seem to rub even though my rotor is true.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bret
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: June 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
It's too crowded already...
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Came w/ bike
Strengths:
Consistent stopping power, regardless of conditions.
Weaknesses:
Insufficient adjustability.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
1x9 MKIII w/ upgrades. 05 Reba Race fork.
Bottom Line:
The caliper is mounted directly to the fork. Hayes has not come up with any type of adjustment bolt (that I know of). So basically, if the caliper mounts straight, and you're lucky enought to have a perfectly true rotor, you're golden. Otherwise, it is damn near impossible to have the pads NOT rub against the rotor while riding. You can 'reset' the pads back into the caliper with the nifty plastic tool, but over time, and after removing your wheel occasionally, the pads will eventually rub against the rotor again. Yeah, the bike will run, and the brakes will always work, but the rubbing will drive you nuts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK Date Reviewed: June 2, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great stopping power, no pump-up on long descents
Weaknesses:
No real feel - they're either on or off.
Similar Products Used:
Giant MPH3
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel EX8
Bottom Line:
Factory fit on my Fuel EX8, these were the first set of open circuit disc brakes I'd used. Massively different to the Giant Mph3's I'd been used to previously, there's no need to constantly tweak the reservoir volume as the fluid heats up which is great for long descents.
While you can adjust (to some extent) the reach of the lever, there's no way to adjust the power/feel/modulation of the brakes. They're not very progressive when it comes to applying the pads. They are either on or off and when they're on, you'll stop pretty quickly, even with the 6" rotors that I've got fitted.
Rotor design is good and clears mud well, they can be a bit noisy but they're certainly not the worst I've heard and typically only start squeaking when wet.
Haven't needed to bleed them yet, but the fact that a bleed kit is an optional extra seems a bit cheeky. Otherwise good value for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a
from England Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Good Power Easy to tune trail side Excellent customer service / online tech
Weaknesses:
Could look a little better when you look at other brakes on the market. Sometimes a bit of a faf when replacing pads.
Similar Products Used:
Played with my friends brkae setups - Shimano / Hope
Bike Setup:
Kona Dawg Primo - Fox float R 130 Fork with XT hub. 7" Hayes V cut rotors front and back.
Bottom Line:
Reading the other reviews on this product I can't help but feel that most of the problems they are having are due to poor setup and lack of understanding on how this product works. Disc rubbing / drag / hard levers / soft levers, etc, etc. can all be easily resolved by properly tuning the brake. Learn how to bleed the brake properly - its easy and the kit is not at all inadequate at suggested by someone else. Its comes with everything you need and its a very clean process it done properly...read the instructions!
Bent rotors happen so take time to true them up. You can mess with the calipers all day but it won't fix a bent rotor.
8" (203mm) rotors will generally make noise / rub the pads on a fork that doesn't have a thru axle even if the manufacturers say its safe to run. This is due to 'flex' in the bike setup. A larger rotor will cut a larger arc for the same degree of flex. This you cannot fix. A 7" rotor seems to work fine on my setup but this will vary bike to bike.
Bottom line - these are good brakes. Make the effort to learn how to tune them and its all happy days.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a
from England Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Good Power Easy to tune trail side Excellent customer service / online tech
Weaknesses:
Could look a little better when you look at other brakes on the market. Sometimes a bit of a faf when replacing pads.
Similar Products Used:
Played with my friends brkae setups - Shimano / Hope
Bike Setup:
Kona Dawg Primo - Fox float R 130 Fork with XT hub. 7" Hayes V cut rotors front and back.
Bottom Line:
Reading the other reviews on this product I can't help but feel that most of the problems they are having are due to poor setup and lack of understanding on how this product works. Disc rubbing / drag / hard levers / soft levers, etc, etc. can all be easily resolved by properly tuning the brake. Learn how to bleed the brake properly - its easy and the kit is not at all inadiquate at suggested by someone else. Its comes with everything you need and its a very clean process it done properly...read the instuctions!
Bent rotors happen so take time to true them up. You can mess with the calipers all day but it won't fix a bent rotor.
8" (203mm) rotors will generally make noise / rub the pads on a fork that doesn't have a thru axle even if the manufacturers say its safe to run. This is due to 'flex' in the bike setup. A larger rotor will cut a larger arc for the same degree of flex. This you cannot fix. A 7" rotor seems to work fine on my setup but this will vary bike to bike.
Bottom line - these are good brakes. Make the effort to learn how to tune them and its all happy days.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Basil Chua
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: May 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Awesome stopping power! It is exactly the way disc brakes are meant to be! Stable, consistent and powerful braking over long distance downhill.
Weaknesses:
I hate the brake pads rubbing against the rotor. I have changed the rotors twice. The rotor seemed to warp easily, when you knock against the rotor.
After a while, you'd also need to visit a mechanic because the brake fluid will expand and the brake pads will close up. You will also experience less lever travel.
Bike Setup:
GIANT XTC Team, DT Swiss 340 hubs on Mavic XC 717, FOX Float, Race Face Evolve XC crankset, SRAM X.9 rear mech and shifters, Shimano LX front mech, Easton Monkeylite XC CNT handle bar, Ritchey WCS 100, 5-degree rise stem, Thomson Elite seat post, Fizik Gobi saddle
Bottom Line:
Great stopping power. Sensitive - a little tap is all you need. Consistent and smooth, especially when you need braking over a long distance.
I hope the Hayes engineers are reading this and come up with a stronger rotors that don't warping so easily.
Believe it or not - According to What Mountain Bike's disc brake test results, Hayes HFX 9's rotors have the highest melting point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fuzz
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: April 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Laggan Wolf Tracks
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Very powerful brakes with big rotors, look cool, dont sqeek much, better than the 04 HFX 9 brakes, great price
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Kona Coiler
Bottom Line:
these brakes are very good buy them !!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M N
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: April 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
SM Mountains
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Wheelworld
Strengths:
So far: good lever travel, solid braking feel, came pre-bled, minutes/easy to install
Weaknesses:
just got them, none yet
Similar Products Used:
older hayes model,
Bike Setup:
older Marz Bomber Z.1 BAM on front, ventana frame, Hayes HFX9XC on front 8" rotor, Shim M535 disc on rear 6" rotor,
Bottom Line:
just got these to replace an older model hayes setup on front (dont know which model). Setup came with a 7" rotor but I use it with my existing 8" rotor and no problems so far. good stopping power, no squealing yet, came pre-bled so easy setup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Troy Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale Date Reviewed: March 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Paradise
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Good stopping power, easy to adjust, priced right, do the job.
Weaknesses:
Rotor's may be a little flimsy, as I've bent two in the first year.
Similar Products Used:
Avid Juicy
Bike Setup:
Trance 2 stock
Bottom Line:
I've enjoyed these brakes. They seem solid and they do the job they're supposed to. I've had some fairly personalized service on the trail for my Avid's and I believe these no fuss Hayes have performed just as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Rainier, OR Date Reviewed: March 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Stella
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
strong braking, reliable action, great modulation
Weaknesses:
surprisingly none (considering my 2004 HFX-9HD's have had several issues)
Similar Products Used:
HFX-Mag, HFX-9HD, Avid BB7
Bike Setup:
Jamis XLT
Bottom Line:
Well, these have been great. Reliable, consistent, great pad wear, and constant lever position. A big surprise considering the problems I've had with a previous years HFX-9HD's. Can't complain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gary
a Cross Country Rider
from arkham, ma. Date Reviewed: March 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came stock on bike
Strengths:
performs well all around, more than sufficient stopping power, modulation felt just find and i think it will set the standard for me anyway. long lasting. tough stuff, my bike has has some serious mishaps and the brakes have escaped unscathed.
Weaknesses:
fiddle factor, not a lot of adjustment options, if the rotors are a bit off your gonna have at least some minor rub. may not be significant but you can't really adjust for it. just have to put it out tour mind if your still spinning well, suppose to be self adjusting, they are somewhat, get good rotors i have bought rotors that were not quite true so pay extra and with the better rotors and you'll be okay. the brake levers have a tendency to creep in, the adjustment screw backs off, just need to readjust with an allen key. takes 15 seconds
Similar Products Used:
xt, original avid mechanicals (still going strong)
Bike Setup:
giant vt, swinger 4, mx pro eta, tubeless mavics, sram xo
Bottom Line:
the bottom line is i just turned 3200 mountain miles on these brakes. the rear brake needs a new seal after all this riding , is cheap to replace and beyond reasonable given the workout they've had. i cannot recall ever changing the front brake pads which is no attribute to me as a rider. presently while i am waiting for my seals i am riding with just the front brakes on icy trails with studded tires with total confidence in the brakes ability to handle this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KillerT
a Cross Country Rider
from Copenhagen, Denmark Date Reviewed: February 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Decent stopping power
Weaknesses:
Absolutely useless in salty winter conditions
Similar Products Used:
Avid BB7
Bike Setup:
2005 Kona Caldera, now with Avid BB7's
Bottom Line:
The Hayes came standard on the Kona, worked nicely during the summer, but when winter came with salt on the roads (I use my bike for commuting as well as XC riding), the pistons got totally messed up, giving massive drag.
IF YOU EVER ENCOUNTER ROAD SALT, THESE ARE NOT THE BRAKES FOR YOU!!
The aluminum used for the pistons corrodes upon contact with salt.
I have also had one brake lever all of a sudden come halfway to the handlebar before the brakes kicked in. Bleeding did not resolve the issue. Strange.
Now I've changed to Avid BB7's - got tired of the ridiculous amount of drag!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: February 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Stock on my 2001 Trek Fuel 90 Disk - Earl's Cycle (closed 2003)
Strengths:
Hayes brand name, quality, durable, reversible, adjustable, fully hydraulic, automotive DOT fluid, never fades, easy brake pad replacement & all LBS have parts.
Weaknesses:
Hayes price for replacement parts, squeaks at times.
Similar Products Used:
Side pull, Cantilever brakes.
Bike Setup:
2001 Trek Fuel 90 Disk
Bottom Line:
These came stock on my 2001 Trek Fuel 90 Disk. Once you've tried hydraulic disks you'll never want to try anything else. These brakes stop on a dime and ALWAYS give 9 cents change. If you only have one mounted on your bike you can reverse them and use your other hand. These aren't affected by hot or cold, wet or dry conditions (I've never tried them in mud). You can adjust the levers to your exact liking - left/front-little lever pull at a stiffer setting & the braking comes on fast and hard - right/rear-a lot of lever pull at is set loose & the braking comes on slower. It doesn't matter if you need to give your brakes a little tap now and then or are in stop & go traffic or panic stops the braking power never ever fades. Really fun to lock-up your rear brake to either fish-tail or make a long skid at pedestrians to give them a good scare, hehe! I've fallen off my bike 4x from March 2003 to October 2005 and always on my left side and I've never had any problems with them. Pad replacement is incredibly fast and easy to change and almost ALL bike shops should have parts in stock. From July 2001 (purchase date) to early October 2005 (2 weeks before my accident/hospital visit/3 weeks in bed not due to brakes) these brakes were 100% troublefree. The first visit to my LBS was due to the right brake lever comming in too much that it made contact with my knuckles on my hand, I thought it may have an air bulle in the line. No, it was not - it was fixed and feels perfectly fine. A few weeks later while washing my bike I thought I was whiping off dirt from the right brakes housing/reservoir but NO, it was black bubbled up paint comming off the housing due to leaking DOT fluid. This second visit to my LBS took a massive 5.5 weeks to solve as "The regular parts ordering person at Hayes was out & some other person took my order and ordered the wrong part!" The part replaced was from a 2005 model HFX 9 and the lever rattles from time to time while cycling on rough surfaces. The replacement pads I now use are the Kool Stop variety as two sets (front + rear) cost $30 compared to just one set of Hayes for $25. I replace my pads once every two years as I'm a clydesdale rider and I mainly ride at speed on city streets, sidewalks and waterfront bike paths with pesky cars, vans, trucks, little kids and critters darting out at some of the most inconvenient times. Had my 1994 Raleigh Matterhorn been equipped with Hayes brakes there would be one more squirrel alive on this planet. Cantilevers couldn't stop me fast enough and I ran over it's neck. Bottom Line: If you need to stop NOW and in control and not a few seconds later (a few seconds too late) - Hayes are your best bet!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fatman
a Cross Country Rider
from Feldafing Date Reviewed: February 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
hibike
Strengths:
Dhydraulic disk brake
Weaknesses:
everything else
Similar Products Used:
Formula K24
Bike Setup:
TREK 9900 OCLV
Bottom Line:
My conversion to disk brakes. I am outing in winter, and my beloved Magura HS 33 rim brakes / Mavic Cermimc rims would act anymore. Well, get a cheap disk, I said to myself, and I landed with these Hayes. Was a good choice for the rainy days, though no better in the dry than rim brakes. Later, I bought another disk brake, the Formula K24, for my second bike. What a difference!!!. Now the Hayes has blocked up completely. So: if disk, something solid: Formula (or perhaps Hope). Four chilies for price, two for performance (three while it worked, zero after it broke doemw).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Larkspur, CA, USA Date Reviewed: January 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Solstice
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
awesome feel, awesome stopping power, easy pad replacement
Weaknesses:
they sqeak! if they get wet or you're bombing a long, steep downhill they overheat and make tons of noise. however, despite this annoyance, the brakes dont fade or lose power, even when sqeaking.
Similar Products Used:
first disc setup
Bike Setup:
kona king kikapu 06, deore/xt, marzocchi mx comp, wtb tires, sun black eye wheels
Bottom Line:
Great low priced break set, if you're picky (which im not) you'll want to go with a more expensive setup. however in terms of performance, they rock
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Klaus
a Cross Country Rider
from Berlin Date Reviewed: December 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Grabweg (GER), Sausteig(GER), Routes de los Volcanos (ES)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came on my bike
Strengths:
solid (not only the levers, but also the hoses, connexions ...). Pressure point stays where it's ought to. Bye bye fading
Weaknesses:
Bleeding is sheer hell! It'll take you ages to get all air out!
Similar Products Used:
Magura Julie FR
Bike Setup:
pimped 04 Kona Coiler Dee-Lux
Bottom Line:
Upgraded it to 180cm rotor/front. Lever stroke required till brake really bites is quite long. Some don't like this "soft" handling, but I do prefer this for long Trails. Nonetheless you can adjust the pressure point exactly and it stays there. On long FR-Tours in the Alps I learned that it doesn't fade after 2000m altitude and bites with the same power as it did when you started your ride. For Bikepark-Onlys I'd recommend something else, for long Trails it's my choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
allen
a
from lakeland, fl, USA Date Reviewed: December 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Alafia / T.O.E.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles Etc (Jacksonville, FL)
Strengths:
Better than V-brakes.
Weaknesses:
Had issues within first month. Leaked. Hayes tech support was really nice, but I didn't want to send them in for warranty & be with out a bike for 3 weeks. My shop fixed them ,but they never worked the same.
Similar Products Used:
Avid Juicy's (love'em)!!!
Bottom Line:
I would go with Avid. I have yet to feel a set that I didn't like.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Antioch, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Cheap, rebuildable, excellent tech support from Hayes. Virtually all the parts are available.
This is an update to my review of 12/04. The front brake has been about perfect. The rear brake is another story. I sent the original back to Hayes because of pad rubbing on the rotor issues (pistons did not retract far enough). They send me a new brake. These worked for a while but eventually developed a leak that I could not detect and failure of the brake during a ride. After sending this replacement brake back twice, they replaced both pistons and seals and that solved the problem. Also, the reservoir plug/bladder is a bad design. It is just crammed in there held in by friction rather than being a screw and o-ring like the Mags and other manufacturers use for their bleed plugs (not a well designed seal). I wound up ruining one bladder assembly because the bleed fitting shoved the neck of the bladder through the metal cover and I couldn't get it back through without tearing the rubber. Finally, I have never been able to eliminate the pad squeal in the back brake. I've tried different pads and rotors. Things are working fine now and I hope it lasts. I'm a bit smarter now on setting up these brakes and detecting if the system is losing fluid (i.e., brake lever keeps getting closer to the handlebar despite the reach setting).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Rigdon
a Cross Country Rider
from Media, PA USA Date Reviewed: November 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Purcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
BikeLine Broomall
Strengths:
Very Reliable, practically maintenance free
Weaknesses:
None so far
Bike Setup:
2005 Trek Fuel EX7
Bottom Line:
Great brakes. I read of problems with prior versions, but I've had none of the problems discussed such as brake level adjustment screws working themselves out. I blow some canned air on the calipers and wipe down the 6" rotors with some alcohol and they're like new. I'm not a maniacal component freak yet but I'm learning. I'll say this much - they have to be some of the best brakes on the market, but far more reliable and maintenance free than any mechanical brakeset. I was out at the 24 hours of Moab and all my friends with their hot big $$ bikes, they had far more pull and less of a solid feel then these apparently budget brakes. Praise Hayes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat Hake
a Cross Country Rider
from Bunbury Western Australia Date Reviewed: November 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Wals track - ferguson valley
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
good modulation with plenty of power
Weaknesses:
tricky to bleed and very little clearance between pad and rotor
Similar Products Used:
avid juicy 7s
Bike Setup:
2005 giant vt2 with Larson tts and downgraded to shimano xt rear derailuer(inferior product)
Bottom Line:
awsome stoppers, I have had no trouble with them, I put ebc gold sintred pads on the front which worked really well. They are reasonably priced for the performance and are fairly light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karl Nelson
a Racer
from SD Date Reviewed: October 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Centennial
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop
Strengths:
Cheap, They work, reliable so far
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy, don't come with adaptors
Similar Products Used:
V brakes, Avid BB7's
Bike Setup:
Fisher Hardtail with XT
Bottom Line:
No reliability problems yet, the word is they've been fixed. I love the modulation. Great value, and if you're choosing between Hayes and BB7's, so far it seems the Hayes are superior. The only pain is that they make you pay extra for the adaptors, which are necessary for most installations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kurt whitcombe
a Weekend Warrior
from canberra Date Reviewed: October 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
trail, firemountain,fr,dj
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
onyabike warehouse
Strengths:
Great modulation for those who only use one or two fingers to brake the sintered metallic brake pads worked really well when they were fully worn in with this brake biting down nice and hard onto the disc and pulling the bike up nicely to a steady stop no issues with power fading on descents either.
Weaknesses:
A bit of suspension dive was a issue with the front brake but not a big problem.But make sure you use a hayes spacer card so you dont run into any problems when you are loading your bike into a car or doing a d.i.y service at home.
Similar Products Used:
hayes mx2,hayes nine hd,Avid juicy 5's
Bike Setup:
giant stp2 with 6inch rear and 6inch front
Bottom Line:
This hayes brake is a solid and a reliable performer that begs to be used to its limits but if youre looking for 30% more braking power than the six inch rotor buy a 8 inch disc if you prefer the extra braking power great for dj and freeride applications.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Lombard, IL Date Reviewed: September 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Good stopping power Little maintenance These two things are what a brakes needs to be.
Weaknesses:
Loud when hot or wet Hardest, messiest bleed ever somewhat pricy, especially comepared to mechanical brakes of an kind
Similar Products Used:
HMX-1's
Bike Setup:
Trek bruiser 1 frankenstein bike
Bottom Line:
If you want a brake that works, these are them. Initial set-pu takes some time, especially bleeding, which I never have been able to do without making a mess. But I almost never need to use any more than one finger and have NEVER been without enough stopping power. They've saved me from some extraordinarily stupid situations. They work. period
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hunter S. Thompson
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington, usa Date Reviewed: September 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
A-line
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Stanwood Velo
Strengths:
Great stopping power, Simple set-up, low to maintain
Weaknesses:
Haven't found one
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Cable discs
Bike Setup:
Planet X new Jack Flash (lg), Marzochi Bomber z3 qr20, Hayes HFX 9 8" sawblade looking rotor(F) HFX 9 6" rotor (R) Mammoth BFR's, Tioga dh's, Truvativ Hausa-whatever's w/32tooth ring, inner and outer bashrings. Sram 8sp cogs, Shimano rapidfire. dh stem/bars. Kona grips(they glow in the dark)
Bottom Line:
These Breaks have done me no wrong, they are a good buy and will last you quite a long time.I have tried other brakes and I am most pleased with Hayes's HFX 9's.Never had to blead them or change the pads yet, only yard off the 6" rotor for my 8" one. Oh and use the locktite once you get them set up. loose brakes are Lame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ptc
a
from Scotland Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Currently my local loop.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Simple, effective, easy to bleed and set up.
Weaknesses:
A lttle wooden feeling perhaps, and of course the creeping adjusters.
Similar Products Used:
Hope, Formula, Shimano
Bike Setup:
5" travel F/S done up nice
Bottom Line:
I love these brakes, they are so simple and work so well. After three months I upgraded the front rotor to a V8 and the rear to a V7 from the stock pair of V6s, This made them sharper and more less prone to overheating on long descents. Bleeding is a cinch, you squeeze fluid in one end, the bubbles come out the other, how is that so difficult? The lever creep became aparent after a few rides but a bit of loctite sorted it and they've been rock solid ever since. The pads are easy to change, fitting the caliper and setting it up is easy because of the slots. I mean seriously, anyone who is having trouble dealing with these must be wearing woollen mittens on their hands and a blindfold. They do look a bit cheap though, my mates Hopes look much nicer, but that's being really picky isn't it? Great brakes, I'd recomend them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom van Gestel
a Cross Country Rider
from Sittard Date Reviewed: July 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Brunssumer Heide
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
www.bike2build.nl
Strengths:
Brakepower, modulation, easy to handle/service
Weaknesses:
sound in really muddy conditions
Bike Setup:
Kona HT with Chis King hubs, Mavic XM819 rims, Chris King headset, Crankbrothers Eggbeater pedals, Shimano XT hollowtechII Cranks and front derailer, SRAM X-9 Rear derailer and triggershifters, Thomson stem and seatpost, Selle Italia SLK gelflow saddle, Easton EA70 handlebar, Hope QR set, RaceFace Good'nEvil grips
Bottom Line:
These brakes are good! Not awesome, but for the price you pay you get a lot of solid braking! They are not BlingBling like for instance Hope, but they look decent. I have had not problems technicaly speaking in 1 year riding now. Only complain I have is that once you get mud in there it will stay there for the rest of the freaking ride, buy I do not know of any D-brakes that do not have this problem.
Bottomline: All you need for XC riding, unless you have some spare money which hasn't been assigned to other parts yet. Buying these ISN'T going cheap on your brakes, it's just being sensible (And that for somebody that buy's CK-hubs :P)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
al shv
a Downhiller
from calgary canada Date Reviewed: July 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
COP
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
bow cycle
Strengths:
oh yea great stopping power perfect for the first year
Weaknesses:
ajustment screw should screw off , haha , but this isnt that bad cause all hydros do this, i had to bleed them after a year and change the pads, but i ride a lot.
Similar Products Used:
avid juicy 7s
Bottom Line:
great brakes last long never fail , only ajustment screw is stupid but thats all, i think these fell better and work better than any other including avid juicy 7s
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from West Texas Date Reviewed: July 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
XC
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Good modulation.
Weaknesses:
Both front and rear systems failed after one year.
Similar Products Used:
V-brakes.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS1.
Bottom Line:
Both front and rear systems failed after one year. Hayes, to their credit, did replace both systems through the excellent Giant dealer in Midland, TX (Peyton's - thank you). Were it not for the excellent support of Peyton's the NRS would be running with Avids. If these Hayes fail again they are history.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: June 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Honest set of brakes, great value, reliable, product support from Hayes
Weaknesses:
Non
Similar Products Used:
Avid Juicy 7's, Shimano Deore
Bike Setup:
Giant VT2, Sram + Fox fork
Bottom Line:
These brakes have always worked perfectly from day one, have never required bleeding and replacement pads are readily available from various manufactures in many differant grades and price ranges. Also great is the spare parts that are available at most bike shops.
I have noticed the newer and far more expensive brakes which shipped on my latest bike, whenever the pads are new, wet or somehow contaminated that they can be noisy and feel a bit graunchy. Interestingly I have never had this problem with the Hayes, they have always been smooth and quiet.
As other users have found I was irritated by the way the reach adjustment screw on one brake lever continually wound itself out, requiring re-adjustment every third or so ride. But after a quick email to Hayes, replacement locking threaded grommets arrived in the post, free of charge, no questions asked. Excellent product support Hayes! These brakes are great value, work well and are generally underated for the excellent product they are!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh
a Weekend Warrior
from fredericton NB,Canada Date Reviewed: June 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
amazing stopping power fairly good in water all around pretty good brakes
Weaknesses:
a little squeeky in the back, disc screws tend to come loose sometimes but a cheap fix
not too fond of them for dirt jumping because of the added weight but great for xc not so great in wter and mud but all around pretty good brakes without the high price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh
a Weekend Warrior
from fredericton NB,Canada Date Reviewed: June 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
amazing stopping power fairly good in water all around pretty good brakes
Weaknesses:
a little squeeky in the back, disc screws tend to come loose sometimes but a cheap fix
not too fond of them for dirt jumping because of the added weight but great for xc not so great in wter and mud but all around pretty good brakes without the high price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh
a Weekend Warrior
from fredericton NB,Canada Date Reviewed: June 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
amazing stopping power fairly good in water all around pretty good brakes
Weaknesses:
a little squeeky in the back, disc screws tend to come loose sometimes but a cheap fix
not too fond of them for dirt jumping because of the added weight but great for xc not so great in wter and mud but all around pretty good brakes without the high price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Birmingham UK Date Reviewed: May 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Cannock
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
stock on bike
Strengths:
Good to start with
Weaknesses:
Throw them away when they need bleeding!
Bike Setup:
Kona Kikapu Deluxe all XT setup
Bottom Line:
If you buy these brakes new and they are all set up, you will be fine, until they need bleeding. Hayes supply a completely inadequate bleeding kit, and even a LBS will tell you how hard they are to do. I also find I get too much brake squeal and catching on the disc which can't be solved by any type of adjustment. Now replaced with Hopes. You have been warned!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: May 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Iron Horse Order
Strengths:
Tons of stopping power, good modulation, fade is practically non-existant, plus i have only had to bleed them once and that was my own fault (i let air into the system while putting the rotor in after truing the rim)
Weaknesses:
adjust screw on the levers vibrates loose regularly, a little bit noisy when wet
Similar Products Used:
IH-2 Hayes mechanical disc, old v-brakes
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse warrior hardtail xc frame, rock shox pilot sl fork, truvativ firex cranks sram x-9 derailler, sram x-7 shifters
Bottom Line:
These brakes have been definatly the best i have used. If you currently use mechanical brakes and are thinking of trading up these are well worth it. The stopping power of these compared to my old hayes mechanicals is simply in another league. my only real complaint is the lever adjust screw which tends to come loose, but that could probably be fixed by some lock-tite. Overall great experience with these brakes-huge improvement over mechanicals but without the obseen price tag of the el caminos or juicy 7s.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jean
a Downhiller
from South Africa Date Reviewed: April 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Cyclopede
Strengths:
Strong stopping power, hardly have to be bled, have never let me down, stands up to the worst abuse, stops an out of control downhill rig on a dime, very good feel, replacement parts easy to find and the system is easy to maintain
Weaknesses:
the hoses kink easily but easily fixed with a set of goodridge hoses
Similar Products Used:
BB5s, V brakes (many kinds)
Bike Setup:
Morewood Izimu, 888s race face
Bottom Line:
These brakes are great and i would recommend them any rider who wants realiable stoppers, for a decent price all these people who complain should stop moaning about the squealing and jst get on with the riding, and so what if the brakes fail everything fails and everything does have some kind of factory error every now and them, judging by the numbers of this system in the world the failures are minimal
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: April 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Croesus Knob
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$165.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Reasonably Cheap, Easy to set up and adjust, Flip Flop levers, Easy pad replacement. Good Braking. Reasonable Modulation.
Weaknesses:
Reach adjustment screw works its way out and requires constant readjustment - I ride agressive all mountain trails and have to readjust after almost every downhill section - particularly on rough trails - sometimes lever is almost touching grips by end of a run. Frustrating as don't get consistent feel with lever position always changing. Have tried loctite numerous times but never managed to properly fix the problem - have two bikes with Hayes and happens with both.
Similar Products Used:
Hope / Avid
Bike Setup:
Bike 1 - K2 Disco Monkey - Purple Hayes on front w 8" rotor / HFX 9 on rear with 7" Bike 2 - Specialised Rockhopper FS - HFX 9 front and rear
Bottom Line:
I like the Hayes brakes as they are good value for money and have great stopping power, and easy maintenance. However I have become frustrated with the reach adjustment screw issue - therefore have marked down. I don't have the problem with the Purple Hayes brake on the front of the K2 (which is an older version of the same brake but has different adjuster).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Date Reviewed: April 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Four Corners Bruce Trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Okay all: this review is for the original HFX 9 XC disk brakes from Hayes (2000 model year). I have ridden on them for **6** years and they have gone through SERIOUS abuse. I have completed 6 x (36hr) and 7 x (12hr) adventure races with these brakes. Not to mention a few thousand K on trails training for these races.
They STOP when I want them too!! thats what I want from a brake. The hydraulics help tremendously with braking power.
Weaknesses:
Disc brakes require a higher degree of mechanical skill than brakes of old. That being said mt. bikes arent the simplictic machines of old either. IMHO if you get a high end bike.. be prepared to either do the maintenance yourself or pay the bucks for your local LBS to do it.
Similar Products Used:
V brakes, Shimano hydralic and mechanical
Bike Setup:
Oryx cro mo hardtail, XT throughout with xtr rear, mavic rims, thudbuster seatpost, crank bros eggbeaters.
Bottom Line:
I ve bike whacked, towed team mates, swam across rivers, raced in minus 5 centigrade and Ive **ONLY** bled the rear brake once because I accidentally loosened the brass fitting and let air into the system. For serious XC I cannot recommend a better set of brakes. I still have the original brake pads and rotors. I have made sure that my rotor bolts were tightened properly and I used thread loc. (my original LBS DID NOT set them up properly however that was some time ago) In short I do not know what people are complaining about. I **might** guess that with more work being sub'd out and going overseas that quality control has suffered but these brakes just rock. Swamp juice.. beaver mud.. canadian shield, ice.. nothing stops them from performing.
Bottom line: if you have a tricked out bike learn about it or get someone to maintain it. I found the Hayes PDF to be excellent and it told me everything I needed to know to get them done up.
Take care all and have an awesome ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clay davies
a Cross Country Rider
from england / london Date Reviewed: March 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
-----------------------------------
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
aktington cycles
Strengths:
the levers feel nice to hold.
Weaknesses:
they are very loud when mud gets caught in them, pads wear down very quickly
Similar Products Used:
shimano XT hydraulic
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
they are just like any other disk brake. (avid juicy 5 are probly better)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clay davies
a Cross Country Rider
from england / london Date Reviewed: March 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
-----------------------------------
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
aktington cycles
Strengths:
the levers feel nice to hold.
Weaknesses:
they are very loud when mud gets caught in them, pads wear down very quickly
Similar Products Used:
shimano XT hydraulic
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
they are just like any other disk brake. (avid juicy 5 are probly better)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Trademe (NZ e-bay)
Strengths:
Good value
Weaknesses:
Not as good a "feel" or mdulation as Juicy 5's
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HMX cable, Juicy 5's.
Bike Setup:
Scott Elite hardtail (11.7kg)
Bottom Line:
Good value hydraulic brake set, not as good modulation as Juicy 5's. Did not have any problem with adjuster moving, I just left it as delivered and have not had a problem. Mostly use with one finger (all that is required) but some long steep downhill requires two as they start to heat up and fade a bit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland, UK Date Reviewed: March 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction Cycles, UK
Strengths:
Well made, easy to set up, great levers and brake feel
Weaknesses:
Reach adjustment screw can "adjust" itself
Similar Products Used:
Hayes So1e, Shimano Deore/LX, Hope M4
Bike Setup:
Custom XC bike, LX/Easton/Mavic/Marzocchi parts
Bottom Line:
I can only think that the people that have given these brakes a poor rating don't have a clue how to set them up. Don't listen to them, these brakes do not rub/squeal/leak as other reviews have said. Learn how to set them up correctly and you will have no problems!
This is my second set of Hayes brakes and I really can't recommend them enough. They offer immense stopping power, I can brake no problem using 1 finger. No problems in 1 year of useage and I ride every day. My only gripe is that the lever reach adjustment screw can move itself, which is easily sorted with loctite/ptfe tape. Having tried Hope M4's, Shimano Deore and LX hydraulics, I much prefer the feel of the Hayes. Amazing value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pat ericson
a Racer
from sterling heights Mi us Date Reviewed: March 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came on sons HKEK
Strengths:
looks good, feels solid, it all ends there.
Weaknesses:
front loses stoping power when wet, or dirty. louder than anyother brakes ive riddin.
shame on hayes
Similar Products Used:
i ride the juicy carbon, not similar at all. if you want a good brake check thoose out
Bike Setup:
big sur trek 8000
Bottom Line:
i guess if your just getting into ridding or just fool around on your bike there not bad, if your serious about riding i advise you to steer clear of thoose brakes.
shame on hayes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a o'neill
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto Date Reviewed: March 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Bike Zone
Strengths:
-Great Stoppers -Don't take long to work in -don't overheat easily
Weaknesses:
-a tad noisy when wet
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500, Hayes HFX 9 Xc brakes--(plan to upgrade fork soon)
Bottom Line:
Great Brakes. I just switched over from v brakes, the power is ten times better! Buy, Buy,Buy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
drew
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: February 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
not as light as the HFX 9 carbon but stronger since the carbon handle snaps because of the torsion created through the constant beating it takes. don't buy carbon fiber for mountain bikes!except for XC. I find the 9 XC is lighter and a lot less clunky than the 9 HD but just as effective. You can stop on a dime with them!
Weaknesses:
they scratch real easily, the brake hose that comes with the kit develops bulges real easily
Similar Products Used:
picece of crap v-brakes that came with the bike (not from the DMR)
Bike Setup:
2005 DMR, Sherman Firefly (custom)
Bottom Line:
I reccomend the Hayes HFX 9 XC for anyone doing dirt jumping or freeride. They are 100% better than conventional mechanical pull disc brakes and a helllll of a lot better than crappy v-brakes. Perfect all around mid range hydraulic disc brake. on the positive side you don't have to fork over more money for the El Camino but you don't get stuck with a sh*t disc brake plus their Hayes so you can't go wrong
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: February 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good power. Clean look on the bike. Everyone has parts for them.
Weaknesses:
SQUEEEEEEEEL's like you can't believe. Lots of drag.
Similar Products Used:
Magura
Bike Setup:
Trek Liquid
Bottom Line:
No matter what I do I can't get the rear brake to stop rubbing/squeeling. It is so annoying to listen to and you can feel the drag of the system. They do have good stoping power and I like not having to set the reach of the lever all of the time like my old Magura's.
Strong, light, and powerful stopping power when using DOT 4 fluid and 8 inch rotors. Simple to tear down and rebuild entire system, and/or replace a broken component.
Weaknesses:
When you haven't torn down the setup in some time, hose connections can become brittle.. as one of mine did apon replacing a crushed line, the barbed fitting on the master cylinder snapper. Time for a new one! The Magura's I ran for a while used mineral oil and grabbed WAAAAY better than DOT fluid does.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes MX-1 and MX-2 mechanical sets with 6 and 8 inch rotors. Magura Julie's with 6 inch rotors.
Bike Setup:
2000 Cannondale Jekyll Lefty 700, Hayes HFX-9's with 8 inch rotors, Mavix EX729's, ALL XT driveline and rear hub, Cannondale Lefty SID hub, Swiss DT competition triple butted, RockShox SID dual air rear
Bottom Line:
These are all arround great. The only thing wrong with them is that they don't grab as good as mineral oil. Perhaps the next flush, I'll put my old Magura oil in there?? When something brakes, you replace that piece at very little cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
calen
a Downhiller
from marin county CA Date Reviewed: December 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
dirt merch to A-line
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
low key and simple power no drag, metallic pads levers stay in adjustment inexpensive and reliable 2-piece master cylinder mounts conveniently
Weaknesses:
silver levers are ugly
Similar Products Used:
'04 hfx 9 HD, '05 HFX Mag HD, Magura Marta SL - over a season on each of these, not just parking lot tests! juicy seven - several rides
Bike Setup:
mountain cycle rumble set up for all-mountain/ freeride-lite type riding; fox talas, xt/xtr drive train, wtb moto raptors, SPDs
Bottom Line:
i've got 2005 nine XCs on my trail hardtail type bike and they totally rule. hayes did a great job for '05: solved supremely annoying lever adjustment problem, 2-piece MC mounts easily + looks hi quality, stock metallic pads are way better for wet/high temperatures/solid lever feel. basically hayes has eliminated the differences that made MAGs better; now the only difference between the 2 systems is 24 grams. these bad boys handle some pretty aggressive trail riding without fade. modulation is delicate enough for manuals and wheelies. durable - ran into a parking meter (oops) at 10mph and direct hit to rear MC merely left a gouge near the reservoir cap (i can get down the mountain fine, but streets...) i really like these brakes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mick thueson
a Weekend Warrior
from Layton, Utah USA Date Reviewed: December 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch Crest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came on bikes
Strengths:
work as expected, awesome stopping power good modulation
Weaknesses:
brake squel at first but once broken in no noise
Similar Products Used:
none,V brakes on previous bike
Bike Setup:
stock Reign,swapped fork for with Marzocchi All Mountain 1. Stock Faith 1
Bottom Line:
The Reign came with HFX 9 Carbon, And the Faith with HFX 9s. Rode both bikes in Moab in November,Amasa Back, Gemini Bridges, Porcupine Rim. I had absolutely no problems with either set up.Brakes worked great at both hih speed downhilling and general all around trail riding. They have worked just fine riding the trails at Snowbasin, and the local trails.I'd recommend these brakes to anyone who is switching to to hydraulics.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Costa Mesa, CA Date Reviewed: November 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
woods, rocket
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$114.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
Everything these brakes are awsome - very good stoping power - very easy to center - cheep and they bite
Weaknesses:
- with all hydo you have to bleed it, other then that its awsome
Similar Products Used:
older hayes hfx 9
Bike Setup:
98 gt lts psylo fork, xt front/ rear derailures, race face dues cranks, xt pods, hayes disk brakes, ryhno lite wheels, kujo tires.
Bottom Line:
Dont listen to all of the bad reviews, these brakes are cheep and they work, you do have to bleed them every now and then but hey dont you have to do it to all hydros. the brakes are awsome they work very good in any condition.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathaniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynnfield,mass,usa Date Reviewed: November 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Rocky and rooty, the type that gets you bloody.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
On bike, ($580)
Strengths:
Pretty powerful, has not failed me yet.
Weaknesses:
Well, I fell like if I put too much strain on it, and grab the rotor to hard it'll all snap. Has that noise like scratching a chalkboard with your finger nales when it's under hard, really hard breaking.
Similar Products Used:
Avid Ball Bearing 7, a great brake. cheap v-brakes
Bike Setup:
Novara Buzz B, spv 3 way and manitou black spv 120mm, lx and deore.
Bottom Line:
Good for cross country, bad for DHing or FRing, get 8 inch. I'm all mountain, and for now it's a tad weak, but really it does the job and for xc guys it'd great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dino
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: November 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
nice paint job, cool decals
Weaknesses:
squeak, leak, rub, drip, fall apart
Similar Products Used:
Avid
Bike Setup:
down hill
Bottom Line:
The Hayes nine series brakes are totally useless!!! There should be a law stopping companies from making such crap. The Hayes brakes are about as useful as a "pooped flavored lollypop."
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from Somers Point, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Great stopping power, never had problems adjusting, pads are easy to change
Weaknesses:
Does leak a little, very little, fluid every now and then, they are a little heavy, and bulky
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX 9 HD, '05 Avid Juicy Seven
Bike Setup:
2005 KHS XC904r, '05 Sram X.O group, Manitou Minute 3:00 Now brakes are on an '05 KHS Team Hardtail
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is, even though I use them for a back-up, they seem to work great. I have no problems with sticking or slipping in water or mud. I use Avid Juicy Sevens on all my bikes and honestly, I think the Hayes HFX 9's have a better feel, they have a nice stiff feel. If your interested in XC riding and not worried to much about weight, then it's a great set of brakes to go with, and you can find them for a good price also.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jake s
a Downhiller
from vancouver canada Date Reviewed: October 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
na
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
rub, squeak, fade
Similar Products Used:
na
Bike Setup:
down hill
Bottom Line:
Hayes brakes squeal like a guys first night in prison. rub and drag no matter what you do. They fade after a few hards stops.
I just don't get it, why do they make crap like this and try and sell it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike H
a Weekend Warrior
from Costa Mesa Date Reviewed: October 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
woods, rocket
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Freebie off a freind
Strengths:
everything these breaks are fantastic they stop well in all conditions.
Weaknesses:
bleeding the hydro but hey all hydros are a pain to bleed.
Similar Products Used:
hayes mechanicals
Bike Setup:
98 gt lts, race face dueo cranks, xt everything else and x-vert fork d-crown
Bottom Line:
these bakes are awsome they are very smooth and they bite for all those little girls that whine suck it up. they are hydros and it takes time to set them up to work right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie Clark
a Cross Country Rider
from Helena,MT USa Date Reviewed: October 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Monarch Crest
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Owenhouse Ace -Bozeman MT
Strengths:
They work well when they work, but that is the exception. They look nice.
Weaknesses:
The brakes have been nothing but unreliable. In two years they have been back to hayes 7 times! I have NEVER had them work long enough to even wear out a set of pads. Poor engineering, poor materials selection, poor performance, overall rating Very poor. After Hayes upgrade to Mag brakes they seemed to be a bit better but only lasted 3 months before they failed again. I mean failed, pull brake no stop!
Similar Products Used:
Hayes upgraded me to HFX-mag after 3 or 4 returns but they have failed twice since last spring, one failure causing a crash.Bike has been out of service for four months in two years due to brake troubles.
Bike Setup:
2004 Rocky Mtn. Slayer 50- I havent had to fix anything but the brakes!
Bottom Line:
I am replacing these brakes at considerable cost to myself. I am an engineer for a living and I think that these brakes are unreliable and possibly even dangerous for any serious rider.I have had serious problems with every aspect of the system except the lines (brake levers, calipers, etc) Don't buy these Hayes brakes if you care about yourself or the rider you're buying them for. I'd rate them zero if I could. In Hayes defence they sure are willing to fix them every time they break.
$ 149.00
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