Submitted by
c-v-tich
a Cross Country Rider
from Croatia Date Reviewed: July 22, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
they stop you
Weaknesses:
require too much maintenance - every other ride, they fade very fast - incredibly fast
Similar Products Used:
BB7, HFX 9 HD, Juicy 5, Louise FR
Bike Setup:
FR hardtail, 5" fork
Bottom Line:
initialy they worked good but after several months needed maintenace every 3 to 4 rides, when the pad contact screw unscrews moving the pad away frm the disc you're left with 20% of the original power in the midlle of the ride - could be quite unpleasent
the brakes are ok for recreational XC rides, anything more - no
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
yomamaphat
a Weekend Warrior
from Wyoming Date Reviewed: December 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Friend gave it to me.
Strengths:
Reliability. Never had to adjust except when installing.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Many V-Brakes. Have ridden with hydraulics, but not much.
Bike Setup:
2000 Stumpjumper FSR, 4" front shock (Crappy Marzocchi EXR Comp) - The Hayes HMX-1 is just in the front. I have good machined Avid levers.
Bottom Line:
Hasn't failed me in 2 years. I've ridden with brakes on down very steep and long hills and the stopping power is always plenty. It's no trouble to lock up the front wheel. Hydraulics have a much nicer feel but I'm not comparing these to hydraulics. Can't really assess value rating since I didn't pay for them, free is always 5 chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William
a Weekend Warrior
from honolulu Date Reviewed: October 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
came with my bike
Strengths:
they are good in dry conditions
Weaknesses:
squealing, rotors warp too easy, and on slight downhills they loose the grip of the rotor due to overheating and make a god awfull noise. Also the calipers are near imposible to adjust after the system is only a year old.
Similar Products Used:
none but saving up for a set of avids as I hear the adjustability is great with them.
Bike Setup:
2003giant iguana disc stock
Bottom Line:
If you can afford a better set of brakes I would not even look at these ones.they are crap for anything but gentle trail and city riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nevin Rallis
a Cross Country Rider
from Windham, Maine, USA Date Reviewed: May 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bradbury Mountain
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
stock parts
Strengths:
They stop if you take care of them
Weaknesses:
rotors bend easily. Stock break pads wore down amaizingly quick. Takes a bit for them to clean themselves after getting wet or muddy during a ride.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Leader 626S with XT cranks and rear deraileur, Cane creek AD-12 rear shock, manitou mintue 3.
Bottom Line:
These brakes have worked for three years. I have just ridden with my slightly bent rotors and the performance is just as good. The original hayes brake pads are a joke. The replacement pads I got have lasted twice as long. They do take a lot of maintenance though. I haven't had any problems with the squeaking. A semi reliable product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Jackett
a Weekend Warrior
from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada Date Reviewed: April 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
connaught
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Sarich's Source for Sports
Strengths:
They have good stopping power when adjusted properly and must be kept clean.
Weaknesses:
Well, to start, my Front Mx-1 caliper snapped in half horizontally. They have to be adjusted a lot, and they don't work at all with dirt on the discs. The inside knob adjustment sticks a lot, and you still need to use an allan key to turn it, unlike Avids.
Similar Products Used:
Avid bb7, Hayes Mx-2, Hayes HFX 9.
Bike Setup:
Trek Bruiser 2 with all kinds of new components.
Bottom Line:
Not worth getting. If you're interested in a mechanical disc brake, definately get the Avid BB7! FAR superior in every way. Or a V brake would be better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FT_Critical
a
from Australia Date Reviewed: March 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Pretty simple design
Weaknesses:
Poor design
Similar Products Used:
ultegra, v-brakes
Bike Setup:
trek 4900
Bottom Line:
I use this to commute about 30 km per day, on a paved track, but the bike picks up a lot of grime. If you were up for adjusting these things all the time, then fine they are pretty simple. But, I find that as soon as you have ridden in the rain or mud, they are totally out of alignment. The pads rub, the rotors seem to bend, they sqweek after any sort of muck gets in. Overall, unless you are prepared to constantly maintain them, I think they are really poor.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hagar 17
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria BC Date Reviewed: March 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Mt Zouhalem
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Simple - lightweight - easy pad replacement - no more brake worn rims - cheap
Weaknesses:
Stopping power - adjustments - always mucking with cables etc
Similar Products Used:
Magura hydraulic rims brakes are much better
Bike Setup:
Brodie Diablo FS
Bottom Line:
Ok brakes but fade too fast and do not stop as well as hydraulics - For any serious steep downhill or a heavy rider who rides a lot - skip these - not worth the hassles!
Good with a new set of pads but after a few riders begins to suck again. can barely lock brakes on slightly used pads...
I heard Avid Mechanicals are good...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jess DeBortole
a Downhiller
from Bellingham, WA. USA Date Reviewed: February 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Galbraith Mt. (THE WHOLE MT!!!)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Fanatik Bike Co.
Strengths:
great stopping for "low end" brakes... really great for urban assults.... minimal pad wear...
Weaknesses:
noise... calabration problems...
Similar Products Used:
V-brakes...front discs on my old schwinn from target hahaha!...
Bike Setup:
2006 Felt Double-Shot hardtail w/ lots of customs...
Bottom Line:
This is the brake system for the disc brake beginer or the mainly street rider... i dont recomend for you crazy ass downhill hardcores....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from South Cackalacky Date Reviewed: November 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything scenic
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Got them as a Christmas gift
Strengths:
Simpler than hydralics, works with any levers, much better stopping power than rim brakes, no worries about mud.
Weaknesses:
Noisy.
Similar Products Used:
None, unless you count V-brakes. These are my first discs.
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mtn. "Reaper", RockShox Air Judy SL, Shimano XT, just about everything else is Cane Creek.
Bottom Line:
I got these because: 1) I wanted to keep the special levers I already have (Delta Barends), and... 2) I didn't want to deal with the mess, hassle and difficulties of a hydraulic system.
Yes, I knew they aren't as powerfull as hydros, for the reason that hydraulics provide a greater mechanical advantage This is a matter of physics, not quality. however, I'm a 170 pound recreational cross country rider and they work excellent for me. If you weigh 200+ pounds and/or scream down hills at 70 mph, go hydro, by all means.
As to whether they are unusually tricky to install/adjust or not, I can't say, having had no other DBs top compare them with. But after a little practice I found them pretty easy. I guess it's like anything "new", you just need to practice.
They are a bit noisy though, that I will agree totally with. While I rarely get any real squeal, they are certainly not as quiet as rim brakes. Sort of a loud "shshshsh" sound. I have read other posts saying that switching to different aftermarket pads improve this brake's performance, but none of these nice people have seen fit to name names.
But to anyone looking for good, inexpensive, easy to use discs, I would completely recommend these brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yang Zhao
a Weekend Warrior
from BC Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Decent mechanical disk system to start with
Weaknesses:
Tons of calibration and failure problems (although I seem to be a special case)
Bike Setup:
'03 Norco Sasquatch with shifters and brake levers replaced
Bottom Line:
It came on the Sasquatch. The front caliper and mounting bracket was installed with shims. Nevertheless, it worked well until this season when my aggressiveness increased with confidence.
The front adjuster knob is now completely sized up, both front and rear calipers need frequent recalibrations (shims and seized adjuster knob make these difficult), and doesn't stay calibrated for long enough (I've had to recalibrate between trails a few times). Ended up stripping one of bolt-holes on the front mounting bracket due to over-torquing.
It's served me well for a season and a bit, but I'm looking into replacing them with Avids.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Johndrow
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: July 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$59.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Great power, low maintenance
Weaknesses:
setup was a little tricky
Similar Products Used:
V-brakes
Bottom Line:
It took a little while to get them dialed in- another adjustment screw for the outside pad would make it a lot easier than having to loosen the mounting bolts and sliding the brake assembly. Once setup correctly, though, I haven't had a bit of trouble, they stop great and the pads last forever. Take your wheels off to avoid getting any overspray on the rotors when lubing your drivetrain, etc. If any grease gets on the pads, you will have problems. I use an automotive disc brake cleaner and it works fine. I've also heard of people using a propane torch to burn the grease out of the pads-something I'll try next time they get gunked.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY USA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Strong braking power for entry level mechanical brakes. Easy to install and keep adjusted. Grab well enough for XC riding, see no need for hydraulic.
Weaknesses:
Stock pads just fail when they wear to certain point, they loose their grabbing power. No real warning. Aftermarket pads added (not Hayes) grab awesome.
Bike Setup:
GF Sugar 2+ - XT Hubs
Bottom Line:
Good disc brakes, especially for the price. If you can get them for under $100 for F/R go for it, they work great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joshua
a Racer
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: June 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Inexpensive, light weight, moderate power
Weaknesses:
Pad placement knob can get stuck and back brake lost all power after 8 months.
Similar Products Used:
Avid Mechanical
Bike Setup:
2004 Specialized Stumpjumper M4
Bottom Line:
I got these OE at a sale on JensonUSA. These are great brakes in the entry level disc arena. Their power is very good if you have some Avid speed dial levers. However, there is no pad adjustment knob for the outside pad and the pad adjuster for the inside pad gets stuck at the outermost setting and takes muscle to unjam it. Another problem was that after 8 months or so the back brake lost all of its power and was not usable. The pads were not really even worn! After replacing the pads they worked fine. I would recomend them if you can get them for under $50 a wheel. If you can't, just get some Avids.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, Ca Date Reviewed: June 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Saratoga Gap
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$135.00
Purchased At:
Robinsons Wheel Works
Strengths:
Since I have used them for 5 years and have been very happy with them. They were the lightest brake when I bought them and I could use my exsiting XTR levers.
Weaknesses:
Yhe will squeak at times.
Bike Setup:
Ventana El Saltamontes, XTR grouppo, Rock Shock SID, Fox Float R, Mavix Rims...
Bottom Line:
Work very well for the price. Have lasted 5 year no problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick D'Innocenzo
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: May 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
Can't say, haven't been able to use them cause the fasteners broke on instalation
Weaknesses:
mounting bolts for disc shear and strip.
Similar Products Used:
rim brakes only.
Bike Setup:
fetish d&S
Bottom Line:
Bought the MX-2's and I am not happy. I guess my primary complaint is the fasteners used to hold the dicc to the hub. I tried to install the discs my self and managed to strip one of the bolts and tear the head off of the other. I used a torque wrench, used the proper pattern. I am a trained mechanic and know how to use a torque wrench.The torque specs for them are a little confusing. The instalation instructions said 50inlbs but the disc itself said 55inlbs. I went with the lower spec (50) and still managed to rip the head off of the one. Cheap bolts
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jono
a Downhiller
from newcastle Date Reviewed: February 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
my dirt jumps
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
good stopping power and easy ajustment
Weaknesses:
not good for downhill
Similar Products Used:
hayes hydros
Bike Setup:
2005 haro escape 8.1, e.13 drs chainguide
Bottom Line:
great brakes for a great price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Hesketh
a Downhiller
from Arizona Date Reviewed: February 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
White tanks
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good stopping power, just as good as Avid mechanicals
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Avid mechanicals
Bike Setup:
Haro X2 w/Hayes disc and brake levers, Manitou Black Elite, LX drivetrain, Kenda 2.35 nevgal tires, etc.
Bottom Line:
I had avid mechanical disc brakes on my Trek VRX 300 for over two years. I now have Hayes mechanicals on my Haro, and I believe they are as good as avids. Everyone seems to bash them here, but I would take the Hayes or Avids without thinking twice. Although being a freerider/downhiller, I'm not one to use the brakes much! I do think they are as good as Avids. Of couse neither mechanical setups are as good as their hydraulic bretheren, the mewchanical versions work just fine, Actually, I ewas in vegas recently and rented a Trek Fuel 90 for the day, and it came with v-brakes. I sure did miss my Hayes mechancials.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Castaldo
a Weekend Warrior
from Stormville, Ny, USA Date Reviewed: January 31, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
None.
Weaknesses:
Stopping power is weaker than my stock V-brakes.
Bike Setup:
Giant Warp DS3 modified from it's stock V-brakes.
Bottom Line:
1)Hayes is absolute garbage & is not the brand to get if you are just switching into disc brakes and want a first good impression.
2)The stopping power is awful. -I usually like to lock up the rear wheel sometimes to do a sharp turn, the brake instead just slowly stops the bike quickly follewd by a harsh noise & yes I went through the burnishing period; With my stock V-brakes however that rear wheel would not unlock unless I let go of the lever.
- The front brake is only good for ending up in the walls & trees.
3)The price is way off for the horrendous quality. - This is mostly why I have a lot to complain about. If this piece of garbage was only $15.00 or maybe even $20.00 then maybe, just maybe I would not be saying much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alan
a
from edmonton Date Reviewed: January 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
works good
Weaknesses:
they broke in less than a year
Bike Setup:
2003 giant iguana disk
Bottom Line:
dont get them. buy better stronger one if you can.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Grooby
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: December 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The Anaconda
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Mates House
Strengths:
Looks Better than V's
Weaknesses:
take a long pull on the lever to lock on, have very little power - useless as a front brake, they often squeal
Similar Products Used:
hayes hydros, hope hydros, shimano hydros, hayes HMX2
Bike Setup:
Marin East Peak, Hayes Hmx 2 disks with 8 inch rotors, mavic wheelset
Bottom Line:
These brakes are a reasonable entry level disc however i have just replaced mine with hayes hmx2 discs that work ten times as good. If you have the money get the avids or if you dont want to spend heaps get the HMX2's, they are much better value for money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phantomow2
a Cross Country Rider
from NH Date Reviewed: December 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
it works, it has a cable tension adjuster right on the caliper with the knob like found on brake levers, makes it easier to adjust. THe price i paid is nice
Weaknesses:
stopping power just isn't like avids. I dont like how hayes secures their brake pads
Similar Products Used:
Avid BB7 (first and last name of mechanical disc brakes) promax
Bottom Line:
Here you have a no nonsense brake, it works but i wouldnt recomend it for a primary front brake. THe stopping power just isnt like avids. With avids i pull the lever and its an instant stop with these i can ehar the friction and the 1 or 2 second delay. Performance is not degraded very much in crappy conditions. I dont call the squeaks a weakness becuase all disc brakes do that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big Daddy
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: December 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Simple, light, same pads and rotors as the hydrualics, easy set up.
Weaknesses:
Noisy during break-in, take a long time to break in.
Similar Products Used:
V-brakes, also tried friends hydrualics
Bike Setup:
Heckler with coil springs front and rear, IRC 2.25 tires, Ritchey Girder wheels. Built to be dependable on 3-6 hour XC/enduro rides deep in the back country.
Bottom Line:
I bought these as new take offs with levers included for about $100.00 on ebay and they've really worked well. They took a while to break in, but a 2000ft descent riding the brakes the whole way took care of that. They got so hot I could smell them burning when I stopped, but they still worked great and the inside adjuster knob didn't seize.
The feel of the brakes is different than V's or hydrualic. More modulation than V's and they don't have the on/off feel of hydrualics.
Set up is a breeze. Much easier than V brakes. If you can't set up these brakes, you shouldn't be working on a bike.
In short, I like them. The price is low because they aren't popular, and they work great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Lavoie
a Weekend Warrior
from Swanton, VT Date Reviewed: November 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Whites Green Mountain Bikes
Strengths:
-very easy to use -great stopping power -sealed (stayes clean)
Weaknesses:
-takes a bit to burnish
Similar Products Used:
-avid -shimano
Bike Setup:
-2003 Norco Sasquatch
Bottom Line:
-very good disc brake especially for beginners.easy to use and stays clean.but they also stop great.i use them for all sorts of riding and have never had a problem with them
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from BC Date Reviewed: October 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Awesome stopping power, sealed caliper keeps it working in the worst conditions, easy to set up and maintain.
Weaknesses:
Locking up the front brake in a panick sends you flyin...
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX-9 hydrolic
Bike Setup:
03 Brodie Bruzza, Jr T PRO, Laserdisc dh, Hussefelt...
Bottom Line:
This is a great mech. disc brake. It even had me avoiding hydros because it worked so well and was so easy to maintain. I bought it and it worked like new and still had incredible stopping power. I only had a front caliper so I grew accustomed to flying over the handlebars.. The sealed caliper is a big help, I was riding on an extremely muddy day, and I slowed down through a really muddy section and my wheel packed enough of it into the arch that it got jammed up and stopped, but hey, my brake still worked! I used that thing for 7-8 months without having to change the pads. It could still stop on a dime after what I'd put it through.
Bottom line, the brake works like a dream, if you're not sure how to set it up properly get a shop tech to do it and you'll be home free. Great product!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto Date Reviewed: September 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Buckwallow
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Silent Sports
Strengths:
Great stopping power for a mech disc system
Weaknesses:
Got a little noisy for some reason... takes a little while to burnish, but I have a feeling that's the same for all disc systems.
Similar Products Used:
None. This is my first disc brake bike
Bike Setup:
2004 Giant Iguana Disc
Bottom Line:
The Hayes brakes came on my bike.
They took a little while to break in, but once they did, they stopped really well! I hadn't rode a bike in a year or so so no, I'm not used to V-brakes and so it's not like I went to suddenly being able to stop with the discs. Hayes has made a very good product. I haven't had a chance to hit any water or anything, but from the heavy trails that I've been riding, these brakes have done an amazing job.
I'm very happy with them. If you're looking for hydro-brake power, you won't find it here. I've tried hydros and they're crazy, but this is very good and stops you fast enough!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt
a Weekend Warrior
from Duluth, Georgia, USA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
chickopee
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
SunSkiSport, came on Kona stinky
Strengths:
nice progressive feel to them, can 1 finger endo(straining), alot better than v's
Weaknesses:
adjuster knob/axel binds to caliper rendering it useless (just takes longer to adjust now), back brake just stopped gripping
Similar Products Used:
avid mech(sweet), shimano xt (too expensive for me)
Bike Setup:
Kona Stinky 02, stock except spring upgrades front and back
Bottom Line:
all was great, i loved the power of these, only felt fade once or twice, then last week the back break stopped gripping, inspected pads cleaned them the rotor too, and nothing, sanded them, and still nothing
the front works just dandy, yet the rear only works when really wet (can't lock up though)
i just ordered new pads, i hope thats the problem
i really took me by supprise bombing down a rutty section, and just feel it give a little then no friction at all, might go avid if new pads dont fix it
for people wanting non hydro disks go avid, the knobs wont 'weld' to the caliper like these
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Snowie Hilding
a Cross Country Rider
from Storrs Connecticut Date Reviewed: August 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Mansfield Hollow
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Scotts Cyclery
Strengths:
The breaks stop really well. Like all discs, rain, mud, snow, they still work great. I've used them for a year and hardly any problems. I used to have v-brakes and these things are in a class of their own copmared to them.
Weaknesses:
Only problem is that they squeak a little. But I think that's cause I did something I shouldn't have. So really no problems.
Similar Products Used:
Avids. Shimanos.
Bike Setup:
Giant Yukon, Manitou Axel Elites, Hayes HMX-1 (obviously) shimano Acera (front derailour) and shimano Alivio (rear derailor), Hutchinson tires.
Bottom Line:
This shock isn't that expensive but it's awsome. I haven't had any problems with it and for what you pay you get really good brakes. (I'm actually not completely sure of the price of these because they came with the bike. But I've checked all over and that's the average price).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Downhiller
from Kelowna BC Canada Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
It's simple, it stops me, and it was pretty cheap.
Weaknesses:
The regular price is a bit high.
Similar Products Used:
Diatech mech.
Bike Setup:
Thumper, Bombshell, Mavic, Race Face, etc.
Bottom Line:
These are quality mechanical brakes, sometimes I like them over hydros because they're less maintenance. This brake works the way it should, I didn't pay that much and it's got better quality then some that my friends ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
the sock
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario Date Reviewed: June 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good stopping power, very easy to maintain
Weaknesses:
Not too many, obviously they're not hydraulics, they work better than the avid's I've used
Similar Products Used:
Avid, Shimano
Bike Setup:
Stock Fluid 3.0
Bottom Line:
Pretty good value for a stock disk brake. I ride with a buddy who uses hydraulics, and I can stop almost as well as he does. They're not hydros, but hey, they're not V-brakes (thank God).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jon
a Cross Country Rider
from virginia Date Reviewed: June 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
excellent, excellent, modulation with hayes hml levers.
Weaknesses:
i hear they are not as powerful as avid mechs and i know them to not be as powerful as hydros of any kind.
Similar Products Used:
hayes hydros
Bike Setup:
khs xc504 stock
Bottom Line:
i am very impressed with these disc brakes. there's a lot of badmouthing of them on this review page, yet i am surprised because stock they have performed very well. perhaps it was the good guys at jenson who set them up so well. they squeaked once on the very first hard braking i did, and now they've been blissfully silent. i can't wait to get them completely broken in because as of now they modulate far better than my old v-brakes (which were very powerful, but just went bam and locked up the wheels with nearly no modulation). very satisfied. i'd give it five chilis but feel like that's only appropriate for hope hydros and the like. (300 dollar plus braking systems)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russell
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin Date Reviewed: June 25, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Muleshoe Bend, west of Austin
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
disc panache sure to impress newbie mavens at the trailhed
Weaknesses:
performance of these brakes is very weak, much worse than LX v-brakes. I just ordered a new set of Avid Mechanicals to replace them.
These brakes squeal and scrape, are difficult to adjust, the adjuster knobs seizes up, modulate poorly, go out of adjustment easily, and just plain suck ass.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ivan
a
from Ramona, CA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Woodson
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
BicycleWarehouse
Strengths:
Not Many... None Infact... Well, the rotor looks cooler than V's...
Weaknesses:
They spueal, squeak, and "ching" every time you bunny hop or simply pull up on the bars. They have horrible power. My Deore V-brakes worked much much better. The inner knob to adjuct the inside pad kinda welds itself in place and is IMPOSSIBLE to move. It took me 2 cans of WD-40, 3 hours I could have been riding, and almost completly tearing apart the whole caliper to get it turning again. Even after I did, the lil rascal moved itself back into the same position before I scraped them.
Similar Products Used:
Lil bit of everything.
Bottom Line:
These brakes suck. No power. Modulation is out of the question. I guess set up was pretty easy, but once you get the cable in, you're going to have to tear the cap that keeps the cords together off when pulling it back out. For a first timer these things will last a few months. Afterwards they just get worse by the minute and sooner or later you're going to have to give up on them. Try Avid Mechanicals. They're just a tad bit more expensive, but they work like none other, and are much much more simple to adjust. The power is also unbeatable (not countaing hydros).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacob O'Neall
a Downhiller
from Eubank, Ky, USA Date Reviewed: May 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
great power, simple/reliable design, clean/good looks
Mongoose XR-850(6" fr/dh frame)with fox vanilla; Rst Sigma XL DH 8" fork, Bombshell front wheel, jayco rear, deore rear derailler, acrea shifter, fsa extreme cranks, WTB Mutanoraptor 2.4 fr tires, WTB Power V dh saddle
Bottom Line:
*This review is for the MX-2 HD/DH brakes*
GREAT BRAKES. Not just great mechanical brakes, but makes you question why people want the hassle of hydros. Then these make you tell those people to buy these brakes, because not only to they equal the performance of any 8" hydro, they are 1/3 to 1/4 the price. Now why do people pay $150-&250 per brake for the same performance(sometimes worse) just for the fact that their brake cables contain some fluid??? I will never know. I'm staying with the reliable as nails/ good old/ antique/ best performing setup of mechanical disk brakes as long as Hayes makes them. For value, they need 10 chilis, and 10 for performance also.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew Gardner
a Weekend Warrior
from armstrong Date Reviewed: April 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
some dude
Strengths:
good looking,[ not the hayes lever], strong, cheap for disc brakes.
Weaknesses:
pads are f-ing expencive.
Similar Products Used:
hayes hydro 6" and 8", and avids 6"
Bike Setup:
04 iron horse, junky rst front fork getting replaced very fast as its no good for dh, alex front rim, avid sd 5.0 lever.
Bottom Line:
I got it used, it was 3 months old, it came with a speed dial 5 avid lever, which looks sweet and is easy to ajust, then i added on old new xt cabble which is at least twice the size of normal cable, won't stretch, i liked it so much i'm changing the whole bike over to that, doesn't matter how much you pull wont stretch. anyway back to the brake, don't sqeak, yet. ha. going to take it up the mountain this weekend and do some DH with them, see how they handle, i do like 4' drops and XC, they seem to be ok. price was write, i'd buy them again. only gave 4 for overal rating as they are not as good as hayes hydro or avids
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from Trenton, NJ Date Reviewed: February 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
Progressive feel
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Avid mechanical, Shimano 525 hydraulic
Bike Setup:
2002 NRS
Bottom Line:
I finally decided to go to discs after destroying an expensive wheelset in about a year. Looking at many of these reviews, it seemed foolish to buy Hayes. My buddy put avids on his bike but I did not like the way they felt. So I decided to go against the grain and try the Hayes HMX-1's. The set-up took about a half hour longer than the Avids - but it was worth it! Very progressive feel - I used the Hayes levers and Jagwire cables & housing. No more "rim eating throwing you over the bars" rim brakes for me. Just take a little extra time to make sure the pads are parallel to the rotor. Either file or shim the mounting surfaces to get the desired result. I used .002" shim stock on the rear and nothing on the front (manitou fork). I'm going to remove the shims in the rear brake and file the mounting surfaces for a more professional job. Like another reviewer said: "It would not surprise me if 90% of the bad reviews were due to improper setup". Also, from many of these posts, it appears that many people think that good brakes should "throw you over the bars". Imagine if you bought a new car,jammed on the brakes, and it did an endo. Would you then get out of your brand new upside down car and say: Now that's how those f***ing brakes are supposed to work. I don't think so. Don't be fooled, Hayes HMX-1'S are very good brakes for cross-country riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Oz.... Date Reviewed: January 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
mt timbertop... near buller
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Cycle Science GW
Strengths:
Awesome power... as good as almost all hydros but without the crap that comes with hydros like all the setup probs...
Weaknesses:
some of the OEM models came with a plastic cap on the inside of the calliper to adjust the pad, the plastic is crap get one with the metal 4mm allen key
Similar Products Used:
magura, hayes hydros, hope, XSIVs, XT hydro, lots of V brakes, grameka, tektro, i think thats it...
Bike Setup:
GT LTS with lots off good stuff
Bottom Line:
these kick the asses of most other brakes, hope and hayes hydros are the only ones with a bit mpore power i recon. but the simplicity of mechanicals means if you cook ure pads by going too fast braking too hard for too long like(like on mt buller, australia :D )there is no effect on mechanicals whereas if you cook the brakes on hydros(like my freinds XSIVs) they boil the fluid and clamp on the brakes harder.. soon the guys on XSIVs when we were at mt buller together were going steep downhill but having to pedal like they were climbing steep... so ive always been with hayes mech since
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lbos
a Weekend Warrior
from u.k. Date Reviewed: December 22, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Weaknesses:
Lack of spring adjustment- haphazzard torsion spring removal
Bike Setup:
Santacruz chameleon, mavic on shimano, avid levers
Bottom Line:
Quality build and easy to set up when you have the right instructions. Try www.bbinstitute.com/BM5%20chap%2037.pdf for more detailed instructions than the ones for Hayes site. Mine don't squeal and rub only when incorrectly adjusted. People who say they just can't get any result can't be doing things right. They do work. I just wrecked my torsion spring by trying to over tension it- £18 to replace the internals as the spring is not replaceable on its own- doh!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from Palm City FL, USA Date Reviewed: December 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything with dirt
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Can't think of any
Weaknesses:
Poor, unpredictable braking performance, pain to setup
Similar Products Used:
2 years on Magura Martas on my other bikes, 1 year on Grimeca system 8's on old ride. Have ridden friend's Avid CPS mech disks.
Bike Setup:
These brakes have been on 3 frames in 1 year, have always been paired with Avid speed dial 7 levers.
Bottom Line:
I bought these brakes out of desperation when the pads wore out on my Martas while on vacation. They went right back in the box after I got home and replaced the pads on the Martas. These things have had a myriad of problems ranging from pulsing in the front brake when in use, to a setup that seems harder to get centered than it should (my Martas are easier to set up than these things!), to a total lack of braking power. The inside pad adjustment on both brakes has seized, leaving it impossible to adjust as the instructions say. I've tried 2 additional sets of replacement pads in different compounds, to no avail. Each time I get a new bike, I pull 'em out of the box, and throw them on the new ride 'till I get another set of hydros in. Each time I make a new attempt to re-read the instructions and re-set them up, but nothing works.
The lack of performance vs hydros is a non-issue, since I've spent enough seat time on my friends' Avid equipped ride to know mech disks can feel fine and deliver excellent braking power and modulation. The thought of on-trail pad centering would be great if it were easy to do as it is with Avid. If you've got to go cable disk, pass these up. If they worked like my buddies' Avids, I'd get over the weight issue and use them.
Seems like a poor product from an otherwise first-rate company.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from NF Date Reviewed: December 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Well, they generate a lot of attention from friends... Wow your bike has disk breaks! They stop your bicycle.
Weaknesses:
Adjustment know siezes up on inner pad which then does not alow u to adjust for pad wear which leads to a loss in breaking power. Breaking power is well... maybee about the same as averge V breaks (i use avid leavers)
Similar Products Used:
Hayes hydro
Bike Setup:
2002 rainier, XT front deraileur, new tires, fenders, these crappy breaks, mostly stock.
Bottom Line:
DO NOT BUY THESE BREAKS. THERE IS NO REASON TOO. THEY ARE NOT BETTER THAN V BREAKS, IF SO BARELY. THEY ARE HEAVY LIKE ****. ADJUSTMENT WILL BE LOST. POOR POWER FOR A DISK. THE REVIEWS ARE NOT GREAT, THE PROBLEMS ARE REAL. IF THEY DO NOT STOP U WELL, WHAT IS THE POINT? From my experience, i recomend u stay away from these. And about the inner adjustment knob, i took the break back to teh LBS and the gave me a new caliper. good deal rite? not for long, soon after the knob was siezed just like the first one and this is where i stand now. Poor breaks that can not even be adjusted to their maximum potential. If u actually like these breaks, well, im glad at least u r happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tkay
a Cross Country Rider
from Oulu, Finland Date Reviewed: December 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Sufficient braking power for light XC-riding. Works better in wet and snowy conditions than V-brakes.
Weaknesses:
Stopping power not much of an improvement over V-brakes except for some extreme conditions like snow & rain at around zero degrees celsius.
Very noisy.
Inner pad adjusting knob seizes and is very difficult or impossible to fix. This problem makes it nearly impossible to set the brakes up properly when replacing brake pads or adjusting for brake pad wear.
Bike Setup:
XC
Bottom Line:
If the inner adjusting knob worked properly, this would be better than Shimano's mechanical disc brake. Since it doesn't there is no imaginable reason for anyone to buy this brake. The HMX-1 is overall a mediocre, low-end mechanical disc brake. If you are unfortunate enough to own these, remember to check and properly lubricate the inner adjusting knob often.
Get Avid Ball Bearing instead : better power, better adjustability, overall a much better brake at about the same price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Huwe
a Weekend Warrior
from East Peoria Date Reviewed: October 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Dirskin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Its gives you all the power of disc brakes with the price of pad brakes.These are my first set of disc brakes and i have had a blast using them on the trails.
Weaknesses:
None that i know of so far....
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
From expert to beginner these brakes are great. They stop with great power and are hard to pass up on a tight budget. They are great for upgrades or just to replace problem causing disc from other brands.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sean
a
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: October 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
-disc brake -easy to change pad
Weaknesses:
-inner caliper seizes making adjustment difficult -lack of fine adjustments -inner pad too close to disc causing drag, lack of toe in adjustments
Similar Products Used:
Haynes Hydraulic Avid Mech
Bike Setup:
03 Norco Sasquatch
Bottom Line:
I have shimano LX v-brakes on my old XC bike that are easier to adjust and provide better braking then these 8 inch discs.
I have been riding on these brakes for 6 months and they still haven't "worked in" yet. The inner pads on front and rear brakes inner pads drag and the caliper cannot be adjusted otherwise.
If you want real brakes either get Haynes Hydraulic or Avid Mechanicals. I have Avid Mech's on my norco nitro and if I pulled half as hard on the avid mech's levers I would be bucked off.
If your bike comes with these hopefully they came adjusted properly. If you are thinking of buying them, don't, get Avid Mechs or Haynes Hydros.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtbmon
a Cross Country Rider
from NE Ohio Date Reviewed: October 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Laurel Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great stopping power and easy setup/adjustability. Inexpensive.
Weaknesses:
Inner pad adjustment screw does seize, noisy.
Similar Products Used:
Magura Luise hydros, Hayes hydros.
Bike Setup:
Steel is real! SS Rocky Mtn. Blizzard, RaceFace cranks/bb, Zoke Marathon 100, CrossRoc UST's, Thomson controls/post, Eggbeaters, Hayes mechs...
Bottom Line:
I was really concerned coming from hydros that these would su@k and at first, I thought they did. What I didn't realize was that I had them setup wrong. Once I did it correctly, they offered every bit as much stopping power as my hydros and were easier to adjust. Here's the trick if you are having a tough time..before cinching the fixing bolt holding the cable, pull the caliper arm up with one hand then pull the cable taught with the other (then you can let go of the cable, it will stay put). While still holding the caliper in the fwd position, tighten the fixing bolt. Any further adjustment can be fine tuned at the lever. This solved any power problems I had.
Beyond this, the only issue with these brakes are the noise. They are loud and I have never really been able to quiet that down. Still, I'd rather stop loudly tha nnot stop so it's really no biggie.
As for adjusting them, you can play with how much cable you pull before cinching the fixing bolt and the ability to move the caliper body side to side has made these drag free (unlike my buddie's Avids which stop great but have more drag than you'll find on Sunset Strip).
I relly think the folks here who have complained suffered from the same incorrect setup I did. Get em setup right and you'll find that these are inexpensive and perform spot on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rutherford
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma OK Date Reviewed: October 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
The rotor is good...
Weaknesses:
The rotating caliper moves around and is flimsy. The circular part of the caliper which pushes on the inner brake pad is crooked, which means that there is toe-in of the inner brake pad but in the wrong direction. Setting up is a PITA, requiring you to operate the caliper before tightening the mounting bolts. DRAG! The inner pad drags on the rotor, otherwise you have to set the inner pad away from the rotor so much that brake pad travel becomes quite long. Adjustability is poor, requires an allen key poked through the wheel from the other side.
Similar Products Used:
Avid mech
Bike Setup:
Aggressive XC/light FR
Bottom Line:
The Hayes disk mechs are terrible in terms of adjustability, ease of setup and operation. If you want to go Hayes, buy their hydraulics because their mechs are POOR products.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben T
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: October 19, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Marginally better braking power than V-brakes, especially in the wet.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, noisy, not very powerful, prone to inner caliper seizure.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Stock Kona Pahoehoe
Bottom Line:
Agree totally with Eric's review below - you will only be impressed with these brakes if you have cheap or badly adjusted v-brakes.
These brakes add plenty of weight for not much performance increase. They are horrendously noisy, if you ride cross country with friends, buy them some earplugs, and get yourself a set whilst you're at it.
If you are unfortunate enough to have these brakes already, make sure that your inner caliper adjustment dial still turns. They are notorious for seizing up - replacement parts just cost me AU$104. Put some copper grease on the thread if you can (requires wheel and pad removal).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Eppinger
a Weekend Warrior
from Andover,CT Date Reviewed: October 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
case mnt
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came stock on bike
Strengths:
price
Weaknesses:
After a few rides you can't turn the pad adjustment dials on calipers. Aren't as powerfull as other mechanical disc brakes. Don't modulate as well as other mechaincal discs on market.
Similar Products Used:
avid mechanicals hayes hydraulics
Bike Setup:
kona bear
Bottom Line:
If you scroll down and read all the chatta heads that love these brakes most of em have one thing in common, this is their first disc brake....they are all coming from rim brakes. Yeah, they work better than poorly set up v-brakes, especially in sloppy conditions, but that is about it. If they come stock on your bike and these are your first disc brakes you will probably be impressed. If you are buying after market and what a better mechanical disc brake get an Avid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Cod Date Reviewed: October 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Otis
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
they're Discs! greater breaking power then V's.
Weaknesses:
They have a reputation for being sub standard to The Avids....BS!!!
Similar Products Used:
Tried Avids, Promax and Shimano Mechs, guess which one I chose
Bike Setup:
'01 Moab, Duke SL, Sun-Ringle Rhyno lite/ Deore wheels
Bottom Line:
When I bought my bike I wanted Discs. I didn't find the right deal so I decided to wait and add as needed. When I saw the Deal at JensonUSA I jumped on it, but was skeptical due to somm reviews here and some shop talk. I was very Impressed when I got them on the bike. My breaking power improved even through a very snowy Feb. the set up seemed easy enough, and the breakin wasn't long at all (1 week maybe). My point is don't be fooled by the hype out there. Yes the avids are good, but no better then the HMX-1's. I'd go with these again in a heart beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntington Beach, CA Date Reviewed: October 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Rocket
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Great stopping power!! Much better than my XT V-brakes.
Weaknesses:
A little drag.
Similar Products Used:
XT V rim brakes
Bike Setup:
2000 GT Avalanche (before GT tanked), XT and LX components, Pyslo XC with Tullio
Bottom Line:
These brakes are exactly what I expected. If you expect 1000% braking power, you're not gonna get it. It does however provide 50% more braking power than my XT V-brakes.
I don't know what others are complaining about. Make adjustments until they work great. If you make a couple of adjustments on the brake, and then on your levers, you can really maximize their efficiency and strength. If I had the choice for the same price, I would go Avid Mech., but if you can get these Hayes a little cheaper, DO IT!!
Bottom Line: More reliability, more security, better ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Holroyd
a Weekend Warrior
from London Date Reviewed: September 30, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Alpine Bikes, Edinburgh
Strengths:
Simple to set up, simple to maintain.
Weaknesses:
Not really confidence-inspiring stopping power.
Similar Products Used:
Avid Arch Rival V-brakes
Bike Setup:
Norco Bigfoot - changed to Avid from Shimano Deore levers which came with the bike - modulation on the Shimanos was terrible.
Bottom Line:
These came with the bike, and I was curious to try disk brakes having being dissuaded from doing so by the cost of converting a non-disk bike. In the dry, they're far from the performance of my arch rivals - as revealed by switching between my Norco and V-braked FSR - no comparison. In the wet and the mud they do work better, marginally, than V's. But they do save your rims, and if you get them OEM with the bike, upgrading to hydros is less of a leap. Overall, no big surprises, but be realistic in your expectations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cory Reppen
a Weekend Warrior
from Surey, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: September 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Goats Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
work almost as well as normal rim brakes, can use old brake levers, cheap
Weaknesses:
could use a tad more stoppping power
Similar Products Used:
pro-max V brakes
Bike Setup:
Norco wolverine/w juddi TT fork
Bottom Line:
Great for mechanical disks, cheap, but keep in mind the stopping is less than rim brakes when the bike is not wet, but when everything gets wet, the discs work much better.You should use it if you are lloking for cheap discs that actually work, it is a must for any weekend warrior
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gorge
a Downhiller
from M.V. Date Reviewed: September 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good stopping power compared to V-brakes, I will never go back to rim type brakes.
Weaknesses:
The rear brake on my bike is a little "sticky"....(the part on the caliper where the cable attaches doesn't rotate fully back to it's "off" position after releasing the brake lever, resulting in some brake drag.....not too big of a deal but it's annoying...not sure if the cable is routed improperly or if the caliper is too gunked up?) Even though the construction seem ok, I can't fully trust my life with these brakes/disc(but for some reason I still ride fast near cliffs)......Last complaint, the manual that came with the brakes doesn't give instructions for overhaul/cleaning......Even though they seem easy to work on, I can't trust myself to overhaul a brake system without proper instructions. Lastly, the brakes to fade if you ride them for a long period of time(meaning you are a puss, don't know how to brake properly, or the hill is really a challenge)to solve this problem I just keep off the brakes till I really need them(approaching corner), pump the front and back at the same time(which scrubs a lot of speed), or switch off if I have to ride them down a long technical trail.
Similar Products Used:
v-brakes
Bike Setup:
Ironhorse SGS Sport(these brakes came with the bike)
Bottom Line:
They do their job pretty well(this is my first disc system, first time I have ever tried disc system on a bicycle, and never tried hydro)...... If I was going to buy a disc system, I would probably go with a hydro system(this system came with my bike)....
I did mention the "sticking" situation, but, since it is still under warranty and the manual doesn't include any useful "service info" I will be a lazy a$$ and take it back to the dealer for them to figure out!!
If I bought this system with cash I would give it a 3 for value since other companies offer the same type of system for the same price...... I would give it a 3 overall since the rear is already not fully "turning off", and since it doesn't come with a proper manual..(this adds to expense-taking it to a dealer for proper overhauling, or medical expenses due to "winging it" in your garage(maybe not really but, I don't understand why instructions are sooooooo hard to include) Keep in mind this is the only disc brake system I have ever tried on a bicyle(have a dirt bike), so, these could be some of the best mechanical brakes,,,,,,,,,but the lack of overhaul instructions pisses me off
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Hamilton
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Veijo, CA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Aliso/Wood Canyon
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Stopping power Reliability Easy to maintain
Weaknesses:
occasional squeeks
Similar Products Used:
various rim brakes
Bike Setup:
Have had them on two different bikes: Stumpjumper FSR, Trek 4900 disc- both with various upgrades
Bottom Line:
These are great brakes. I've used them for about 2 yrs. on 2 different bikes. And have had issues with them at all. They have more power then rim brakes, and are easy to adjust. (I'll never go back to rim brake after using them.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Zagar
a Cross Country Rider
from Zalec, Slovenia Date Reviewed: August 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Savinja valley hills
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
They're affordable
Weaknesses:
Not enough braking power, on long descents they seem too loose even more braking power thanks too overheating, noise when breaking hard
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
XT/LX, Raceface, front suspension
Bottom Line:
So far, no problems with them, easy setup, but on my previous bike my XT V-brakes performed better.
JUST NOT ENOUGH BRAKE POWER !!!!!!!!!! - THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.
I bought them becouse in this section of Hayes HMX-1 reviews some of users were rating them with 5 stars and so on. I WAS DISSAPOINTED.
P.S. : My weight is 90kg. So if you are near my weight, don't buy them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen
a
from Toronto, Ontario Date Reviewed: August 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Don Valley
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
CyclePath Toronto
Strengths:
Came with my bike, great stopping power for a mechanical disk break, cheep, fairly light, makes your bike look cooler!
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
crappy ass v-breaks
Bike Setup:
2003 Norco Ignite, Liquid seat
Bottom Line:
Great stopping power. I can lock up my back tire at any speed on any terain. Im not sure why everyone has had problems with adjusting them. I adjusted them when I got the bike and have had no problems. They didnt rub at all after I adjusted them. Since then I only had to adjust them once after a major fall on a dirt jump(broken nose, concussion, busted teeth, 8 stiches, etc). I would recomend them to anyone who needs more stopping power but doesnt want to make the step to hydro. They dont cost much more than V-breaks. I love 'em.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bdee
a Weekend Warrior
from long beach, ca Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
superGO
Strengths:
the price. relatively easy to install.
Weaknesses:
i've had these for 3 months and have already gone through a set of pads on my rear brake. the adjustment knob seized up, and is impossible to turn without the assitance of a tool. inconsistant stopping power on the rear brake isn't fun.
Similar Products Used:
i havent tried any other disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
front one is working fine, the back one has been a major pain in the ass. inconsistant stopping power leaves me a bit nervous on speedy and technical downhill sections.
i take back what i said about them back in april, i am thinking of buying one AVID mechanical to throw on the back....i'm getting tired and frustrated with this HMX-"nONE" rear brake.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Les
a Cross Country Rider
from Clifton, VA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fountainhead
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Easy adjustment, but that is only because they are post mount and you have to use an adapter if you have the 74mm standard disc mount.
Weaknesses:
These brakes suck. Their performance is little better than a crappy rim brake. A pair of XTR V-Brakes could kick these one's ass any day of the week.
Similar Products Used:
Koski Brake Lite Pro... Rim brakes that are twice as good as these. Deore V-Brakes and Tektro V-Brakes. Formula Evoluzione and Shimano XT Hydraulic discs on my other bike are ridiculously better.
THE TEKTRO V-BRAKES WORK BETTER THAN THESE DISCS!!! They're crap. Have a horrible feel. I WOULD FEEL JUST AS SAFE RIDING WITH NO BRAKES AT ALL. And yes they were set up right. My advice... either go with some XTR/XT/LX or Avid mechanicals, or go hydraulic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance L.
a Cross Country Rider
from Fullerton, CA USA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fullerton Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Disk Brake, stopping power. Simple to install.
Weaknesses:
Modulation is difficult. Lots of movement.
Similar Products Used:
Avid arch rival, V brakes.
Bike Setup:
Kona Roast
Bottom Line:
I have not fully broken in these yet, however, another reviewer says they showed impressive stopping power the first time out. I am not a mechanic. They were easy to setup but modulation is a *itch. I sit home and set them up just right and am very careful not to hit anything when I put the wheel on. Every time I put the wheel on the brakes are scraping the rotor or aren't where I left them. I am sure to tighten everything but I would definitely recommend these to mechanics and no one else. If they give you any trouble you are out of luck unless you have a lot of know how. I can't even lock up my front tire and have way less stopping power than the Avid Arch rivals. Probably nice brakes but surely not user friendly. I'm going for the Avid Mechs for dummies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Lubbock, TX Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Palo Duro - GSL
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Xtreme Bikes
Strengths:
stopping power and just knowing your riding with discs underneath you
Weaknesses:
Loud, adjustments (cannot find a setting that works), durability
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Jamis Durango Sport
Bottom Line:
I've ridden my bike about half a dozen times the last couple of weeks and find that I have to adjust the brakes after every ride. The front brake is always squeaking just enough to annoy the hell of out me and the back is always catching and depriving me of speed. I was looking to buy a decent beginners bike and upgrade the hell out of it but now I have to buy $ new brakes that actually work and don't need as much maintenance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Caledon East Date Reviewed: May 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Spoke O Motion
Strengths:
These brakes came stock on my 03 Norco Sasquatch...the 8" rotors look great, and yes..they do work well and stop much better than v brakes, break in faster than avids..now read on for weakness
Weaknesses:
On my 02 Iguana I have Avid 7" rotors, and compaired to Avids these hayes are Crap...for starters...they have ALOT of rotor flex and always make a metalic clinging sound when i turn, 2nd they are always chirping and squeaking, 3rd the pad adjustments are Crap compaired to avids, i cant get the pads to not drag on the rotors, 4th they are SO noisy compaired to Avids, and the lever feel, is pretty much the same
Similar Products Used:
Avid Ball bearing Disk Brakes 7"
Bike Setup:
2003 Norco Sasquatch, Oury Grips
Bottom Line:
Go with Avids, MUCH better brake!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent
a
from Dallas,TX Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Bar H
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Simplicity (install/setup)
Weaknesses:
I really can't find any. I’ve been to bike shops and have given hydraulic brakes a squeeze (sweet), but for the cash......... So if I had to say something it could only be that hydraulic brakes are easier to engage, but I'm not sure if thats a weakness.
Similar Products Used:
Avid mechs. $89 f $89 r
Bike Setup:
Proflex/K2 4000 XT everything, except Grip Shift shifters. And this cool @ss rear disc mount made by Therapy Components since my swing arm didn't have the mounts for a disc brakes. If you find yourself in a similar situation check them out. kinda $$$
Bottom Line:
Good for the price. The amount of brake power that you're able to add seems more even than with the V Brakes, and the cleanliness of the overall stop is better in all situations. And until I exceed the limits of the product, or I just have cash to burn this is an excellent purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
slowride
a Weekend Warrior
from Wheaton, IL Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Price
Weaknesses:
Pad adjustment, directions
Similar Products Used:
Avid
Bike Setup:
Jamis Eureka
Bottom Line:
A great deal, but be aware that the pad adjustment is terrible. I could not get the front pads to not hit the rotor, even wide open.
Also, the directions are pretty bad. Avid's put them to shame.
I had some weird trouble with the hardware included, but they were OEM from Jenson, so who knows if that's really a Hayes problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wounded Knee
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO, USA Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Cost, easy to use
Weaknesses:
Broke within a few rides
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock Kona Stinky 02
Bottom Line:
This review is more directed at Hayes warranty department. Granted the brakes don't exactly scream 'sexy' but they do the job for a beginning freerider and worked ok for a 6' 180 lb rider who's learning the ropes. For more advanced riders better brakes are out there and available. Again this review is more for the rear kicking warranty department. This is how it should be, complete belief in the customer. After being contacted by the warranty rep he said my new brakes would be in the mail today. I'm only out postage for the old ones. This will make me get Hayes as upgrades vs some other lesser expensive option. Good job Hayes. 4 Chilis for value, I mean they did break in a short period of time. 5 overall since there was no question at all when getting the new ones.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, OR Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Cheap. Setup is fairly easy and painless. Hayes sintered-metallic pads have always been a favorite of mine. Great all-weather power. Spring tension adjustment for caliper actuating arm. Tool-free pad adjustment is decent. Overall power and modulation isn't bad and comparable to their hydraulic models.
Weaknesses:
Pad adjustment could be better. The inner pad is adjustable in relation to the caliper, but the outside pad on the actuating arm is not adjustable relative to the arm. You have to use the barrel adjusters at the lever and caliper to adjust the outer pad, and that pre-loads the arm. Not the ideal way to do it IMO. Full set-up is heavier than a hydraulic set-up. Hayes levers (included) are not that great. No leverage adjustment and some slop at the lever pivot. Spring tension adjustment for the caliper actuating arm is limited to two setting and difficult to adjust. Hayes setup instuctions not very good, need to be more detailed.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes hydraulics, Avid mechanicals
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Comp disc
Bottom Line:
The brakes aren't bad at all for the cheap price that JensonUSA was offering for them. Not as refined as the Avids mechanicals as most people can see and not packed with as many features. But this brake gets the job done. One note on the pad adjustment. As my pads wore down, the actuating arm got very close to bottoming out, even when the rotor was centered in the caliper. I'm not sure how much room for adjustment I still have, but being able to adjust the outer pad is a feature that these brakes need. It would make adjustment a lot easier. The Hayes setup instruction could be a lot more detailed. I've read the Avid instructions, and they are very specific and easy to understand. Luckily, I already understood and knew how to set up mechanical disc brakes, so this wasn't a problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MAXXED
a Cross Country Rider
from Honolulu Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere offroad
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Fast break in. Lots of braking power and good modulation. Absolutely silent!
Complete front/rear setup including IS adapters for $89 from SuperGo! It took a whole 50 minutes to install including READING the instructions. Even with a slightly warped front rotor, it was easy to center the caliper with no rotor drag. Hayes' method of centering the rotor by loosening the caliper screws and squeezing the brake lever, then locking the caliper down, didn't work for me. I found it much faster and easier to eyeball the rotor position, then lock the caliper down. For those who complained about snapping caliper screws and torx fasters off, you must be gorillas. Especially the individual who torqued the rotor torx screws to 55 ft/lbs! Hayes specifically states 55 inch/lbs. which translates to 4.5 ft/lbs! No wonder they broke off! Read the instructions carefully, folks! We're working on bikes here, not industrial equipment! For those having difficulty with rotor drag, back out the inner adjusting knob all the way to create maximum rotor gap. This makes it a lot easier, and doesn't affect the stopping performance at all. I think another reason for rotor drag is some bikers want too short a travel on the brake levers for that on/off, super, industrial-strength leverage and lockup of the brakes. Believe me, that is totally unnecessary with these brakes, and will only frustrate you as you will never get rid of rotor drag by running the rotor gap that close. Break in was relatively quick, and the brakes remained totally silent. Braking power is surprising. With a moderately hard grab on the Speed Dial 7 levers, I can almost bottom out my front fork! Locking up the rear wheel is no problem. No doubt the oversized brake pads have something to do with their braking performance. Modulation is very good with the Speed Dial 7 levers. Get a good set of brake levers to run with the HMX-1, they deserve them. After running them hard to break the pads and rotors in, the HMX-1 required no readjustments, the rotor remained centered with no drag, and they are still silent! They are a night and day improvement over my squealing and howling Suntour XC Mechanicals and their mediocre performance. I must admit, I had my doubts about the HMX-1's, because they look pretty plain Jane, but don't let looks deceive you, these puppies are performers. I'm a Hayes believer now. They use the same pads and I believe the same rotors as the hydros, so performance should be very similar without the hassle of brake fluids and being stuck with hydro specific levers. Get them now, before the word gets out, and they're gone! Hayes has been around so long, that an added plus is parts and pads are readily available everywhere.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bDEE
a Weekend Warrior
from CA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
great stopping power, easy set up
Bike Setup:
jamis dakar f/s
Bottom Line:
Set them up properly, and no squeaks will be heard, mine have never squeaked, squacked, or whined once!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bartek r
a
from nj Date Reviewed: April 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
price
Weaknesses:
performance
Similar Products Used:
avids
Bottom Line:
These brakes are without a doubt, horrible. I have had them for about a year now and they squeek really long. Worse, the braking performance is worse than that of regular brakes. Maybe mine are not adjusted properly or something, but I don't trust these brakes. I'm getting a pair of avids. DONT BUY THEM!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Shaw
a Weekend Warrior
from Wales, UK Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
jumps, fast single track
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Stock on bike
Strengths:
These brakes are more powerful than V's, took a little setting up have eliminated squeal, not sure what others are doing wrong.
Weaknesses:
The hayes leavers are absolute crap. The front sqeaks whenever the fork compreses cos the cable is jiggling about in the lever. The rear is too mushy and they feel generally cheap, will upgrade to some avids me thinks. The cable retaining bolts are weak, the one on the rear cros threaded and all I did was slacken it off and re-tighten, I swapped for bottle cage bolts and a couple of spacers and are fine now.
Similar Products Used:
LX V's
Bike Setup:
Erm, stock, its a Specialized P1.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are nice and powerful when set up correctly but could do with some decent levers. My advice, if you want cheap but powerful discs get these but with some avid levers. Oh yeah and watch those retaining bolts they will more than likely need replacing soon but cost nothing so who cares, just steal someones bottle cage bolts while they're not looking!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Hutchison
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: March 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
John Henry's
Strengths:
Great price. Works better than "V" brakes but of course not as well as the hydraulic version.
Weaknesses:
Stock pads squeal and this applies to the hydraulic version as well. However, I replaced the Hayes pads with Koolstops and have never had a squeal again. Remember to save the springs off the Hayes as they don't come with the Koolstops.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Tazmon with Raceface/Blackspire/XTR components
Bottom Line:
Great brakes for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
richie
a Weekend Warrior
from new zealand Date Reviewed: March 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
woodhil
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$89.00
Strengths:
they pull you up pritty nicely
Weaknesses:
they squal , only one pad moves in
Similar Products Used:
v's magura hs33
Bike Setup:
gt hardtale, manitou x vert dc, race face
Bottom Line:
i find they work good for me they came on my bike and i hope to upgrade to hydros but from what ive used they seem pritty good for the value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Corey White
a Cross Country Rider
from Bel Air, MD, USA Date Reviewed: March 1, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Black Cat Bikes
Strengths:
Great Look, great beginner disc, great stopping power, low break in time
Weaknesses:
none...yet
Similar Products Used:
Many-a V brake
Bike Setup:
'03 Iron Horse Warrior Disc, Judy TT front fork
Bottom Line:
Great brakes once they are broken in, good for dry riding, Paid $390 for the bike so great deal on the bike+ disc brakes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Schtoo
a Weekend Warrior
from Japan Date Reviewed: February 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
They work alright, cheap as dirt, share pads with the hydros so you get EBC pads easily.
Weaknesses:
They make noise, the calipers flex and they chew through bulk pad when wet.
Similar Products Used:
V brakes, Magura, Avid, XT...
Bike Setup:
Trek with stuff I like on it.
Bottom Line:
Well, mine make noise. Always have, always will. My brakes are set up better than most, and they still make noise. It's a simple law of nature that these suckers are gonna skweek. Deal with it. What I cannot deal with is that they are squishy when you really gotta use them, and that is wrong, wrong, wrong. Problem lies with the caliper because it's not stiff enough. I have eliminated all other downfalls in my brakes, and the only weak point is the caliper flex. If your HMX-1 calipers don't flex, then either A you aint got the hands to do it or B there's something else in there flexing for you.
In hindsight, I would have preffered Avid mechs, but for the price of one avid I got 2 Hayes. The brake up the back is enough for anyone, but up front it's marginal. It works, but it does not inspire confidence.
That's it. These things are not perfect, they aren't Avids but they are more bang for the buck than anything else going. Also remember you get what you pay for...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Bow Cycle
Strengths:
Fairly easy set up, decent power (8" disc gives ALOT more), Inexpensive
Weaknesses:
NOT HYDROS! need 8" to feel good stoping power
Similar Products Used:
Avid
Bike Setup:
Modified Kona Bear
Bottom Line:
Im on a Budget so i can't always get the best stuff, these brakes give decent power, if u have a choice get Avids for more power. DON'T COMPARE TO HYDROS BECAUSE THEY AREN'T, if ure looking for hydros BUY HYDROS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Morrissette
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntingdon,Quebec,Canada Date Reviewed: January 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any trail is better than going to work!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
jenson.com
Strengths:
Inexpensive, better then V-brakes but not as powerful as hydros,set-up is simple if you adjust them without using the manufacturers instructions(explained below).
Weaknesses:
The slotted holes on the caliper are poorly machined( the instruction say to keep the bolts loose and then pull and hold on the lever and then tighten the bolts, but because the holes are poorly machined the caliper doesn't slide to it's proper position while centering the caliper over the rotor. Rotor mounting bolts are poor quality.*Tip from a bike tech* The brakes only work well if you use quality levers(XT-XTR-Avid-Sram). The set I bought came with Hayes levers which from other reviews I've read are just junk. Probably the cause of complaints of a lack of power.
Similar Products Used:
XT V-brakes
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mtn Instinct, XT, Raceface, Easton, ESP 9.0,WTB, Hayes
Bottom Line:
I use ESP 9.0 levers and have good stopping power. Make sure to clean the rotors with rubbing alcohol(cheaper then disk brake cleaner from a moto shop). I didn't brake any of the rotor mounting bolt, but you can also substitute water bottle cage bolts with hex heads. They're inexpensive, decent performance(with proper set-up).Peole complain about the brakes not working if you get oil or grease on the rotors,NO DISK BRAKES(Mtn bike-Motorbike-car/truck) WILL WORKS WITH ROTORS OR PADS CONTAMINATED WITH OIL OR GREASE. Give them a wipe after you clean or work on your ride and you'll have no problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane
a Downhiller
from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: January 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
jumping
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
-great power -not as heavy as a hydraulic system -good breaking wet or dry -works good in mud
Weaknesses:
-loud as f*ckin hell -only one pad moves in so it causes the disc to bend a bit
Similar Products Used:
magura julie hydro
Bike Setup:
stock 2002 devinci hucker
Bottom Line:
its an ok package except for the squeling that never goes away no matter wat you do. 4 flamers because of the noise
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
takashi
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Jefferson Open Space Parks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$69.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Cheap. Plenty better on my Schwinn Rocket 88 than v-brake.
Weaknesses:
Heavy. Increased about a pound (500g) with the entire system... But then again, that's a trade off.
Similar Products Used:
Can't remember what, but I did try a very lame disk brake 20 years ago on a bmx bike - it had no stopping power other than some kids staring at the disc...
Bike Setup:
Rocket 88 stage 3 - had LX v-brake with booster. Rear-end flexed big time with brake squeeze, so decided to upgrade to disk.
Bottom Line:
Good brake. I read alot about the squeek, but if you
a) insert a sim (I used a steel ruler about a 1/2 mm thick) when you tighten the bolt, and b) make sure to use a washer between the brake and mounting bolt,
you can set it up to have it not even squeek during brake-in period. Good luck with those having to plug their ears...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
theodore
a Cross Country Rider
from melb, australia Date Reviewed: December 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
for 6 months i'd have expected them to have stopped squeaking but apparently not, what a long break in period. and the torx screws are weak as anything, the heads keep breaking off when tightening. tried some deore hydraulics and avid mechanicals and sorry to say but i'm disappointed in hayes. the adjustment for the fixed side of the caliper is so small, i turn it around and around and there's stil disc rub. lacks power for a so claimed near hydraulic power...no where near close.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Rems
a Cross Country Rider
from Willow Grove, PA, USA Date Reviewed: December 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Good brakes. These have good stopping power. They make very little noise during break-in, but all brakes do. I would recommend these to anyone.
Weaknesses:
Weight. Thats it!
Similar Products Used:
Avid
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 80 with Mavic 3.1 tubeless, shimano xt hubs.
Bottom Line:
Good brakes. I love these for the big down hills I ride on. I run into some pretty technical stuff and the work fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott hoare
a Downhiller
from calgary Date Reviewed: December 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything fast downhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
the bike people (halifax)
Strengths:
They are cheap to buy. that's about it for strenghts.
Weaknesses:
No stopping power at all. They are the weakest disk brakes I have ever used.
Similar Products Used:
If you are going to get mechanical disks get Avid. They have alot more stopping power.
Bike Setup:
2001 kona stinky frame ... 2000 JuniorT fork ... 24" rims front and back ... Dmr chain guide ... kooka cranks ... crappy hayes brakes (sigh)
Bottom Line:
Hayes hydro's are great... too bad their mechanical brakes suck. I have friends with Avids and if mechanical is your choice Avid is the way to go. I have tried all sorts of tips from riders and bike shops to get better perfromance but these brakes just do not work well at all. I wish I knew before I bought them, hopefully my problems might help others from going through the same thing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
S Daniel Bullock
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Excellent power, ease of set-up, same discs/pads as all other Hayes
Weaknesses:
Weight, noise (during break-in), only one moving pad (no big deal with proper set-up)
Similar Products Used:
Avid, RST (worst on planet--canti's would have been better)
The people one this page who commented on noise, lack of power, lever travel, etc. did not set them up properly. It takes a week or so to get them properly dialed, and i had to take a bit of the aluminum off of the caliper body and whatnot with a heavy file to get them to rub as little as possible (almost none at all now, even with lots of frame flex generated by road biker's legs), but they work flawlessly.
For the price, these are the best brakes you can buy, though good levers and cables are certainly required (spend a little more on the levers and teflon coated, minimal stretch cables--since the brakes are so cheap!). And, when things start to wear out (if ever), bits can be easily replaced as ALL Hayes brakes use the same parts. Once again...set them up properly, and they will work without fail. I have done some SICK steeps on these (yes, on my hardtail, and broken [really] several helmets), and every time the brakes come out on top. There is a bit of fade when they get hot, but this will happen with all Hayes brakes, as the fundamental parts are all common. Nonetheless, these brakes are a steal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Alberta CANADA Date Reviewed: November 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Decent power for mech disc brakes ez to set up
Weaknesses:
new pads make a little noise for the first couple rides COST OF PADS
Bottom Line:
Good mech disc brakes with decent power but if you wan't more stopping power get Avids, or Hayes hydros. Hardcore DH and FR people may need more power but good for anything else!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stenchy
a Cross Country Rider
from Boca Raton, Florida Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Markham
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Just as strong as any good V brake,stops alot better than V's in wet weather or mud, good looking, easy set up, easy pad change
Weaknesses:
abit heavy (but most disc setups are), squeals alittle during break in period, not as powerful as hydros
Similar Products Used:
avid v brakes
Bike Setup:
2002 Specialized Rockhopper, ace Face stem and cranks, thompson elite seatpost, bontrager 2001 gel seat, xt deraillers, shimano 545 pedals, 2001 manitou sxr fork, hayes mechs, mavic 517 rims with xt disc hubs
Bottom Line:
These brakes are wonderful for the trail riderand I bought the entire kit for 89 bucks from Supergo and Jenson USA has the kit for 99 dollars with levers. If you need a brake for free riding or down hill go with hydros. Yes, these do squeal a bit but after 3 months mine have become very quiet and stop just as well or better than any v brake I have used. Set up is very easy you just have to be patient during the break in. After each ride the brakes got better and better. I weigh almost 200 lbs and I was skeptical too after first trying this product. I wasnt sure these would stop my big butt as Im flying down some steep incline, but they do. These can not be compared to hydros in terms of power, but for a trail rider they work great. I just bought another kit to put on my hybrid road bike. Bottom line: enjoy these brakes for what they are, cable actuated. If you need tons of power try the Hayes hydros. For my riding style I really enjoy these. The squeals go away and they get more powerful over time, I promise.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bartek
a
from NY NY USA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Cool look
Weaknesses:
Weak performance
Similar Products Used:
v brakes
Bike Setup:
CAAD 3/ XT crank, XTR rear derailleur, lx front, syntace vro handlebars/stem, ultra fatty fork, xt cassette, mavic 223 disc specific wheels, XT hubs, USE carbon fiber seat post, Flite TT seat, pc 99 chain...
Bottom Line:
I don't recommend anyone buy this product. I switched to dis brakes becasue I wanted improved braking performance. Unfortunetly, these don't provide that. I can squeeze the front brake lever as hard as I can and still not come close to locking the wheel when riding (not that I really want to). It seems alright for the back though. I am probably going to switch to avids soon, hopefully they will be better.
THESE BRAKES SQUEEK LIKE CRAZY! I've had them for 6 months and they still are so loud its annoying.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from UVA Date Reviewed: October 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
POWERFUL. Adjustable. Good modulation. Work well when wet and in mud.
Weaknesses:
handle play
Similar Products Used:
altus canitlevers from old-skool bike
Bike Setup:
Bontrager Race FS+10 saddle (blk/red), wellgo pedals (red), Oury grips (red), Kore chain reactor, Cateye Endoro 2 comp, Cane Creek ergo control barends
Bottom Line:
These came on my Kona Caldera and I couldn't imagine riding without them. Single digit braking is easy w/ these. There is a little too much play in the handles, though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
moke
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: October 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
technical single-track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Price. Look pretty cool. Easy to install. Used with stock V-brake levers.
Weaknesses:
Noisy! Doesn't stop any harder than good V-brakes.
Other than the cool look of discs, these brakes don't really add anything (except weight) to my bike. They stop just fine but not any better than the V's that came on my bike and with about the same effort. I-drives are known to be quiet bikes but these brakes alert everybody that I'm on the trail. They do handle wet conditions well. Get em if you want the look of discs, but if you are looking for the power of discs go hydro.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Grill
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
cheap??
Weaknesses:
takes too much effort to really benefit from them.
Similar Products Used:
hayes hydro
Bike Setup:
'02 Kona Stinky, Hayes 8" hydro, Nokian Gazzaloddi Jr. 2.6
Bottom Line:
I'll start by saying that I'm not a weekend warrior. I free ride every day. There is no option for free rider on the review form. Someone should fix that because FR is different from DH and way different from XC and involves no racing.
These came stock on my bike. I upgraded to hydros and they are much better. I have found that, aside from stopping in wet conditions, the real benefit to disk brakes is stopping power. And stopping power means that you don't have to work as hard to stop... right? These brakes require every bit as much power to stop as V brakes - and sometimes more. Well, the front stopped okay but the rear takes too much effort. I can one-finger the hydros and still have great control.
Don't waste your money. If your bike came with these; fine use them, but don't spend real money on these. Get Avid mechanical or save a little more and get hydro. I have seen Hayes DH purple for as low as $140.
I'll give them 2 and 2 since they are cheap and will actually make you stop if you squeeze hard enough ;-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt
a
from Brisbane,QLD,AUSTRALIA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good for wet weather.
Weaknesses:
Cost of Pads!
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS2. Brakes came standard
Bottom Line:
First ride the disc fell off! (Probably the bike shop's fault).I found that the Brake housing was not perpendicular to the rotor and had to remove and file down the monting head to get even gap either side of the rotor. (this was front and rear). Pads are over the top in price. To be honest if I had the choice I wouldn't have chosen Disc brakes at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Bourbonnais, IL. usa Date Reviewed: September 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike.
Strengths:
I haven't raced down a hill really fast to see if they really stop me yet, but they do stop me which is a good thing 'cause the people driving here don't stop.
Weaknesses:
Some rubbing,sqeaking and vibration but I still like them.
Bike Setup:
2002-4300 Trek Alpha
Bottom Line:
It is a great breaking system, and I would buy another if I needed to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Flix
a Weekend Warrior
from Silicone Valley Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Demo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
Instructions are easy.
Weaknesses:
Rotor bolts broke apart, drags/squeals
Bike Setup:
Manitou SX-R/XT hubs
Bottom Line:
The set-up is really simple. I'm not sure I trust that funky cam actuator though. It looks like the cable *should* be able to jump right off the thin groove. Worse yet is when I tried to install the rotor: When trying to torque the rotor bolts at spec, 55 ft-lbs, the bolts broke. I suspect the torx-25 are way too small and wimpy. The bolts actually broke with enough metal to back out, but the replacements I got, 4mm hex, are too tall for the SX-R to clear. This doesn't seem like a good design! Avids are $20 more, should've gotten them!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Downhiller
from upland Date Reviewed: September 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mt baldy
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
First bike with disk brakes real stopping power.
Weaknesses:
Squeks!
Bike Setup:
Iguana Giant
Bottom Line:
Recomend brakes for the price will continue using hayes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
noot
a Downhiller
from sherwood park Date Reviewed: August 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
easy pad changes, simple set up.
Weaknesses:
Stopping power is weak. Do anything other than change pads, and good luck. Parts will break. Money will be spent.
Similar Products Used:
avid mech, hayes hydraulic
Bike Setup:
2002 sasquatch, almost stock.
Bottom Line:
I stripped the screw on the "arm/lever" on the caliper. I don't remember how it happened, but it got stripped. OK, my fault. I order a replacement part, it comes in, I put it on, and as I'm installing it, another, totally non-related part busts off. Now the pad won't retract along with the caliper! Thank god it still works a bit.... Hayes is cheap CRAP! Maybe their hydraulics are better, but the mech's are terrible. Stopping power is terrible. Avid mechanicals kick the pants off these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Axis
a Downhiller
from Lakewood, Ohio Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Vulture's Knob
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Price, rotors and last and least modulation.
Weaknesses:
Squeeling and modulation.
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
i-drive frame with psylo and a whole lot of stuff on the XT level, literally or otherwise.
Bottom Line:
Good price and I am still happy with them. If I would have paid full price then I would be pissed and want the mech Avids. The squeeling isn't the setup or the pads being contaminated it's the brakes. Oh well the do stop on a dime. The modulation is kind of there but it takes a real concerted effort while squeezing the levers. The same is true for all cable actuated brakes but the Avids are MUCH better and don't squeel. Whe the pads go I'll probably get the Avids.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darryl "Flying Squirl"
a Weekend Warrior
from CT Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
DH
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
AXLER's BICYCLE CORNER , Agawam, Mass.
Strengths:
Set up, maintanence, adjustability, modulation and cost.
Weaknesses:
POWER, no DH POWER. Alignment on mount, cable slips outta grip and high speed fade. I've set up LX V-brakes with more reliable power w/o fade.
Similar Products Used:
You name it, I rode many bikes as a LBS Manager/Mechanic.
Bike Setup:
'98 GT LTS with parts that make me look cool and ride fast.
Bottom Line:
Buy'em for any riding style, rely on them for stopping. Don't expect serious DH performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve sereday
a Cross Country Rider
from Ridgefield, CT. USA Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Factory replacement
Strengths:
Awsome stopping power
Weaknesses:
have not found any yet
Similar Products Used:
Formula disk breaks (SUCKED)
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC SEC2
Bottom Line:
I bought the giant XTC and Formula disk breaks came with it and they SUCKED. There was no way of setting them up. The sqealed like a pig. No stopping powe. So I called giant after numerous attempts of trying of diffrent shops trying to dial them in. Giant imformed me that there was a recall on the breaks. Funny how I never got the message. I registered my bike with them and I sent in my warrenty card. They told me that they would give my Hayes break, then i found out that they would do it for cost. Then they said they were keeping my old breaks. They charged me a $100.00.
After being screwed by Giant I took my new breaks out for a ride and they were awsome. The stopping power was perfect. We went riding after a few day of storms and the tracks were really muddy and wet. My friends LX V breaks started to sqeal and we need to clean them once. The disk breaks lost no power and the mud had no affect. There was no sqealing and no noise of any other kind. These were defent upgrade over my v breaks. Would I switch from V breaks to mechanical disk breaks? Only when it was time to upgrade or if I broke my V breaks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alex
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto, canada Date Reviewed: July 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the one i havent been on.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
budy
Strengths:
stops on a dime easy to set up low cost to mataine
Weaknesses:
makes some nose while to brake in
Similar Products Used:
hope disc brakes (on my other bike) the hope disc brakes are a custom fit and beet these brakes, but also were 700$ more.
Bottom Line:
these brakes are good for anything you want. in rain even snow ( trust me in canda its snows a lot in the winter and they work. if they diden i wouldnt be here...anyway) great for everything . the price is realy good too.gives you comfert iin braking. the best mech brakes . well thats what i think.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from bend oregon usa Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
deschutes river trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
strong braking power, easy adjustment, quiet, and the price.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
avids, diatech, deore
Bike Setup:
00 jamis exile with full xt, judy xc, mavic 223 rims and other good stuff.
Bottom Line:
these brakes are great for the money! only 89.00 from supergo. they stop on a dime and will only get better over time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Joseph, Mo Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sun Ridge(right now anyway)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Jensons
Strengths:
Great stopping power , easily adjustable and simple to install. The price was great, too.
Weaknesses:
none, that I have encountered as of yet.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
KHS alite 4000, Mars Elite , XT everywhere except rear derail. which is XTR. Shimano disc hubs with mavic rims.
Bottom Line:
To me this is a great product, although I have not used any other disc systems. I definitly think it is great for entry level and intermidiate level riders, and would recommend this product to any rider that was interested. Thanks to hayes for a great product with a low budget in mind.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Mississauga Ont. Canada Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came Stock
Strengths:
Good stopping power, very progressive.
Weaknesses:
Hard to keep adjustments, lots of drag,
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Trek 4300 with upgraded Pyslo SL shox
Bottom Line:
These brakes are a good value for the price and are a fair disc brake.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sigmund
a Cross Country Rider
from Ljubljana, Slovenia, Europe Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Nice stopping power, easy adjustment, no hassle instalation
Weaknesses:
One adapter had a bad thread, so had to replace it :( Although the stopping power is nice, one has to pull the levers very strongly compared to hydraulic discs.
Similar Products Used:
Grimeca System 8
Bike Setup:
My brother's bike - Cult (made in Slovenia) frame, LX derailleurs, Deore shifters, Bontrager cranks, Formula hubs, HMX-1 disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
The HMX-1 breaks very nicely, quite comparable to my own hydraulic Grimeca 8, minus the hassle of handling hydraulic fluids.
Extremely easy installation (just two screws, no shims, as with Griemca or Shimano) and pad spacing setup. I got these brakes (& hubs) from a stock Trek FX-3, that I built up with parts from my old hardtail. Otherwise they're a bit expensive (at least where I live).
The downside is that the discs are vable actuated, so one has to overcome the stiction and friction of cables. One also has to pull the levers very strongly to get adequate breaking power.
Also, the front one came with a busted thread in he adapter, so I had to replace it. (or sound like a very loud 30 ton truck with glazed breaks)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KURT
a Weekend Warrior
from NORTHERN IL Date Reviewed: June 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
SUPERGO
Strengths:
value at $90 a pair . consistant performance in all conditions . uncomplicated design . stoping power good for my wimpy 150lb ass (need to be setup RIGHT). pads wear at a fraction of what the avids do .
Weaknesses:
the adjusters for the slave pads were stuck in position from the factory . i needed vise grips to free them up and when i did they didnt have the range to allow the pads to clear the rotors (dragged through the 50mi+ break in) . adding washers to the mounts to correct this created other clearance issues . modulation is tough because there is almost no feedback translated from the levers . break in 50mi+ .
Similar Products Used:
none owned , but have used : hayes hyd. , shimano hyd. (crap) , and avid mech. (borrowed bike for 2 months , these are top shelf...better than hydro even!) .
Bike Setup:
Giant warp
Bottom Line:
the price is what grabed me away from the avids . the stoping power is adequate for me , but the modulation sucks . avids are twice as good and twice the price . break in is long and noisy . ive only had these a month and have rolled over a 150mi on them . these brakes are ok , but i will buy the avids next time im in the market for brakes .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SGT. ROCK
a Racer
from Edmonton, AB Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Incredible price Easy installation - a monkey could do it Work perfectly with V-brake levers
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Hayes hydros
Bike Setup:
1997 TREK Y-11 with 2001 Marzocchi Z-3
Bottom Line:
I hesitated to put a front disc on my Y bike because of the cost. When Supergo offered a fr/rr Hayes HMX-1 set w/adapters for only $90, I bought. Rebuilt my XT/Sun rim brake front wheel with a new XT disc hub and 14 gauge spokes. Total project time to build the wheel and install/adjust the brake was about four hours. Brake installation was easy, took less than five minutes to eliminate rotor/pad rub.
This cable disc feels almost as good as the 6" Hayes hydros I'm running on my XC hardtail, and better than the 8" Hayes hydros on my Norco DH bike. Just wish my frame had disc tabs so I could mount the rear disc. Maybe some Brake Therapy in the future.
$ 89.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
