|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
TC316
a Weekend Warrior
from CANADA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY | | Strengths: | Lever curved perfectly for your fingers.
No play in levers. Very solid.
Fine tuning - nice feature.
Good price.
A Shimano product. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Avid Levers | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Big Sur.
Judy XC. | | Bottom Line: | Love the feel of these levers compared to the stock Avid's. Also replaced Avid V-brakes with Shimano XT. I'm a Shimano guy and in my opinion you cannot go wrong with their products. Very happy with purchase. Who should buy these? Somebody who cannot afford XTR and somebody who still uses V brakes. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Fantasy Island | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Nice looking | | Weaknesses: | Heavy
Microadjustments
Expensive | | Similar Products Used: | Avid, Cane Creek DC, Deore | | Bike Setup: | Iguana with XT/XTR/Thomson Elite blah, blah, blah | | Bottom Line: | Nice looking brake levers but they're heavy (250g), the microadjustments are useless, and way too expensive for the quality. I bought them to complement my XT brake calipers (which are very nice) thinking they would be equal in quality. Yeah, I got suckered by the sales gimmicks and 'XT' logo. I replaced them with a pair of Cane Creek Direct curves that were 75g lighter, almost $50 cheaper & work just as well.
I wouldn't recommend them unless you can get them new for $40 or less. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
XT user
a Cross Country Rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Quite cheap, adjustment, it's xt | | Weaknesses: | None so far... | | Similar Products Used: | Tektro crap | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded Kona blast | | Bottom Line: | I got a pair of these for 20 bucks. And they are much better than the crappy tektro levers that came on my bike. Anyone who wants good performance for less money than xtr should buy these | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james
a Racer
from london
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | chainreaction | | Strengths: | changing mechanical advantage during use | | Weaknesses: | on my third set after breakages | | Similar Products Used: | avids, shimano lx | | Bike Setup: | giant mcm, 23lbs | | Bottom Line: | I saw a lack of knowledge about the mechanical advantage gained by the roller on this website. you take out the plastic spacers and the roller moves down the lever as you pull it, increasing the mechanical advantage. you can set it up so that this only happens once the brakes hit the rim. result: incredible power and quick movement towards the rim or good rim clearance.
disadvantage is that its not cheap to have to replace them after you spin the bars in a crash. they are also lighter than most at around 160g a pair, competing with avid mags, which also bend apparently. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Fenter
a
from Austin, TX usa
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with huge drops | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Bicycle sport shop | | Strengths: | They stop when they are new. | | Weaknesses: | They break and bend quite easily, plastic design?? | | Similar Products Used: | Cheap plastic | | Bike Setup: | Sugar 2+ full custom job | | Bottom Line: | I used these levers for about 6 months now, and I find that after falls, the case on the lever tends to bend, impairing the braking function. This has happened now on both my front and rear levers. What is the deal with the plastic casing on the xt shifter\lever bundle? I have switched to the LX shifter\lever bundle with no plastic pieces . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Walter Guan
a
from Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hmm... | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | OEM | | Strengths: | Butter smooth, stiff, Really Ergonomic, Light. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | promax | | Bike Setup: | GT Zaskar, SD Mag, XT levers, Judy race with total air, Deore... | | Bottom Line: | This are a cool set of levers! They are awesomely comfortable and ultimately smooth (with SD Mag. Smoothest in my area)! Light! Way better than the ProMax they replaced. Quite tough too. Not bad price @ 40 a set. Too bad the XT brakes are a TRUE NON-PERFORMER... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ernesto freyre
a
from miami, florida
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | oleta park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | price point | | Strengths: | Strong, easy to maintain power. | | Weaknesses: | UMMMMM I cant think of one. | | Similar Products Used: | LX | | Bike Setup: | ALL XT parts, easton bar, thompson stem and seat post. | | Bottom Line: | reasonable price, works great and very little maintainance. Also not very heavy. I have fall and crash few times, so far it has not broke. I appreciate XT parts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$27.00 | | Purchased At: | Broadway Bike Show | | Strengths: | Hey, they're XT. Not flashy, but they get the job done, and in my case, the price was right. | | Weaknesses: | None that I know of | | Similar Products Used: | Avid, LX | | Bike Setup: | Manitou SX-R, Sun-Ringle wheelset, ESP 9.0/XTR/Avid 7 | | Bottom Line: | They're good levers. Unless they break, there is absolutely nothing worth complaining about.
BTW... did the guy posting on 7/3 REALLY give the product a bad rating because he crashed and scratched his top tube?
That was one of the funnier things I've ever read.
~ride on | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Dreimanis
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, SA, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Narrow Neck - Blue Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Super Elliots - Adelaide | | Strengths: | - Strong and durable
- Light weight | | Weaknesses: | - A bit pricey for what it is
- Not as nice feel as Avid or XTR | | Similar Products Used: | Deore, Tektro, Avid, XTR | | Bike Setup: | Deore LX V-brakes, Kool-Stop dual compound pads. | | Bottom Line: | They seem a little pricey for what you get, but sill have good feel, although not quite as sweet as XTR or Avid. The cable adjuster seems a little flimsy, but it hasn't broken on me yet. Not bad, but not fantastic either. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toti Cunha
a Cross Country Rider
from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Brazil trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Weight, good power and look. | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't come with boots. | | Bike Setup: | All XT, Easton CT2 carbon seatpost, 2002 SID SL, KHS Alite 2000 frame | | Bottom Line: | Great levers for the price, powerfull and nice look.
Why do not come with boots to protect the scrow brake cables? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennisd
a Cross Country Rider
from Cornwall, Ontario
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Brockville | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle world | | Strengths: | -Light
-Great modulation
-Durable
-Easy to adjust | | Weaknesses: | -Expensive
| | Similar Products Used: | STC-RC, STX, LX, Avid, Deore | | Bike Setup: | These are the newer (silver) editions. | | Bottom Line: | Great levers. Nice and short, just the way I like them. They have the best feel since the STX-RC stuff I've been using for a while on my older GT. Much better than the Deore stuff that came with my Enduro sport.
I guess you can hate Shimano for whatever reason, but I go with what works. These levers, paired with the XT V-brakes work extremely well. I would recommend them to someone who is performance oriented and willing to pay for it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J.R. A Freerider
a
from State College,PA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$52.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | Great Power | | Weaknesses: | Has a little friction. Not as smooth as it could be. Price | | Similar Products Used: | LX levers | | Bottom Line: | Is a good lever. These are actually lighter than the XTR's!!! They cost a lot less too.They have just as much power. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max_Bike
a Racer
from New-Brunswick CANADA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | UNB Wood Lot | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Strengths: | Suuuppper Light and they feel stable and smooth | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano LX,Shimano STX-RC,Avid 1.0L,Avid SD 1.9,Avid SD 2.0 | | Bike Setup: | Trek 6500 with Shimano XT Deraileurs, 2000 Shimano LX Crank set,2000 Shimano LX Brakes,VP Clipless pedals,Bomber Z.1 Drop Off Fork | | Bottom Line: | I think this is the sweetest levers. Just about as good as XTR. Anyone should get them!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mack Daddy
a Cross Country Rider
from Broomfield, CO
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | betasso preserve | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Craftmanship
Adusment
Preision
Weight | | Weaknesses: | cable entry set-up
smoothness | | Similar Products Used: | Lx's, Deore, Avid's, Trek P.O.S. brakes, alivio canti's | | Bottom Line: | These kick my stock brakes butt. I can stop on a dime with these things. The only problems are that they sometimes get a little sticky. The adjuster knob also started to cut my cable housing. Besides that, they are sweet to ride with. I really like the small levers. Buy yourself a pair | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Ape Canyon | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Modulation
Price
Workmanship | | Weaknesses: |
Adjustment blocks are kinda cheesy | | Similar Products Used: |
Avids
XTR
Hayes
Others | | Bike Setup: |
Curtlo | | Bottom Line: | What the heck do you want? They are cheap, light enough, durable, and easy to get. Sure! They are an ounce more than the $150 levers, but for the dough they rule. Plus, the have a really nice feel. I do like the XTR's adjustments better than that block set up though. Great deal. Oh, yaw, you bozo's, if you crash them they could break (welcome to MTBing). We break stuff. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brady
a Cross-Country Rider
from St.Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Look good. | | Weaknesses: |
I went down real easy and the lever rotates around my bar. The aluminum scratches the shit out of my aluminum bar. The bar then brakes right where the scratch is and nearly KILLS me. Aluminum on aluminum is a BAD idea. Also, the lever is way too short like they purposely didn't want it to work well with my Gripshift shifters. That pisses me off. | | Similar Products Used: |
Avid, | | Bottom Line: | Watch it when you go down on them. When aluminum is bent, its gone. Don't try to bend it back because it will break twice as easy next time. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Machinist
a Weekend Warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Moab | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
none | | Weaknesses: |
where to start | | Similar Products Used: |
alot | | Bike Setup: |
AMP frame and fork | | Bottom Line: | The following is a quote from E-zam(below) I don't know why people whine about weight on a product that costs less than $30. Go figure. If you're a weight weenie, pry a few more skins out of your wallet and go buy something lighter. What a novel concept!! Sheesh this guy doesn't have a clue about buying USA made components. I have gotten deals on lighter better US made components for a few skins (hippie throwback for paper money I guess)$40 for usa made,plus, I kept the money in the US.
What a novel concept?! What a moron you are E-zam. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross-Country Rider
from Hershey, PA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mt. Gretna and Lamb's Gap | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
It's XT
smooth action | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Trek OCLV | | Bottom Line: | It's a great V-brake lever; what else can I say? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E-zam
a Cross-Country Rider
from Littleton, CO
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Dakota Ridge, Deer Creek | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Simplicity, quality | | Similar Products Used: |
XTR, Kooka Racha | | Bike Setup: |
Trek Y22, VooDoo Zobop | | Bottom Line: | These inexpensive levers are reliable and work very well in conjunction with XT V's. They do what they're supposed to do and require little if any manitenance. Shimano products are, for the most part, very well thought out and well made. They are also relatively inexpensive (except XTR of course). I don't know why people whine about weight on a product that costs less than $30. Go figure. If you're a weight weenie, pry a few more skins out of your wallet and go buy something lighter. What a novel concept!! 5 steaming mounds. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Beverly Hincel
a Weekend Warrior
from Costa Mesa
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
They are ok. | | Weaknesses: |
Not American made. The weight is a full 33% than the replacements I put on after these bent. | | Similar Products Used: |
LX, XTR, Paul, PB... | | Bike Setup: |
I had 'em on a Schwinn with a Judy XC fork. | | Bottom Line: | I would use these in a pinch...but wouldn't want to. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Modulation, power | | Weaknesses: |
strength | | Similar Products Used: |
sram 9.0
older xt | | Bike Setup: |
caad 3, xt, sram xtr | | Bottom Line: | These levers work well with my xtr v's but the strngth just isn't there. Twice in the past coupla' months I've had some crashes that ended up bending the crap out of my front lever- hello trashcan. The power's nice but I'm goin back to sram- at least they won't bend. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Jordan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Madison WI
Date Reviewed: May 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Moab | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Ummmmmm it beats department store level components. | | Weaknesses: |
The pivot is not as smooth as I like and it has excessive play. | | Similar Products Used: |
Too many to list but I like Paul's. | | Bike Setup: |
Super V 900 | | Bottom Line: | I just don't care for these levers to much but they might work well if you have a no-name brand that needs replacement. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Linden, MI
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Quality feel. Quality ergonomics. | | Weaknesses: |
None. Well, maybe just that the adjustment screws don't adjust in far enough. | | Similar Products Used: |
Avid Speed Dials | | Bike Setup: |
'97 Jamis Dakar full suspension. Basically XT equipped, including XT V-brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Perfect. The fit, feel and function are solid and reassuring.
The feel, especially compared to the Avids, is like holding a pair of Craftsman pliers after a holding a $2 Taiwan piece. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby
a Weekend Warrior
from Hampton, VA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Waller Mill | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light, good ergonomics, adjustable | | Weaknesses: |
a bit excess play | | Similar Products Used: |
Avid 1.9 & 2.0 | | Bike Setup: |
GF Joshua F3, RShox Deluxe rear w/Manat. Se-X forks | | Bottom Line: | upgraded my Kona hard-tail from Kona brakes w/canti's to XT's & loved them. They work wonderfully w/the XT V's on my currint ride a GF F3.... lots of stop force, nice feel inthe hand. I've heard several conplaints about them breaking easily... haven't done it in any of my stupendous digs as of yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G
a Racer
from SAN DIEGO
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
WORKS WITHOUT COMPROMISE | | Weaknesses: |
NONE SO FAR | | Similar Products Used: |
DIACOMPE | | Bike Setup: |
HT | | Bottom Line: | WHAT MORE COULD YOU POSSIBLY ASK FOR IN A BRAKE LEVER? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jamie
a Racer
from nova scotia
Date Reviewed: April 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
anything with dirt | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
works
smooth
has ajustment
looks stealthy | | Weaknesses: |
1mm of play | | Similar Products Used: |
LX
STX
STX RC | | Bike Setup: |
norco magnum
bomber Z3 | | Bottom Line: | These are good levers. I think they look good and I like the feel of them. Thet have lived through some pretty bad crashes and hard smashes to the frame I had the shifter brake lever combonation.
They feel like a preformane part compered to crappy stx rc. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a Cross-Country Rider
from NY
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
smooth | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
xtr | | Bottom Line: | i loved this brake levers but unfortunetly i have to switch because the shifting pods there connected to are broken. 5 CHILLIS! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Hansen
a Cross-Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI
Date Reviewed: March 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Chukanut Ridge | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
DESIGN: Ergo! The are true one or two finger levers. Shapely. | | Weaknesses: |
The only thig that does not work as it implies is the modulation adjustment, it is not as smooth as it could be. | | Similar Products Used: |
Diacomp SS-7, Older XT--Servo Wave. | | Bike Setup: |
Serrota T-Max w/ a Rock Shock Judy XC | | Bottom Line: | I really like the design of these levers: they are solid, shapley and nicely adjustable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bicky
a Cross-Country Rider
from Montana
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Nunya | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
cheap | | Weaknesses: |
cheap | | Similar Products Used: |
XTR, Altek, Avid SD 2.0,m-600, LX, etc. | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale Super V-!000 | | Bottom Line: | These came as standard equipment on my wifes new Cannondale super V-1000. Right from the start, the rear brake lever made a clicking sound. After some inspection, the problem was found. The tabs that hold the barrel end of the brake cable were too far apart and needed to be squeezed closer together to obtain the proper fit.
I, otherwise, was not impressed with the cheap (rinky-dink) look and feel of this lever. I would change the lever, but seeing as how it is a one peice unit with the shifters, the change would be a little more complex than I would have hoped. because they have not been tested that much yet, I'll give them the benifit of a doubt and give them 3 turds, which is actualy kind on my part, because I prefer quality machined parts and despise Shimano. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrei
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
THey are CHEAPER and LIGHTER then xtr, no fair they even work beter. They don't lookas cool but who cares, they work!!!
I've heard stories that they break, I had them for a year, downhill, slalom, and XC WORK perfectly. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rohan Macky
a downhiller
from Adelaide, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Got these with the new Avid arch canti's. THEY ROCK!!! Bucketloads cheaper than XTR, but guess what? They're actually lighter than the XTR levers. Go figure. I have them set up on a slalom frame, and the feel of the short levers, and the response is wicked. Avid have some good canti's, but stick with shimano for the levers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
XT rapidfire SL levers/shifters came stock on my K2. They worked great w/ my XT V's. I recently upgraded to XTR V's- a match made in heaven. I get the great power of XTR brakes + levers as light and strong as XTR without the play i've heard XTR levers get. The only downside is that I don't get the two extra power adjustments XTR levers get... too bad. However, I still haven't used more than two anyway. 5 chillys from me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a cross-country rider
from Auburn, CA
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I can't say enough about the '98 v-levers. After coming from cheap cantis, these are wonderful when combined with my 98 xt v-brakes. More that enough power and easy to adjust. Two finger design is great, and weight is low. Go get these levers if you want power and performance cheap and light. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david
a cross-country rider
from Boulder co
Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had these levers for some time now and at first they were great, then they got this weird clicking sound in the rear brake when I pull the lever( I also have XT's in the back) I do not know how to fix it, but I do like the fell of the lever. XTR is better | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a racer
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
These levers have excellent action, but will break when slammed into the ground.
I was very unimpressed with the metal of the brake lever body (the black part). After breaking I noticed many voids, the typical pot metal look.
Nevertheless, I ended up picking up a spare pair from a friend and are still riding them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric FAUCON
a weekend warrior
from STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my XT levers for 2 years now, and they're still as they were new ! No play, no malfunction. Good look compared with these plastic looking ESP levers, light. As we say in France, Que demande le peuple ?, which approximately means What more could you ask ?. 5 chilis, 'cause they saved my life many times !
I'm XT addicted ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keven Macgowan
a weekend warrior
from Rancho Palos Verdes
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Great lever!! I have owned them for over a year now, and have not
developed any play. They have lots of leverage, and pull. I like
the fact that you can adjust the amount of torque that you want.
I have mine set to the lowest setting, and still can send myself
over the bars!! The price was also right(around $39).I definetly
recomend these to anyone running V-brakes!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent
a cross-country rider
from Knoxvlle TN
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Been running LX levers for the past few years but I just built my dream bike last month and bought the XTs for dirt cheap. Man o man is there a huge difference. Not only do these things stop on a dime they are serveral grams less than XTR levers. I could not imagine a lever with any more sheer stopping power under extreme condtions. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bret
a cross-country rider
from Ann Arbor, MI
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a bontrager Race-Lite which had XT levers on it. I took a very slow fall and the lever hit me in the chest. I was not bruised but the lever snapped in half. I figured it was a fluke-- after all, this is XT level stuff. Well I did some checking and found out that it wasn't a fluke at all. The mechanic at my local shop said he had seen a dozen broken in exactly the same way. He said a couple had been broken in panic stops just from hard gripping. Ok, I know the market wants light componants but the sick thing is that busting one of these inferior levers requires you to replace the whole damn set-up includig the rapid fire shifter. We're talking more than $100 to fix a lever that shimano knows breaks frequently. How do they get away with it? Well, what else are you gonna buy? I don't know about everyone else but I'm sick of parts that are designed to be super light without regard for strength. At least now I know why they are called 'break' levers. Thats so your not disapointed when it happens. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, Washington
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This product may be the most dependable, effective product for cheap in the
MTBing world. The quality construction is surprising for a product you can
pick up for a measly $40 mail order. The XTR is better but more dough. The
XT is good enough for 99% of us. Sure, their are lighter levers (i.e., SRAM), but none that compare with XT for the cash. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
2
a cross-country rider
from SF,CA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A much more positive feel than my old levers (98' Diacompe DP-7N's). The levers are shorter and the return springs are stronger. Significant braking power increase and are also 3x's adjustable with more cable pull. A very nice v-lever. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KIWI MASTER
a racer
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: November 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got a pair of these babies to replace my Paul's what a difference I didn't realize what a piece of crap the Paul's were until I put these on and felt the modulation and the power especially in the rear where the cable is long. And all of these for 25 bucks with the cables, sorry can't beat that no matter what GOOD WORK SHIMANO!!!! 5 Hot Chilis | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a racer
from Nelson BC Canada
Date Reviewed: November 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I still give these things 5 because of the great power and modulation. I have noticed some play in the front brake lever( anybody know how to fix it?) but i guess thats to be expected after some very hard crashes right onto the lever and after day after day use. I would still get them but i think i am going to try hayes disk brakes now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WEKC
a downhiller
from Venezuela
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It´s very good, never gave mi any truble. In all my hi speed crashes tihs baby has sufer with her I was sopriesd but this shimano produc din´t shou any malfuncions, It´s the best I´v ever used and It never faild in my hands. This brake lever, I´m not goin to say it´s perfec, but it amost is. It shapes to your fingers and dosen´t fells bad or herts when you have to brake. It responds as fast as you do aor faster. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RESE
a cross-country rider
from Sydney, Australia.
Date Reviewed: October 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had the XT levers(and brakes)for about 3 months now and they are excellent. Feel good,look good,pretty light and they have lots of feel all the way from slow down a bit style braking to full lock stop or die sort of situations. All round awesome brake system so far. Although my left lever did bend after a crash over the handlebars on rock,but no matter what you use if you throw it at rocks at speed they will break or at least bend so I'm not blaming shimano for that. 5 chillis,good work Shimano. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jake da funk master last
a cross-country rider
from amherst, ma
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
ill have these babys with 2 more weeks allowance! (in combo w/ the shifters) ....sorry, just can't deal with those piece-o-shit tektro levers ANYMORE! hey if anyone would be kind enough to email me and explain the lerage adjustment chock thingys and what they do, id be very grateful!!! thankss..... word#50 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a cross-country rider
from Michagan
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
these are great levers for the money they work great with any brake system espesially xt. there not to expensive and they fell just like xtr. they also look pretty cool the black and silver gowell together. they brakes are work well too. so for a great peforming not too expensive get these. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jake
a cross-country rider
from ny
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
these very good levers the perform grat with the xt brakes and they are also light. i was looking in to geting 9.0 but i called lots of places and they all said that xt are MUCH better.i dont have any complaint on these what so ever.so i would buy them | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a cross-country rider
from california
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
these are great levers look great feel great and not to mension work great. they are not to expensive but are defenatly worth every penny. i have never had one problem with them. i really like the feel to them perfect size and there also very light, lighter than XTR! a must by | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a cross-country rider
from ct
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Shimano XT-Vs are the bomb. I'm pretty cheap, but even I have to admit that my my xt brake & levers were worth every penny. While you have to use 2 fingers on LX Vs, my xt levers are so smooth that I could brake with my pinky finger if i wanted to. And they have so much power that I went over the handlebars a few times when I first got then until i learned to go easy on the front brake. Also I haven't even adjusted them since last year, they hold their tension so we, but if i did, it'd take only a few minutes. Worth every penny. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WrasseMan
a cross-country rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These look nice, have good modulation, and the lever is easily reachable by the index and middle finger. They are simple to adjust as well and have held up under force. I've paired these with XT V brakes, and the combination has very good stopping power but not great. Overall, I am very satisfied with these levers. Good value. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jochen
a cross-country rider
from austria
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
good looking, stiff, perfect handling, easy to adjust, what else shall I say, in my eyes they are the most perfect bicycle component I know. It seems that every part made by Shimano is working much better than those manufactured by the others. Good for Shimano - poor for all the others.
I give all the stars I have for that levers!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Deak
a cross-country rider
from Europe
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What can I say....these levers are light, stiff, reliable, durable, ergonomical, feel excellent, and look good too. I have had these levers for over a year, and I am as happy with them as I was when first upgraded. If you want no hassle, easy to maintain levers...and don't put you in any debt then get these levers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a cross-country rider
from Nelson,B.C.,Canada
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchesed a set of XT levers and brakes and i love them. The levers fit better over my Gripshift X-Rays than the XTR's that I have tried and there lighter than XTR. The barrel adjusters on them work great I can move my brake pads close to the rims even while riding a trail buy them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blair Phelps
a racer
from CANADA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased my 98 XT levers. They have 69.69 times the amt. of power that my crappy Tektro pieces had. For only $69.69 they are definetly worth the money. They look and feel great and have awesome power. XT is the way to go! IT'S ALL GOOD!!!!!!! 69 FOR LIFE. No, I'm not a freak...... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gertjan
a cross-country rider
from the Netherlands
Date Reviewed: February 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just replaced my old LX levers with XT levers and i have to say that the XT levers work ten times better. The problem with the LX was the amount of sideplay and that your fingers can slide of when you are braking hard.
If you are planning to upgrade your old brakes and levers then get full XT not the a cheap LX and XT combination. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Björn Blauensteiner
a cross-country rider
from Vienna, Austria
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I´m driving these XT-Levers for 2 and a half year now and I´m quite impressed. I usually intended to buy Kooka Racha Levers because of their weight, but the XTs did really impress me: .) optimal 2-Finger performance
.) you really get power onto your brakes
.) very good price-performance-relation:
Go on like that, Shimano! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
serious stuff
a racer
from bc
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the set and went riding down some hills at Whistler BC, BEST SKIING PLACE IN THE WORLD!!!, and had to pull some evasive manuevers which included jamming the brakes. Well, what do you know, the brake lever SNAPPED IN HALF.
I was injuried but I'll live. Anyway, I am dissappointed although Shimano replaced them for free, but refunded them. It could happen to you. BEWARE!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marko
a racer
from London
Date Reviewed: November 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Had these levers (and the brakes) for two months now, greta stuff, no problems at all and stop on a dime, Well worth the money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I changed my LX V-brakes for the XT v-brakes, and the XT rule. What a Bite. And the paralell push mechanism works great. The only problem is the slack that is beginning to come, still I won't change back. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Blow
a racer
from Earth
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These levers kick ass. it would be better though if they had an adjuster knob like the Avid Tri-Align 3 but you cant have it all for this price. They are nick durable shit and will last you a long time. If you get shimano V brakes go for thses levers unless you have the money go for XTR. The only difference is weight. XT if perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Dorrick
a cross-country rider
from Forked River, NJ
Date Reviewed: August 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The levers feel great until the pivot pin blows out in your face and Shimano won't warrent it because Trials is Mountain Bike abuse! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gareth
a racer
from Canada
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
There is no other v-brake that balances itself better than the xt's.
light, affordable, powerful. Me like. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billie-Joe-Bob
a racer
from Hickville
Date Reviewed: August 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These levers are great. No slop, relatively light, relatively inexpensive, nice shape. What else do you need in a brake lever?! I guess it could be cheaper and lighter, but quality is worth the money and it would probably flex a lot if it were lighter. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver BC Canada
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Light ergonomic little piece of alloy.. Did I mention smoooooth?
Good modulation control and feel works damn well worth the price..
Kinda dull looking but I'm not excatly a fan of retina ripping bright
bike thief attracting colors..
Simply put its functional..
Go and buy and be happy happy happy.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian
a cross-country rider
from sydney
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm a man who loves the feel of a gripshift and the XT levers and brakes
accompany the set up that I have. Who says you need RapidFire to use the
XT V-Brake system ? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jean-Pierre Bolet
a cross-country rider
from Leeds, UK
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The Shimano XT levers are a perfect match for the XRT V brakes. They pull the
right amount of cable, give a great feel, from abrupt and hard to squishy soft,
depending on how many of the adjuster chocks are removed. They look good, they
are well made. I cant find anything wrong with them. I just love the things.
An industry standard I reckon. 5 chilis hardly do them justice. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Mejia
a downhiller
from Berkeley
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Replaced cantelever type on Fisher Aquila. We'll see what happens this winter in the Wildcat Canyon Mud but for now it looks like a pretty smart move. Deep braking occurs with relatively little effort allowing for roll at much higher stress levels before locking-up. It means that you can more subtly reduce speed but retain higher speeds and control. Also less effort on the levers relaxes the hands and forearms leaving more energy for the rest of the body and lighter steering. None of the squeeling I've read in other reviews and my partners also have these brakes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geof
a weekend warrior
from Colorado springs
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Duuuuude...These babys rip... I bought a set of Tektro's (I know the cheap ones) and just picked up a set of these and man-o-man are they SWEET!!! No mush allowed with these levers and they kick total butt with the Tektro's... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray Man
a weekend warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride about an annual average of 20 Miles only per week due to work and the sunseting earlier in the winter but my experience with these levers has been awesome. Their Light, look great, feel perfect and have never given me any problems. My opinion... Two Thumbs Up!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chas
a cross-country rider
from Aurora, CO
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just put these on my Trek 8500 and WOW what a difference in performance.
These levers, in conjuction with the matching V-brakes are totally incredible
when it comes to stoppers. The fit my hand, or should I say finger, better than any thing else I've tried. And I tried most of the major players out there.
I got the whole set, levers, V-brakes, cables, bolts, all of it for $120 + tax.
Some say that you can make cantis perform just as good as V-brakes. Well maybe, but why spend that much time and all the headaches trying to make something that is relatively good do what something else does so damn well right out of the box. There is no choice in the matter, the answer is Shimano's V-brakes and Levers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Lo
a cross-country rider
from Suisun City, Ca. USA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I tried the LX-V brake levers and it was too small and was not grip shift compatable. I up graded to the XT-V brake levers and what a difference it makes , you don't feel a spongy feeling I had with the LX levers. Go with the XT it's the way to go if youre running the V-brakes. It a better lever all the way! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a cross-country rider
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Got mine several months ago. I must say these are the BEST! Very light,
cheaper than others and cool looking. Shimano is the way to go forget about
the other crap. If you want to ride like fast go the the V's | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart C.
a cross-country rider
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
MTB riders who have XT V-brakes with the XT lever truly are spoiled. Shimano has come up with a great brake design and a beautiful lever to go along with them. The lever itself is light, strong, comfortable, and an ergonomic dream. The two-finger design is perfect for the powerful V-brake. If Shimano had made it a three-finger brake I'm sure the 'V' would cause a shit-load more accidents.My advice to people wanting a great brake system is to get the XT V's but DON'T waste money on anything else but the accompanying XT lever. You won't regret the extra few bucks! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cryoman
a weekend warrior
from Albuquerque, Pusan, Arlington,MA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The 96 XT levers are the cat's meow to the Shimano XT V-brake system. Seems Shimano is really (finally) honing in on ergonomics: light, contoured, durable and right at my finger's tip. On a dollar per function/feel basis, these obliterate their competition - seems my bike increasingly picks up Shimano pieces as a function of time. This, after several years of purchasing (and observing) the CNC boutique business (Tri-Aligns, Paul's, etc) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale
a cross-country rider
from Minneapolis, MN
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I had to wait two months last spring to get a set of the '96 XT V-brake levers, but they proved to be worth the wait. I love these levers. There is nothing for the money that hauls a bike down quicker and with less effort than these little jems. I'm lucky to have two bikes (identical frames) one set up for commuting and the other strictly off-road and racing. The serious off-road bike has the v-brakes and levers, and the difference between the two is night and day. I like to keep three fingers on the bars and use only one finger on these levers, and stopping and control are effortless. Buy 'em. Ride 'em. Love 'em. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KENNETH
a cross-country rider
from MALAYSIA
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
THE XT BRAKE LEVER IS A WONDERFUL INVENTION.ITS TWO
FINGER BRAKING SYSTEM IS EASY TO USE.IT IS EVEN
COMPATIBLE WITH GRIPSHIFT.I USE THE LEVERS AND
GRIP SHIFT X-RAYS AND THIS ARE THE BEST LEVERS IN THE MARKET. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan So
a cross-country rider
from Victoria, British Columbia
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I just upgraded my Avid SD2.0 levers for a brand-spanking new pair of the 1996 Shimano XT levers. I'm riding XTR-V brakes and I had mush problems with the Avids. No longer. The Avids are gone, and braking power and feather touch stoppies are back. I highly recommend Shimano's XT levers for the V brake system. Sure, they're not as flashy and colorful as others, but for filling-jarring stops, the Shimano is the way to go. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie kimberley
a cross-country rider
from north Jersey
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Call me old fassioned but I still love rapidfire. these shifters work great I have them paired up with xt in rear and lx in front. they always give me smooth accurate and fast shifts. as for the levers they are great too. obly there is little reach adjustment. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan K.
a
from truckee, california
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I got to use a pair of v brake levers today. To be honest they do work slightly, about 5%, better than others out there. I've used Avids and Reals and like them but the v's were made to work with the v's. Weight is good, but appearance is kind of drab. I'd rather go with some aftermarket levers for the personal touch. But the v levers are the best for the v brake. It's a system. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny Danner
a
from Norman, Ok.
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This review is for the 95 brake levers. They are good brake levers, but if
I had a choice between the 95 and buying the 96 brake levers for a little
extra cash, I would buy the 96. The 95's however are good quality and
a good set of levers. If you can get a set cheap then do it. They are
worth the money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny Danner
a
from Norman, Ok.
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This review is for the 96 brake levers. These are the brake levers everyone
should buy. They are great. They are well made and they have made it a
two finger lever instead of the 95 three fingers which probably shaved off
a little weight. I love the 96 brake levers and these are also the levers
you are sopposed to use the V-brakes for. They work great.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a weekend warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: April 5, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm using the '96 Shimano XT Rapidfire shifters with V-brake levers.
The price is a bit over a good Grip Shift/Brake lever combo, but the
Shimano set beats them in terms of all round performance. By this I
mean that the V-brake levers are well-contoured and solid enough to give
me confident braking with the middle finger while at the same time my
index and thumbs are working with the shifting levers. All this while
negotiating a steep gravel downhill. I get excellent brake response and
grip with only a finger on the levers, and the rest of my hands are free
to change gears in preparation for the next assault or to steady the bike.
All in all, I'd say the XT Rapidfire shifter/brake lever combo is one of
the best money-for-performance buys around, 'cept for the XTRs which I
haven't seen in use yet.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Lemieux
a
from Tewksbury, MA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Once I installed and configured the V-brake system I set out to
install the integrated XT 8 speed shifter/V-brake levers.
As with most Shimano parts they're not real flashy, but they are
HIGHLY compatible with other Shimano components. The length of the brake
levers are a bit short which will allow easy two fingered braking, coupled
the power of the v-brake it should work out very nicely. The optical
gear selection on the shifters is pretty small and has limited functionality
during an intense ride. Shimano offers the brake and levers as seperate
parts, but the integrated set costs a bit less. Another plus is the kit
comes with new brake, shifter cables and a full set of housings. The only
drawback is that you NEED to buy new brake levers if you upgrade to the
v-brake. On the same token you have to remember that the v-brake
is a system and not just a set of brake arms.
| | Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$
