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Average Rating
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4.69/5
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# of Reviews
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98
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MSRP
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$ 120.00
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Weight
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More Products from Avid
Submit a Review
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Description: Accu-Push™ Technology - Pivoting arch moves pads so they maintain an ideal plane with the rim. The oversized, widely spaced pivots put minimal loads on the bushings. Pivot wear and slop is greatly reduced, enhancing brake efficiency.
Force Vector Alignment™ - Lateral Float System
Speed Dial Centering
Sealed Cartridge Bearings
Rim Wrangler™ Cartridge Brake Pads
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Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Nor Cal
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | where there is dirt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist | | Strengths: | real easy to set up, centering the pads is a cake, looks cool, very light. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | ultimates,xtr's | | Bottom Line: | This system works like a charm, I dont have to mingle with both sides of brakes to adjust it to center, I just loosen that little screw adjust then ride.... this is the best looking brakes in my opinion./ Levers are cool as-well bought these in sets. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Hewitt
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, England
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hardsough (edenfield) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisure Lakes | | Strengths: | Power, Modulation, Reliability | | Weaknesses: | The fact they are a 'cable brake' | | Similar Products Used: | XT V's, XTR V's, Hope 4 pots and Mini's, Hayes Mags 8" | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Chameleon dirt jump/DH/hard XC/everything bike | | Bottom Line: | I bought these off Mark at Leisure Lakes as a customer had them taken off a Cannondale Carbon full suss thingy. I paid £50 for front and rears.
They have been on the rear of my Santa Cruz Chameleon now for about 5 years now as the disc brake adaptor is a poor design and anyway with brakes this powerfull who needs disc's. The rear brake is as powerfull as a Hope Mini front hydraulic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Maountain View, CA
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | off the web | | Strengths: | All of the wonderful things said below. | | Weaknesses: | Eats throught rims like I wish I had Disc Brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | V-Brakes | | Bike Setup: | 98 Ellsworth Truth, White Bros. SC-92, Hayes hydraulic in front, Arch Supreme in rear. Chris King hubs and Headset, Race Face / XTR / XT Drive train. | | Bottom Line: | As a review of longtime use and abuse. They are built in a fashion that precludes ever needing to replace them. This brake taught me how to build wheels. I have never seen a set of rim brakes destroy rims like these do. My first season claimes a Sun Rhino-Lite. Season two and a half claimed a 517 and now in Season 4 I am halfway through my second 517. I bought a Park PS-2 so I could save the cost of having whels built all of the time. Overall, maybe its cheaper to run disc but I can't do rear disc on this fram without considerable upgread.
Bottom line, great product, bad timing! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik van Lier
a Cross Country Rider
from Driebergen
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Brake power | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Deore, LX, XT, XTR V brakes | | Bike Setup: | Merida MATTS, XT, Judy SL | | Bottom Line: | I do not need to say more about the brakes, ´nuff said about it I think.
Let´s talk about service. While I cleaned the brake levers, I lost one bearing ring (washer). In the mess on the floor I couldn´t find it again, so I gave a ring to Avid, no problemo Sir, we will send it to you. That´s what I mean SERVICE. Thnx to DAN from Avid. BTW, I live in The Netherlands, but it seems to be no prblem for the AVID guys.
Thnx again! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Beach, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rock Creek near Mammoth | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bikes | | Strengths: | Light weight, ease of setup. | | Weaknesses: | Pricy, get a spare set of pads because most bike shops don't stock them. | | Similar Products Used: | XTR, Magura Hydraulic rim brakes | | Bike Setup: | Mountain Cycle Mojo w/Manitou Mars C, Mavic Crossmax, XTR. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome stopping power, at least as good as XTR. Great adjustability when used in conjunction with Speed Dial Ultimate L levers. They look great.
Highly recommended to anyone who has a good amount of disposable income and likes to have their bike not be spec'd like everyone elses. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff M
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln, NE USA
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Marin County | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | Can't Remember | | Strengths: | These are "The" brakes" It's a real shame that Avid discontinued them because everyone that used them seemed to feel the same way as I do. Go Figure? | | Weaknesses: | The plastic retainer for the tension spring is subject to breaking renedering the brake totally useless. Avid was "kinda" wonderful in that they sent me out some replacements, however I really don't trust a piece of plastic to hold up over time to insure that my brakes work, so I have had a set made out of stainless steel (avid should offer these as an upgrade)also be careful if you do use the plastic-they push on over the bolt, they DO NOT thread! | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, Shimano | | Bike Setup: | Seven Teres, XTR, King h/s | | Bottom Line: | Toooooo Bad for anyone wanting these brakes, as I have heard that they are totally unavailable. Drop Avid a email and tell them they need to re-introduce them. There is simply not a better brake available anywhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Groff
a Racer
from San Diego CA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | I'll never tell | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Empire | | Strengths: | Super easy installation. No tools necessary on the trail. Great stopping power | | Weaknesses: | No spring adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Avid Arch, XTR | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F2000 frame, ChrisKing/Mavic 517, Race Face, Giro Nisene Saddle | | Bottom Line: | I finally found a set!!! These brakes are definitely worth getting if you can afford and find a pair. Avid should go back into production on these. Who needs discs? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Avon Lake, OH USA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$290.00 | | Purchased At: | E-bay | | Strengths: | design, tolerances, ease of adjustability, looks | | Weaknesses: | unavailability | | Similar Products Used: | Avid single digit Mag and SD 5 | | Bike Setup: | 00 M2 Stumpjumper Pro - various quality upgrades, this was the last piece of the puzzle! Yeah right! | | Bottom Line: | These are awesome! stopped on hills that had the Mags still rolling. Setup with Salsa booster upfront and DKG in back, beautiful setup!! search for them and buy them!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Bishop
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Brail Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Lightness, Stiffnes, Adjustable center-line, All-around stopping power | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Avid Tri-Align II | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight, custom built | | Bottom Line: | These brakes will stop you on a dime. They are light and stiff, easy to set up and ajust, possibly the best rim brake on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from ATL
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$210.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bike | | Strengths: | -Incredibly strong
-Make me feel warm inside to know i wont die on a short stop
-light, especially for the "disc-like" feel they have` | | Weaknesses: | Theyre a little expensive, but if you dont like the price...dont buy them, its not hard to figure out.Dont complain about the price, just dont buy em. THEY'RE WORTH THE ADDED MONEY FOR THE INCREASED POWER | | Similar Products Used: | Avid SD 5, Avid Arch Rival 50 | | Bottom Line: | They're expensive, but they're worth it for the added power. They look bad-ass, the power is awesome, they're light and they will stop you when you need it most. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint | | Strengths: | Braking performance, ease of installation and set up, quality of construction, exclusivity | | Weaknesses: | causes bike shop geeks to drool | | Bottom Line: | Who needs disc brakes when you can ride these amazing, lightweight stoppers. Built like jewelry, easy to set up, perfect modulation, just incredible!
Does Avid still make these? Get them while you can, because you gotta think the market for high-end rim brakes is ending. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
anon.
a
from Europe
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | work for bike manufacturer | | Strengths: | look like a design exercise, work like a rotweiler clamped to your wheel. | | Weaknesses: | they're too powerful for the bike I use them on, plus if you bought them full whack, you're hurting. | | Similar Products Used: | XTR/XT/Hope/CODA/Avid Mechanical. | | Bike Setup: | Cyclocrosser with 105 levers. | | Bottom Line: | These look awesome, and for that reason alone I got them. They are hugely powerful, so much so, I can't really feel when they hit the rim on my cyclocrosser - so I guess it's not the best use for them. It's all about the looks, and these puppies have it.
On a more practical note, they're simple to set up, don't squeal, and have bags of stopping power. Buy them with the Ultimate levers and you can adjust the cable pull etc and complete the pimp package.
If you love biking - invest in your passion. Lay down whoever much it costs and enjoy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Molyneux
a
from Southampton, England
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Doethie Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | GA Cycles,Southampton | | Strengths: | Light weight
Stiff
Excellent modulation
Fantastic braking performance
Durability
Just take a look ! | | Weaknesses: | Poor mud clearance
Price
They've stopped making them
| | Similar Products Used: | Shi*mano LX,XT,XTR c/w earplugs | | Bike Setup: | Kona King Kahuna - you'll guess the rest | | Bottom Line: | Married to ESP 9.0 SL levers and Goretex cables these are the bees leg joints.Superb braking performance although I would recommend a change to Shi*mano ceramic pads for use with Crossmax etc. No wear at all in the parallel push bit and the bearings are still running smooth. I run Hope C2's on my old Explosif and there is very little between the two systems apart from 1lb in weight!I haven't got the mud Arch so I would knock them down 1/2 a chili for mud clearance but they work SO well I'll put them up 1/2 a chili for performance. Really rather good. And shiny. Definitely a must have for serious racer bike tarts like myself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Anderson
a Cross Country Rider
from Cave Creek, Az. USA
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anywhere as long as its dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Airpark Bicycle | | Strengths: | excellent modulation. beautiful craftsmanship, no slop , no rattles, squeals or embarrassing noises | | Weaknesses: | You must be kidding. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XT's , and other assorted crap. | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager Race Lite. Atom Bombs, Race Face , Chris King , XTR's , Suntour XC Pro 8 speed thumb shifters, Gortex cables, etc. etc. etc. | | Bottom Line: | There simply is no better mechanical brake on this planet. It is very easy to install and set up, and the modulation is fantastic. If you are one of those cross country folks that hasn't bought into the disc brake / hydraulic nonsense and you can still find a pair of arch supremes, do yourself a favor and get these even if you have to skip a few trips to Starbucks to pony up. An added benefit was realized after I broke a spring retainer and contacted Avid for a replacement. I spoke with Dennis in the technical service department on Monday and I had the parts on Friday. Not only that but he threw in a new pair of springs and a tool absolutely free, They even paid the postage. Talk about customer service....it doesn't get any better than that. Thanks Dennis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith d
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX USA
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Grapevine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Strengths: | excellent modulation and stopping power; low maintenance and no squealing. | | Weaknesses: | Arch packs up a little when muddy. Product discontinued. | | Similar Products Used: | Other lower-end Avid's; Nothing that compares. | | Bike Setup: | 01 RacerX w/ XTR & RaceFace and Avid Arch Supremes. | | Bottom Line: | My Arch Supremes have really performed as good or better than I expected for the price. A little costly, but they just work so well. Excellent modulation allows controlled stopping power, especially in the front. Very easy to center and can be adjusted without tools. I probably would have gone to disc brakes by now, but no need to as long as I have these. Too bad Avid is no longer making them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a
from naperville, il
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$95.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Very strong, no squeaks, no play in pads | | Weaknesses: | shows your frame weakness, i used a brake booster
centering adjustment is always needing to be adjusted, but it is simple to do | | Similar Products Used: | shimano xtr | | Bottom Line: | Best V-brakes I ever used, pay the extra money for these, they dont get play in the links like the XTR do. I put on 4 sets of XTR over 2 years, then I had these for over 2 years with no maintenance other than pad replacement.
Hayes disc are the only things better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RidgeRider
a Downhiller
from Peabody, MA USA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ridge Trail, Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$109.00 | | Purchased At: | Frankford BMX | | Strengths: | Quality construction, beautiful CNC work, sealed bearings and only the fly adjustment. Unbelievable stopping power, they definitely out perform a lot of disks out there.... | | Weaknesses: | Not the most ideal brakes for wide DH rims or DH tires measuring 2.3 or larger. The arches tend to catch rocks and take a real beating when you run wide rims and tires. The cost I guess (but they still cheaper than most hydraulic disks ). | | Similar Products Used: | XTR V brakes, XT Disks, Hayes Disks and AMP Disks. | | Bike Setup: | Spooky Metalhead, Z1 CR, Mavic 521's, Tioga 2.3 Factory DH tires, Profile SS Cranks... Freeride/Jumping set up. | | Bottom Line: | A far as rim brakes go, these things rule and Avid has stopped making them for 2001, so their prices should come down. I run DH rims which made setting up the brakes a bit of a hassle, I had to swap spacers on the brake pads and do some bending to spring on the front brake (the spacing of the brake posts on the Z1 and the rim width weren't giving me a enough spring tension). These were minor inconveniences and I know that Avid did not design these brakes for this type of rim/tire combo. I've got them paired with the Ultimate levers and the stopping power is frightening. Everyone who rides my bike can't believe how well they work and for $350.00 (brakes + levers) they should! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan Kahlenberg
a Racer
from Shippensburg, Pa, USA
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Dead Women's Hollow | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Guy's Bikes | | Strengths: | These brakes are the best. If you read the review from the German guy, he must have gotten a defective set. These things make disc brakes look like an excuse to spend more money | | Weaknesses: | Price for some, but not for me, cause I get mine free | | Similar Products Used: | XTR V-brakes(pretty good, but not as good) | | Bottom Line: | These brakes are hefty, and there are other brakes out there that work good and cost less, but these are the cream of the crop. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike taylor avid, i want a new job!
a Cross Country Rider
from whoah schitt 300 for vbrakes?
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | a secret hidden one in the woods | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$500000.00 | | Purchased At: | plano cycling.com | | Strengths: | they make a statement. They say, i didn't spend all my money on my caddillac escalade pos, and my bmw and pt cruiser, so i thought i'd buy a lake golf house and some of these nice looking brakes here. | | Weaknesses: | theres a cheaper version for about 70 bucks f/r. it works pretty da.. good, but i'll stick to aftermarket cnc'd stuff and shimano 00 xts. The xtr is overrated. heavy and have to adjust the pivots periodically with cone wrenches after dh'ing.
Whatever happened to having some strength? Are bikers getting soft? Must i take up free-climbing? You pusses can't even brake with xt? Do you weight 400lbs? lol. | | Similar Products Used: | lx schitt, some crappy non hayes discs. | | Bike Setup: | badass carbon hardtail | | Bottom Line: | I wish i was making the salary plus for these! 5 flaming dodge neon r/t's for avid actually pulling this off, selling vbrakes for 300 dollars. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeWorld | | Strengths: | Unreal braking power, flawless construction, ease of installation/adjustment. | | Weaknesses: | Cost....I guess | | Similar Products Used: | LX V's, Avid SD-1 | | Bike Setup: | K2 4000,Judy XC/Fox Ni, XT/XTR, Mavic Rims | | Bottom Line: | Brakes are perfectly machined, easy to install and adjust, and will stop your bike RIGHT NOW no matter what the conditions.
More importantly though....is the wide range of modulation I've noticed since switching from my Shimano LX 's. LX's were much lighter in construction (even though they weigh more!) and didn't really "kick-in" unless you put a bit of pressure on the levers...then would frequently howl (yes my pads were towed in the right amount) under the braking stress.
The Supreme's can really be feathered for just the right amount of control on tech trails or you can really stomp on them for immediate change of momentum. An extremely high quality product that anyone who can afford should buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Strengths: | Power, modulation, precision, servicability, ease of instalantion and adjustment | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | XT/XTR V brakes, Hayes Disc | | Bike Setup: | Cannodale F2000 (CAAD 3), Fatty Headshock, SRAM 9.0, XTR front der., XT crank, Avid SD Ultimate levers, WTB saddle, XTR hubs w/Mavic 517 rims | | Bottom Line: | These brakes ROCK! Totally superior to any other direct pull caliper and maybe even some of the disc setups (no dragging pads and now futzing with adjustments, bleeding, etc.) find myself going harder because I know the brakes are there 110%. Yeah, they look cool, but the function and quality of workmanship is outstanding. This is a much cheaper alternative than going for a full disc conversion. Don't know about performance of the pads in wet conditons, yet. Say good bye to brake squeal. Say hello to true "one finger" operation. for best results go with the Avid Ultimate SD levers. the brakes are kinda expensive for linear pull, but a bargain when compared to discs, so 5 smokin' chilies all around.
BTW - saw in a review of interbike that Avid will no longer make the Supreme next year -- get yours now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregor y Papazian
a Cross Country Rider
from So. Cal.
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Betty Dearing | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Helens cycles | | Strengths: | Design is state of the art. Adjustability is the easiest I have seen. The nick name for the brakes should be lockjaw. | | Weaknesses: | They won't fit on Marzochi z1 x flys,the brace get in the way. | | Bike Setup: | Santa cruz superlight with z1 x flys, race face xtr ect. | | Bottom Line: | For non disc brakes you shouldn't look any further. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
erin stahl
a Cross Country Rider
from la verne, california, usa
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Excellent appearance; beautiful machined components; sealed&rebuildable cartridge bearings; built in arch; easy brake alignment mechanism; excellent stopping power; little to no fade during prolonged braking periods. | | Weaknesses: | None to date. | | Similar Products Used: | Avid 1.9(?) V-Brakes; '98 Shimano LX V-Brakes | | Bike Setup: | '98 Schwinn S-10 All-Mountain (isolated rear triangle w/ composite bushings); '98 Rock Shox Judy XL w/ Bicycle Parts Pacific/Englund Air Cartridges and Mountain Speed Speed Seals front shock; Risse Racing rear shock; '98 Rock Shox/AMP Technologies mechanical disk brake-front; Avid Arch Supreme-rear; Kore Elite Stem; Easton MonkeyLite CT2 Carbon Fiber Hi-rise Bar and seat post; Selle Italia Flite saddle with titnium rails; Gore Ride on Cable Systems-brake & derailleur set; Shimano LX components | | Bottom Line: | The best aesthetic and performance v-brake I've seen. If you are a money concious rider than this brake ranging from $120.00-$150.00/brake is probably not suited for you. Also there are other Avid brakes and more discriminant aftermarket vendors who can provide you with a lighter v-brake option if weight is a concern. But if you like the appearance, have enough money, and are not concerned with gram counting than this is a solid choice.
I should also mention the brake alignment mechanism. Other v-brakes use individual tensioning springs to align the brake pads in association with the rim brake pad surface. The Arch Supreme uses only one tensioning spring that is adjusted using a finger operated gnurled set screw. Adjustment takes only seconds and can be done anywhere without the use of tools. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T.R.
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | The Avid Arch Supreme is a fine CNC machined V-Brake. It offers well sealed bearings and a good breaking performance. It's braking power is good and the modulation is fine. It's easy to adjust and to install. | | Weaknesses: | At the beginning on rough, hard Downhills the springs of the brake leave their place on the brake arms. To avoid this you have to bend the springs a little bit. The mud clearance of the standard arch is bad, but you can buy a wider arch. It's difficult to set up the adjustment knob of the springs, when the break is dirty an the weather is wet. The little screws on the brakes are not very durable. The front break squeals in combination with a SID Race and a Mavic Ceramic. The Rim Wrangler Pads are not Shimano compatible, you can not install a Shimano brake pad on the Rim Wranglers. Avid offers no Ceramic pad, and the Shimano pads do not fit correctly, so I choose Shimano cardridge pads on my Arch Supremes.
They don't perfom better than a XTR V-Brake. | | Similar Products Used: | XTR-V-brake which works as well as the Arch Supremes, but did not squeal | | Bike Setup: | Ti- Frame with SID Rac | | Bottom Line: | The Arch Supreme is a good, nice -looking V-Brake. It has a few weaknesses, which in my opinion are not aceptable for a brake of this price. I would not buy them again, because you can get a XTR- V- Brake for much less money, which performs as well as the Arch Supreme. The Arch Supreme is not the ultimate V Brake as you could believe, if you read some of the reviews. It's good, but not worth the money. In my opinion it has no advantages to an XTR - V-Brake, Perhaps it's made in the USA and it's looking nicer. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Everything, the brakes are killer. | | Weaknesses: | no product weaknesses, just the occasional blemish in their customer service. | | Similar Products Used: | see old review | | Bike Setup: | Kona King Kahuna | | Bottom Line: | Just a follow up to my previous review, Dennis from Avid e-mailed me and sent me the parts I was looking for, thanks very much! It still took several months but all is well now.
Just to add, Shawn "I don't buy stuff from companies that offer poor customer service", you never know until you have to deal with them, in this case it took quite a while to get a response, although I'm sure lots of people have had great service from Avid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Golden Valley, MN
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Battle Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Incredible machining, no slop, sealed bearings.. everything about the brakes! | | Weaknesses: | absolutly nothing! | | Similar Products Used: | LX,XT,XTR V's, Avid 1d's | | Bike Setup: | Independent Fabrication Deluxe, XTR Levers, Girvin Crosslink Elite, Sun rims | | Bottom Line: | Absolutly the best brakes I have ever used! Had them for a bit over 2 years now, and they are as rock-solid as ever. No slop, no problems. If you can afford them and find them, buy them! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shawn
a Racer
from clemson sc
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | High power, good looks, easy adjustment, very precise build quality | | Weaknesses: | some say price, but I think they are worth it | | Similar Products Used: | XT, XTR, Avid SD20 | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth sub22, XTR, race lite wheels, king headset, sid sl, arch supremes (of course), frog pedals | | Bottom Line: | These are the best brakes I've ever used. Worth every penny. Simple to adjust and very strong. Also, I don't buy from companies with poor customer service and Avid has always been a pleasure to deal with. Forget discs, these brakes with ceramic rims can't be beat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, AB, Ca
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | The brakes are the best going for everything but serious DH | | Weaknesses: | Amazingly poor customer service | | Similar Products Used: | XTR V's, misc. Avids, Hayes, Tons of cantelever brakes | | Bike Setup: | Kona King Kahuna, XTR, Raceface, Chris King, Marz. A-bomb | | Bottom Line: | The brakes can't be beat but Avids customer service sure can. I have been trying to get some replacement bolts and washers for 5 months now, I have e-mailed them 4-5 times, they responded positively the first time but haven't answered since. I haven't been a jerk, haven't been swearing, and can't get a response. It's the worst customer service I have encountered in 20 years of biking, and having worked in the bike industry for 13 years that's saying something. I hope it's just a case of a useless customer service manager and not standard Avid policy.
5 chilies for the brakes, 0 for service so an average of 3. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura, CA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Easy set-up, very little maintainence. They do not squeel! | | Weaknesses: | Cost | | Similar Products Used: | XT, XTR V-Brakes | | Bike Setup: | CAAD4 Cannondale hardtail, XTR (except brakes and levers) | | Bottom Line: | After several adjustments, replacement pads and parts, upgrades and add-ons I threw my Shimano brakes away. Bolted these on and they work perfectly. Every year or so you'll want to replace the stainless W-springs. Perfect for the high-end buyers who are tired of fussing with their v-brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ed gy
a Weekend Warrior
from L.A. Ca. usa
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | any open sgltrak longer than 300 yards | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | unreal machinework, fantastic design detail, literally perfect function. NO NOISE, NO FADE!!!! | | Weaknesses: | tight clearances, catch mud and trail crap in arch etc,
pretty pricey, even used on mktplace IF you can find 'em! it took me 2 mo's of HARD looking daily to find a used set for $150! | | Similar Products Used: | xt, xtr, avid 2.0, Magura hydro hs 22/33 Cane Creek Direct Curve, diacomp, v's,
Hope & Hayes Ft. Disc brakes......... | | Bike Setup: | Med. Max BB FSR w/Fox air van. float, WB dc110 fork, mavic 217's GT hubs DT db Spokes Alloy Spline drive nips, RF cranks rings, xtr der's, cogsets etc etc, All hardware is Ti.......25.4 lbs
| | Bottom Line: | These things Rule!!!! they are by far the best mechanical (or hydro) rim brake EVER!!
The only thing better in the front of a bike than these brakes is a disc system and that is only by the slightest of margins mainly concerning debris clearance and performance in the wet....
The power & MODULATION, MODULATION, MODULATION is unreal!
i've been using a hope sport up front and have been testing a Hayes also and the power of the Arch's is virtually the same, the modulation is SOOOO close i can't tell the diff after a couple rides, if you are a weight weenie with the need for the best front brake around at any price, i'd def go with these i gave up the hope sport on my FSR for these as a trial and i'm keepin' 'em!! I'll leave the Hope on the Hardtail... i polished the pair i bought used for $150! with some simichrome polish ,a rag, and a dremel, and the things are like CHROME!! they look sooooo sweeeet, i almost dont wanna ride'em & get 'em all dirty.... ALOT of dige for the set but they are worth it!!! you will ride stuff that you would definitely not have before if only for the ability to modulate the brakes power thru the hairiest sections with out lunching on the stem, flipping over the bars or scaring the crap outta yerselves with a inadvertent bonzai run to the bottom when your brakes fade away......
i think i'm sellin the hayes brake !!!
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Submitted by
tim
a Weekend Warrior
from cincinnati, ohio
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | smooth, powerful
unbelievable workmanship
easy to adjust | | Weaknesses: | price
hard to find pads | | Similar Products Used: | xtr, paul crosstop, magura | | Bike Setup: | litespeed obed | | Bottom Line: | excellent brakes. i took them apart to service them, and the individual cnc'd pieces wouldn't fit back together. but then i took a drip bottle of tri-flo and coated the interlocking portions of the components in question, and bingo, the parts slid smoothly together again. tolerances are unbelievable. i talked to someone at avid asking them if they would ever be available in colors, but they said that the thickness of the anodization would interfere with the brakes' tolerances. these brakes are unbelievably powerful. i ride trials, and while most trials riders use maguras, i am just fine with my avids. i can stop on a dime on the back wheel with these brakes, even after rather large pedal kicks. they are also the easiest brakes in the world to adjust- no toe-in, springs adjusted manually via a single knob. two complaints: price, and availability of pads. they really aren't worth the money unless you are really rich or just like having really well-made stuff on your bike. they do work noticeably better than shimano xt (even the new ones w/ beefed up linkages). i have had one brake for three years, and the pivots still have yet to develop any slop. they last a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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