Submitted by
Joel Walker
a Cross Country Rider
from Adelaide, SA Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Shepards Hill Reserve
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Consistant performance. Will provide more power then XT V in 6 inches of wet grass
Weaknesses:
Consistantly B.A.D. performance. NOOOOOOOOOOO Power
Similar Products Used:
Avid Mech, Hayes Mech/Hydro, XT V's
Bike Setup:
01 Merida Cobra, Avid Mech Front on Shimano M525/Ditchwitch, XT parallel pull V Rear, Shimano SM-SH55 SPD pedals. Stock Suntour fork and RST rear. Will do for now.
Bottom Line:
Bought on sale, should have come with front hub but it wasn't there so the did me a deal on a new front wheel. Got home and found that the Rotor didn't have a Standard 6 bolt pattern, back to the shop, found me a Deore front rotor (same thickness and diameter but smaller swept area). Mounted it and put the cable on. Easy to setup, did 40K+ to break it in of constant stop start single track stuff wasn't happy with the feel and then rode it to work.
Have to come down a really step hill, constanly on brake to avoid traffic. Nearly didn't stop at bottom no matter how hard I pulled on the lever. Smoke off the brake and I think I saw a small flame, the rotor got so hot it turned purple. Took it back to the bike shop, they were scared at how bad the brake performed so they sold me an Avid mech for about US$50.
I bolted it on and without having worn in they would give me controlled front wheel stands with little effort from two fingers.
Listen Carefully, "Buy the Avids, Young Jedi Cyclist..." cause the Diatechs scared the mechanics...
PS The Avids weren't hot enough to stop me from touching the caliper, I discovered, when I went to adjust the pads at the bottom of the big hill... much better
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
moray greig
a Weekend Warrior
from edinburgh Date Reviewed: November 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
tyrebagger!
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
alpine bikes
Strengths:
better looking than V's thats about it!
Weaknesses:
where do i start the power i got from these peaked at about 2 months and went down from there untill they failed and caused me to hit a wall doing about 30mph
Similar Products Used:
just V's
Bike Setup:
'99 marin nail trail
Bottom Line:
bad bad brakes! i've now upgraded to shimano XT discs much better!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cailan Libby
a Downhiller
from Golden Date Reviewed: July 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
b12
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
Work good once you break them in, keep the rotor clean and they work sweeet. Simple.
Weaknesses:
Not as powerfull as hydros, drag on rotors.
Similar Products Used:
hayes, avid, hope, gremica
Bike Setup:
Gary fisher level betty done up for downhill
Bottom Line:
They came on my bike and they work good, I got some of the red dh pads put in and they works good, Just take care of them and they take good car of you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a
from CT Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any one with down hill
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Still have brakes if you bend the rim. Anti-lock.
Weaknesses:
The anti-lock isn't ment to be it just is on mine(cuz they suck. These suck. They have no power, my 6 year old mongoose with cantilevers has more power. They squeal like a pig. If they get wet you dont have brakes anymore.
Bike Setup:
'99 Marin Rock springs(Marin I'm disappointed that you put these on your bikes).
Bottom Line:
What a waste of metal these are, just don't buy them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Gilbert
a Weekend Warrior
from Glossop Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Edale Cross, Kinder
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Cheap - I guess. Excellent customer support from Diatech.
Weaknesses:
Even after the wearing in period these brakes were a real dissapointment. The cantilever brakes on my old rigid Pacific XT were superior to these! The rear brake has never at any time had the power to lock up the back wheel. These brakes have alsways rubbed and the floating calipers do not appear to 'float'. The front disc warped so severely on the first proper down hiil that it forced the caliper bolts onto the spokes! Diatech customer support were very good and sent a replacment front disc quickely. However, after several trips to my local bike shop to try and give these brakes some decent stopping power they are still inadequate and I have given up. These brakes are about o be 'retired' in favour of some proper Hope disc brakes.
Similar Products Used:
Only comparisons are with mates bikes who can always stop before me!
Bike Setup:
Marin Rift Zone, setup for XC.
Bottom Line:
Brakes are important!! buy decent ones that work properly!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pritch
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything fast
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Initially, after bedding in, it was good, but...
Weaknesses:
it hasn't stood up to the test of time. I fel an Avid Mechanical coming on...
Similar Products Used:
I've tried bikes with Hopes: they kick ass, and your bank account
Bike Setup:
stock Marin Nail Trail '99
Bottom Line:
OK. If you look below you'll see I've given these disks a fair bit of praise. I thought mine was fine after I'd shown it the proper respect. But my bike is now nearly two years and the brakes with it and they're failing me.
It USED to be better than my Avid rim on the rear, it is now embarrasingly worse. My local tech guy says the pads are not worn, despite their age, because I mostly use my rear V. He says they're just crap, and I'm beginning to agree.
The other day I had fifty metres to stop going downhill on TARMAC at 25 mph approx and I had trouble stopping, this is in the dry.
The Avid mechanical is the way forward I think. It's now very cheap and I'm getting it, you'll see my review soon enough. As for these, I think you should not have to go through a products lifetime having to tinker with it endlessly for better performance than the standard, which by comparison isn't very good. Ho-hum...
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Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch NZ Date Reviewed: March 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bottle Lake Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
None that I can see
Weaknesses:
Where do you start?
Similar Products Used:
V brakes
Bike Setup:
1999 GT LTS
Bottom Line:
These brakes are completely useless. Do NOT buy them. If they are on the bike ask for them to be changed. I've followed all the instructions on the Diatech website and still they are pathetically weak. Any set of V brakes will have lots more power than these pieces of junk. I'm going to bin it soon and try an Avid mechanical disc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Racer
from USA Date Reviewed: December 3, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
I'm a mechanic, I didn't buy em, but I've spent much time working with them.
Strengths:
Extremely cheap and simple enough that a drunk monkey could figure out how they work.
Weaknesses:
The don't stop well at all (even after wear in period), very difficult to get running drag free, they are cable actuated, cables should actuate cantilevers, not disc calipers. The "floating" caliper doesn't float, even when we've worked on them a ton.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, HOPE, Magura disc and rim, Shimano Disc and V's and cantilevers, Avid Disc and V's and catilevers, IBC, CODA Disc and Rim, Tektro, Star Hydraulic V's.
Bike Setup:
4-banger frame, Hayes Discs, Profiles Cranks, Race Face Rings, all set up for havin' a good time.
Bottom Line:
Do not buy these. Do not accept them if they are given too you. I do not wish these brakes on my worst enemies. They are very difficult to get working correctly after you have put any miles on them. They are not powerful at all, they will not live up to your expectations, if you have V's, stick with them and save your money to get a sweet hydraulic setup from a company that knows what they are doing like Hayes, Magura, or Shimano. You won't be dissappointed like you will with these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Sparks
a Weekend Warrior
from Wotton-under-Edge, England Date Reviewed: November 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Too many to list
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with the bike
Strengths:
satys clear of mud, front brake good
Weaknesses:
rear brake needs "grip of iron"
Similar Products Used:
v-brakes
Bike Setup:
stock '99 Marin Attack Trail
Bottom Line:
These brakes seem OK, but the rear needs a big handful to slow you down. when I got the bike, it was so weak it was impossible to lock the rear wheel - even my 9 year old son's bike could do that! However, after a good 3-4 hours of tinkering, and speaking to El Marko at Dia Tech,and changing the rear and front pads around, the rear is now much better, but still not as strong as I would expect. I have ordered some "green pads" from my LBS and hope that they will make it better on the back. The best bit is the clearance from the mud - last time I was out the mud was inches deep, and the guys with rim brkes were struggling, so at least the performance is consistant. The front is so much better than the rear, I went over the bars in graceful slow motion when I grabbed too much front to avoid a chain that a kind land owner had fitted across the track! Overall, a good front brake, but slightly disappointing on the rear. I'll persevere though, as I hate to be beaten by anything mechanical.
I'd recommend these brakes to someone who likes the idea of discs, but doesn't want to mess about with hydraulic fliud and can't afford the price that Hope etc. charge.
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Submitted by
Clint Par
a Downhiller
from Australia Date Reviewed: October 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Dandenongs national park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Magic bike shop
Strengths:
It has awsome stopping power with the green pads i bought. They are easy to adjust and stop on a dime and seem to get better with time(I`m a poet and i dont even know it)
Weaknesses:
They are a piece of junk when out of the box, so straight away i changed to green pads and boy do they bite.
Similar Products Used:
Umm Shimanos and Hopes
Bike Setup:
A Giant Atx with Bomber Z-1 forks
Bottom Line:
There a great value for money brake with a heap of braking power, and have a better feel than hydrolics because they dont just lock up and rip at ur disc ( us moto riders would know)! and i recommened them to any cross country rider and four the light downhiller
If u have the money go for Shimano dual piston calipers they fell awsome cause i just got one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Finnagen
a Downhiller
from England Date Reviewed: October 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything really
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
www.supercycles.co.uk
Strengths:
looks ok
Weaknesses:
the disc bends very easily and it dosn't work very well.
Similar Products Used:
avid 1.9 v's
Bike Setup:
ddg shooter and bomber Z.4's
Bottom Line:
I have tried every new type of pads with it but its just too weak so im saving up for some Magura HS33. The V on the back is better! you shouldn't buy it if you are a trials rider but its ok for cross country.
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Submitted by
muzz
a Cross Country Rider
from nelson nz Date Reviewed: August 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
easy to look after, keeps itself very clean, sexy looking, cheap as buggerey
Weaknesses:
rear has no stopping power, fad very fast
Similar Products Used:
v 's
Bike Setup:
Marin rock springs, now with LX v's on the rear, so I can live to see another day
Bottom Line:
started out great but then the rear really started to suck, I tried everything, new pads, stronger cable, bigger balls, nothing worked so I threw a set of LX's with xtr pad's and now I'm laughing. The front has been alright, alot to do with length of cable I think. Tried a set of hope's on another bike just to see the difference,, sex on wheels if you got the doe that is, if you an't got the doe then these will do.
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Submitted by
John "The bear" Reyes
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin,Tx Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Austin city greenbelt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Simplicity of design,stopping POWER(!!!),excellent modulation(its not all or nothing,they actually have alot of"middle")they seem to get better the more I ride them!
Weaknesses:
You must be patient and break the pads in!A couple of easy rides and that will do it.
Similar Products Used:
all forms and makes of v's to old style canti's.Tried a set of hayes on a test ride.
I did my homework ,as this is my first "real " mountain bike and was surprised to here about all of the troubles these brakes have had.With the info in my hand and the trials and tribulations of others in my head,I set out to follow every suggestion given to me.These brakes have earned my trust and respect after I got them dialed to where I like them.I am 240 lbs. of x-football player that can descend stuff ,that I sometimes wonder if Ill survive,with full confidence that I will stop when I need to.These are vastly superior to v's and wont just lock you up and send you out of control.They actually have a smooth "power band"to them.(anyone who rides motorcycles "knows" what Im talking about.)Final thoughts? Set them up rt., take your time and burn in the brakes,clean & lube them and they will never fail you.I personally love them and trust them with my life.(every time I ride!) PEACE!
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Submitted by
Mike Lamarche
a Weekend Warrior
from MA Date Reviewed: June 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This is a repost see below.
Weaknesses:
This is a repost see below.
Bike Setup:
stock 2000 raleigh m8000
Bottom Line:
I just got the new calipers from El Marko. I must give him props because I haven't totally broken them in yet and they don't stick, have better brake modulation, and much better stopping power than the old calipers. These brakes work so well, they can actually through you off your bike if you lay into them enough. I do not think I will ever be worrying about not having enough stopping power under any weather conditions. El Marko contacted me through my review and within a week later, I had new calipers and excellent setup instructions. Its a rear occurance for a company to treat their customers as well as Dia Tech has. I must give this company an 'A' for customer support and satisfaction. I would recommend this product to anyone who wants to upgrade from their 'V' brake system.
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Submitted by
G.S.
a Cross Country Rider
from Southern Cal Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
They actually work better than any of the V-brakes that I have owned/used/tested. Plus you don't have to worry about hydraulic failures when using cable actuated brakes.
Weaknesses:
NONE. NOTHING. ZERO. ZILCH. NADA. ZIP. Do you get the idea?
Similar Products Used:
All types of brakes over the years - Everything from center pulls to the best of V brakes.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail Diamondback with all sorts of alternatives to the big S, but now with REALLY GOOD brakes!
Bottom Line:
These brakes are great. They work so well that I'll never go down a hill on a bike with conventional brakes again. They don't fade. They have excellent modulation and feel. And best of all they will stop you on the proverbial dime. Or less.
Set them up right, allow time for break-in and your world will ROCK! Or better yet, you will be able to STOP before hitting a monster rock.
The only thing better than the brakes is Dia Tech's customer support. El Marko is THE MAN. Other companies would pay big bucks for a clone of this guy. He patiently helped me sort out a problem that I was having in setting up the brakes (not their fault - Maybe next time I'll read the directions)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Peters
a Cross Country Rider
from New Haven, VT, USA Date Reviewed: June 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Snake Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Performance/price ratio, ease of maintenance and simplicity, works when wet and muddy.
Weaknesses:
A little more flex than I would prefer in pre-recall calipers, tend to sing when wet, but not like vees.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Stock 2000 Raleigh M8000
Bottom Line:
Very decent, dependable brakes. Reasonable power, very linear response. Want to be adjusted every ten hours or so, but adjustment takes less than a minute.
*** A FACTORY RECALL OF CALIPERS INSTALLED ON 2000 MODELS OF RALEIGH M600, M800, AND M8000, DIAMONDBACK Z-TECH COMP AND X-2, AND UNIVEGA DS950 AND ALPINA 700 WAS ANNOUNCED 5 JUNE 2000. SEE YOUR DEALER IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. ***
Recall addresses "...did not perform as intended..." and caliper sticking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robin Freeman
a Weekend Warrior
from Grayson,Ga. Date Reviewed: June 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything with dirt!!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Best Technical Support I have ever used! El Marko is the MAN! After I got the updated calipers (at NO COST TO ME!)This system stops like it should. For the price I think these brakes are A-1. Great lever feel and plenty of all weather stopping power!
Weaknesses:
at this level none I can find
Similar Products Used:
Had V-brakes before and this disc system works much better
Bike Setup:
2000 Haro Ex-2 Extreme
Bottom Line:
After I called El Marko and got the low down on my brakes, in my case Dia Tech sent me upgraded calipers and easy to follow setup and brake in instructions all at NO COST TO ME! My bike is a real pleasure to ride. These brakes take a little adjustment to keep tuned, but if you check over your bike like all bike manufactures recommend the adjustments are done in minutes. I would highly recommend the Dia Tech Spiral Stop Disc Brakes to any rider on a budget that wants disc brakes. El Marko knows this system and will spend all the time you need to get it right! Thanks Dia Tech and El Marko "YOU ARE THE MAN" Dia Tech Brakes, "What's Stopping You?"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fernando Biagioni
a Downhiller
from Piracicaba/SP - BRAZIL Date Reviewed: June 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Dual-X downhill/São Roque
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Well, if it´s well tuned they will work ok but unfortunattely I COULDN`T MAKE THEM WORK. Nice look. Cheap.
Weaknesses:
They don´t stop you suddenly. I´m waiting for 2 months for my red pads and the screw I broke. They said they were going to send me. I didn´t receive it.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes hydraulic , Shimano XT hydraulic discs
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR, XTR, Diatech discs.
Bottom Line:
I broke it within 1 month. They(diatech) said that they were going to send me a new screw. I didn´t receive it. I´m waiting for 2 months. :-( EL MARKO from Dia Tech said that he was going to send me some red pads but I haven´t received it yet. I still have many troubles trying to tune it. It´s pretty hard. When I think it´s ok, the pads always grab the disc. They are cheap. I can´t tune it to stop me suddenly. Anyway. they´re nice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pritch
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
cheap. Once they have been correctly nurtured, they're fine
Weaknesses:
Too many parts. Design isn't as good as it might be. Slightly noisy.
Similar Products Used:
various Hope disks
Bike Setup:
Marin Nail Trail '99
Bottom Line:
Ok, ok, these arn't the best disk brakes in the world. But for the money they are VERY good. If you havn't read about how to properly bed in these brakes, you will be UPSET at their subsequent poor performance. They need to be mildly apllied 20-30 times then make it stronger 20-30 times and keep on in thi sway. Then they will stop you quick enough all right. Probably not good enough for serious downhillers, but for 'weekend warriors' they're fine. Certainly better than V-brakes, that they might not be is nonsense. The Avid 1.9 ISN'T the best lever, which is why Marin should be critiscised for supplying it. Generally Marin are excellent and so are their parts but by not giving this brake it's proper lever they've sold it short. Get the right ones or better ones: ask your dealer. But listen, the brakes are good!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Thomlinson
a Downhiller
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: February 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Like I could pick just one
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Weaknesses:
Good brakes make the bike stop when you pull the levers. These don't
Similar Products Used:
Magura Hydraulic rim brakes
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Pipeline
Bottom Line:
I met a tree all the sudden because these brakes simply do not have the power you need when going down hill. That will be the last time I will ever use these brakes. Ralph Nader said it best when he said "Unsafe at any speed". I put no value on these brakes, because I see no value in a product that does not work, no matter what the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Downhill Racer
a Downhiller
from Knoxville , TN Date Reviewed: February 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sugar Mtn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Weaknesses:
This is my second report-I couldn't get the rear's to work for crap! I Broke the cheap rear caliper trying to move the Arm for more leverage..
Similar Products Used:
HOPE 04
Bike Setup:
B-17 MONSTER -T MAVIC 321"s HOPE 04 front brakes
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this--THESE are college campus brakes.I'm glad they broke before i killed myself..YOU just can't slow a downhiller with a 44 pound bike and 180 pound rider with these brakes..GO with hydraulic...
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Submitted by
Mark Storey
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol UK Date Reviewed: January 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Exmoor
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Everything.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Supplied from new on Marin Wolf Ridge.
Bottom Line:
They are the pits. The most useless product ever fitted to a Bike. Marin stopped fitting them soon after I bought my Bike and started to fit Hope as standard by the end of the Year. You can fiddle with them to increase performance, but is this why you bought them? Mine would rip through all the available travel after 2 hours riding. Marin of course supplied the wrong levers anyway. Make sure you have NON-V type levers if you must persist with them. You know a product sucks when the're dumped by the Company within 3 months. In the UK they cost Marin a lot of customers as word got round. My local Bike shop swopped them for XT hubs, wheels and brakes. Don't forget that rear Hub. It uses it's own unique 'Free-hub' Body. Mine lasted 6 weeks.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Granty
a Downhiller
from Corner Brook, Newfoundland Date Reviewed: November 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
yogi&booboo
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
they do actually stop well product support-El Marko rules
Weaknesses:
they take some time to set up and 'bed in'
Similar Products Used:
everything
Bike Setup:
RM pipeline, full race face
Bottom Line:
I wasn't going to give up on these brakes and after some thought, I took everything apart to see how it worked. I also consulted a mechanic on brake operation. I sanded the pads as they were glazed (from not being bedded in properly) and sanded the edges to reduce squeal. You can also slap some paint on the back of the pad to help eliminate squeal. I used sram 7.0 shifters, XTR cables and lubed all moving parts. I set up the caliper lever so it is perpendicular to the cable and cleaned the disc with brake and parts cleaner. The pads must be screwed in all the way and then backed out 1/2 turn. I then set out to bed them in on some long easy downhills -about 10km's worth-and now they work fantastic! So, if you can take some time to really set these up right, they can prove to be a very powerful braking system. If you don't like to tinker and fuss with your bike go hydraulic or stay with rim brakes.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
prc
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cascais,Portugal Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Hhhmmmmmmm,Ummmmmmmmmmmmmhhh, can someone help me on this one!
Weaknesses:
U name it
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX,XT,XTR V's Hope and Hayes
Bike Setup:
Marin Rock Springs w/ hayes disc brakes and Shimano XT drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
These brakes just plain suck. Unless you're into the Freddy Flinstone style of braking don't get these brakes.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tomi
a Weekend Warrior
from Helsinki, FInland Date Reviewed: November 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tullivuorentie
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good stopping power Do really ork despite the weather Cool looking Simple system Easy wheel removal
Weaknesses:
could be more powerful
Similar Products Used:
Cantis, V-brakes
Bike Setup:
Marin Rock Springs -99
Bottom Line:
You must run these in before serious use!!! After that they work great if it´s raining, shining or snowing. Veru controlable feel, they need some finger power though. No more rim brakes!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Granty
a Cross-Country Rider
from newfoundland Date Reviewed: October 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
yogi
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
they look impressive when the bike is on the rack.
Weaknesses:
they just don't cut it
Similar Products Used:
hope, coda (both hydraulic) lx, XT, Avid, etc.
Bike Setup:
They came stock on my Rocky mountain Pipeline
Bottom Line:
I read all these revies, and was convinced that the people who couldn't make them work just werent trying hard enough. I went to the diatech web site for tech info, and was armed to make them work well. I couldn't do it. They work Ok, but not as good as V-brakes. And they weigh 3 lbs! I may use them this winter when icing becomes a problem, but they just aren't worth the weight, performance or hassle. Its too bad, but diatech just didn't seem to do their homework on these. No wonder RM specs their 2000 pipeline with Vbrakes!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alastair
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cumbria, England Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Few, but they were ok at first
Weaknesses:
Time dependant behaviour - they get worse as they get older! Poor stopping power and too much adjustment required to get them working right
Similar Products Used:
Many - now have Hope hydro disks
Bike Setup:
Marin Wolf Ridge FRS
Bottom Line:
The Dia Techs were fitted to my Marin Wolf Ridge and seemed ok and were much better than the LX V brakes I was used to after the initial bedding in period ( but then again wet rims are bad news). 2 weeks after I got it, Marin recalled the bike to fit different pads for the UK market after some customer complaints. After 2 months of living with a rattling front caliper (because of excessive play in the caliper pins), the rear braking degraded to an unacceptable degree. On visitng the dealer I had noticed that Marin were now fitting Hope Hydraulic brakes (albeit at an extra £200 on list price). The dealer offered to replace the rear pads for free, and only told me about Marin's UK retro fit programme after some pushing. I could have my Dia Tech disks replaced with Hope Hydraulics (simply the best!) for £125. I booked the bike in there and then and now have fantastic Hope brakes. I gather there have been significant problems with the Dia Tech disc brakes on UK Marins. Now I have the bike I dreamed of but unfortunately I had to get rid of the Dia Tech discs to get it that way.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gak
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sunnyvale,CA Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
The Gap,Russian ridge etc
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good modulation Good stopping power in all condition Excellent product support from Diatech Easy to remove wheels. No need to quick release the brakes.
Weaknesses:
Need constant adjustments, finicky Some drag Heavier than XT-V
Similar Products Used:
Onza HO XT-V LX-V
Bike Setup:
Marin Rift Zone, Manitou SX-R
Bottom Line:
Come stock with '99 Marin Rift Zone. Was not adjus
$
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