You don't have to say it, I'll say it for you: a cheap Chinese brake set. Recipe for a downhill disaster, no? Well before you jump to that conclusion, remember that the Shimano Deore 4-piston set that sells for around $300 has an avalanche of online review complaints, mostly about oil leaks. Personally, I'd rather take a chance with $80 than $300, brand-name or not. Also, these are Shimano Saint / Tektro Orion brake pad compatible. That's nice for me since I already have Tektros on another bike --- for $275. $80 vs. $275...
Besides the obvious possibility of oil leaks (and that remains only a possibility; mostly good reviews of this kit), there are two other caveats to this kit: one reviewer could not bleed the brakes because the olive housing is flimsy, so they may be a one-and-done purchase that can't be bled later. Well, IMO if there are no leaks to begin with, my experience is that I can usually get 3000-4000 miles out of a hydraulic hose before it's done and really needs a bleed. 3000-4000 miles for $80 and 2 hoses/calipers is a no-brainer...assuming they have the same stopping power as 4-piston Orions or Deores. Second issue is that they only come with 160mm rotors; there is no 180mm or 203mm option when ordering. For a kit that costs $80, BIG DEAL. If you don't like 160mm rotors, give them away or throw them away (but please don't use them as frisbees). I'll buy these once my front SLX finishes giving out, it's about 2/3 there. I'll review again later after purchasing these and maybe a 200 mile test.
Besides the obvious possibility of oil leaks (and that remains only a possibility; mostly good reviews of this kit), there are two other caveats to this kit: one reviewer could not bleed the brakes because the olive housing is flimsy, so they may be a one-and-done purchase that can't be bled later. Well, IMO if there are no leaks to begin with, my experience is that I can usually get 3000-4000 miles out of a hydraulic hose before it's done and really needs a bleed. 3000-4000 miles for $80 and 2 hoses/calipers is a no-brainer...assuming they have the same stopping power as 4-piston Orions or Deores. Second issue is that they only come with 160mm rotors; there is no 180mm or 203mm option when ordering. For a kit that costs $80, BIG DEAL. If you don't like 160mm rotors, give them away or throw them away (but please don't use them as frisbees). I'll buy these once my front SLX finishes giving out, it's about 2/3 there. I'll review again later after purchasing these and maybe a 200 mile test.
