XT Hydro Disc Brakes vs. Ultimate's vs. Formula's...

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by dutch

i'm still running my hayes 9s and i like them, they're noisy during slow speed braking (doesn't happen too much, mostly just modulation on sketchy climbs), but I've liked their power on the DH. i run 6" rotors and am only about 145 with gear, so that might be different than yours or anyone else's experience. They're way cheap if you find 'em on sale.

I hear ya! I still have a couple pairs of Hayes Mags. A couple months ago, I even raced with them (they're 8 years old, by the way), and I think they stop or slow me down as much as I need.

What's the big deal about brakes, anyway? They only slow you down! How slow do you need to go?

[JoeTruth]

BrahMa was kind enough to drop by the Path for me Friday night and pick up a set of 08 XT's F&R with 185mm rotors from Tani. Apparently, they don't have SS hoses so I stuck with the stock ones. For my purpose, I'm sure they'll suffice. We got 15% off retail, which I think is a fair deal. Thanks Tani and thanks Peter for picking them up and laying out the cash for them. Good luck trying to get reimbursed!

Tani, what would it cost to get the brakes installed on my bike? I'm going to be in OC on Thursday & wouldn't mind getting them done. I could drop it off around 10:30am but would need to pick it up by 3?
While the bike is there, I also wouldn't mind having it looked over and touched-up a bit. A fork is next so we can talk.


Thanks!

[mechmann]

Originally Posted by JoeTruth

Tani, what would it cost to get the brakes installed on my bike? I'm going to be in OC on Thursday & wouldn't mind getting them done. I could drop it off around 10:30am but would need to pick it up by 3?
While the bike is there, I also wouldn't mind having it looked over and touched-up a bit. A fork is next so we can talk.


Thanks!

try calling the shop. they were busy in the service dept. on saturday! i am sure they will hook you up though! best shop around!

[JoeTruth]

Originally Posted by mechmann

try calling the shop. they were busy in the service dept. on saturday! i am sure they will hook you up though! best shop around!

I sent Tani a PM and if I don't hear from him, I'll call the shop. Thanks.

[JoeTruth]

Brake update: So I got my XT discs installed last weekend and finally got to take it out and test them yesterday @ Chilao. There's really only one word that describes the contrast between them and all I've known for the past 6 years (Hayes). "WOW!!!"

The difference is as extreme as when I switched from V-brakes to discs. Night and day! Such smooth stopping power. Gave me so much more confidence coming into or out of things. I did go a little bigger (180mm) front and back and I'm sure that has something to do with it as well. So far, it's kick arss.
Thanks to my buddy David, I even managed to make them look used and beat-up already. Right lever was bent pretty good and scratched-up body. Yay!

As for the new BB bracket I just had installed. So far, I hate it! It squeaked all damn day yesterday! Is that normal for a new BB? It's a Shimano XT series, I think.

Thanks again to all for suggestions and advise.

[jschwart73]

Originally Posted by JoeTruth

Brake update: So I got my XT discs installed last weekend and finally got to take it out and test them yesterday @ Chilao. There's really only one word that describes the contrast between them and all I've known for the past 6 years (Hayes). "WOW!!!"

The difference is as extreme as when I switched from V-brakes to discs. Night and day! Such smooth stopping power. Gave me so much more confidence coming into or out of things. I did go a little bigger (180mm) front and back and I'm sure that has something to do with it as well. So far, it's kick arss.
Thanks to my buddy David, I even managed to make them look used and beat-up already. Right lever was bent pretty good and scratched-up body. Yay!

As for the new BB bracket I just had installed. So far, I hate it! It squeaked all damn day yesterday! Is that normal for a new BB? It's a Shimano XT series, I think.

Thanks again to all for suggestions and advise.

Here's the trick with the new creaky XT BB - Teflon tape the threads on the BB cups and then grease them with some Phil Wood grease before you re-assemble. My BB has been creak free for a month since I've done that, and I've ridden in some seriously wet conditions.

Glad you like the brakes, I liked them so much I bought a second set for my new build... Couldn't justify spending double on Hopes.

[CeeDubb]

Originally Posted by mechmann

your initial comment seemed snarky, hence my snarky comeback...

in think the difference in diametrical expansion might have been downplayed in the car scenario. they fail to mention that a slight increase in localized diameter equates to a significant amount of volume when you do the math to find the volume change (Pi*D^2*L). something to remember also, in a car you are dealing with a much larger master cylinder and your foot (not so sensitive). in our bike brake systems we have a much smaller master cylinder and a shorter throw which equates to a more sensitive system. that article also fails to take into account the longitudinal expansion of the tubing, something that is harder to measure, but qualitatively i have verified that the plastic brake lines expand longitudinally by squeazing hard on the brakes and noting how the brake line moves in the cable stops.

so what does all that mean? it means that the stainless lines give better power and feel. it means that maybe you won't notice it till you are riding a DH bike at very high speeds on a high traction surface.

hope all that helps to clear this mess up.

Justin...

I'm adding you to my "Hero List."