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JoeTruth

It's time to replace my 01 Hayes Hydro's. At the time, they were the best but time changes things. I need more stopping power and I'm tired of the fading on my Hayes. Plus, 6" doesn't cut it anymore. Considerations...

Sram Juicy Ultimate's: Nice brakes, seems to have the complete package. Draw backs: More XC oriented (looking for an AM durable brake) and VERY expensive.

Shimano Deore XT Hydro Discs: A few years back, they were regarded as crap and a joke for brakes. Now I'm noticing people are liking them and they look very good. Anyone out there using them and likes them?

Formula's: Don't know too much 'cept they're popular and expensive.

I want to put this on my Ells Id, which currently has 6" rotors F&B. I want to put on 185mm F&B. 6" is just not enough stopping power for my size and weight.

Any good deals out there?

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Chewyeti

why not hopes or magura's?

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dubjay

I have the 2008 Shimano XT Hydraulics on two of my bikes now. I'm hoping to standardize to these brakes across my personal demo fleet as time/money allows.

They have great modulation and don't make a peep (think Avid ). The lever reach is easily adjustable and the feel is solid.

Sets can be had in the low $200 range on eBay.

JoeTruth

Good point. A butty of mine (BrahMa) recommended the Hope Mini's a while back and I almost forgot. He put them on his bike and loves them. Additionally, he said a butty of his replaced a pair of Juicy 7's with Mini's and loves them too. I forgot to throw the Mini's into the mix. Magura's...don't know too much 'cept for parts are hard to find. Thanks!

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stinkyrider

Formula brakes could stop a truck, even with 6" rotors. Super powerful yet maintains modulation. They are crazy light. By far the best brakes I have ever tried. For AM applications, they feel even better than Hopes.

Highly recommended. I just wish they weren't so damn expensive. If you can swing the extra cash, you can't go wrong with formula.

jeezus, I sound like a goddamn salesman.

JoeTruth

Now why can't Shimano be stupid proof and offer kits rather then separate parts? Was on there site and everything seems separate. Of course, I could've goofed there too. Aside from positive feedback, I like the fact that they're reasonably priced. Thanks!

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Waldo

+1 for the '08 Simano XT's.
I've had hayes Nines and currently have Avid Juicy 7's. The Hayes were easy to work on and had decent power, but the lever feel could be improved drastically. The Avids feel pretty good, and once broken in the modulation is nice, but they are squeakers. And while I haven't had to bleed them yet, I've heard they are a pain.

I demo'd the new XT's - about 10 trail miles worth - and loved them. Lever feel and modulation are great, parts should be available everywhere, and with mineral oil they are more user-friendly when bleeding them. I'm leaning toward running my Avids till they're worn, then buying XT's. (unless I get bling-happy and go for Hopes or something)

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Chewyeti

fwiw - avids are cake to bleed. just follow the directions, and buy the kit

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Chewy THE Yeti Call me Chewy or Aaron
THE STABLE: Kona coiler, Zion 737 29er (geared), Zion 737 SS ...
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jschwart73

With my new bike build, I was just going to move over my 08 XT's from my Stumpy to the new bike and put Avid mech's back on the Stumpy, then I started thinking about the fact that I'd still probably ride the Stumpy and wouldn't want the mechs.

So, I then started looking at Hopes for the new bike. I have never ridden hopes, but I just couldn't bring myself to spend 2x the money, so I went ahead and picked up another set of 08 XT's.

The brakes themselves work fantastic, are easy to work with and once aligned, are very quite indeed. I'm very happy with them.

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art23rockpile

I'm running Formula K24s on my new Yeti and loving them. They are sleek and well designed. True they are expensive (also they can be hard to find/order).

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Dave92

THe new xt brakes are supposed to be a great all mountain brake.

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Happy_Gilmore

#1 Formula - the Oro Puro Weighing in at 346g, the Puro is spec’d with titanium and ergal fasteners, carbon fiber lever blade, and a Kevlar braided hose. light enough for XC, powerful enough for DH
#2 Hopes - Moto V2 with Vented Disc AM, FR, DH

Both are very very expensive, but well worth it

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RacinJason

Hope M4 is my favorite brake set but not the easiest to set up the Formula brakes have a great feel but expensive. The Juicy 7's best for bang for thew buck.
The Hayes stroker has a great feel and they are Light and reasonably priced.
The best thing to do is go handle some bikes at shops and feel the brakes.
Decide on the feel you like then look up the reliability issues.
Then choose.

DBD

I too am a Hope user, only reason I have Hayes, I sold my last pair of Hopes with the previous bike.

As for stopping power, I would say get the Hope MOTO V2. I have done the "parking lot test" with a set and they grab, WOW!! I was impressed. Much more so then with my M4's. I will be tossing a pair on son as I get the cash, got a few other mods first.

If they are a bit out of your price range then a set on Mini's should work. I have used my wifes bike on some steep descents and the Mini's held up well and never lost power.

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thephat

Usually they come two brakes levers, lines, and calipers blead and ready. You buy the rotors and adapter sepparately per desired size.

Frozen208

And just a note on the K24's, you can get the K18's and buy the FCS adapter and install it and you have K24's. There are threads on MTBR about how to do it, I think I even remember reading about some calling Formula and they helped him with it over the phone.

DeeZee

They can be a pain in the arse to set-up (old style) but after that.WOW..they blow away Avids. I have Avids on my SS and they are going soon.

I have been running my same set of Hopes for 4 years! I changed the fluid once for kicks and giggles but that is it

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mechmann

I REALLY like my new hope m4's. they are awesome brakes!

i also think that the Formula The One brakes are killer and would buy them. way more adjustable than my M4's, but if the brakes are that good you shouldn't need to worry about adjusting them (the M4's are that good)

on my DH bike i currently have XTs and think they are great (providing you spend the extra money for stainless braided lines, before i did that they did not have enough power)

ultimates are over-rated.

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Chewyeti

I believe that statement is highly unsubstantiated.

you do realize most SS braided hoses are just a jacket over the same teflon/plastic hose lining?

PROVE to me how a different line would effect brake performance. I bet both hoses have the same PSI rating. I doubt the brand new plastic line was 'bulging' under pressure and not delivering full 'power' to the caliper.

the POWER of brakes comes from the master cylinder... not the lines.

Sorry.... i believe you are misinformed.

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Chewy THE Yeti Call me Chewy or Aaron
THE STABLE: Kona coiler, Zion 737 29er (geared), Zion 737 SS ...
LOUD HUBS>>>SAVE BUBBS

jschwart73

Actually, braided jackets do their job quite well - If the hose itself expands when the brakes are pulled, the braid will help to contain this expansion, allowing more energy to be spent pushing out the brake piston instead of stretching the hose from the inside.

The question is how much expansion we see with MTB brakes, but I know that on motorcycles, braided lines make a HUGE difference.

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