The Official Brake Review Thread

Discussion in 'The Workshop' started by 07coiler, Sep 1, 2009.

  1. TMS

    TMS New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2008
    Messages:
    831
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Long Beach
    After reading countless reviews I was pretty sold on the SLXs, but after shopping around quite a bit all of the major online retailers had the same model year XTs at a better price so I went with them. After about a month of using them I couldn't be happier.
     
  2. marshal

    marshal New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2012
    Messages:
    227
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Occupation:
    I raise gophers :)
    Location:
    Castaic, Ca
    I've recently seen the SLX Front and Rear, pre-bled setups going for $89.95 each (choice of F or R) on Chainlove.com
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 22, 2013
  3. rojomas

    rojomas A.K.A The Oxx

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2007
    Messages:
    2,401
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    36
    Location:
    Wherdaphuqarwe
    Hayes Prime Pro or Expert

    Has anyone tried the Hayes Prime Pro or Expert?
    I've seen reviews raving about them and a few saying that they're better than the XT's. They say they have the same braking power with no fade and better modulation.
     
  4. TMS

    TMS New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2008
    Messages:
    831
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Long Beach
    That is a great deal. I don't know how I've missed it as I check chainlove several times a day.
     
  5. bing!

    bing! Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2010
    Messages:
    3,220
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    38
  6. jeffj

    jeffj Bloated Mountain B'hiker

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2007
    Messages:
    2,617
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    36
    Occupation:
    Bloated Mountain Biker
    Location:
    Castaic, CA
    I have been riding a set of Prime Pro brakes for a couple months. Just to be clear, I have the model year just before the Crosshair feature came out, but other than that, they are just like the current model AFAIK. I started out with 180/160 rotors and they were too small (would be with any brand) for long descents. Since I am a larger than average clyde, I can make just about any brakeset (used with smaller rotors) squeal once they get heated up. The XT/SLX brakes are no exception, and neither are the Primes. If the descent is long enough and steep enough to have me on the binders, I can make 160 and 180 rotors cry like a baby. Rotor size is critical to eliminating fade and squeal for me no matter what model brake I have used, and that includes XT w/Ice Tech.

    As you know, the modulation on XT/SLX brakes is pretty far toward the on-off end of the spectrum, but for me is just a matter of me adjusting to the way they work. I really like the XT/SLX brakes, and feel the ergonomics are especially good and make one finger braking feel incredibly natural. The Primes are a little less of the on-off type feel. I am getting less than smooth feedback at times, but may need to change pads to either a new set of the same (since I may have glazed them with the smaller rotors), or possibly a different than stock compound. They don't always feel that way, but do occasionally. On long-ish descents, they are actually feel great once they get warmed up with 203 rotors front and rear. For instance, not a peep from them riding McGill a few weeks ago with the larger rotors. Power is there regardless of rotor size.

    As for the ergonomics, they are closer to the goodness that is XT/SLX than they are any Avids I have used. Very natural to use one finger for me, and the adjustments make getting them the way you like them, very quick and easy.
     
  7. mpmffitz

    mpmffitz Farm Freerider

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2008
    Messages:
    3,390
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    36
    Occupation:
    Hand cuffs and leg irons please
    Location:
    Wildomar
    Hays Dyno sucks. First ride and lost the modulation on the front, luckily I know how to skid and not burn up the trail.
     
  8. dustyyoungblood

    dustyyoungblood Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2008
    Messages:
    35
    Likes Received:
    20
    Trophy Points:
    8
    What's the newest happening with. Brakes??? I used to love Magura all models but that was 5-10years ago.
     
  9. trailninja

    trailninja Going Slideways!!!!

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Messages:
    918
    Likes Received:
    71
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Quality Engineer
    Location:
    Orange County CA
    XTs seem to be popular these days. Really grippy. I like them because they are easy to service.
     
    dustyyoungblood likes this.

Share This Page

Help keep STR alive, please click the donation button below