mtb scotland routes

 

 

hope mountain bike disc brake

 

 

 

shimano xt disk brake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

avid mountain bike brake

 

MTB. Brake review

Hope mini  
Expect to to pay: £100 approx
Specifications
System type: Open
Lever type: Mini lever
Caliper No.'s: 3, 5 & 9:74
Standard Disc: 145, 165, & 185
Weight: 380g (inc. lever, hose, 165mm disc, caliper, pads, fluid & all fixing bolts)

Almost certainly the best all round brake on the market. Lightweight yet powerful enough to stop anything. I purchased a hope mini front brake about 2 years ago. This was the first disc brake I ever owned. What a tremendous buy. Took around 40 minutes to fit. The brake comes pre-bled and ready to go, the trickiest part was centering the caliper using the spacers which are also supplied in the kit. What a difference this product instantly made to my riding style, it gives you the confidence to tackle any section as fast as you like. You can always depend on this brake to stop you absolutely anywhere. Its "low maintenance" tag is well deserved as I have not even needed to fit a set of pads let alone touch anything else on the system. Another must have product.
Shimano XT  
Expect to to pay: £100 approx

Specifications
SHIMANO XT DISC BRAKE
New 756 model with cuttable hoses
HIGH-PERFORMANCE HYDRAULIC BRAKING
High performance hydraulic operation enhances braking power and response
OPPOSED FOUR-PISTON DESIGN
Leading effect is reduced and pad pressure equalized for improved braking control and optimal pad wear
MINERAL OIL BRAKE FLUID
Mineral oil is used instead of conventional hydraulic brake fluid. It's non-corrosive, user-friendly and an effective alternative to more hazardous DOT fluids

Having purchased this product around 12months ago, I have found it to be a worthy investment. The latest model comes with a hose that can be cut which is a huge improvement on previous models. The kit even comes with a two piece block which is used for making sure that you cut the hose clean and square. The brake is very powerful and the modulation on the lever is excellent. However there is a couple of downsides to the brake. Weight is obviously an issue to the banana pasta brigade. But the most annoying thing for me is the squealing noise that echoes through every trail you descend. I have found the best way to combat this is to remove the pads regularly and clean up with a light abrasive. This aside, the brake is well worth the asking price. And it looks the mutts nuts.

Avid arch rival  
Expect to to pay: £30-40 approx

The technology of Avid Supreme Brakes at a more affordable price.
Articulated brake pads, fewer pivots and the simple design makes this a functional and powerful brake. The FVA design reduces boss movement and ensures more energy reaches the rim. Together with the Accu-Push articulated pads, the high performance Rim Wrangler 2 cartridge pads allows you to stop on a dime. Interchangeable as a front or rear brake, just swap the direction of the pads. 190g

Product Details
Using 3 pivot points the Arch Rival's unique Accu-Push pivoting arch maintains that ideal pad-rim relationship delivering crisp braking and even pad wear. Nickel.

Light, powerful, one finger braking

Articulated brake pads, fewer pivots and the simple design makes this a functional and powerful brake. As always the forged aluminium arms look as beautiful as they are light. The FVA design reduces boss movement and ensures more energy reaches the rim. Together with the Accu-Push articulated pads, the high performance Rim Wrangler 2 cartridge pads allows you to stop on a dime.

http://www.avidbike.com/home.html

If I had ever to revert back to the bad old days of rim brakes, this would be the weapon of choice. As rim brakes go this is the most powerful and reliable product I have tried. Easier to fit and less fiddly to set up than your average brake. The only negative I can relate to the product is that they go through pads like hell. Although if you want superior power something has to give. Can also be difficult to squeeze fat tyres past. All in all an excellent product.

About Us | Contact us | ©2005 Glasgow MTB Mad