Best disc brakes in value for money and performance?
09-26-13, 02:14 PM
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Best disc brakes in value for money and performance?
I don't mind buying used. I managed to snag an avid elixir 1 rear brake for £20 on an impulse buy, thinking exlixir 1 is the top end haha. I can sell it, so that's not a problem. Should I keep it or get something better? I want to do freeriding, so need some seriously good brakes! Thanks 
09-26-13, 02:22 PM
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2013 Shimano XT are on closeout various places in the United States... don't know about UK. But 20 GBP, whoa. Not going to find much on that kind of budget. 
09-26-13, 03:50 PM
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What do you mean on close out? And haha thats not my budget, I just bought an avid elixir 1 for that much. I was wondering if I should get a better one or sell it? I don't mind spending more!
09-26-13, 08:37 PM
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I don't know if you have your heart set on hydraulic. But if not I suggest the avid bb7 or for a little less the bb5 is just as good minus a bit of adjustment the bb7 offers.
09-26-13, 11:09 PM
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You got the Elixir cheap for a reason, either they work perfectly; or they don't, and no amount of work on them will ever get them to be good.
For best value in the UK, Shimano Deore M596 can picked up for £36 an end from CRC.
For hydraulic vs cable, in the UK, hydraulics are seen as the preferred option, the cost of cable is so close to hydraulic, that there is little to no point in having them, and most riders seem to use hydraulics on anything other than entry level bikes.
For best value in the UK, Shimano Deore M596 can picked up for £36 an end from CRC.
For hydraulic vs cable, in the UK, hydraulics are seen as the preferred option, the cost of cable is so close to hydraulic, that there is little to no point in having them, and most riders seem to use hydraulics on anything other than entry level bikes.
09-27-13, 01:21 AM
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09-27-13, 01:23 AM
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You got the Elixir cheap for a reason, either they work perfectly; or they don't, and no amount of work on them will ever get them to be good.
For best value in the UK, Shimano Deore M596 can picked up for £36 an end from CRC.
For hydraulic vs cable, in the UK, hydraulics are seen as the preferred option, the cost of cable is so close to hydraulic, that there is little to no point in having them, and most riders seem to use hydraulics on anything other than entry level bikes.
For best value in the UK, Shimano Deore M596 can picked up for £36 an end from CRC.
For hydraulic vs cable, in the UK, hydraulics are seen as the preferred option, the cost of cable is so close to hydraulic, that there is little to no point in having them, and most riders seem to use hydraulics on anything other than entry level bikes.
09-27-13, 01:34 AM
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Avids can be hit an miss, get a good pair, they will be great, a bad one, will make you want to change, saying that, the new Elixir Trail brakes seem to have resolved all their issues, but at a cost.
Shimanos are currently probably the best value for money brakes available today (that goes for all of them, but especially the Deore), as with all bike products, the answer in 6 months time may be totally different. For the Deores, have had a pair of 596's for the last 6 months, and they are a lot better than the XT 775's they replaced in feel and stopping power.
Shimanos are currently probably the best value for money brakes available today (that goes for all of them, but especially the Deore), as with all bike products, the answer in 6 months time may be totally different. For the Deores, have had a pair of 596's for the last 6 months, and they are a lot better than the XT 775's they replaced in feel and stopping power.
09-27-13, 03:07 AM
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Avids can be hit an miss, get a good pair, they will be great, a bad one, will make you want to change, saying that, the new Elixir Trail brakes seem to have resolved all their issues, but at a cost.
Shimanos are currently probably the best value for money brakes available today (that goes for all of them, but especially the Deore), as with all bike products, the answer in 6 months time may be totally different. For the Deores, have had a pair of 596's for the last 6 months, and they are a lot better than the XT 775's they replaced in feel and stopping power.
Shimanos are currently probably the best value for money brakes available today (that goes for all of them, but especially the Deore), as with all bike products, the answer in 6 months time may be totally different. For the Deores, have had a pair of 596's for the last 6 months, and they are a lot better than the XT 775's they replaced in feel and stopping power.
Last edited by MrLucky; 09-27-13 at 03:12 AM.
09-27-13, 03:26 AM
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For rotor size bigger the rotor = more stopping power / heat dissipation (see her for some more explanation https://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/ar...or-size-37050/) , generally 160mm F/R or 180F160R = XC, 180mm F&R = AM, 203mm F&R = DH.
Would check the specs on your forks before getting the rotor, as a lot of more XC orientated forks have a max of 180mm, same with the frame as they can be designed for a max rotor size.
Also, make sure that the rotors are compatible with your hubs, most are 6 bolt, Shimano are generally centerlock.
Would check the specs on your forks before getting the rotor, as a lot of more XC orientated forks have a max of 180mm, same with the frame as they can be designed for a max rotor size.
Also, make sure that the rotors are compatible with your hubs, most are 6 bolt, Shimano are generally centerlock.
09-27-13, 05:43 AM
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For rotor size bigger the rotor = more stopping power / heat dissipation (see her for some more explanation https://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/ar...or-size-37050/) , generally 160mm F/R or 180F160R = XC, 180mm F&R = AM, 203mm F&R = DH.
Would check the specs on your forks before getting the rotor, as a lot of more XC orientated forks have a max of 180mm, same with the frame as they can be designed for a max rotor size.
Also, make sure that the rotors are compatible with your hubs, most are 6 bolt, Shimano are generally centerlock.
Would check the specs on your forks before getting the rotor, as a lot of more XC orientated forks have a max of 180mm, same with the frame as they can be designed for a max rotor size.
Also, make sure that the rotors are compatible with your hubs, most are 6 bolt, Shimano are generally centerlock.
Last edited by MrLucky; 09-27-13 at 06:11 AM.
09-27-13, 05:47 AM
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Running Shimano deore for two years now. Zero problems. Low cost, good performance, and they can use xt/xtr brake pads.
09-27-13, 06:19 PM
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In my defense of referring a mechanical brake. I feel the simplicity makes up for whatever advangatge a hydro brake may offer. Ofcourse this may change in the case of dh or freeride where stoping/brake power is not something you want to take a chance on strength.
I do know a few guys who run mech disks on their djs and trails bikes with n problems. I ride a lot of xc so I also don't see much value in hyradulic over mech
I do know a few guys who run mech disks on their djs and trails bikes with n problems. I ride a lot of xc so I also don't see much value in hyradulic over mech
09-29-13, 10:30 AM
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In my defense of referring a mechanical brake. I feel the simplicity makes up for whatever advangatge a hydro brake may offer. Ofcourse this may change in the case of dh or freeride where stoping/brake power is not something you want to take a chance on strength.
I do know a few guys who run mech disks on their djs and trails bikes with n problems. I ride a lot of xc so I also don't see much value in hyradulic over mech
I do know a few guys who run mech disks on their djs and trails bikes with n problems. I ride a lot of xc so I also don't see much value in hyradulic over mech
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10-14-13, 03:02 PM
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If you're planning on installing yourself and you're not a bike mechanic, sort of hoping to learn as you go, take the Avid BB7 recommendation seriously. Easy to install, can use your existing V brake levers, easy to adjust. Hydraulic takes a little more knowledge to install, certainly if you're an experienced mechanic, then hydraulics should be no problem. But you will have to change levers with hydraulics.
10-14-13, 05:17 PM
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^^ As it should be. Very good. 
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