My Hayes 9 disc brakes have let me down once too often and are destined for the skip. Can anyone recommend some decent lightish disc brakes, I will need a pair, 160mm front and rear. So far I’m looking at Avid Juicy Ultimates and Shimano XT (new ones). Any advice on where to find cheap ones also appreciated

Avid if you like effing about, Shimano if you don’t.

XT / SLX depending on how fat yer wallet is.

Im liking my XTs muchly. Not sure about the avids (not ridden them) but not heard much good about them.

How fat is your wallet????

I can probably stretch to £200 if I need to. I already have an Avid bleed kit for the 7’s on another bike. Merlin has XT’s for £200 and XTR for £20 more

Shimano – reliable, well made and totally functional.

Or Magura Louise or (new) Julies with a 5 year warranty….

saint:)

Thinking second hand?

XTR all the way best i have ever used (i’ve had ultimates and carbons)
Bruce

I know the feeling.. I ‘upgraded’ from Avid BB7’s to Hayes 9 (won them in a raffle but would’ve been annoyed if I’d paid for them)

I’m a Magura convert and tnew Julie HP looks like great value especially with the filter down in design features from the higher end stuff (Louise caliper).
Aside from that, before Shimano’s price hikes, their stuff was definately worth looking at in terms of price point and functionality.

Worth thinking about running a 180mm rotor up front? Even on my XC race bike I prefer to have it available so run Marta SL on 180/160.

Thanks – I hadn’t considered the Magura, will take a look. Any bargains I’ve missed? Merlin are still looking favourites

My Avids were dire and they were carbons. Mrs. Squirrel’s are the same. I now have Formula Oro K18s and Hayes Strokers. Both were bought v cheap and are great. 160mm all round and I’m 15st and live in Scotland, where there are hills galore!

However, if I could do it all again, I’d probably go for Shimano (if it weren’t for the cost).

What went wrong with the Hayes? I thought brakes were much of a muchness. My own experience is that the maintenance condition of most people’s brakes varies far more than the actual quality of the brakes when new.

Or in other words, most people have dirty pads or they need bleeding.

Forumla Oro K18s are very powerful with 160mm discs, had no trouble off mine.

XTs are good too, but have been much more demanding.

selling xtr discs if your interested. Brand new( minor scratch on lever housing), 160mm with lockring. Pics available

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16324512@N02/sets/72157614399402757/

in case thats wrong one