I think I may have found some 2nd hand K18's that look like they'll suit my requirements.
What are they like a brakes?
On the mtbr forums they get excellent reviews, anything to look out for?
Anything wrong with buying 2nd hand brakes?
Look out for the first few batches as the plastic parts in them didn't last well. Good brakes but can be fidley
I have 2 bikes with K18's on - nice feel and good power. I got both 2nd hand off here and they are fine.
MRanger156 - How do you determine these "first few" batches?
not sure you can from the outside. its the pistons in the lever end that didnt fare so well. one of mine jammed too.
but........good news is that toby from propel is a great bloke to deal with, and if you have any trouble with them, you can send em off (any age) and theyll replace them with metal pistons free of charge.
so, worth taking a chance in my opinion.
I have them and they have been great.
take the time to re-centre the calipers etc when replacing pads as they can creep a little, but so do all others.
Plenty powerful, look good and easy to set up although personally I got rid of mine, as I found they ate pads (tried all sorts) esp compared with my Martas 🙁
I got an oro on the front and an juicy on the back. Ran them for 18 months in the worst of conditions with no problems with the oro. Mad powerful - better than my abilities. Great feel and control. Pad wear is great (I use Superstar sintered about 1500mi a set - but I do bed them in) but lever travel does increase as the pads are 3/4 worn. No seizing or other problems (touch wood).
The oro is so good I went and got a used one for the rear and will sell the avid.
As above, initial batches has plastic mc pistons that didn't get on too well with dot fluid. Mine were replaced under warranty and no probs since. Although the turnaround was 5 weeks :-/
compared to juicys they're a league above but pad life isn't fantastic. I found that bleeding them with new pads and the wheel in place meant there was enough fluid in the system to avoid excessive lever travel when pads are down to 20% ie don't shove the caliper pistons all the way in when bleeding