Hayes HFX-9 brakes?

[heckler]

Just got the weekly e-mailing from Jenson and saw these Hayes brakes on sale for $89 each!

I currently run Avid mechs and although they work OK, I am curious about these hydraulics. Anybody try them? My main beef with the Avids is basically with cable maintenance. They just dont seem to work as well as they used to. I do love how easy they are to adjust. How much more trouble are the Hayes?

Thanks in advance!

[Chris_T]

I've been running HFX-9's on my Dawg Dee Luxe since December 2004. Wonderful modulation and stopping power, although I only have rim brakes to compare them to. I do miss the Speed Dial feature from my hardtail's Single Digit 25s, though.

I'd go try a couple bikes at a shop that have the brakes you're interested in.

-C

[pk]

Hey Heckler,

I'd stick with the Avid cable-actuated brakes -- there really isn't much increase in performance going hydaulic. While the hydraulic may require a less maintenance, when they need it, you got to bleed 'em and deal with nasty brake fluid. Also, if you ever pull on the brake lever with the wheel off the bike, the pads will reset and rub the rotor... They also aren't very adjustable on the trail.

The only real benefit is that they are a fully sealed system -- so if you ride in really sloppy, icy or muddy conditions, they'll probably work a bit better than mechanical brakes.

Perhaps you could get sealed brake cables (like the Gore Tex ones), if any vendor even makes those any more....

Hope this helps.

pk

[Jisch]

I saw that deal, looks good. I have had Avids on my "old" bike for five years, they worked very well. My new bike came with Hayes HFX-9s (with the chi-chi carbon fiber levers). After years of saying the cables were just as good, I now say the Hayes are far better. The modulation is great (on par though slightly more sensitive than Avids), the stopping power is far superior.

Keep in mind I've only had the Hayes for 3 months so maybe I'll feel differently if I have any maintenance issues. Incidentally, over the course of 5 years with the Avid Mechanicals, I did have one set disintegrate from the inside - requiring complete replacement of the brakes.

John

[konadave]

I have those brakes on my bike and after using hydraulic brakes, I wouldn't go back to cable discs. Far better stopping power with less effort at the lever. You can adjust the lever reach with these brakes, so you can find the perfect position. Go hydraulic, and you won't come back.

[Doro]

thats a good deal for those. one finger stopping power. I use them for both my asx and r9. easy maintence and probably the most basic hydro on the market so the parts are easy to come by! i ran avid mechs before but wouldnt go back.

[jester]

if you are looking to get hydros then this deal is not a bad one at all. Read some reviews on MTBR.com if you want to get a fell for how others like them. These are my second pair of hayes, I had the first generation flip flop ones for a few years and they required zero maintenance, just bled once a year.

Some people have been discussion problems with the calipers and levers on the 9's as a common problem as well as the lever going flat after not riding for a few days, usually due to air in the lines, which requires a bleed, sometimes 2.

I have found that the lever adjusting screw, for the engagment point, works itself around during rides so the lever engages closer to the grips then I set it for before the ride. I have larger hands so this becomes an issue with single finger braking.

If you have some mechanical skills and a little patience, then price can't be beat for the brakes and you gain the advantage of a seal system, as noted above, with the stopping power of hydros.

[heckler]

Thanks for all the input! I havbe to give it a bit of thought. Knowing Jenson, I can't think too long though as their OE stuff goes away pretty fast.

I am a bit concerned about the 'squeeze the lever without a wheel" issue. I travel with the bike in the back of my wagon w/o the wheel and I could easily see the lever getting pulled by accident. And that isn't counting my kids...

Again, thanks for the input.

[Jisch]

To avoid the "pulling the lever while the wheel is out" just get a piece of plastic or cardboard that's the appropriate width (i.e. the same width as the disc) and put it between the pads when you take the wheel off.

Also, if someone (or you) does pull the lever while the wheel's out, all you have to do is put a screwdriver between the pads and gently push them back in. I guess there's a possibility that the pads go too far, but I think you'd have to try to mess it up that bad.

John

[dirtrider2]

I can't disagree more with the 'there really isn't much increase in performance going hydraulic' comment, but I've said my piece on that awhile ago. http://www.nemba.org/forums/showthread.php?t=17238&page=2

As for HFX-9's, they're fairly crude. I had 'em for a few months and got rid of them. For a few dollars more I'd consider the Avid Juicy 5's or even Shimano LX's. They have better lever feel and more power. Also, just like Hayes, replacement parts are everywhere for these two systems. If Shimano sounds good, make sure you avoid the centerlock rotors if you have 6-bolt hubs.

Dave

[dirtrider2]

After checking JensonUSA's site, there's nothing even close to the $89 deal. So, my comment above about the Juicy's and LX being 'only a few dollars more' was waaaaaaay off. If you're strapped for cash, it is a great deal.

That said, I stand by my statement about there being better brakes. After a month, you'll forget the price difference. Hell, I was able to forget about how much I spent on my Rohloff...well maybe not yet... Go out, try some, and compare. Your buddies probably have a bunch of different set-ups.

Dave

[heckler]

Oh, I can definitely relate to "forgetting" after a while. so much money has gone that way. The important thing is tha tthe wife is clueless! About that, at least.

My 11 yr old recently asked for a road bike. (to go with his four other bikes and two unicycles). Being more than a closet roadie I thought that was fine. But I did not want to buy him the $800 Orbea he lusted. I went at my rarely-used Fat single speed and got it pretty road worthy (although still a single speed at the moment). he asked how much of my "good stuff" was on it. I started addding up the purchase price of the components and quickly blew through $1500. He was pretty pale when he promise dnot to leave it unlocked! We shall see.

[Doro]

Thanks for all the input! I havbe to give it a bit of thought. Knowing Jenson, I can't think too long though as their OE stuff goes away pretty fast.

I am a bit concerned about the 'squeeze the lever without a wheel" issue. I travel with the bike in the back of my wagon w/o the wheel and I could easily see the lever getting pulled by accident. And that isn't counting my kids...

Again, thanks for the input.

that shouldn't be a concern. they come with a plastic fitting which keeps the pads from clenching togather when the wheel is off. Even if it does happen all you do is remove the pads and press the caliper back in w/ a flat head. Easy maintenance.