Brake!

[Tom79]

So I've been riding a fair bit recently and although my canti's look all nice and "of the period", frankly they just don't cut it in terms of stopping power.

Thinking of moving onto V Brakes but even then I'm not convinced.

Never had or tried Magura hydraulic brakes but wondering how they perform. I know I could get a more modern bike but frankly I love riding my 90's steel frame and being honest, I'd prefer to be able to ride it harder than to look at it.

Thoughts?

 

[legrandefromage]

show us a pic - older non low pro cantis work better than the later skinny jobbies

 

[hamster]

Maguras are great. They are really powerful but have the best modulation of anything I've tried. Pads are a snap-fit replacement. On one bike I never did more than snap in new pads in 13 years. By comparison V-brakes while powerful are very sharp and not progressive at all.

However Cantis can perform extremely well if the geometry of the pads and straddle cable is right. The irritating thing is that the geometry can change significantly with pad wear, lowering efficiency. One of the best tuning tips is to start with modern thin v-brake style pads and holders. Post-mount holders are available as well as the bolt-through type.

 

[fagin]

+1 for the Maguras. Only tried one set, but use the bike almost daily and they are really good. Once set up just need a bit of pad advancement. Set up is a bit of a bugger though. I found thinking of them as individual sides rather than a pair helps.
Very powerful, nice modulation and the fluoro colour looks great.
No where near as good as decent disc brakes, but a lot better than Vs and cantis.

 

[james1985]

What brakes are you running?
I have XT 737 on the Megamo, i'm heavy but it will easily lock the rear on dry tarmac and will chuck you over the bars as often as you like.

The HS33s on the Orange are better in the wet, but the gap isnt that big really.

I set up some Alivio Cantis on my friends bike, so they looked in the same position as the XT's, they improved no end, but I wouldnt like to try and explain how to do it the correct way.
Would definately play with the set up before changing.

 

[gtRTSdh]

I love maguras, they're brilliant especially with ceramic rims. My 4 off road bikes have hs33s.

 

[Tom79]

Re:

Mine are XT737s and I have been playing with the set up....they are performing as they should do it's just that I want more power. Think I will try and get hold of some HS33's and see how they go....never used them before so if nothing else it will be good to try.

 

[gtRTSdh]

Re: Re:

Mine are XT737s and I have been playing with the set up....they are performing as they should do it's just that I want more power. Think I will try and get hold of some HS33's and see how they go....never used them before so if nothing else it will be good to try.

Get new cylinder washers from tarty bikes before you try and fit them.

 

[james1985]

Dibs if you sell the 737's then please