Avid or Shimano?

Bazzowmb
Bazzowmb Posts: 227
edited September 2007 in MTB buying advice
Looking to upgrade the Tektro cable discs on my Kraken and luckily there seem to be some great deals at the moment.

I think I've now narrowed it down to Avid Juicy 5's, or Shimano XT's (£120 - £130 for a set - Merlin, Wiggle etc).

Anyone got an opinion on these for general XC - best performing, setting up, maintenance etc. And which ones are the lightest? I've been on Shimano's website and can't seem to get any info on the now superseded kit.

:?:

Any advice much appreciated.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    of those the Shimanos.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Cheers Nick

    Are you implying that there's something better out there for the same sort of money?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    for the money no but i do like my formula Oros.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Big Red S
    Big Red S Posts: 26,890
    For that money, you won't beat XTs. I'd even go so far as to suggest you'll not find anything that much better for any money, but I've always been easily pleased....
  • Scubar
    Scubar Posts: 453
    XT > Juicy 5
    Juicy 7 > XT
    ___________________________________________________________

    My Marin Hawkhill 2007 - http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1382583/
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Scubar wrote:
    XT > Juicy 5
    Juicy 7 > XT

    as the 5 and 7 are the same except for the adjuster that does not really make any sence as the power/modutation is the same.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • ddoogie
    ddoogie Posts: 4,159
    You wont be disappointed with either brake. Both are well thought of. I'm a big fan of the XT brakes. Excellent modulation and lever feel.
    S-works Stumpjumper FSR

    I'll see you at the end.

    You'll see me on the floor.
  • Prowlus
    Prowlus Posts: 539
    why not save up and get the juicy 7s ? they have adjusters so you can vary the braking power for both on and off road?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Prowlus wrote:
    why not save up and get the juicy 7s ? they have adjusters so you can vary the braking power for both on and off road?

    WRONG, the adjuster is just for the pad bite point and has nothing to do with the power.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • ddoogie
    ddoogie Posts: 4,159
    why not save up and get the juicy 7s ? they have adjusters so you can vary the braking power for both on and off road?

    The adjusters don't change the overall power of the brake, they just move the bite point. And why would you need/want to change the feel of your brakes for road use?
    S-works Stumpjumper FSR

    I'll see you at the end.

    You'll see me on the floor.
  • Cheers guys, all pretty consistent - XT's it is!!!

    :D
  • Big Red S
    Big Red S Posts: 26,890
    Scubar wrote:
    XT > Juicy 5
    Juicy 7 > XT

    What's better about the Jucy 7?

    Aside from it being more difficult to set up, spares being (slightly) harder to come by, and them needing more attention than the XTs.
  • L60N
    L60N Posts: 223
    XT > Juicy 5
    Juicy 7 > XT

    5's & 7's are identical apart from the adjustable bite point.

    Just to clarify :lol::lol:
  • Scubar
    Scubar Posts: 453
    Stopping power and Feel of the lever. I even prefer my Juicy 3s w/goodridge hoses over my LX brakes in terms of stopping power and feel.
    ___________________________________________________________

    My Marin Hawkhill 2007 - http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1382583/
  • L60N
    L60N Posts: 223
    Stopping power is surely down to which pads you wear? As pull oflever = twin pots nipping in.