Mixing hydraulic levers and calipers?

toasty
toasty Posts: 2,598
edited September 2007 in MTB workshop & tech
Given that I've never heard of anyone doing this (except with shimano bits) I'd guess it's not a good idea.

I'm just wondering whether anyone has mixed different model calipers with different levers? I've got some Hayes So1e on my FSR XC and would like to swap the calipers to Hayes 9 if possible, keeping the same lever, rotor, 7"/8" adapter etc. Even the hoses could stay.

I'd guess the only difference is the stroke type (linear/progressive) and the physical amount of oil pumped?
Stumpy FSR 29er

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    wont work.

    your on the right lines. (yes phisically it will work but poorly if it did why would the makers have losts of different levers?).
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • toasty
    toasty Posts: 2,598
    nicklouse wrote:
    yes phisically it will work but poorly if it did why would the makers have losts of different levers?

    To make lots of money :) I'm sure at least 1 manufacturer could have standardised the oil flow on at least a couple of models.

    The hayes levers look very similar, both have the same lever upgrades etc, obviously it's impossible to tell the difference meaning everyone will have to spend the full whack and chuck the old ones. Given mine are 1 piston though I'd guess the levers push less oil... possibly.
    Stumpy FSR 29er
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    external looks and bore sizes and piston strokes are not related.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • toasty
    toasty Posts: 2,598
    True, a lot of the pieces will be pressed with the same machinery though to save cash. I'm just pondering if anyone has physically tried any combinations. I'd be shocked if the oil flow for every single model was vastly different, to the point where none would function at all together.
    Stumpy FSR 29er
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    some work some dont.

    one thing that has to be watched is the type of fluid.

    did you know the hose on the Hope mini trals brake rear is too thin? it will not allow the brake to work fast enough.

    Avics have good cross compatability as can be seen in the 08 range.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • toasty
    toasty Posts: 2,598
    Ah no, the Hope range all seem quite specific to tasks so I assumed they might differ, the lighter ones use thinner rotors than standard as well I'd heard.

    Good to hear at least someone is trying cross compatibility tho :) Think I'll just stick with these or possibly swap to some crazy cheap Juicys at some point in the future.

    Cheers
    Stumpy FSR 29er

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