Avid bolts - the worst ever?

JakeWC
JakeWC Posts: 80
edited May 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
Has anyone else experienced any problems with the allen bolts used on Avid Juicy Carbons? I tried to change over the handlebars on my brand new Mount Vision and the allen bolts on the brakes were either rounded out already, or became rounded out almost as soon as you so much as waved an allen key at them. They seem to be very soft and very, very shallow.

I've heard of people tapping a torx head into an allen bolt to remove them. Anyone got any better ideas?

So far the Avid distributor Fisher Outdoor have been totally unhelpful. Really not impressed. Maybe I have been spoilt by the level of customer service from companies like Hope, 2Pure and the Marzocchi distributor.

Comments

  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    If you manage to get the bolts out, pay a visit to your local bolt supplier and buy a better grade of bolt. I'm always told by mine how people spend megabucks on their bikes and get 5p bolts on them.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    I don't know if its something with grade of steel that American screw manufactures use, but they are crap in general.

    I used to buy a lot of shooting gear from the US (sights, mounts, etc.,) and without an exception the screws would either round off, shear or seize if you even looked at them.

    If you, try filing or sawing a groove across the head of the screw and use a screwdriver on them. Use copper grease on the new screws to stop 'em seizing.
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  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    yes they are half depth and yes you need quality tools with no ware on them.

    Personally not had a problem.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • JakeWC
    JakeWC Posts: 80
    I've gone down to my friendly local bike shop and they have given me a hand to muscle the bolts out by tapping a torx head in. Now replaced with some sensible bolts that actually work.

    NICKLOUSE - The allen key I used was a good one and it was about 2 weeks old so had no wear on it whatsoever. I wonder if it was a bad batch of bolts as it happened on the front and rear brake. I've never had this issue with the Hayes/Shimano/Hope brakes I have used in the past or any other allen bolt for that matter.

    The brakes themselves are really nice, just a shame I've had such buggeration with fitting/removal. Plus Fisher Outdoor were fairly unhelpful which has soured the whole experience slightly. Tthink my next brakes will be from Hope, purely from a customer service and build quality point of view.

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