New brakes for the BigHit - Shimano Zee, Saint, or what?

dhutch
dhutch Posts: 343
edited April 2013 in MTB buying advice
I need new brakes for my downhill bike, use will be infrequent riding in the UK (Ukbikepark, Stainburn, Hamsterley) and an annual pilgrimage to the Alps for a week. I am looking for something high performance and low maintenance.

Due to the infrequent use (I have another bike I use more in the UK) justification for huge spending is more difficult, but equally I can afford to spend it if I will get a performance/reliability benifit and enjoy my holiday and odd weekends more, if only given the fact a weekend at Hampsterley costs me nearly £100 in fuel just to drive there.

The bikes an 04 bighit, which I bought secondhand last year to go to the alps on and its been fantastic, but although bearly used by the previous owner the Hayes El Camino's on there are 5years old and showing it so have been given to a freind for his GFs bike.


Daniel

Comments

  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Zee....only Saint if you feel very rich, no real performance difference, just lighter.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Perhaps consider a car with better fuel effiency too?
  • felix.london
    felix.london Posts: 4,067
    I'd put a set of new SLX/XT on it
    "Why have that extra tooth if you're not using it?" - Brian Lopes

    Votec V.SX Enduro 'Alpine Thug' 2012/2013 build

    Trek Session 8
  • dhutch
    dhutch Posts: 343
    The Beginner wrote:
    Zee....only Saint if you feel very rich, no real performance difference, just lighter.
    Well at 21kg, weight is not a huge issue for the bighit, its a going down machine!

    I was also looking at the Hope X2's but not sure about the reliability?

    My mate has avid codes on his two bikes, which work really well now they work, but he has had no end of trouble with having to rebleed them, having a 6month old failed/coroded lever needing to be replaced, bike shop returns, this that and the other, etc etc, and while I lives for biking I have a lot of other commitments and need more fit-and-forget solution.

    Daniel
  • EH_Rob
    EH_Rob Posts: 1,134
    zee
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    I have fitted Zee's to my DH bike. They are really excellent. Serious power, good feel, easy to bleed and heat doesn't seem to be a problem, even on long fast trails. I got mine from Rose for just under £200.
    Saints feel exactly the same but are very marginally lighter.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235

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