Avid Mechanical Discs

Avid's mechanical discs have long had a reputation for being the best "cable disc brakes" on the market. Is that still true?

7-24-08 // Tested: Hayes Stroker Trail

With 10 years of experience, the engineers at Hayes have more hydraulic history than any other manufacturer. Get a pair of Strokers in their natural habitat—rock, dirt, mud and steep grade—and the 160 rear/180 front rotor combination provided excellent modulation with plenty of power and very little noise.
7-15-08 // Tested: Magura Louise BAT

Magura’s Louise BAT brakes got significant improvements to lever tuning and heat-shedding. This brake doesn’t pump or fade, even on 20-minute-long downhills.
1-30-08 // Tested: Hope Moto V2 Disc Brakes

Brakes are undoubtedly the most visceral point of interaction on the bicycle. Right there, in the finger, their performance and reliability is a crucial element of a good ride.
AUGUST 17th: TESTED IRD Dual Banger Discs

IRD has fielded a worthy competitor to the title of best cable disc brake (a title that Avid has long owned).
TESTED: Hayes El Camino Disc Brakes

Can’t decide whether to go with more power or better modulation in your next set of disc brakes? Hayes might make your decision a little easier with the new El Camino.
MAY 11th:
Tested--Hayes HFX Mag Plus Discs

They may not be the newest, shiniest brakes on the market, but the Mag Plus offer tremendous stopping power and little weight penalty.
MARCH 7th
Tested: Magura Marta SL

At a mere 324 grams per set, Magura's Marta SL disc brakes are the world's lightest disc brakes. How did these bantam-weight stoppers hold up to a year of abuse?
Bolt-On Disc Brakes...You Might Be Surprised

Yes, they look hokey, but Therapy Components Brake Therapy disc brake kit is actually worth every penny. A must for people who own a bike without disc mounts.