Mountain Biking - Hayes HFX 09 or Avid Mechanicals for Stumpjumper?

Which would you choose? The Hayes are around $119 and the Avids $75 ... should I go with hydraulics? These will be going on a Stumpjumper FSR Comp (when it gets here) and I do mainly XC but I do like to bomb down hills at 30+ mph.

Avid, no doubt. I saw a deal in a magazine for a set of Avid levers and front and rear disc brake sets for 189 bucks.. good deal if you ask me!

Hayes...worth the extra :)...

Avid's - easier to work on, no fluid to leak Plus, if you break a lever you can just borrow one off a bike with v's or buy a cheap one anywhere and finish your ride, same with the cables. If you break a Hayes lever or hose well Pay Up Sucka your ride is O.V.E.R. That's the key advantage to Avid's

If you want mad stopping power, and awesome modulation... get the Hayes...


If you're not mechanically-inclined.... get the Avids.


:beer:

Get the Hayes!

L8R

I bought a new comp a month ago and the first thing to go was the v's. I chose the avids and have nothing bad to say about them. they work awsome.
If you do go with avids, also get the SD7 levers and some good cables. Run the rear cable full length. You can get avid straight jacket disc cables for a fair price. The install is very simple. No messing with shims to align the calipers to the rotor. You wont have problems stopping. They do take some getting used to. Almost gone over the bars a few times.
Which ever you choose, enjoy the bike.

I'm a huge hydro fan! I love my hayes over Avids.... BUT and this is a big BUT....the HFX9's are a complete crap shoot! There is an issue with the new top cap that they designed. It is a removable cap and has a insert in it to bleed the brakes without removing it. Great idea, except that is leaks air into the system constantly! Don't go with the HFX 9's. I do say go with the HFX Mag's though! Different lever design so that it doesn't leak! They feal great and have tons of power. But between the Avids and the HFX 9's go with the Avids!

:beer:

thanks guys! I went with the avids with full metal jackets for $200 shipped. If I'm disatisfied, I'll move up to hayes/hydros later on.

Good choice