Opinion: Dura Ace Ax Brakes
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Opinion: Dura Ace Ax Brakes
How do they perform compared to C-Record Delta?
Any problems or things that need watching? (i.e. Keeping the cam clean?)
Any tips or guidance on the install?
I saw a pair on a San-Rensho and fell in love. Just won a set on Ebay for my Gran Criterium (I know Deltas are more apropos, but love knows no correctness.)
Any problems or things that need watching? (i.e. Keeping the cam clean?)
Any tips or guidance on the install?
I saw a pair on a San-Rensho and fell in love. Just won a set on Ebay for my Gran Criterium (I know Deltas are more apropos, but love knows no correctness.)
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wow, is that the pair that just went for ~$160? you must really love those brakes, haha
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They did and I do. They're in even better shape (judging from the pictures) than the last two sets that went up for auction, and both of those went for more than 160 plus freight and mandatory insurance from the UK. (Sorry I outbid you. )
Ain't nobody got no experience with these babies?
Ain't nobody got no experience with these babies?
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Rode them from 1983 until just recently, sold them to 23skidoo.
They are speed modulators, not brakes.
I never had any problems setting them up, or keeping them 'working'.
They are speed modulators, not brakes.
I never had any problems setting them up, or keeping them 'working'.
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Yeah, but the stuck-up jerk (referring to Armstrong, not OFG) hasn't responded to any of my emails over the last three weeks.
Old Fat Guy hasn't said much about them, judging from the search function.
Pig-pig-sooooey-soooey! Paging Ollld Faaat Guyyyy!
Old Fat Guy hasn't said much about them, judging from the search function.
Pig-pig-sooooey-soooey! Paging Ollld Faaat Guyyyy!
Last edited by calamarichris; 07-20-09 at 01:30 PM.
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Not that strong then? (Nuts. It figures.)
Do you use the AX levers, or something else?
Errr... and how much do you weigh, Hoss? Any chance they just seem weak because of your [enviable & manly] mass?
Do you use the AX levers, or something else?
Errr... and how much do you weigh, Hoss? Any chance they just seem weak because of your [enviable & manly] mass?
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Lance did not use them. He tried them on his TT bike in training but the stopping power was so much weaker than what he was used to that he didn't ever race with them.
They tried several different pads, and cables to try to get it to work, but they decided against the old design.
They tried several different pads, and cables to try to get it to work, but they decided against the old design.
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I used AX levers with them. I weigh 160-165. I ride fast, and stopping was not a concern when I was younger.
I now am old, and have been hit. I like to stop quickly, if I have to.
I use Campagnolo Dual Differential brakes on most of my bikes. I still have old Record brakes on a handful, but you can't beat the modern brakes for stopping power, and the newest Campy's are the biggest improvement in cycling components in the last 20 years, IMO.
I now am old, and have been hit. I like to stop quickly, if I have to.
I use Campagnolo Dual Differential brakes on most of my bikes. I still have old Record brakes on a handful, but you can't beat the modern brakes for stopping power, and the newest Campy's are the biggest improvement in cycling components in the last 20 years, IMO.
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You call yourself Oldfatguy, and you weigh 165 pounds?
Well, now that we know you're a 20-year-old maiden, I guess we can discount your input.
Haha, I appreciate your perspective (much moreso than some Texans'.)
These are for my Trusty steel '84 Gran Crit, which will be neither raced nor abused. I paid $1100 for the frame back when I was making $4.35/hour bagging groceries; she was my primary bike for 18 years, including my three happy years racing & touring in Holland. Just got her refurbished at Cyclart and am adorning her in finery, even if it isn't the most efficient or period-correct. Mille grazzi.
Well, now that we know you're a 20-year-old maiden, I guess we can discount your input.
Haha, I appreciate your perspective (much moreso than some Texans'.)
These are for my Trusty steel '84 Gran Crit, which will be neither raced nor abused. I paid $1100 for the frame back when I was making $4.35/hour bagging groceries; she was my primary bike for 18 years, including my three happy years racing & touring in Holland. Just got her refurbished at Cyclart and am adorning her in finery, even if it isn't the most efficient or period-correct. Mille grazzi.
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I am old. So old that I remember the cartoon in Velonews about 'Old guys who drink stout and get fat in the winter'.
That's where the name comes from.
I'm zmudshark on other forums, don't tell anyone!
That's where the name comes from.
I'm zmudshark on other forums, don't tell anyone!
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they still run those cartoons, I think if your name was Old Fat Guy in the Winter more people would get it
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I must be even older. I was one of those stout drinking old guys........... all our training rides in the 80's seemed to end in the pub:-)
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OFG is not all that old either!
He just was able to retire early. Sweet UPS union, I suppose?
BigBossMan, can you back me up?
I can only ride as fast as OFG when I go down hill! And I'm very happy with the way 2009 Campy Centaur brakes work. They are just amazing at how well they stop!
He just was able to retire early. Sweet UPS union, I suppose?
BigBossMan, can you back me up?
I can only ride as fast as OFG when I go down hill! And I'm very happy with the way 2009 Campy Centaur brakes work. They are just amazing at how well they stop!
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I had both AX Para-Pull and Delta brakes. Both left something to be desired in the stopping power. In the end I prefered the AX, as they were MUCH lighter, less complex (there's something you don't hear often in the forum discussions of Campagnolo versus Shimano), didn't require special tools (ditto), were easier to set-up and in my opinion, had the better aesthetics. I eventually sold mine for $500 US to a TT specialist wanting to be Lance. I always regretted it, but you can't keep everything, forever.
As stated by Chuckk, the AX brakes had a built-in, automatic quick release mechanism. At the top of the cam, there are two notchs, one on each side. When the rollers on the arms sit in the notchs, the pads should be set in the open position for wheel removal. I set the cam so the pads are just touching the rims, soon after the rollers are out of the notches.
The other problem with the design are the dedicated brakes shoes. Keep an eye on Ebay for replacements or be prepared to carve replacements using a hobby knife.
As stated by Chuckk, the AX brakes had a built-in, automatic quick release mechanism. At the top of the cam, there are two notchs, one on each side. When the rollers on the arms sit in the notchs, the pads should be set in the open position for wheel removal. I set the cam so the pads are just touching the rims, soon after the rollers are out of the notches.
The other problem with the design are the dedicated brakes shoes. Keep an eye on Ebay for replacements or be prepared to carve replacements using a hobby knife.
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I have 600AX brakes with D/A 7400 levers on my road bike. For the conditions I ride the bike in, they are quite adequate. Not the best stopping brakes ever made, but far from the worst.I can skid the back wheel or lift it easily. I like them a lot.
As OFG said, best to think of them as speed modulators, and probably not the best brakes for riding in a busy traffic situation.
I weigh around 180lb.BTW.
Velobase references...
https://velobase.com/ViewSingleCompon...m=117&AbsPos=0
https://velobase.com/ViewSingleCompon...m=117&AbsPos=0
As OFG said, best to think of them as speed modulators, and probably not the best brakes for riding in a busy traffic situation.
I weigh around 180lb.BTW.
Velobase references...
https://velobase.com/ViewSingleCompon...m=117&AbsPos=0
https://velobase.com/ViewSingleCompon...m=117&AbsPos=0
Last edited by Fidelista; 07-21-09 at 06:16 AM.
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OFG is not all that old either!
He just was able to retire early. Sweet UPS union, I suppose?
BigBossMan, can you back me up?
I can only ride as fast as OFG when I go down hill! And I'm very happy with the way 2009 Campy Centaur brakes work. They are just amazing at how well they stop!
He just was able to retire early. Sweet UPS union, I suppose?
BigBossMan, can you back me up?
I can only ride as fast as OFG when I go down hill! And I'm very happy with the way 2009 Campy Centaur brakes work. They are just amazing at how well they stop!
I still lose feeling in my right hand, and the only work my sweet union will let me do is real estate agent or pastor, like that's gonna happen.
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Can I enroll you in the Pastor Bob Online Theological Seminary? $1000 and I'll award a degree and ordination. In lieu of cash or paypal, I'll accept bikes or groupos!
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Wow! Thank you gents! Great information.
I suspected my 7400 levers would make up for some of the lost leverage against the rims, so I appreciate your chiming in, Fidelista.
AND the picture of your front rack, (Velo-Orange?). I have one of them on order for my commuter, so I can bring my wee dog to work on it. (She's only 11 pounds BTW.)
I suspected my 7400 levers would make up for some of the lost leverage against the rims, so I appreciate your chiming in, Fidelista.
AND the picture of your front rack, (Velo-Orange?). I have one of them on order for my commuter, so I can bring my wee dog to work on it. (She's only 11 pounds BTW.)
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