Originally Posted by MikeOK
I got an Avid mechanical and put it on for an honest try. After a couple rides I have to report no rubbing, and very good braking action. Not as good modulation as hydros but I would put them overall about halfway between the performance of V's and hydros. These things are so adjustable it's rediculous. Definately worth a look if you want discs and are low on cash.
I must be missing something on the modulation thing. In Ned Overend's book he recommends that one should either be aggressively braking (near lock-up?)
or keeping your hands off the levers. He implies anything in-between is counterproductive to maintain momentum. I find that quite easily done with Avids.
Overend (5 nationals and one world) is speaking to XC racing only and all I do is XC and no racing.
I had a lot less control with rim brakes. Better is the enemy of good enough, especially when there's a lot of maintenance involved.
Al