avid mech brakes
 

Are these any good for freeriding and what are the size of the rotors

Standard size is 6". I don't know if they're convertable to 8".

Very good brakes, not quite as powerfull as hydraulic discs. Certainly a HUGE improvement over virtually any V-Brake set up. Very easy to adjust via a simple dial on the main brake housing.

Easy to adjust, any idiot can install them, and they come in 3 different sizes. I think there's a 160 mm, a 185 mm, and a 220 mm? If you want to DH or Freeride, just get the largest rotor size and you should have plenty of power.

yes and the middle sized ones will be good enough for freeriding.

I am using the 160mm for XC and they are terrific.

I can only say good things about the Avids from my somewhat limited experience and the long-term experience of friends using them for XC. They offer a huge imporvement over any V-system my friends and I have tried. Many say that they rival the hydraulic systems in power. They do make different size rotors, and many mail-order places will let you select the rotor size when purchasing the brake. You definitely can't beat the price compared to other discs.

-Moab

would the middle size also be good for xc use

Yes, the middle size will be more than enough for XC use. If you set them up correctly they're extremely strong. They also have extremely good customer service.

I have a question. So you can use your V-Brake levers with them or do you have to buy a certain kind of lever? The description seems that this is true but I am slightly confused. Thanks!

Tokus,

You can use the V-brake levers that are on your bike right now with the Avid mechs because they are cable-operated just like your V-brakes. Hydraulic systems require special levers.

-Moab

To get the modulation equal to that of hydro you should get the Avid levers but you don't need them :)

What lever does Avid recommend for their brakes? My mechanic said that the XTR levers I have use a ServoWave action which makes the brakes feel squishy and unresponsive. Any truth to that?

Avid makes their own levers with a modulation adjustment. Depending on how many adjustments you want depends on cost. :)