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Avid Juicy Carbon
James - 20th January 2008
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Avid brakes are the component of riders like Steve Peat, Sam Hill and Julien Absolon, we've all heard the hype and marketing mumbo jumbo but do they really stand up to abuse?
We've had the Juicy Carbon's fitted to our Yeti DJ test bike for nearly a year now, and after hammering them throughout winter and summer they've come out the other side pretty well.
I've been riding cross country loops and downhill tracks without any problems, and theres not many brake systems which can cross that divide. They're currently fitted with the 185mm rotors which have provided plenty of power and modulation in all situations. The carbon levers do have a bit of flex, but this adds a bit of feel to the system, and I preferred it. However if you arent keen there are a whole range of aftermarket levers available for the Juicys, or you could go for the standard metal lever (in which case, go for the cheaper Juicy 7).
There are also 160 and 203mm rotors available, to provide the ultimate setup for any ride. If I was riding this bike for pure downhill action, I'd fit the 203mm rotors to give a bit more power when required.
The bite point is adjusted via a red dial, you might think that I've put this upside down on the bars, but theres a simple reason - if you have a crash its very vunerable on the top, and since the Avid levers can be run either way up it doesn't matter being upside down!
Setup was extremely easy, you dont even need to (though it is reccomended) face the brake mounts, simply do up the bolts attaching the adaptor to the frame then squeeze the lever until the pads have centred the caliper to the disc, and do up the final set of bolts. The instructions which came with it were extremely easy to follow, and the set comes already bled, although the front brake hose length may be a bit long for anyone not using a full-on DH rig.
I always try to finish a review with a conclusion.. these are basically the best brakes I've ever used. I've done no maintenance, they bedded within one ride (using the mud on disc trick) and I haven't had any problems. Using SRAM shifting? You can buy a MatchMaker, which replaces your shifters clamp and your brake lever clamp with one single clamp on the bar and tidies the whole lot up, perfect for the bike tarts out there (who isnt?).
Considering the price at £160 per brake they are expensive, but the Juicy Carbon is for the rider who has everything, the cheaper Juicy 7 retails at £120 and has the same caliper and lever, just without the carbon and titanium bling!
A MatchMaker replaces two bar clamps, with just one
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