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Hayes El Camino Brakes

To start of with, these are simplyawesome!!!!!! I know with reviewing kit you can say that about anything but with my old Hayes brakes I continually had to adjust the reach and power - this was done with a fiddly 2mm allen key. With these new El Caminos you simply just have to adjust the dials on the lever itself and they are ready to go

On the first few rides on these brakes I was extremely surprised at how quickly they bedded in also how little time it took for them to be up to full stopping power. Cconsidering I got these brakes fitted the night before a DH race, the only use was during practice, they faired excellently on race day.

In terms of power, there is not much difference between the HFX-9s and these Caminos. They are both 2 piston brakes but there are some obviously slight differences here and there when comparing El Caminos to the old 9 models. The pads, and caliper itself, actually cools down and doesn’t get as hot as quickly as the hfx9s. The reason for this is that the new design of caliper is more open for air to flow in and cool rotor, pads and pistons. Also the pads have also been re-designed to improve braking performance.

The only down side to these brakes isn't from performance but due to the fact you can no longer change the levers for the more exquisite danger boy lever blades because of the adjuster dials.

But overall, the Hayes el Caminos are excellent brakes for the value, and are sure fire fit and forget brakes, much like the old HFX-9s. I also have the up most confidence as with the HFX-9s they won't let you down when you need them the most...

A. Cubbage

^ All new and redesigned lever including
adjustment dial


^ Wavy rotors for mud and heat
dissipation


^ DH 8in or XC 6in sizes available

Total price :
£240 for front and rear (without rotors and adapters)

Fitting Time:
1 - 2 hours straight from the box
Allow additional time if trimming hoses etc

Rating:
4/5. A good solid 4 out of 5 for these new El Caminos. Certainly they do everything they do on the tin. Not the nicest looking brakes out there, and you can no longer fit aftermarket levers, but there fit and forget with loads of power and they come in at a respectable price too. 

From:
Any Hayes Dealer. This set from Mountain mania Bike Shop, Tring