Video: $125 vs. $517 Brakes - Budget vs. Baller Episode 7

Dec 6, 2021 at 15:12
by Pinkbike Originals  


A good set of mountain bike brakes will allow you to brake later into corners, control your speed more easily in steep terrain, and make those car park jibs a breeze. But how much do you actually need to spend on a good set of brakes? Does safety really matter? Well, today we're going to find out with Henry's $125 brakes versus Jason's $517 brakes.


WATCH ALL EPISODES OF BUDGET VS. BALLER HERE


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Jenson USA



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307 Comments
  • 304 99
 They still haven't figured this out, huh? No one buys $125 brakes you've never heard of and no one buys $550 brakes. Would it kill them to just compare things like Vee vs. Maxxis tires or Shimano Deore brakes vs. XTs? There are so many good options out there and where to spend your money on upgrades is an awesome discussion to have, but this whole series has missed the mark.
  • 183 2
 I'm guessing this was all completed a while back and they're too far down the road to make any changes to the series. You'll have to wait until next season (hopefully) for this.
  • 6 1
 www.amazon.com/JGbike-Compatible-Hydraulic-Shimano-1450mm/dp/B07JKQLHF1/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2L4WYFO9HIA6A&keywords=jgbike+brake+set&qid=1643130839&sprefix=jgbike+brakeset%2Caps%2C293&sr=8-3 shimano mt200's. balls plus tax. i would pay that little bit more.
  • 111 6
 I feel that while PB might have missed the mark to the average reader/commenter here, I do feel like there's some merit to this experiment. I run a bike discord, and a lot of our users are either young and don't have the money for it, or are new to the sport and are hesitant to spend what they feel is a ton of money on parts.

I've met a fair few people asking about this level of part, basically, it looks like it can do it, but can it actually do it? A lot of me wants them to continue this series into a long term version of it, so we can see not only how the cheap parts were at first, but how they are over time. The fork, for instance, has plastic bushings as far as I'm aware. Yeah, it'll "suspend" you for a few weeks/months, but what happens when those bushings are f*cked?

I think the biggest thing from this series is it may show new riders that the rule of "buy it right or buy it twice" really applies to our sport. Yeah, you can cheap out and get this level of part. Yeah, in the short term it may actually work well enough that you don't second guess yourself. But what's the consequences of trying to own this stuff for over a year? The iffy bit is when this may actually start moving into a safety concern.

That, and I'd love to force Henry to ride this long term as punishment for picking these parts in the first place.
  • 48 13
 I have magura mt7s. The costed me 560. I think plenty of ppl pay for that
  • 31 0
 @noakeabean: and its not like everyones gonna buy trickstuff. people on a budget look for deals, not downgrades
  • 6 0
 @mior: and €47 for euro folks right here www.cnc-bike.de/shimano-scheibenbremsset-blbr-mt200-schwarz-10001700mm-p-17564.html
  • 3 0
 @letsgethurt: holy crap! bike24 and other euro sites have shit for so cheap! ive also seen 9 dollar schwalbe tires
  • 113 6
 you haven't listened to any of the podcasts lately.

1. It was all filmed and done long before all the comments.
2. Its for entertainment, and its just that, entertaining.
3. Its not changing for this series, not matter the comments :-)
  • 3 0
 @sherbet: what does it mean to run a discord and what's the, uh, address? I've only had discord for a month and I don't really get it, but i'm into bikes.
  • 4 0
 @OCSunDevil: Henry and Mike Levy said on one of the recent podcasts that they filmed this ages ago so it’s not going to change now. And in season 2 they’d look at the feedback and change things up a bit.

Also I see lots of people on forums asking about different ‘offbrand’ Chinese brakes that look like ‘x’ brand
  • 7 0
 @mior: Bike24 is my Mecca. I did so many bargains there. Bike Components and Bike Discount also features killer pricetags.
  • 2 0
 @danstonQ: its 20 dollar us shipping, so im making a big ass order soon enough.
  • 13 10
 Actually tens of thousands of people do buy $125 brakes...that's why they far outsell the $550 sets. Are the $125 brakes the best quality ? Nope. But they're GOOD ENOUGH quality for most riders. And many of these weird chinese brand brakes are EU safety standards / E-bike rated so they're gonna haul the lighter combination of an XC Trail bike and rider down from speed a lot better than the 70 pound bike + rider they were designed for.

And again I'll repeat... they're testing free products submitted for reviews by their distributors/manufacturers (NOT actually bought by Henry) vs stuff provided by Jenson who sponsored the video series to boost their own sales. That's why there's no element of color matching the bike going on, or even matching other components. That's why he didn't just use a different tire set and didn't have a proper axle spacing wheelset to use (there wasn't any available on the free parts shelves at PB HQ that didn't come from a major brand) Its quite easy even during the pandemic supply shortage to match the color of parts, sourcing all the needed parts within a couple months, and rebuild a bike with them as part of a video series.
  • 3 0
 @mior: well seen, but check the US custom taxes concerning imports from Europe... you see what I mean Wink
  • 1 0
 @mior: for sure. and maguras (especially mt7s) are pricy. many people will be buying slxs, lower level g2s, mt5s, or other. there are good brakes to be had for under 400 bucks
  • 10 2
 Its entertainment and its entertaining. Just sit back and enjoy!
  • 1 0
 @owl-X: Server invite here;

discord.gg/K7DxRnrXHs

It's pretty easy. Made it about 5 years ago to keep up with some cycling friends when I moved. Made it public and it's grown in a terrifying way!

It's pretty internet culture, can be very rude/abrupt, but it's a dang fun cast we have there.
  • 3 4
 @mior:

Juin Tech DB1s... they're $199CAD on Amazon Canada for a full set with rotors, come in seven different colors, are E-bike rated and stop as well as the older M775 Deore XTs. They've actually been on the market for nearly 7 years now since their debut at the Taipei bike show in 2015.
  • 3 0
 @danstonQ: Don't forget hibike.com Smile
  • 1 0
 @numbnuts1977: Exactly... "who" isn't getting "what" is lost n some commenters.
  • 5 0
 I get your point, but maybe this series is not meant to be a buying guide and should not be taken so serious.
  • 3 3
 @sherbet: Agreed. Pinkbike was completely off the mark. No one looks at low end stuff as an "upgrade," and isn't a realistic thing of what people ask when they look at buying new products. Someone looking at mid to high end brakes is going to compare brands not go from $125 to $850. They're going to do something in between. This whole series is dumb.
  • 3 0
 It's not like they used Trickstuff brakes, so it could be worse.
  • 7 3
 LOL. None of you listened to the last Pinkbike Podcast did you? That would have answered all of it for you. Get over it, it's just entertainment.
  • 1 0
 @letsgethurt: thats a good deal.
  • 2 2
 @krisrayner: im not bashing the seires, im just offering advice for next time.
  • 2 2
 @hitchhikerbikes they aren’t gonna use any of the feedback from the comments in these episodes. the whole series is pre-recorded and released weekly. Also I don’t think this is supposed to be informative, more of a thought experiment comparing the best to the absolute worst.
  • 6 1
 I think they have figured it out, you still came here to comment and draw attention to the series.
  • 1 10
flag deeeight (Jan 25, 2022 at 11:18) (Below Threshold)
 @TannerValhouli: Yes and they're not going to contradict my repeated point that the cheap stuff actually came off the free parts that were submitted for reviews shelves at PB HQ even though Henry at least IS reading the comments (and has responded to some of them even on today's episode). That's why nothing color matches the Giant, and he only had a boost spacing rear wheel to jam into a non-boost frame, and the bike is severely under geared for the terrain being ridden, and the tires were so sketchy.
  • 1 0
 @numbnuts1977:

Ain't nobody got time for that
  • 6 1
 noone buys $550 brakes?
  • 2 0
 it would be actually nice to see a comparison like TRP against Formula or something we don't see often...
  • 5 1
 "this series sucks!" yet here you are...
  • 1 0
 @BartDM: ive heard that formula brakes feel good for the first 2 yers and then start to fade. i might get some trp slate t4's to replace the 2 piston deores on my dh bike if i run into some mony.
  • 2 0
 @Tambo: no, ive enjoyed it. its less budget vs baller, and more bottom of the barrel vs higher end
  • 1 1
 @mior: TRP Slates need more care, and more frequency on rebleeds than Shimano.
  • 5 1
 Exactly. Compare a cheaper popular mid-level brake to a more expensive popular mid-level brake. Or, compare a new model or design to an existing well-known model in the same price range.

Next up: Pinkbike tests a $12,000 fully-custom downhill bike against a $120 bike from WalMart. The results might surprise you! (hint, they won't).
  • 2 0
 @pixelguru: I laughed at that, it does feel like click bait garbage mandated by the Outside.com overlords.
  • 1 0
 @mior: Came here to say the same thing. I bought a set of NOS Maguras for my XC bike last year for less than the budget brakes in this episode. They're no MT7, but they're not bad. There are still bargains out there to be had, you just have to look really hard for them these days.

Top tip for you international shoppers - avoid Fox, SRAM and Shimano because they won't sell out of 'territory' (e.g. won't let Euro shops sell into the US), but smaller brands like Manitou, Suntour, Magura don't have these restrictions.
  • 2 0
 @numbnuts1977: 4) Next season they’ll be charging for it
  • 4 0
 I have Magura brakes and Hope brakes. Spending the money makes a huge difference.
  • 1 0
 @noakeabean: Here's your cookie for being a good consumer
  • 2 0
 @sherbet: thanks, I'm in! Can't wait to learn all about BIKES!
  • 6 0
 I think that if they did a more practical comparison with something like Deore brakes...you'd just get a video of two guys saying how their stuff work just fine...like Jason. That's about it. You won't get the human drama of Henry going oh sheet every five seconds. These videos are also there for entertainment I guess the other part is...to see if these absolutely low budget parts actually work. I mean...if you're not riding the steeps of BC...some of those parts look to work just fine.
  • 1 2
 @sherbet: there are hundreds of reviews of the bottom of the bin parts on YouTube already. A discord for bikes lmao go outside.
  • 1 0
 @deeeight: im fine with care. ill use the old deores to replace the SHIT oem tektros. ik its the same company and at least its not like sram bleeds.
  • 1 0
 I've actually pulled the trigger on those cheap rotors before, and paired them with Magura MT Trail brakes. They worked so damn well! Absolutely no play (after a full DH/Enduro season), no overheating issues, they are a bit thicker than normal, so you get a much better bite point adjustment range, and very good looking. 10/10, would buy again!
  • 1 4
 @pixelguru: Sam Pilgrim could still likely ride the $120 bike down a course faster than your typical pinkbike member could on the $12k one.
  • 2 4
 @abtcup: listen to podcast episode 100, about 20 mins in Henry is talking about this video series.
  • 2 0
 @noakeabean: and I have MT5 trail sports that cost me 200. Compare my brakes to yours would make for a much better budget vs. baller video
  • 1 0
 @mior: Brand new, not a take off: www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=96464&category=30
  • 1 0
 @danstonQ: Um.... zero, from my experience purchasing from European sites. I think I've only gotten hit with customs once and that was for a package from China that was deceptively large. The Euro sites are usually cheaper and once you take out the VAT they can be an insane bargain.
  • 3 0
 How would they get the clicks on YouTube without such ridiculous comparisons?
  • 1 0
 I don't know. I love my MT7s. Especially with the HC3 levers. I didn't have anything against the Code RSCs is had before, but they're nothing compared to the Maguras.
  • 2 0
 @hitchhikerbikes: True that, its like comparing flip-flops to some S-works clipless when upu what most people need are just some good ol’ 5-10 freeriders
  • 2 0
 @sherbet: A bike discord? Genuinely curious what that entails..
  • 2 0
 @noakeabean: cost is past tense of cost.
  • 2 0
 @krisrayner:
Exactly
It was just meant to be silly and something to watch!
I enjoyed seeing Henry shitting himself coming down that slab
Very entertaining
  • 1 1
 @gilby82: The feel of Code and Magura is completely different. Codes are mushy and Maguras are as close to old Formula On-Off feel as it gets. I base that on owning several codes as well as riding MT7 for two full days incuding Shigura option. Both brakes have their unique faults and I would be hesitant to pick a relability winner between these two. So personal preference is 100% involved here. I'd take Maguras for banging laps for days in dry bike park and Code for slabs&roots in cold&wet conditions.
  • 1 0
 @noakeabean: exactly, I'm very happy with my SRAM Code RSCs and they're more than maguras in europe right now.
  • 1 0
 @calmWAKI: Shigrua with putoline and is the best value for money imho.
  • 3 0
 I love this series. If there was no market for uber cheap/expensive, then there would be none of these products BUT THERE ARE plenty. Your statement is basically asking pink bike to only review & compare products in the middle of the price range. Though thats probably where the majority of consumers are. Its smart to reach out to the entire customer base outside the median every now and again.
  • 1 0
 I bought Clarks M2 brakes for £32, from Amazon, front and rear. I paired them with 180mm rotors and they were amazing considering the price. I put them on a hard tail used mostly for riding sandy trails and they were great for that job. Sometimes, cheap parts are what you need for an N+1 bike.
  • 1 0
 Would be great to see a real comparison between baller and good but lower cost. The brakes and tires are both in the same bucket of what no one would ever get. There are great low cost options out there though that would have been a better choice.
  • 1 0
 4 piston XTs plus rotors would be more than $550 retail in Canada and about $550 in the US..

bikecomponents.ca/products/shimano-deore-xt-m8120-disc-brakes?variant=40491831558302

www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-XT-BR-M8120-Disc-Brake
  • 1 0
 @KalkhoffKiller: What's putoline? I've got a jug of royal blood in the garage, you telling me I should ditch it?
  • 2 0
 @OCSunDevil: I don't know if there are any wandering point issues with Magura's and their Royal Blood, but it seems that this Shimano issue can be solved by replacing the Shimano mineral oil by this fork oil: Putoline HPX R 2.5
I've never tried though...
  • 2 0
 This clearly isn't supposed to be a what should you buy series. this is more of just an experiment to see how vastly different top of the line is versus bottom of the barrel. I personally think it's interesting. this is clearly supposed to be entertainment. God forbid you have to do your own research before buying! Sheesh!
  • 1 1
 @sherbet: for a series/feature like this you would want to compare the no-name products to the cheapest 'real' option from one of the major brands. Those crappy brakes vs some Shimano M200s, that fork vs something from Suntor or maybe a Manitou Markhor etc...Show that for a little bit more you get something really solid.

The stupid thing is some of the baller parts aren't even baller. Brakes and drivetrain were both mid-range and they could have gone for the Rock Shock wireless suspension if they wanted to spend all the money...
  • 2 0
 Last I checked, they were riding wireless suspension. FWIW, flight attendant isn't available as standalone right now, you have to get a bike with it equipped OEM.
  • 2 1
 @numbnuts1977: If it was filmed purely for entertainment then I'd say they missed the mark because it doesn't come across like that with them talking about upgrades etc... They should have called it "how not to upgrade your bike" or something like that, not bothered with the baller side, and just done a series of videos on trying to kill Henry!
  • 1 4
 @juicebanger:

Tektro HD-M750 Orion 4-piston disc brakeset is $365CAD on Amazon with 180mm rotors and is E-MTB rated so definitely capable of hauling down a fair bit of mass from speed. Even comes with brake hoses of a good length for Henry's bike.

www.tektro.com/products.php?p=255
  • 2 0
 @coombsd: Yeah I got Clarks S2 F&R from CRC for my trail/enduro bike. About £30 per end. Sure, they'll never win awards for looks (chunky!) or QC control - took CRC 3 attempts to get me a set that didn't have a leaking caliper, but on the plus side I'll not run out of pads or rotors any time soon... But once working, and upping the front to a 203 rotor, they've been perfectly reliable and the cost-to-performance ratio is insane - they're proper 2-piston brakes with above-average power compared to other much more expensive low/mid-range brakes, albeit without the sublime modulation of the Hopes on my DH bike.

So good for the money I put another S2 on the city bike, and Clarks 1-pistons on the wife's hardtail - they're rather lacking, but ok for a wee bike and under £20 per set...
  • 2 0
 @OCSunDevil: it's a thin fork oil that many users in mtb-news use for shimano brakes use to eliminate the wandering bite point issue. I think you should be fine if you are using a full magura setup.
  • 1 1
 @KalkhoffKiller: I'll order it now. Is there anything one needs to know whenbefore using it or just do everything like one would with regular Shimano oil?
  • 3 1
 @calmWAKI: don't mix it with the shimano oil. Do a full line flush and then refill with the different fluid.
  • 2 1
 @deeeight: I am not that much of a crackwhore mechanic hahah, I'd do a full flush. I always do, I have a one fat syringe for it. I just wondered whether contact point screw/ lever position sadjustment prior to bleeding whould be different. Thanks for info cheers!
  • 1 0
 @calmWAKI: check the bleed instructions for your brakes.
  • 1 0
 @calmWAKI: www.mtb-news.de/forum/search/6059084/?q=putoline&o=relevance
  • 2 0
 @noakeabean: I have Magura Trail Sport, they are amazing and i play hard with them but they only cost me £150 or $200 USD and that's including the metal bar clamp upgrades.
  • 1 0
 @landscapeben: www.jensonusa.com/Magura-MT-Trail-Sport-Brake-Set

$279 US plus the cost of rotors
  • 2 0
 @juicebanger: I guess import costs push them up for you guys. I bought rotors separate yes they aren't commonly given away with brake sets anymore. I use Shimano XT ice-tech rotors which at the time cost about £25 each, so brakes and rotors came to £200ish ($270) but those prices were pre-covid and while the UK was still in the EU.

Great brakes though for mid level pricing with fantastic performance! Beer
  • 2 0
 @deeeight: which is great. My reply was to OP who said no one buys $550 brakes and suggested they be testing XTs instead, which happen to be $550 brakes. I found it ironic.
  • 1 0
 @harryhood: Surely they would have if they were available
  • 2 2
 This series is a total waste of time. No one spends their hard earned money like this. I’d be buying cheap second-hand shramano before buying that no-name shite
  • 2 0
 @Hockerz: like this series, your comment was a total waste of time. Back to work
  • 83 17
 I don't understand why people can't grasp the concept of entertainment. Most would not buy $125 brakes for their bike as they probably suck, but it's fun to see them against high end stuff. This is not a tech review. And as much as I like tech reviews, this is refreshing. If you don't like it, don't watch it. It's really that easy.
  • 8 48
flag deeeight (Jan 25, 2022 at 11:20) (Below Threshold)
 If you don't mess with the lines and the factory-bleed the Mt.Zoom brakes are perfectly adequate for an XC/Trail bike rider. But if you are going to mess with the lines, you better know how to correctly do a brake bleed and not the crackwhore mechanic butchery that was Henry's bleeding attempt.
  • 60 2
 @deeeight: Dude... relax.
  • 4 0
 Maybe not most but I just put Avid mechanical on my new build. I probably spent around $120. I was a bit sticker shocked at about $1,500 for a 26" DJ/Trail bike and I tried to be extra cheap on a bundle of cables and housings and knock off levers. I could not get the brakes dialed in at all. So I sprung for Jagwire cables/housings and Avid levers and the brakes are perfect now (for my riding - not for giant slabs).
  • 8 1
 @henryquinney: I'm not sure he can.
  • 14 1
 @henryquinney: He can't. I live in the same area as him and dude is known to be a hothead. He flips tons of department store level bikes with amazon parts and asks double what they we're originally worth. He put's on the same brakes you did so that's why he's been defending them several times on this post lol
  • 8 1
 @scotty1212: My god, his buysell listings are hilarious.
  • 1 15
flag deeeight (Jan 25, 2022 at 23:30) (Below Threshold)
 @Darwin66:

yES....hilariously successful.
  • 2 0
 @henryquinney: any chance you got oil on the front rotor or pads? It seems that the oil was squirting out in all directions when bleeding.
  • 1 0
 @henryquinney: dayum!!!!
  • 3 1
 @chrsei: Nah, it was pretty good for that and no oil got on them. Honestly, that slab is just steep and grippy - kind of the perfect storm to show a lack of braking power. You'll have to see how we get on next week with the race runs to compare how they ride on a more typical downhill trail #hypemachine
  • 1 7
flag deeeight (Jan 26, 2022 at 12:53) (Below Threshold)
 @henryquinney:

I love how the gullible sheep this series was meant for still haven't figured out that down voting comments just gets more people to show them and leads to more clicks on the article to appease the Outdoor+ overlords. And that they also still haven't caught onto the fact that all the cheap parts weren't actually picked by you (as confirmed in the most recent podcast but also actually mentioned in the first episode) and the majority of them are NOT rated for a 160mm travel enduro/all-mountain bike, or at all are the correct parts for riding the trails and conditions you're doing the "testing" in. The handlebar, stem, crankset and brakeset are all XC parts. The Microshift Acolyte group was designed and marketed for children's bikes. Your assessment in the contact points episode about not trusting the bar and stem is accurate for the trails you're riding the bike down. As to the tires...Obor Tires has a website and most of their mountain bike tire models have animal names.

obor-tires.com/category/tires/bike/mountain
  • 3 1
 @deeeight: says the guy with outside plus
  • 3 0
 @deeeight: Microshift is the best thing on this bike. That said, they should have picked up the 12-46 cassette. I have Acolyte on one bike and Advent on another. The worst thing I can say about them is availability. I had to use a clutchless derailleur for Acolyte but it will be a good back up when I can get my hands on a clutch version. I love that my group set costs the same as a 12-speed chain.
  • 1 0
 @vapidoscar: ive never had those problems. between jenson, worldwide, probikesupply and the other big few you are bound to find some. Hell, theres even amazon.
  • 1 6
flag deeeight (Jan 26, 2022 at 13:37) (Below Threshold)
 @mior: Yes...because you need to be a paid member to actually have an unlimited amount of wishlist entries or buy-sell items at once. You also don't have annoying popup ads. It also includes the Trailforks PRO membership, and Gaia GPS Premium membership and a bunch of other benefits that the sheep are clearly not capable of handling.

www.pinkbike.com/membership
  • 1 4
 @vapidoscar: I run microshift shifters on my 26er fat bike, 27.5 plus bike, 29er gravel bike and 27.5 carbon FS XC bike. I also use their advent and advent X groups on a lot of builds for customers. I personally prefer their clutch mechanism to the SRAM one. When I get around to it all my bikes will end up with microshift shifters, and quite a few with their derailleurs.
  • 5 2
 @deeeight: DISCLAIMER: I am not trying to argue with you.

Using subprime drivetrain is not the same thing as using subprime brakes, handlebars or cranks in situations where top of the line components may be expected to fail. Almost everything they were sent as budget makes me cringe because when I was a poor student I have been riding shit like this, just like my peers. Some people ended up in hospital due to component failure, with one dude compressed vertebrae in his neck, another one lost his eye. That's the cases I know of and my world is little. This crap is not meant to be used on anything other than on a bike to ride to a pub and back. There's nothing more but entertainment value to this series. Great men and their shitty machines. I give you huge props for "crackwhore mechanic bleed" - it's pure gold.
  • 1 1
 @deeeight: yep Henry was shit for sure
  • 55 10
 I dunno what it is, but this series really doesn't excite me.
  • 41 2
 Its because the ¨budget parts¨ are a joke
  • 10 30
flag xenonchris (Jan 25, 2022 at 9:16) (Below Threshold)
 I think that's down to Henry having no soul?
  • 32 1
 @ols532704: i find it stereotyping. i am on a tight budget. as a joke, i looked for some mike bears and they were hard to find. i found maxxis shorties for cheaper 3c maxxterra, 27.5x2.3 for 16 bucks. being on a budget means looking for deals and take offs, not downgrading old, decent parts for bad ones.
  • 3 1
 @mior: you missed the memo from the rich people ?
  • 2 0
 @thewanderingtramp: what does that mean
  • 6 0
 @mior: I think he meant that budget stuff is so good nowadays, they have to put on these terrible parts in order to make the expensive stuff look good.
  • 1 0
 @Martind-sk: i think they did a good job with the microshift drivetrain. i have one and they are bombproof. i wish they would make a dh groupset
  • 1 0
 @mior: Yep that’s actually true, I was thinking about those
  • 2 0
 @Martind-sk: go ahead and buy it. acolyte (what they used) would be better for kids. its worth splurging for advent. you might go for adventx but i think 9spd 11-46 with a 30 or 32t chainring. the clutch is way easier to adjust than shimano, all you need is an allen key. clutch is better than nx or sx
  • 1 0
 @mior: yep, advent x will probably make the list if I need a replacement
  • 2 2
 @Martind-sk:

Little known fact... Microshifter offers Shifter options compatible to SRAM 11 and 12 speed mtn, shimano 10, 11, 12 mountain derailleurs with clutches including drop bar options for gravel bike builds, as well as derailleurs which are shimano dyna-sys mtn shifter compatible. While the Advent X derailleur isn't compatible with anything but the advent X shifter... if you're already on a shimano 10 speed mtn drivetrain,. Microshift has something for you using the same pawl&ratchet clutch mechanism.
  • 3 0
 Deee's getting shit on here, but I do think he may have a point.

Leverage is leverage and friction is friction. If the oil in the line isn't applying the leverage from the bar, there's air in the system or a leak. If the pads cannot find friction, there's something contaminating them causing them to lack power.

We've recently been getting China direct bikes at the shop I work at, and many of the brakes found are this style of basically no name alibaba level stuff. Most come with an absolutely terrible bleed and lack power from it. Once bled properly, the same physics of any other brake applies. Leverage is leverage. Friction is friction.

Henry, you're an absolute babe, but I feel this needs to be revisited to a degree. There's no way the brake is at that lack of power without something having gone wrong along the way. I've literally seen these brakes in person. They aren't deore strong, but they certainly didn't allow the wheel to turn under full force and a bit of effort pushing it forward. What happened to this brake?
  • 41 6
 Are people still moaning about this? It’s just entertainment, a video comparing top of the line brakes to XT/SLX or whatever would just be boring and I’m sure it could be found somewhere else.
  • 25 0
 It would go something like:
“The XTR brakes were great and when we switched to the Deore/SLX ones they felt the same, only difference was you needed an Allen key to adjust the lever, in summary no one needs more than Deore”.

Pretty much the same as every review in the last 12 months as they all compare higher level stuff to the 12 speed Deore group set
  • 4 4
 @CustardCountry: the XTR stuff is made with better materials to a higher standard most apparent in the much nicer much stiffer lever. Also come with the vented metallic pads which are vastly superior to the stock resin pads in the deores. Also when it comes to gearing the deore / slx stuff is just crap especially the rear mechs. The only people who don’t need more the deore are the people who never ride because if you don’t it won’t be lasting very long.
  • 1 2
 Since this is for entertainment- can we next talk about budget haircuts- Henry clearly shows they fail. Also more kittens please, or a shop cat. Omg I loved the trail dogs!
  • 26 0
 Anything more powerful would have overpowered the Mike Bears, smart to make sure all components in the system are well matched and balanced.
  • 22 0
 I'm so angry at this free entertainment on the internet. Both builds are absurd, but I think they achieved what they set out to do. None of us would do it, but that's the entertainment of it. Who's gonna drop $10,000 to upgrade a used bike? Jason's bike is just as unrealistic as Henry's is with borderline junk bolted to it. Carry on, PB.
  • 1 31
flag deeeight (Jan 25, 2022 at 10:43) (Below Threshold)
 I do budget builds constantly but I've also been doing this shit for thirty years so I know what works and what doesn't and how to read spec sheets when ordering parts. I would not for example order brakes with lines the wrong length for the bike, or order a boost rear wheel and try and jam it into a non-boost frame. Henry and Jason are decent riders but primarily they're well spoke tv personalities. They're not actually providing any input in the component selections and I question given how sketchy Henry's brake bleed method was (and Jasons assembly times throughout the series) whether they even have the mechanical skillset needed work as a professional bike shop mechanic (which I have done). The main reason Henry's zoom brakes failed to stop him is in fact his craptacular brake bleed after he tried to route the rear brake line through the internal frame guides. As the brakes are sold, they're properly bled and work fine.
  • 2 0
 @deeeight: I don't think he actually opened up the system, so no bleed on his part. Perhaps the pads weren't bedded adequately. Dunno.
  • 2 16
flag deeeight (Jan 25, 2022 at 12:09) (Below Threshold)
 @TwoNGlenn: watch the video again... after undoing both ends of the line to try and remove them to do the internal routing of the rear brake before giving up on that, he later is doing a bleed with the wrong fittings and the master cylinder bleed port incorrectly positioned to actually get the air bubbles out. And they DO make bleed fittings for those brakes... of course perhaps Park tools which apparently also is a sponsor doesn't offer the right fitting, but they do exist in the universal bleed kits you can get from AliExpres or Amazon.
  • 21 1
 The fact that they didn't compare the Maguras to something like the Shimano MT201s is questionable. You can get these brakes and some rotors for the same price as the mystery brakes and you don't have to go no-name. www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-BR-MT201-Disc-Brake
  • 9 3
 Dude there are already dozens of reviews out there that make that comparison. This series is just for fun, not to be of any practical use lol.
  • 2 4
 @TannerValhouli: so its just a waste of everybody's time then.
  • 5 2
 @warmerdamj: You’re a free person, do what you want with your time
  • 2 1
 @warmerdamj: Entertainment isn't a thing!
  • 1 0
 @TannerValhouli: Sure, but by the same token one of their shock upgrades was doing a very practical rebuild. If they're going to do solely jank options, at least they could be consistent.
  • 18 0
 First, I understand that this series is not meant to be taken seriously, but these videos are great for explaining to non-mountain bikers, in detail, why a Bike Shaped Object is not safe to take on trails, and why my kid's hardtail was $1300. I remember 1992 when I was riding trails on Huffy touring bike because it was all I could lay my hands on, and if Mike Bears had existed, those are the tires my parents would have gotten me.
  • 4 28
flag deeeight (Jan 25, 2022 at 11:31) (Below Threshold)
 No its not. Its perfect for sensationalizng the bad mechanical and component shopping skills of Henry and how he can ruin perfectly adequate components in order to make the JENSON USA SPONSORED video series increase THEIR SALES.

Tires equivalent to the Mike Bears did in fact exist in 1992...they were called MAXXIS tires. I owned Maxxis's original model tires when the brand began and they were SKETCHY !!! Even for just west quebec laurentians riding they were on my bike and came off again within two rides. Did you ever see the bike ad with the six women on the beach with thongs sitting atop bikes with tires that color matched the thongs ? That's how Maxxis got started as a "upscale" tire brand seperate from Cheng Shin Tires, by offering non-black colored tires.
  • 5 1
 @henryquinney can we get a shoutout to @deeeight in your next podcast rant for being the commentator most personally distressed by the video series?
  • 25 6
 They really need to put the brakes on this series
  • 5 0
 they really are bleeding it to death.
  • 1 1
 I agree but I can't stop watching it.
  • 4 0
 The plot isn't THAT bad but it would be nice if all the comments screeching about it would fade away. (quality pun BTW... not directed at you).
  • 15 0
 I really really enjoyed Henry's rant on the latest podcast regarding this series. And many of the comments on here might mean a bigger better rant on the next one! Let it out Henry say what you want to say!!!!!!
  • 9 0
 Henry's genuine DGAF attitude is why he's my favorite MTB influencer. Additionally I think he's funny as hell.
  • 8 0
 Really wish they would have taken the two used bikes they got and stripped them down and checked the condition of everything. Then determine what is good to go, what needs serviced, and what needs replaced. Then compare basic vs high end part changes. Use reasonable stuff people would buy for the low end like basic Shimano and SRAM parts, not weird stuff no one has heard of. Do a separate story on off-brand stuff as possible alternatives. At the end, compare the two bikes for performance and where to save money and what was worth getting..
  • 8 0
 I bought those Zooms for my 6yo daughters bike. For her weight they are perfect (and purple!) but I wouldn’t use them as an adult. Oh and yep, the hoses were stuck solid in the lever!
  • 2 0
 I had to switch em around and I know your pain! The hoses are such a pain to remove. One plus was that I didn't need to bleed them after though
  • 1 0
 @noakeabean: I shortened both hoses and internally routed the rear (my girl has a 24” cannondale Solo). Shimano olives and pins worked fine and neither needed a bleed. I rate them for the money (£60.00 shipped with floating rotors from Amazon).
  • 7 0
 They spent too much on Henry's brakes... totally missed these bad boys for $38
www.amazon.com/dp/B088N9YZ6H/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B088N9YZ6H&pd_rd_w=fN7j1&pf_rd_p=9fd3ea7c-b77c-42ac-b43b-c872d3f37c38&pd_rd_wg=kNP7U&pf_rd_r=50TX6RTXGE9RNP49N2TZ&pd_rd_r=7d639dbf-96d2-4582-b940-b98097479590&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyM1IzRjM5UlZNTUEwJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTE3OTk1M1FHUFBaMjdITFVSNSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzU4MjQwMTdLM1BTRVM2Wk5IJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ=
  • 1 19
flag deeeight (Jan 25, 2022 at 10:34) (Below Threshold)
 $38 for a single wheel without a disc rotor. Again though....Henry didn't actually order the parts... they came off the free parts shelf at PBHQ from things submitted for review by their brands & distributors.
  • 6 0
 @deeeight: lol relax man... I wasn't being serious.
  • 3 0
 I like their maxxis tire. Looks very unique: www.amazon.com/BUCKLOS-Clincher-Anti-Puncture-Resistant-27-51-95-Unfold-Flimsy/dp/B07YJS76YD
  • 3 0
 @DylanH93: "60TPI Flimsy Punture Resistant MTB Tire, 65PSI Fold/Unfold Trek Bike Wire Bead Tire"

Which one is it? Folding or Wire bead? Why is it flimsy???
  • 1 0
 @dmackyaheard: its real.
shop.maxxis.com/products/pace
  • 2 0
 @mior: Oh I know... the description on Amazon is hilarious thought Smile
  • 13 4
 Sorry Henry to do this to you - but was your haircut given the same budget treatment?
  • 29 0
 These are the comments I'm here for. So you're not a fan of the comb over huh? Wierd.
  • 3 1
 @henryquinney: It is the "Mike Bear" of haircuts - says the middle aged man with a receding hairline..........
  • 1 0
 @henryquinney: i think its fine!
  • 1 0
 @mior: So was that Canyon - but you could be the TREK or Rocky................
  • 1 0
 @dldewar: I think he should get TREK shaved into the side of his head.
  • 1 0
 @dmackyaheard: Nah -Tattoos are the all the rage. My Santa Cruz one is down below though......
  • 5 0
 I'm all for this series, it's perfect reference material for the next time you have to explain why you spent so much money on some part for your bike to your significant other.

"Sure, I COULD have spent less... but just look at what happened to Henry in this YouTube video when they explored what happens when you buy cheap parts."
  • 5 0
 Can we all stop bitching about the series and appreciate that @henryquinney is an absolute legend for being an Aliexpress Test pilot down in and out burger.

Amazed your balls weren't getting sucked into the wheel flintstone braking down that slab.

I sincerely hope this series concludes with Henry beating the pants of Jason and his fancy parts.
with the triumphant conclusion that "Even with the sketchy-est parts we can find, the rider is the most important upgrade to make"

Excluding mike bears of course.
.
  • 1 0
 That was truly terrifying to watch. That slab is a little scurry with real brakes.
  • 6 0
 For 120EUR, you can go for the Shimano Quad pistons MT520 with the levers. Shimano don't make any advertising about those because they are targeted for OEM ebikes.
  • 1 1
 Good luck
1. Finding these brakes in the US.
2. Getting them for a decent price. In the US, these run in the neighborhood of $120 per brake.

I shopped for months for new Shimano 4-piston brakes. Months. Finally snagged a deal on some Deore 4-pistons (MT-6120) for $100/brake from a legitimate bike shop.
  • 8 0
 Their banter is delightful. Very enjoyable.
  • 5 1
 (Henry n Jason pressing the post button with quivering hands knowing the community will once again mention how they flubbed this series even though it was probably filmed/planned months prior, and planned by Levy apparently lol)

Can't wait for SENSIBLE BUDGET vs BALLER season 2. I hope they dive more into DIFFERENT part choices as opposed to just more or less expensive. Like how they did coil vs air shock. For drivetrain they should have done a BOX or MicroShift 8-speed or 9-speed to compare. For budget dropper, they should have done that silly lever under the saddle thing instead. The budget bike could try up forking and Henry could explain how the extra travel might not be worth jeopardizing the geometry. Or even mulleting on a non-optimized frame to explain how much the geometry is affected.
  • 3 0
 Or I can’t wait for the “Baller vs not quite baller series to start”
  • 2 0
 Henry's running the MicroSHIFT Acolyte 8-speed derailleur, shifter and cassette on his rig.
  • 2 10
flag deeeight (Jan 25, 2022 at 10:55) (Below Threshold)
 @NatusEstInSuht: Yes but the smaller of the two cassette sizes Microshift offered it in with too large a chainring , and then he complained about the lack of gearing. Someone ACTUALLY ordering their parts (not merely taking from the free parts submitted for review at PBHQ) would have read the specs for the derailleur and then ordered the correct range of cassette, and chosen a chainring size that complements it for the area they're riding in. ALso why bother with Acolyte when the Advent 9sp group has a better clutch switch which doesn't involve an extra allen wrench (Acolyte needs an allen wrench to activate the clutch and using a toggle lever to de-activate it), is only slightly more expensive and the same maximum 11-46 cassette rating.
  • 1 0
 @NatusEstInSuht: Nice. I thought they went with a knock off version because of the crankset. That's a cool little drivetrain. I think that one with the 46t and the BOX 9 speed with the 50t are rad. And of course MS has a 9 and 10 speed that are cool and priced well also. I think I'd personally run the Box 9 because I don't reckon the MS acolyte 8 has really good clutch/tension mechanics. Or any at all.

Even the Deore 11-51 11speed would be very affordable, and the crankset that compliments it is cheap as well.

I hope Box can make their 8 speed 46t instead of 42. I'd prefer their stuff to MS.
  • 3 0
 or just the brand x ascend. 120 bucks and great for it.
  • 1 0
 @mior: Yep. I ran that thing in the past. Works perfectly fine. Lever slightly awkward but so dang cheap you can just pair it with any lever.
  • 1 0
 @lepigpen: i have the short lever becase it comes with the 27.2. they made a new long lever thats apparently better than the old one
  • 1 0
 @mior: It's totally useable, but the angle is real odd. It's just bent outwards so you have to angle the lever up on the bar to get the lever easy to depress with the thumb. Not sure why either, seems cheaper/easier to just have a lever nice and straight so you can hit the far end of it without angling the bar clamp so high up.
  • 5 1
 Sponsored by Jenson USA

There is a little too much going on in this series... LOL

$850 for Magura MT5 OMG!!! The opposite corner has some junk instead of reliable and affordable brakes from Shimano, SRAM or Tektro, and that's even worse.

The article emphasizes how expensive Jenson USA is.
  • 2 0
 Those MT5 in the Wibmer Edition cost 270€ for the set + 55€/rotor. That’s 380€, not 850$.
  • 1 0
 @prevail: import taxes are a thing though
  • 1 0
 @Mr-Gilsch: lol
  • 2 0
 I check Jenson just because ..
MT7 with HC3 levers and rotors go for about 740$
  • 4 0
 I really want to see a "Service VS Upgrade" series, where they compare the cost of a proper service to new parts that are a slight upgrade. This comparison is what most of us area actually doing, and it would be interesting to see the performance difference between a stock serviced bike VS a slightly upgraded bike. Regardless, I hope they give this another try, and consider all the feedback in the comments.
  • 7 0
 So many critics in the comments. It's entertainment ffs. If you don't like it then stop watching them.
  • 6 1
 The obvious choice for the baller brakes would have been Trickstuff. I do not have good expiriences with magura, not worth that much money.
  • 2 0
 Really? What was your problem? I have mt7s and I love em!
  • 1 0
 @noakeabean: Worked on a lot of them. I personally love the feel of them, and would be interested to try a pair, but there's a couple issues that keeps me on my saints.

They're not super easy to bleed, at least compared to a shimano top bleed. The bleed screw is made of playdough and is incredibly easy to strip if you aren't expecting it to be made of playdough. The overall lever quality concerns me, I know its probably fine, but the almost entirely plastic construction scares me (hence the shigura hack). The pistons are hard to get to extend and retract evenly, making it very difficult to get them set up without any rub in lots of situations. Also the pads are very, very expensive.

I've not ridden them before, and don't have any experience riding them, but this is what I've noticed working on them. Pretty much everyone I know who has them loves them, and I would love my next bike to have them, If i could afford it.
  • 1 0
 @Darwin66: If you overfill maguras accidentally because they are hard to bleed and get a good bite point and forget about it when you change pads and push them back without loosening the bleed screw the plasic lever will burst. Also the plastic cracks where the lever is mounted to the bar when overtightened slightly. Really dangerous. I would always go for the shigura option.
  • 1 0
 @KalkhoffKiller: Never encountered that, but I can 100% imagine that happening. Their calipers and lever blades seem perfectly overbuilt, and well engineered, its just that damn plastic lever body. If the next model has a slightly better made, better thought through lever I would probably buy a pair.
  • 5 1
 People do buy aliexpress bike parts guys. Those rotors are from there for sure. Maybe not Pinkers but people for sure do.

A base shimano vs an xt or a level vs a g2 would be nice like everyones saying but w/e
  • 3 4
 People do buy no name sht on Aliexpress. I have seen in person those stem and bars from one of previous episodes. Natural selection does not work fast enough. I told my friend who bought them that I will stand over his mangled body in hospital saying: “you deserve no sympathy, I told you to not buy this crap”.

Same goes for these brakes.
  • 7 1
 Fair play to Henry for dropping into that slab not knowing if those brakes would even work!
  • 3 0
 I think a good second crack at this would be a budget vs baller frame up build. Start with a high end frame like a carbon yeti and an aliexpress carbon frame for about $500. Slap a bunch of cheap parts on the chiner build and load up the yeti like a dentist would. Do a few timed runs and see how much time a $10K delta buys you.

This would make a lot more sense than taking off stock parts and downgrading.

As for Henry's brakes not being able to lock the front wheel. I've bought very budget rotors before and found that sometimes they have some coating or contamination on them that can only be removed by giving them a rub down with some fine grit sandpaper. Once that is off they grab like they should.
  • 3 0
 Jason: "Safety doesn't take a day off"

Henry: Spends day riding down massive steep rock with almost no brakes

And what about that day Henry tried the Mike Bears?

And yet, despite the fear and horror, I'm certain the toilet chain seatpost dropper mechanism brings enough joy to make up for all of it!!
  • 3 0
 Everyone complaining about this series. I'm actually loving it. Its a bit of fun to compare the absolute top of the line components to the worst of the worst. Might not be "educational" or teaching important information, but its good, goofy fun with people messing around with bikes. What's wrong with that?
  • 6 0
 For 120euro you can get mt5's
  • 1 1
 The baller brakes are MT5... the price is massively exagerated for the sake of click bait...
  • 2 0
 Well you can also get a Magura MT Trail set for about 180€ here in Italy, and they do perform great (back brake has only 2 pistons though). But I have seen a lot of people going for the cheapest parts and end up wasting money so I think this series finds its target...
  • 2 0
 I aint watched this series as it never interested me from the start - but what is entertaining is the crowd in the comments spouting off that no-one wants to watch this stuff .... !!!

Its a numbers game, so this is probably a roaring success, fueled by your hate / disapproval - on YouTube every episode seems to have been watched more than other videos on their channel, even more than the fail vids.

Every article here on PB generates around 200 comments, and, I assume many more just clicking through just to to watch you all get wound up.

Not sure how they are evaluating this, but if it is just a numbers game, bums on seats etc, then they probably know that the way to get people interested in their content is to make stuff that pisses you all off, as it seems to motivate you all to click, view and comment ... maybe you have all just been played HA!
  • 2 0
 I checked out as soon as he said they put smaller rotors with the garbage brakes. Even if you had done the right thing by comparing something like Deore brakes to something expensive, using different rotor size nullifies any comparison at all.
  • 2 0
 Henry isn't paid enough to ride this piece of sh*t. I'd like to see a sensible budget bike choice. Give yourself $1k to upgrade and see how well you can do with that. This includes service of existing components, etc.
  • 2 0
 Agreed. This is poorly executed. There are cheaper options that would compete with the baller option. There are also better value options. They should have a 3rd fan vote option in the comparison.
  • 3 0
 I guess nobody at pink bike read the tech info on Jason’s rotors, magura specifically says not to use centre lock adapters with the two piece rotors.
  • 1 0
 The budget brakes in this instance are completely ridiculous. They could have put low spec. shimano brakes (M3000 series for example) up against the Maguras and had a much more relevant shoot out in my opinion. However, that wouldn't have been as entertaining as Henry trying to off himself lol.
  • 1 0
 You think this was supposed to be a relevant shootout? Its supposed to be irreverent entertainment.
  • 3 0
 @henryquinney - I’ve ridden in-n-out burger in the mostly dry, with good brakes. Good on ya to make it down alive. That thing is a pucker fest at the best of times.
  • 1 0
 This might have been posted before but budget vs baller with mtb accessories, top end Smith glasses vs the 20 dollar amazon ones. Rapha pants vs the target pants everyone was posting about. Park tool tools vs the cheap options. These are things where I am legitimately looking for cheap options.
  • 2 0
 I got these knock off 100% sunglasses and they're pretty good for the price. Came with 3 lenses and a hard case. I agree with you would love to see some comparisons for stuff like this. Cheaping out on mechanical things is just an accident waiting to happen.

www.ebay.com/itm/334091116762?hash=item4dc961e0da:g:FJ4AAOSw5Ulg~ova
  • 1 0
 Thats a good idea, but by design it craps in the face of their sponsors. You can't have Rapha pay you many dollars for ad space then give free advertisement for someone else. Your best bet for that info is making friends at a trailhead, or the comment section.
  • 2 1
 Mike Levy said this series was more for the youtube crowd, more as an entertainment than anything of value to the Pinkers. i think this is a start to the types of content Outside may be producing on Pinkbike now. Vital is also slipping in their content, I don't know where to go to now for MTB contents with actual substance,
  • 1 0
 I have to say, although I was originally disappointed with the series, I have grown to enjoy it. Certainly entertaining. Maybe it's just easing my guilty conscience about the how much money I spend on bikes these days. Pinkbike has already slowly pushed me into buying high end suspension, brakes, and a new bike with modern geometry. Luckily I don't have to question that decision here. Thanks for making a show that appears designed to validate me spending top dollar. After all, it is about safety Smile
  • 1 0
 Pointless - nobody is choosing between those options. People are most likely picking between something that is reasonable value and is reliable and has adequate performance versus a higher end high performance product. Surely PB know this?

I used to complain a lot about PB after the Outside move and I thought everyone would migrate to Vital or some other home and create an active healthy community there. But that just didn't happen so I decided to accept it and not complain as all things considered I am happy to visit PB where I learn most things from the comments. That's ok, no issue with that.

But this article just winds me up - what an absolute waste of time and money.

Maybe you could do a comparison between a 787 Dreamliiner and a paper aircraft. Actually, that would at least be interesting.
  • 1 0
 Be good side note if Henry swops out the Brake pads for some after market pads and see if they work better?

Another side note as someone who works in the trade, yes there are many people who don't want to spend money even on entry level parts, as they don't ride enough/budget etc, so can be hard for them to understand the extra money is worth it.
so sometimes get , "oh seen some xx on line/amozon etc for £xx if I get them can you fit them" Now I got a some nice links of vids to send them to make a point! lol
Also not all brand names parts mean always good/better, just have to look at Avid brakes, juices etc crap seals, not liking heat, brakes not releasing etc etc
  • 1 0
 Did you guys bed the brakes in before riding that slab, or actually go straight from the shop to the trail? The budget brakes not grabbing could be explained by that alone if that’s the case. Just didn’t hear anything mentioned about that in the episode so thought I’d ask.
  • 1 0
 What they are saying is if you don't have the most expensive parts you're an idiot. Don't bother with the parts that the ordinary idiots ride, just compare with the real idiot parts that that even the idiots don't buy, just to show how stupid they are.
  • 1 0
 Just got a pair of Shimano Deore two-piston brakes for less than 80$ off of eBay, and that's during a worldwide parts shortage. I'm sure they are miles better than the "cheap" knock off brakes on Henry's bike. But yes I know, for some reason the point of the show is to compare overpriced high end components to nearly useless bike parts. Still don't really understand the concept.
  • 1 0
 So there's a ton of comments on this series saying they should have compared top dollar to Deore level because nobody cares about the AliX stuff. I disagree. I would like to see a cheap stuff shootout. Like a cross-over between the field test and this series, with one component every episode but many brands, all super cheap. And then in the end come with a list of "Cheap stuff that works" (the tentative title for the series). It should include a visit to one of these facilities with testing rigs that break stuff and record the forces, to see if those cheap stems and bars really are dangerous or not.
A series like that would be entertaining and useful too. Because who doesn't want cheap stuff that works?
@Outside, you get all these ideas for free to use, but if you make the series and put it behind a paywall I want a free membership.
  • 1 0
 Maybe this has been said but most of these china brakes use shimano-dimension pads and the original pads suck. Install some Galfer pads and normal sized rotors and the china brakes probably work fine. And they are only $58 if you get them on AliExpress and are willing to wait a couple weeks for delivery. I run Cura 4, MT6, Cura 2, old Formula R1, etc on my bikes but I have tried the knockoff china stuff with decent results for my "beater- experiment" bikes. Worth tossing decent pads and bedding in the cheap brakes to see the outcome...I've already tried it and they work well with no Shimano-proprietary-migrating-bite-point.
  • 3 0
 Suprised that the budget ones aren't elixir5's or have they now been banned.
  • 5 0
 PB not brave enough to shit on SRAM
  • 4 0
 Maybe my math is off - but how to the Maguras add up to $800....?
  • 2 0
 After listing to the podcast... I stopped taking the series serious, and started to enjoy it for its pure entertainment purposes.
  • 4 0
 How you gonna have baller and it not be Trickstuff?
  • 2 0
 Jensen probably doesn't sell trickstuff I agree though
  • 2 0
 Maybe the year if waiting for them is too much when building new bike
  • 1 0
 Of waiting
  • 1 0
 Those Maguras MDR-P rotors are expensive s*it, i had 2 220 rotors on front and both start ratling and making noise on rough trails, then replace them with new sram and finally im super happy with super strong brakes.
  • 1 0
 @henryquinney: you should check out the KS Dropzone dropper. Mine has been faultless for over 4 years and means I can swap the seat out to run a tag-along for my son. AXS next.
  • 3 2
 I think there's some value in reviewing these unknown/AliExpress brands, but these "budget" upgrades are not something any PB viewer would ever consider...
  • 21 0
 at the end of this series, henry's bike is gonna be worse than it was at the start
  • 4 5
 No I'm not watching the unrealistic comparison for the sake of shock factor. That's super cheesy tabloid Bs.
Funny I get low end Shimano Deor brakes as low as 50$ Canadian . New. They have awesome stopping power. Just ditch the resin only rotors they are garbage.
Almost as trashy as this article.
  • 3 0
 A budget brake option would have been Deore...
  • 1 0
 I mean at this point, maybe they should've ordered all the budget parts from Wish. If you're going "budget", REALLY go "budget". haha
  • 3 0
 You could've put the 20$ zoom mechanical brakes instead
  • 2 0
 As low budget you should picked up Shimano MT520, they could probably beat also those expensive Magura brakes ...
  • 1 0
 Don’t change the series, it’s good the way it is.
But give budget build a 1 second time bonus for every $1000 not spent.
  • 1 0
 Crazy to think that a dual piston Shimano XT brake was $90 on 3 1/2 years ago. $180 for a set, is pretty close to $125 in the grand scheme of things
  • 2 0
 11 minutes of fannying about in the workshop where we learn almost nothing. Guys...!
  • 2 0
 This could have been a good series but paying to make a bike worse is just nonsense
  • 2 0
 outside/pinkbike = infotainment, reality tv, advertorials, industry promos, and data mining.
  • 1 0
 Wow Henry, you're an absolute beast for riding In-and-Out with those brakes!!!!! It's easy enough to get loose with actual brakes....
  • 1 0
 I click on these every time, but then remember its a video so I just scroll to the comments. How am I supposed to do wage theft from my employer if they keep posting videos?
  • 2 1
 would have been more interested in a brake comparison between sram, shimano and magura
  • 1 0
 These budget brakes looks like something taken off from one of NS Bikes models.
  • 2 0
 Hmmm, even pinkbike can't get a hold of some trickstuffs
  • 1 0
 I recently bought a set on Kleinanzeigen. Glad I didn’t pay full price. They’re decent.
  • 1 0
 They were ordered 6 months ago, so they'll be ready for series 3.
  • 1 0
 Trickstuff would be too embarrassed to be part of this shit show of a series.
  • 1 0
 Looks like they did not bead in the Break Pads. That's not going to get the breaks working very well.
  • 1 1
 I'm not gonna cut this series in half again.. it's becoming slightly ridiculous.
Just curious what is your go to budget brake??
  • 1 0
 I like the dropper solution...the rest has been discussed to death in these comments.
  • 2 0
 Great way to show people what not to cheap out on, love it!
  • 1 0
 Great video, very entertaining. I laughed when Henry was sliding down the rock slab.
  • 1 0
 Im suprised this is getting you guys views, you could do SOOOO much better .
  • 1 0
 Bloody hell. I got legit scared for Henry there for a second. Leaned forward in my chair and braced for something horrible.
  • 1 0
 So many cool ideas for an interesting series have been floated here. What they currently offer is not worth firing up.
  • 1 0
 What is that on the tool wall top left!?! A pruning saw with a long as handle?!
  • 2 1
 Once again this pair of wa##ers and this blunder of a series.
Biggest mistake in PB history.
  • 1 0
 Be realistic and use entry level shimano 201 which suck but are entry level on many bikes
  • 1 0
 The rotors are made by IIIPro in Taiwan.
  • 1 0
 I'm just amazed at how grippy that wet rock face is.
  • 2 0
 Granit is gold for grip Wink
  • 2 5
 That's a common issue with the Zoom brakes (and HL Corp, the parent company to the Zoom brand has been making bike parts since the 80s), they install the lines too tight and divine intervention is usually needed to get the lines out to change them or swap the lever/caliper setup in case you get Left-Front / Right-Rear but wanted Left-Rear / Right-Front (or vice versa).
  • 1 0
 You can buy a set of Magura MT5 for 175€ at bikediscount!
  • 3 2
 This is not "budget", this is pure JUNK. No one buys that crap.
  • 1 0
 All they do is slow you down..
  • 1 0
 They should of named this segment, “food stamps vs Hell’s Kitchen “
  • 3 3
 Such a stupid series. It’s unfortunate how tone deaf they are to who wants to watch elite parts vs cheapest garbage.
  • 1 0
 "Oddly enough, you're going down in rotor size as well"
  • 1 0
 TECH 101: HOW TO RIDE FASTER? Get a budget brake that wouldn't stop
  • 1 0
 Hayes Dominion. Nothing else matters.
  • 1 0
 JESUS CHRIST IS OUR LORD. HE IS LOVE
  • 1 0
 Saints and Zee's work fine for me, plus easy to bleed.
  • 1 0
 Ctrl+C
Ctrl+V
  • 1 0
 Mag-gheera.
  • 3 4
 that made me sick to my stomach
  • 8 9
 This is seriously bad.
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