I love these brakes (I bought them as a set so this review includes both front and back brakes). Great stopping power, but even more so-great modulation and control, plus they look about as sexy as a set of cantilevers brakes can possibly look.
Even though the brakes were highly rated in reviews both on and off Amazon, I have to admit I was taken aback, more than bit, by the price -they are expensive. But I commute over twenty miles day, through Seattle on congested, hilly, and often wet streets, so my brakes are important both for quick-sometimes unexpected stops, and for slowing descents down monster inclines in less than ideal conditions -sometimes simultaneously. So I took the risk, rationalizing that both sets of brakes combined cost equivalent to about three tanks of gas if I were driving to work.
I am so glad, I took the risk, the Ultimates completely changed the feel of my bike. The brakes give you an added sense of confidence and control making my commute more enjoyable and safer. It's still hard to believe, they are cantilevers, (which [in general] can be somewhat uneven, or jerky [compared to other braking systems]).
The brakes come with a set of SwissStop Black (road) pads which have worked wonderfully both wet and dry on my aluminum-alloy rims. Though these brakes are almost infinitely adjustable, I haven't really ever had to touch them after the initial set-up. Averaging about 400 urban, hilly miles a month, I burned through the original set of brake pads in about 4 months. I'm now two months into my second set of pads with no problems to report.
| Brand | Avid |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Color | Black |
| Product Dimensions | 7"L x 7"W x 2"H |
| Bike Type | Cyclocross Bike |
| Number of Pieces | 2 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00710845639869 |
| Manufacturer | Avid |
| UPC | 710845639869 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 6.6 x 6.1 x 2.3 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.15 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 7 x 7 x 2 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.1 Pounds |
| Brand Name | Avid |
| Model Name | Shorty Ultimate |
| Suggested Users | Brakes and Brake Kits |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | AV502803 |
| Model Year | 2014 |
| Style | Rim Front Brake |
| Size | front |
| Sport Type | Cycling |
