|   Hayes HMX-1 Qs | Chris Cylinder
Jul 22, 2003 1:08 AM | | I just sold my old bike and bought an '03 Iron Horse SGS Sport. So far I haven't done much with it, but I am loving it anyhow!
I have two questions about the Hayes HMX-1 mechanicals. First, is there any way to adjust spring tension? Right now it feels like I have to put way too much effort into pulling the levers. Second, what are the instructions talking about when they say to adjust the fixed (inboard, I assume) pad with a 4mm allen wrench? I just spin the dial (which is not easy to do, not enough grip area).
Incase you're wondering, I'm coming off a set of Avid mechanical discs (6") and I already miss them. But I'm planning to buy some Hayes HFX-9 hydraulics soon anyway, so for now I'm happy. By the way, does Hayes use the same rotor for its hydro and mech systems?
Thanks for the input,
Chris
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| re: Hayes HMX-1 Qs | Gazz
Jul 22, 2003 8:59 AM | | The 4 mm hex was an older brake - now yer stuck with the POS dial, which is a bear to move when it gets dirty.
Anyhow, do a search of this forum - there was a fellow that went to extraordinary lengths to try and improve his HMX-1's, and I'm pretty sure that he made some changes to the spring tension. Sorry, can't remember the poster's name - it was a few months ago. |
| re: Hayes HMX-1 Answers | Ryan C.
Jul 22, 2003 5:56 PM | | i First, is there any way to adjust spring tension?
Yes, but it's likely that it is already set on the lowest setting. The brake has a high and low setting for spring tension (yes, very crappy compared to Avid's). Simply pop the cap off that has the
HMX-1 logo on it and you'll see a little metal rod that straddles inside and holds the spring in place. Changing the tension is a real b!tch though, and the best way is to try and grab the rod with some needlenose pliers and a screwdriver. Needless to say, you will scratch some of the paint off doing this, it's not easy!
i Second, what are the instructions talking about when they say to adjust the fixed (inboard, I assume) pad with a 4mm allen wrench?
The dial replaced the allen bolt adjustment in 2002 I believe, and it can suck sometimes. If you have a small pin spanner, you can use it to engage the little holes on the dial and turn it when it gets crudded up. A little light lube on the threads of the adjuster can help, but be
b very
careful if you do this, as lubricants and oils will ruin your pads if they get on them.
i Does Hayes use the same rotor for its hydro and mech systems?
Yep. Same 6 inch or 8 inch rotors, just be sure to order the correct set of HFX-9's (the HD's in your case which come with the 8 inch rotors) and you can skip the rotor installation step.
The HMX-1's are not the best brakes, I just sold my set. One problem I ran into with them was when my pads wore down to about 40-45% of the original material, the torque arm would bottom out. This happened even when I shifted the caliper over so that the moving pad was closer to the rotor (the fixed pad apparently can be adjusted further out). I realized this one time on a ride when I pulled the lever and got a really solid feel, but little power. I'm not sure if this is some sort of pad wear alert feature or what, but it doesn't allow you to get full life out of your pads. Not a great system, Avid's seem to really be the only good mechanical disc out there IMO. I'd say get a pair of those, the 203mm brakes will work with your 8 inch Hayes rotors. FWIW, my current Avid setup has a lighter lever feel and more power than my Hayes hydros did.
-Ryan |
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