thoughts on disc brakes?

[Dennis]

so, I am going to be building a DH/FR bike after all.
I got a really good deal on a used Shiver DC fork and DH wheelset and I am getting a great deal on a new overstock Haro Werks DHR frame (made by Intense).
I have an opportunity to buy a set of Hayes brakes with 8" rotors for under 200.00 USD. they are two pot brakes I think.
some DH brakes are 4 pot, and Hope is even now making 6 pot brakes.
any thoughts on advantages of the multiple caliper brakes?
I wish IFO was here, he knows all about this stuff.
please let me know what you think.
[smiley=groucho.gif]

[Matno]

What? No carbon frame?  

Go to the "Host site" link to the left. The idriders forum is all about downhilling. They know disc brakes as well as anyone, and IFO is still there...  

[Simon]

The more pistons the larger the surface area applied to the pads, thus more power ,with more power comes more heat build up,the larger surface area will disipate the extra heat,so multiple piston systems are ideal for D/H use,multiple pistons also give the option of running variable size pistons within the caliper, eg Hopes new 6 pot.http://www.hopetechnology.com/technical/technical_index.htm
http://www.hopetechnology.com/technical/images/mono6ti_caliper_exp.gif 
Simon

[dmc]

I've got 4 pot Hopes and my mate just got 2 pot hayes on his Kona and they have more than enough power, I would be happy with both. dmc

[Matno]

As far as that goes, I don't think ANY disc brakes have a problem with power, per se. Thus, your best bet is to go for models that have the best modulation and least brake fade on long downhills.

[Gordo]

I know the hayes would be a good bet. I would stay away from Shimano XT discs (the four pot ones) a friend of mine has them and they keep breaking near the lever and losing pressure.

[Simon]

Multiple pistons not only increase power but they can reduce brake fade often found in extreme D/H situations by disipating the extra temperature produced ,also as they can have multiple pistons of varying sizes within a caliper, brake feel and modulation can then be improved over a 2 pot system,though multiple systems are probably overkill for the average rider even for D/H,probably pro D/H riders would be the only ones to benefit from there performance,hope did produce a 4 pot X/C system but they appear to now favour the 2 pot mini system for X/C,they also do a 2 pot and 6 pot D/H systems, [smiley=nod.gif]

[Jeff77]

I have the hope mono mini discs (two pod) and am quite satisfied with the power and modulation especially in rain and snow... Not sure how well they would work for downhill applications though as this is not my forte...