A pair of AX callipers are going on ebay for DIRT CHEAP. i absolutely DIG these callipers, and i would get them even if it was only to look at them. However, the idea of putting them on a bike is also a possibility. Now the question is, if i do put them on a bike, will they actually stop it? i have heard that it requires liberal amounts of force to brake with them. How true is this? are they practical to ANY extent? Thanx

A pair of AX callipers are going on ebay for DIRT CHEAP. i absolutely DIG these callipers, and i would get them even if it was only to look at them. However, the idea of putting them on a bike is also a possibility. Now the question is, if i do put them on a bike, will they actually stop it? i have heard that it requires liberal amounts of force to brake with them. How true is this? are they practical to ANY extent? Thanx

I think Lance Armstrong uses/used them on his his timetrial bikes. even tho it's lo now, the last pair of ax calipers went for about $85.

They would be perfect for the Trek TT frame. (Normal brakes don't work very good on the rear of that frame because the cable comes out of the frame right behind the seatpost)

A pair of AX callipers are going on ebay for DIRT CHEAP. i absolutely DIG these callipers, and i would get them even if it was only to look at them. However, the idea of putting them on a bike is also a possibility. Now the question is, if i do put them on a bike, will they actually stop it? i have heard that it requires liberal amounts of force to brake with them. How true is this? are they practical to ANY extent? Thanx

As they pre-date sprung levers, hand effort will be higher than a modern dual-pivot. I recall them being stiffer than a Suntour Superbe Pro or Dia-Compe Royal Gan Compe, but not as stiff as most Campy sidepulls. They're cam operated, like an MTB rollercam brake. Rollercams were tough to set up, but had great power. I'd expect the DA/AX to be similar, although I've only ridden them once. They stopped pretty well, IIRC.

Actually, with the exception of some truly dreadful cheap stamped steel sidepulls, I can't recall a road brake I couldn't live with. My current faves are the late 80's Suntour Superbe Pros on my Otero. I didn't like dual pivots. I like a brake with some resistance at the lever, and dual-pivots have almost none. If you like a light lever feel, you'll probably not care for the AX's.

--Shannon

A pair of AX callipers are going on ebay for DIRT CHEAP. i absolutely DIG these callipers, and i would get them even if it was only to look at them. However, the idea of putting them on a bike is also a possibility. Now the question is, if i do put them on a bike, will they actually stop it? i have heard that it requires liberal amounts of force to brake with them. How true is this? are they practical to ANY extent? Thanx

You are right, great looking brakes. Not a light action but great mudulation, which may be why Lance likes the so much. However, the pad area is pretty small so I disagree that they were better than Superbe Pros/Royal Compes. Getting replacement pads will also likely be nearly impossible, unless you have a good connection with Shimano, like Mr. Armstrong.

And if i use them with sprung levers? will that make them any "lighter feeling" I am currently on Ultegra brake calipers. Are they comparable?

You are right, great looking brakes. Not a light action but great mudulation, which may be why Lance likes the so much. However, the pad area is pretty small so I disagree that they were better than Superbe Pros/Royal Compes. Getting replacement pads will also likely be nearly impossible, unless you have a good connection with Shimano, like Mr. Armstrong.

Just a note... I didn't say they were better, just that they had a stiffer spring, and would likely have a stiffer feel at the lever. Superbe Pros are my all-time favorite road brake. Great power, great feel, easy to set up, light, and they're beautiful.

On the DA/AXs, is the pad attachment weird? If not, Scott-Mathauser or Kool-Stop salmon pads would be a nice upgrade.
--Shannon