Comments on: Review: PowerCordz MTB Brake Cables

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:33:17 +0000

Ok…I had seen references to something called a “Windsor clasp” (which is just a fancy washer, I guess) on another review.

I should read these more carefully…you mentioned that these went on a singlespeed, yet I asked about shifters. Duh! Not enough coffee this morning.

By: David Sanderson

David Sanderson — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:11:45 +0000

On the Powercordz website they show/use some special washers to use with a traditional pinch bolt. The Avid mechanical disk brakes already use a clamp with a large surface area, so they we unnecessary in this case. Most road brakes with the quick-release at the caliper already have a washer or washers to prevent damaging the cable from clamp-up force.
They’re great cables, but I still prefer a hydraulic disk brake set-up for more braking power and IMO better modulation. These cables are a good improvement for mechanically actuated disk brakes, but not a replacement for hydraulics. I bet they’d be fantastic for derailleur use!

By: Moe

Moe — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:39:22 +0000

No special clamp, they look like regular cables. Since the Soul Cycles Dillinger is a Single Speed bike, there was no need for shifter cables. I do have a set for derailleurs that I’m going to use on my next project.

I also concur with David, the brakes have a fantastic feel, since I ride with hydros on the rest of my mountain bikes, I would forget that I was riding with mechanical brakes.

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:15:58 +0000

What’s the setup like? I assume there is a special clamp or something at the brake to keep the Powercordz from being crushed by a traditional pinch bolt.

Did you also use the Powercordz for shifting? If so, did you notice any improvement?