Mavic SSC

Price Paid:  $150.00

Bike Setup:
Synapse Frame and Fork
Record/Chorus 10 mix
Ksyrium Elite Wheels
SSC Brakes

Summary:
When looking to make the switch from Shimano to Campy, I knew that I wanted these brakes. I ride for recreation, but I also ride for transport, and in busy traffic knowing you can stop on a dime gives me confidence and keeps me alive. They still amaze me everytime. I pull on the levers, and I cannot believe how fast i come to a stop. Modulation is great, weight is very competitive, and braking power is tops. could not be happier

Strengths:
stopping power
modulation
competitive weight
unique?

Weaknesses:
competitively priced, but that does not mean cheap
if you wanted to cut grams anywhere possible, you could find lighter brakes

Similar Products Used:
cane creek, stock cannondale

Price Paid:  $120.00 at online

Favorite Ride:
Highway 12 Utah

Bike Setup:
Cannondale Optimo
FSA compact - mountain roads 9000 ft elevation
Campy Group
Neuvation Wheelset

Summary:
I agree with all of the other reviewers - weight is similar to Campagnolo Record. Stopping power is superb. There is some question about the stopping power of the super lightweights that are extremely expensive. Somewhere I read that brakes should be the lightest that will safely stop you. These are in that category. I ride mountains with steep downhills and these are safe and light. When you don't have to think about a part - like a bad fitting shoe - then you are there. These are in the "wow this works great category." I weigh 162 and my bike is 15 lbs 12 oz.

Strengths:
Low Cost when compared to high end brakesets
Great stopping power
Simple design
Easy to set up
Brakes stay adjusted nicely

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Campagnolo
Shimano

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Shimano D/A 9 spd on a Trek 5.9areo Madone.Using Bontrager carbon aeolus 6.5 clinchers.

Summary:
these are simply the best brakes I have used.Low maint, predictable and strong.Smooth and the do not hide the response of the wheels to the road.You can feel lock up coming,and can adjust the pressuer at the lever accordingly.They are not light, but imo,the are the best brake overall.I own D/A & Record,these are still better.

Strengths:
Strong and smooth,easily maintained.

Weaknesses:
none.

Similar Products Used:
D/a & record.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Record, carbon wheels, SL2 Team

Summary:
These brakes are great. Real Sleepers.
Stronger and lighter than Campy
Better modulation than Shimano.
Unique return spring provides great feel.

Strengths:
Feel, power, value and weight.

Weaknesses:
I'm not going to mention the QR issue. Even if you run Shimano your brake pads should be set so you can remove your wheel.

Similar Products Used:
Record, DA, Zero Gravity (Lame)

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Lemond Tete De Course, Campy Record.

Summary:
If you are looking for the ultimate stopping ability for your bike then the Mavic CCS has to be it. It is actually too much power in many ways. I find myself just using the back brake for most general stopping purposes simply because both together is ridiculous.
I have yet to decide if the crazy braking power is good or bad. Good in that you can stop in an instant at any speed. Bad in that such power has a limited range of modulation.
But there is no question that brakes do not and should not be any more powerful than this.
I matched these with a Campy system and therefore really like the lack of a quick release lever.

Strengths:
Ultimate bike stopping power, great looks, easily replacable common brake pad catridges.

Weaknesses:
Any brake, well any bike part for that matter, at this price point should have stainless hardware. Because of that it loses a star for value.

Similar Products Used:
Shimano single-pivots, Shimano 105 dual pivot, Cane Creek SCR-5.