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I first grew to become conscious of Zero Gravity brakes in 2004 when Iban Mayo used them on the Tour de France on the best way to ending in third place. In 2005, Francis Cebedo, the founder off Mtbr.com & RoadBikeReview.com, received his arms on a set of the unique OG-05 Ti calipers and wrote this evaluate. After studying his insights and seeing the brakes on Francis’ bike, I made a decision to order a pair for myself. It was a superb transfer. They have been extremely mild and provided glorious braking. In actual fact I favored them a lot that just a few years later I bought the marginally heavier however stiffer Zero Gravity GSL’s (230 grams) for one more bike.
When the Gravitas got here out in 2009, I used to be intrigued by the all-carbon development, mild weight, and $875 value. I toyed with the thought of shopping for a pair, however in the long run the value was simply too steep. Fortunately I held out, as Zero Gravity has only recently began providing refurbished Gravitas brakes for $399. At that value I could not resist.
Zero Gravity Gravitas SL Brakeset Highlights
- Value: $399 refurbished (with out brake pads), new initially $875.
- Claimed weight: 138 grams with out pads. Precise, 142 grams. 166 grams with pads
- Heritage of innovation: founder Ted Ciamillo is a pacesetter in aftermarket bike brakes
- Perform: Whereas one of many lightest brakes out there, offers glorious stopping energy
- Performance: Spacers accommodate a variety of rims, from 19mm old skool to 27mm Zipp Firecrest
Set up
Ted Ciamillo will get some flak from the biking neighborhood as a result of his brakes could be tough to arrange. And they’re. Nonetheless, I personally suppose cyclists want to grasp and respect that Ciamillo runs a boutique enterprise. It is a small store and I would enterprise to guess that Shimano in all probability produces extra brakes in per week than Ciamillo cranks out in a 12 months. His brakes are like Ferraris: They require shut tolerances and a mechanic who is aware of what they’re doing. In contrast to a Ferrari, nevertheless, when you get Zero Gravity brakes dialed in, they do not require fixed tuning.
It is also price noting that at one level I emailed Ciamillo as a result of I used to be having issues putting in my rear brake, and he responded in a short time, asking that I name him. He identified the issue and I used to be in a position to get my brakes functioning accurately.
You want seven instruments to put in these brakes (along with Campagnolo 2000+ brake pads, that are bought individually):
- 5mm and 3mm Allen wrench. The 5mm is for the brake bolt, the 3mm is for the bolt that clamps the cable.
- 13mm or 1/2 inch cone wrench to carry the nut behind the brake. You additionally use this wrench to middle the calipers.
- T-20 and T-30 Torx bits. The T-20 is for the brake pads. The T-30 is to regulate the stress of the brake calipers. If the brake is “sticky” and would not return totally, loosen the brake bolt then maintain the nut with the cone wrench and rotate the front-facing Torx bolt counter-clockwise with the T-30 bit.
- Electrician’s tape. Place the tape across the nut to stop scratches.
- Cable cutters for housing and cable.
There are just a few methods to the set up. First, don’t compress the brake by pushing within the brake by the brake pads along with your fingers. This may weaken the return spring. Second, make sure that to trim the brake cable so when inserted into the brake arm it would not push the brake to at least one facet. Moreover, make sure that it is not too brief which can make the brake pivot to the opposite facet.
The brakes additionally include three units of washers for the brake pads. There’s a washer with a flat facet and concave one on the opposite facet. The washer with the flat facet must have the flat facet flush with the brake. The concave facet mates to the brake pad holder. There are two further spacers which can be bent on either side, one thick and one skinny. Use all three in case your rim is a slim 19mm large. Take away the 2 bent spacers in case you are working tremendous large Zipp or Hed wheels.
For rims widths which can be in between, experiment to see what suits finest. I attempted utilizing the rear brakes with simply the flat/concave washer on my Easton EA90 SLX rims and braking efficiency wasn’t nice. Including the thick spacer improved braking dramatically.
One other characteristic is the routing of the cable by means of the cinching bolt. You thread the cable by means of the brake arm after which behind the cinch bolt by means of a pre-drilled gap. This ensures alignment whereas additionally making it simpler to safe.
Cable Threading to Cinch Bolt
These brakes are designed to have most leverage with little or no pull on the levers. Ciamillo advises simply 1mm of clearance between the sneakers and the rim. So make sure that your cable is tight and lift the cam arm whereas adjusting. You may pinch the brake pads in opposition to the edges whereas doing this with out probably weakening the return spring.
Weight
Zero Gravity first entered the after-market scene 9 years in the past. At this time, it continues to push the envelope of sunshine weight with no sacrifice braking efficiency. In case you evaluate the chart under (courtesy of Fairwheel Bikes), you may discover how the Gravitas is the second lightest brakeset whereas additionally being priced the identical because the a lot heavier Campy Tremendous Report and new Dura Ace.
Efficiency
As soon as dialed, the brakes work very nicely. You may lock up the wheels simply if wanted (although that is by no means a terrific thought). Even the rear brake will “skid” the tire when utilized by itself. You’ll be aware that there’s much less modulation than with Shimano’s Dura Ace brakes. That mentioned, this previous weekend, I went on a 58-mile journey that included some main descents and had no issues. However I am extra of an abrupt stopper and do not sometimes feather the brakes. In case you are somebody who likes to modulate the brakes in effective increments, these is probably not the brakes for you.
Design
From the carbon weave to the slick brand, the Zero Gravity Gravitas SL Brakeset is an consideration grabber. The braking efficiency is stable, and the considerate brake cable set up and skill to regulate to cut back friction are additionally good options.
Abstract
Whereas missing in modulation, these brakes are extremely mild, look nice, and supply glorious stopping energy. And for those who purchase a refurbished set, you might be getting whole lot for the cash.
Score:
4.5/5 stars; These refurbished brakes are a superb worth for a superlight brake that gives glorious stopping energy. You simply have to be affected person in the course of the set up.
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