Why Hayes' Disc Brakes?

Why Hayes Disc Brakes? Because brakes are the lifeblood of our business. Our sole focus is to develop products that outperform in your application and outdo your expectations. Hayes has been around for decades, surpassing industry standards and setting the curve in performance. It's no wonder that companies like Polaris® and Harley-Davidson® turn to us for their disc brakes.

Built into each Hayes disc brake is the power, feel, and dependability you need to get the most out of every ride. People who listen to other riders and ride themselves are the same people who design our brakes. We continually enhance, redesign or introduce products with stopping power and safety features that you won't find in other brake systems. In fact, we have several new products for 2004, including the new 9 Carbon, MX-1, MX-2 and Mud Cutter wavy rotor.

A progressive history.

Hayes Brake has been leading the pack in brake technology since 1946. That same commitment to breakthrough design and performance was extended to the mountain bike market in 1997 when Hayes Disc Brake was formed. The revolutionary products that Hayes Disc Brake introduced set a new standard for hydraulic bicycle disc brakes worldwide.

Starting in 1997 with just three U.S. and six international distributors, Hayes Disc Brake now serves customers in more than 50 countries with warehouses in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Reinventing through research, development and testing.

The right brake for your application is the brake that's been proven to perform. At Hayes Disc Brake, we're meticulous about research, development and testing…it's what has earned us a reputation in this industry:When the CAD work is complete, our engineers begin simulation work on our products. FEA software is used to analyze the stress and heat impact to our designs. Our R&D department employs the latest technology and software to analyze the noise and vibration characteristics of our systems. And throughout the various stages of development, our expansive machine shop lets us turn designs into completely functional prototypes.

Whether it's testing prototypes or auditing production brakes, we have a wide array of equipment to ensure our systems perform. Dynamometers are used to analyze our brake systems and evaluate both rotor and brake pad performance. It doesn't stop at performance. Our dynamometers are capable of simulating wet and muddy trail conditions, and provide us with an accurate measure of pressure, force, temperature, speed and torque. The R&D lab is also outfitted with an electro-dynamic shaker for simulating the bumps, rocks, roots and drops on a trail.

To ensure product performance and reliability, each brake system we design completes a countless amount of life cycle testing. These tests utilize the latest in PLC technology and sensors to control, monitor, and record system performance. On any given test, we may monitor brake pressure, clamp force or input force. We also complete a large amount of environmental cycle testing in three, large, PLC-controlled environmental chambers with temperature ranges from -40°F to 350°F.

Outside of the R&D lab, Hayes has a fleet of hard tails and full suspension bikes at our disposal for field testing. Portable data acquisition units and sensors track "real-life" conditions. We also have pro racers and riders from around the world riding our products and providing feedback. From South America to Europe to B.C. we are hooked up with some of the best riders in the world.

Precision and quality. Ultimate performance.

As an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer, Hayes builds quality, safety and performance into every brake that comes off its production line. Our production experts follow stringent procedures in each manufacturing and assembly cell. Each day we maintain key performance indicators relative to cell efficiency, on-time delivery status and customer satisfaction. Plus we expect Just In Time (J.I.T.) supply chains from all of our suppliers.

Building the right brakes at Hayes also means keeping a diligent eye on quality control. We have more than 3,500 calibrated gages in our Quality Control Lab. Our Metallurgical Lab is loaded with equipment: salt spray, UV, and environmental test chambers, a tensile tester with a 60,000-lb capacity, and five hardness testers. All of this equipment combines to make sure our customers get the best parts and product on the market.

Real people. Real support.

Sure brakes are the thrust of our business, but taking care of our customers is equally important. At Hayes Disc Brake, we're firm believers in responsive service and expert technical support. You'll not only get a real person on the other end when you call; you'll get real solutions that are right for your business.

Contact Us.

5800 W Donges Bay Rd
Mequon, WI 53092

1.888.MTN.DISC, (1.888.686.3472)
Fax: (262) 512.4219

Email: hayestech@hayesbrake.com