Any beef with the levers being "too far out"? I'm leaning towards these brakes for reasons I can't at this time identify with. They just seem like they're awesome, and as mentioned, CRC has got 'em for $290 or $250 pending on the regular or "special edition" model (what the difference is I have yet to surmise). I'm following in 2nd spot with the Saints.
Unless you have teh ladyhands….
I think the "LTD" ones you are looking at is the 2010 model year version basically marketing BS from CRC, they are just old stock - look at the other one listed on CRC and you'll see the FCS adjuster knob (gold dial, lever position adjuster)is a little different. It's actually been moved to be in a better crash-resistant place. All being told if you want to save a few bucks they function more or less the same - I couldn't find much else technically different in a few reviews I quickly checked.
They are solid for DH and the only time you might get into heating up of the brakes is if you run 7" rotors, brake a hella lot, or do some really long steep descents without a chance to let them cool. And I mean BIG descents. Because other than that they're a solid brake for DH, bike park, shuttling, one finger huge-assed power and plenty of brake control and modulation.
They've been put into second place in Formula's line up this year with the new RO, more powerful and with venting on the piston surface and a new line of two-piece rotors for better heat sinking. But they are way more pricey, for sure.
Some techs have trouble bleeding/setting up the brakes - not sure why, everyone has their own favourite and stuff they're more familiar with I guess. Mine have never been a hassle. Nice spring bleed then they're usually OK for the season. Maybe have them bled once in a while mid season if the bike is in for anything else. If you plan on riding a lot, I'd just be proactive and get the fluid changed out before you get any hassles. Mine weren't prone to any water/air issues. I guess I just acted ahead of time to ensure that never happened.
Why not ask a few LBS if they can complete on the pricing against CRC - someone might be able to get close enough to get your business. Dunbar had them listed for less than CRC, and they're 2012's. Actually they still do, and I think the FCS comes as standard now. You'd need to check with them:
http://store.dunbarcycles.com/index.php?product=Formula+The+One+Rear+Brake[HTML_REMOVED]c=192
And The One's are gold - everyone likes gold, right….