A choice of hydraulic brake, any experience?

Ransaka
Ransaka Posts: 474
edited January 2010 in MTB buying advice
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/mountain- ... r-set.html

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/mountain- ... trail.html

These are the 2 sets I am considering (not necessarily from merlins, just easy for linking). I am upgrading from cable actuated discs to hydraulic for my hardtail. I use it for commuting to work during the week, cross country and some downhill at the weekends.

Anyone have first hand experience with either set or would recommend something different? £140ish is really my limit to spend on them.

Comments

  • HandjobDan
    HandjobDan Posts: 704
    Recent MBUK test likes the Elixir 5's, not so much the Stroker Trails.

    I have had Juicy 7's for a couple of years, good brakes IMO. Never owned newer hayes myself, had some HFX9 they were awesome.
    Santa Cruz Blur 4X

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  • biff55
    biff55 Posts: 1,404
    the elixir 5 have had great reviews of late and £120 ish for a pair is good value
    and the hayes charge an extra £25 for the white option if thats your thing although the
    hayes are still a good brake.
    cant go wrong with either though i'd pick the elixir cos a bit cheaper and i like white bling.
    :D
  • fcumok
    fcumok Posts: 283
    I have a set of elixirs and like them. Seem to be like my Juicys but without the little annoyances.
  • GHill
    GHill Posts: 2,402
    Had some Stroker Trails and had no end of trouble with them (brake rub, brake pad ejected, leaking bleed port...), probably just unlucky.

    Very pleased with my Elixir CR so far.
  • dynastarg9
    dynastarg9 Posts: 103
    Formula RX1s on my bike. No problems to report - except for a bit of a squealy back end in the wet.
    Lapierre Zesty 514 - 2010
  • Noclue
    Noclue Posts: 503
    Got the Elixir R's and think they're awesome.
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  • richg1979
    richg1979 Posts: 1,087
    ive had both brakes and would say the strokers are a lot more controlable but a bit wooden feeling and the elixirs are more solid feeling and powerfull but this puts them down a bit as they tend to grab quite hard and lock wheels very easy, i sold my elixir cr's due to this and bought hope tech m4s.
  • thel33ter
    thel33ter Posts: 2,684
    Tried some Juicy 3's and Hayes Strokers and much prefered the Hayes, used them in snow, mud and rain and worked perfectly after bedding in.
    And now you know, and knowing is half the battle
    05 Spesh Enduro Expert
    05 Trek 1000 Custom build
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  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,650
    Had some Stroker Trails, on my Yeti, for about a month, they were OK, not bad at all. But after my first ride today on my Elixirs, there's no comparison. Excellent stoppers and very powerful, easy to set up and hopefully are bedded in now.

    +1 for the Elixirs
  • Ransaka
    Ransaka Posts: 474
    Seems to be the Elixir's that have it from comments here so I think I shall be clicking the add to basket button in the near future :D

    Thanks for the help guys :)
  • Airienteer
    Airienteer Posts: 695
    Yep, definately go for the Elixirs. I had lots of problems with Hayes and recently swicthed to a pair of Elixir 5's. SO much better and on Merlin they're a bargain price.

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