Formula RX brakes Vs Shimano XT M785

Chrisofitall

I picked up a Lapierre Zesty 314 back in the summer and, whilst I'm loving most things about the bike, I'm yet to have a ride where the brakes aren't frustratingly noisy. I'm not much of a mechanic but have tried a number of things suggested on here and other sites to no avail.

The brakes are the Formula RX. I'm toying with replacing them front and back with the Shimano XT M785. Has anyone had any similar negative experiences with the Formulas and have any solutions, or equally who is a fan of the Shimano's and can vouch for them in terms of reliability and noise?

Also, any tips on which rotors to pair the XTs with? Cheers!

Kowalski675

I've not owned the Formulas, but I had brief test rides on the Zesty 314 back to back with Shimano equipped Norco Sight 2SE and Trek Fuel EX8, and the Formulas felt very poor, compared to the Shimanos. I've recently bought a set of XTs, but they're not on my bike yet - excellent on the bikes I've ridden with them fitted though.

The Rookie

What sort of noise, that gives a hint to the likely causes, high pitched squeals are resonances and can often be fixed by a change of disc, lower pitched groans and honks can often be resolved by the right cleaning and taking any high spots off the pads with an abrasive.

julianhj

Not massively keen on my RXs, in fact had to get them seen to this week as the pistons on the rear caliper were refusing to fully retract. I also had a browse of the XTs, so would be keen to hear your thoughts if you change.

Chrisofitall

A bit of everything with regards to noise tbh. Have tried plenty of things to try and correct, with no joy.

Brilliantly the guy in the shop suggested they weren't the best brakes anyway (gotta respect his honesty - and I still bought the bike!).

I'm basically looking for a set that are reliable, quiet, easy to set up and have heard good things about the XTs.

Uli

RX seems to be plagued with reliability issues. All sorts of posts on internet from owners.

Secret agent

I had the rx on my cube hardtail and I swapped them to the xt 785s. I now have the formula t1s on my canyon and when both are working 100% there's not much in it to be honest. That said the xt have had no issues and seem to be pretty much fit and forget whereas the formulas need a bit of tlc to keep them running well and squeal like mad when they get wet and muddy.
If I was buying 1 set I'd take the xt's myself.
My brother has a set of deore brakes on his cannondale and they seem brilliant, I don't think you can go wrong with the shimanos

The formulas do look good though

balmybaldwin

Haven't had any problems with my Rx's (other than I boiled them once on a long alps down hill in the summer - but that was a lot less than the others in my group did) and they are beautifully quiet.

I have found that replacement brake pads are a bit hit and miss, and so now stick to the Formula organic ones

handsome devil

Recently changed the RX`s on my Zesty 514 for Shimano XT`s. Just can`t beat Shimanos for lever feel, power and modulation tbh. Never really had issues with the RX`s other than the feel of the levers - just personal choice really. Had SLX`s on my Whyte and always preferred these to the RX`s. CRC had a "too good to ignore" offer on the M785 XT`s around a month ago so I took the plunge.

If you`ve got the dough then take the plunge - you will not look back

lastinger

Just can`t beat Shimanos for lever feel, power and modulation tbh. Never really had issues with the RX`s other than the feel of the levers - just personal choice really. Had SLX`s on my Whyte and always preferred these to the RX`s. CRC had a "too good to ignore" offer on the M785 XT`s around a month ago so I took the plunge.

poah

lastinger wrote:

Just can`t beat Shimanos for lever feel, power and modulation tbh.

you can beat them for modulation