Avid Elixer upgrade?? Staying with SRAM

JGTR
JGTR Posts: 1,404
edited August 2015 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi, I want to replace my Avid Elixirs as they have failed, I want to stay with SRAM as the rest of my bike is SRAM - can anyone recommend a reasonably priced replacement/upgrade?? Only ones I've seen are Guides - or should I stay away from SRAM considering the problems they have with Avid??

Cheers

Jay

Comments

  • kyle17290
    kyle17290 Posts: 261
    Wouldnt limit yourself to just sram however i have the guide r and they havent done me wrong so far in 6 months.
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Shimano are so much better for the money. I wouldn't buy SRAM brakes, they are OK but a similar priced Shimano brake is much better.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • oodboo
    oodboo Posts: 2,171
    Get which ever shimano brakes fit your budget. Then in time swap the rest over to shimano to match.
    I love horses, best of all the animals. I love horses, they're my friends.

    Strava
  • sheepsteeth
    sheepsteeth Posts: 17,418
    I really like shimano brakes (but prefer sram shifters and mechs)

    if i remember correctly, deores are a very good option but if you have the cash to splash, id highly recommend shimano xt m785.

    Unbelievably good brakes. very good power and modulation and the original pads have lasted ages with really good bite and control.
    Harry von Big Sticks
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    I went from elixirs to XT which was a big step up in performance and also XT's for me have been fit and forget.
  • JGTR
    JGTR Posts: 1,404
    Cheers, I've seen XT for £100 so will take a look at them
  • markhusbands
    markhusbands Posts: 85
    What's failed on them? I have elixer 3. I've had to bleed them once, but beside that they have been a decent brake.
    'I'll trek two please....!
    To HT or not to HT is the question...
  • JGTR
    JGTR Posts: 1,404
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19686262#p19686262]markhusbands[/url] wrote:
    What's failed on them? I have elixer 3. I've had to bleed them once, but beside that they have been a decent brake.
    K
    Tried 3 times to bleed them, took it to shop who said seals have failed. I have a rebuild kit but have read that they can be unreliable and don't want them failing again and ruining a ride. Hardly had any use aswell. I have Juicys on my guardrail and have been fine for 7 years!
  • markhusbands
    markhusbands Posts: 85
    Yea I've seen the caliper rebuild kits you can get, alot of people say shimanos are better brakes. I had problems with my avids when I fiirst got my bike but after a decent bleed and fresh fluid put in they have been a great brake, that was 2 yrs ago. I'd be tempted to fix them and sell them if your looking at upgraded your brakes. Get some money back off them.
    'I'll trek two please....!
    To HT or not to HT is the question...
  • Rightarmbad
    Rightarmbad Posts: 216
    I run and recommend Shimano, but the the guides are proving to be good reliable brakes in the field with function to equal Shimano.
    Some find the guide a bit easier to modulate than than the Shimanos in the trail versions that use servowave that have seemingly endless amounts of power.
    Takes a bit if getting used to that much power that quick.
    I swap between xt trail and xtr race on my bikes and it took me a while to get used to using the xt trail after using the xtr race, there is a significant difference in the way they modulate, none better than the other, just different.
    The guides feel more progressive like the race versions of shimano without the servo wave.

    The new guides are also easy to bleed, unlike their forebearers.
    I like playing with mineral fluid more than DOT though.
  • JGTR
    JGTR Posts: 1,404
    Thanks for the help, have just ordered a set of XT brakes compete with rotors and adapters, £150 all in.

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