New brakes

dangardner27

Hi guys

Roadie getting back into MTB and I need some advice please. I've got a 2012 Cannondale Flash 29er which has Avid Elixir 1 brakes which were fine but have given up the ghost - the fluid from the back brake seems to have leaked out all over the brake lever and corroded it!!

The brakes were never brilliant so wondering whether I should buy a replacement Elixir lever and get my LBS to repair or to bite the bullet and buy a new set of brakes (and I assume rotors) and have them fitted?

Or is it better to sell the Cannondale and invest in something with thru axles, 1 x etc?

Thanks in advance

me-109

You can get a service kit for the Avid master cylinder with new piston, seals etc. Get a bleed kit from Epic Solutions and you're good to go. Lot cheaper then replacement of the full brake, brakeset or entire bike.

cooldad

Elixir were always a bit rubbish. Just get some new Shimano Deore or thereabouts. No need for new rotors unless yours are borked.

Easy job to fit.

JBA

Most Elixir brakes were rubbish. Great when they are working but a complete pain in the derriere if they needed any work doing on them.

The obvious, but most costly solution is to buy a new bike. However, realistically a new set of brakes as recommended by cd will get you back out on the bike.

billycool

What do you want the bike to do? It might be fine depending on what you want to get out of it.

As for brakes - I've had Avid and now use Shimano - easier to bleed and change pads and you don't need anything too posh.

Of course if you need an excuse to buy another bike - crack on!

swod1

Get rid of the brakes and fit some shimano Deore.

Depends on what you want to do on the bike and where you ride?

I’d buy the new brakes and see what you feel when riding it, can always sell on the bike later.

dangardner27

Thanks everyone for your replies...

I live in Sussex so mainly riding up on the South Downs and local tracks. I fancy getting out more on it this winter and properly exploring where I live!!

jamski

Another vote for Deores. I have M6000 and they saw me round Bike Park Wales without missing a beat. I popped in some Uberbike Race Matrix finned pads as I found the initial bite a little weak until hot, and these sorted that. Although I do struggle with them in the wet, so might have to look into that. But the brakes are great, just the pads that I've found you might need a little work with.