Where to go from Elixir 5's?

[T-Bob]

Think it's time to upgrade the brakes on my 26er dualie. It's currently got Avid elixir 5's on it and the are suffering the usual Avid issues (play before engaging, pistons binding, probably worn o rings all that jazz).

 

Question is is it worth getting them serviced as the kit is fairly pricey and then there are always some added extras. Chatted to my mechanic and just reckons I take the money and get a new / used set and a different model rather than try to fix it as the pistons can often collapse in the process causing more parts, labour ect. I trust the guy and he's just mechanic, not part of a shop so no hidden agenda.

 

What would you go for? I was thinking SLX and wondering if anyones seen any deals going?

 

If not then want else are hubbers liking?

[rouxtjie]

SLX ftw....crown jewel in groupset....basically XT's without the badge.

 

Do it....it will set you free...chuck those avid breaks in the bin where they belong

[grego12]

I had Avid Elixir's...switched to Shimano XT...best thing I ever did!

[braailegend]

You can look ZEF with your shiny Shimano levers... or you can buy class:

 

http://merlincycles-img.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/productImage_1280_1024_ffffff_image-jpeg/9586_hope_stealth_tech_evo_x2_m4_brakes.jpg

Edited May 8, 2014 by braailegend

[Claudio]

I went XT's after Elixers, never looked back. Been riding them for 9 months and haven't had to re-bleed, change the pads, nothing. Not to mention their phenomenal performance and SILENCE! I've heard the SLX's are, as rouxtjie said, debadged XT's. Fit and forget option

[wepat]

+1

 

I broke off my right hand XT (Big Off) at the moment running XT (L) and SLX ® no real difference and brakes just work had Avids took them off and sold them for R500.

 

Stock on XT is hard to find and they cost about R1K more also if you can run Ice Tec rotors

[Claudio]

You can look ZEF with your shiny Shimano levers... of you can buy class:

 

Class costs! But is beautiful...

[ians H2Sport]

all brakes should be Shimano

[braailegend]

Class costs! But is beautiful...

 

Most Expensive part on my bike, makes up 1/3 of my total build cost

[Cruz Addict]

SLX or XT are the best affordable option from an initial purchase price perspective but shimano do not have any spares for them apart from pads, if you are lucky enough to find( resin is all i have seen recently.)

if you break a lever its a whole new set likewise with the calliper ect. not a big issue if you never break anything, huge issue if you do. ( i know i just had to drop 2k on new levers as they do not come in single sides so you have to buy both)

hope are a thing of beauty and everything can be replaced as parts but are much more expensive initially. alot more customisable to how you want them to feel. if you are coming from avids you wont know what you are missing and in my opinion what you dont know you wont miss so they may be over kill. again if you have the cash and want to spend it, spend it.

you cannot go wrong with the SLX or XT brakes. i love mine, doubt i will ever change to another brand but as i say be prepared if you hit a tree and need a new lever etc.

[T-Bob]

Think I'm getting a group feeling towards Shimano then! Now need to find some deals.

[rouxtjie]

Think I'm getting a group feeling towards Shimano then! Now need to find some deals.

I normally check easybike first...they almost always beat crc or evan's prices and they are local.

[Guest Omega Man]

Think I'm getting a group feeling towards Shimano then! Now need to find some deals.

Apparently if u want mega power for min ront go for Zee. They are the cheap 4 pot version of the Saints.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I normally check easybike first...they almost always beat crc or evan's prices and they are local.

 

Don't forget Evobikes

[rouxtjie]

Don't forget Evobikes

Yep them too....its normally a coin flip between them and easybike...

[rouxtjie]

Apparently if u want mega power for min ront go for Zee. They are the cheap 4 pot version of the Saints.

And they are mucho sexy....