guarantee replacement on elixir brakes

[doublejeopardy]

I had my avid elixir 50xr brakes replaced under guarantee. The bike was returned with sram db5 brakes with levers and adjusting screws that wobble so badly it seems they may be lucky to last 2 weeks. They seem close to being the lowest of low end. My question is: are these brakes supposedly equivalent in specification and performance? The quality is scrappy and vastly different. Any ideas? This is just 1 of many problems on a brand new bike so feeling unhappy.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Were they replaced by the shop, or by the agents?

[doublejeopardy]

Replaced by the agent.(CCS)

[doublejeopardy]

My opinion is that the guarantee should be directly honoured by the importer and not palmed off onto the lbs who then passes the problem to the brake agent. Side step all the way.

[Eugene]

Aren't Sram and Avid the same thing?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Aren't Sram and Avid the same thing?

yep. Sram DB5 is the replacement for Elixir 5 / 50XR

[TheV]

Your comments on the perceived quality of the DB5's vs the Elixir 5's are worrying...  I had high hopes the new SRAM brakes would put the Avid's to rest forever....

 

In pictures they look awesome

[doublejeopardy]

It is actually quite astounding how shoddy the db5 brakes are. Totally wobbly with a plastic feel. The fault on the elixirs is evidently well known yet they continue to be sold. In truth i would still rather have faulty elixirs then the new db5 brakes as a replacement. Totally peed off. This takes all the enthusiasm away from a brand new 'most expensive in its class' bike. The question now is: what are the opinions of other available matchmaker brakes.

[nickcza]

It is actually quite astounding how shoddy the db5 brakes are. Totally wobbly with a plastic feel. The fault on the elixirs is evidently well known yet they continue to be sold. In truth i would still rather have faulty elixirs then the new db5 brakes as a replacement. Totally peed off. This takes all the enthusiasm away from a brand new 'most expensive in its class' bike. The question now is: what are the opinions of other available matchmaker brakes.

 

Other matchmaker brakes from SRAM (non-avid) are Guide R, RS, and RSC....

I unfortunately have only ever seen reviews on the RSC, the most expensive ones.

[JXV]

Just had a quick look on SRAM's own website.

Judging by the descriptions and recommended retail pricing I would not regard the DB5 as remotely comparable to Elixir 5.

The DB series are punted as tough, no frills inexpensive product while the Elixir is clearly a more mid-range product and the Elixir Trail (4 piston calipers) at the premium end.

RRP for the DB5 is around $100 and for the Elixir 5 around $150.

Will have to look a little deeper for the Elixir 50XR as it is not a current model on their line-up.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Just had a quick look on SRAM's own website.

Judging by the descriptions and recommended retail pricing I would not regard the DB5 as remotely comparable to Elixir 5.

The DB series are punted as tough, no frills inexpensive product while the Elixir is clearly a more mid-range product and the Elixir Trail (4 piston calipers) at the premium end.

RRP for the DB5 is around $100 and for the Elixir 5 around $150.

Will have to look a little deeper for the Elixir 50XR as it is not a current model on their line-up.

Elixir 50XR loooks like an OEM version of the Elixir 5...

 

as for the DB5 - it's replaced the Elixir 5 for sure. (EDIT: Unless I'm getting something VERY wrong, but I'm happy to be corrected if that's the case) There's the DB1, DB3, DB5 - they all use the new TPC / Directlink / Piggyback / PureBladder technology vs the older (phased out) elixir's taperbore... 

 

Above the DB5 there's the Guide systems. Avid no longer exists, it's now being marketed as SRAM braking. 

[doublejeopardy]

@JXV. Big thanks, appreciate what you can find out. It seems a completely inferior product has been substituted for what should be a decent mid range product. My understanding of guarantee means a similar spec replacement which is certainly NOT the case here.

[doublejeopardy]

@cpt armpies. There is no way the 2 brakes compare favourably. Is a person just expected to accept any inferior product as a replacement? I logically think you yourself wouldnt accept the substitution. Maybe you could steer this issue in the correct direction. You obviously know the companies and people involved,and so do i, but the fact is this needs a win-win solution without starting to throw names around. Thanks.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

@cpt armpies. There is no way the 2 brakes compare favourably. Is a person just expected to accept any inferior product as a replacement? I logically think you yourself wouldnt accept the substitution. Maybe you could steer this issue in the correct direction. You obviously know the companies and people involved,and so do i, but the fact is this needs a win-win solution without starting to throw names around. Thanks.

I'm afraid I don't know the companies people involved, but the distributor for SRAM products here in SA is Cape Cycle Systems. You generally need to negotiate through a registered dealer (your LBS) in order to handle warranty / guarantee claims, and just be sure to carry on pushing them for an answer. Maybe this particular one is from a bad batch? I don't know - I haven't felt them, but seeing as you're used to your old Elixir 5's (which I had until recently as well) you'll be in the best position to notice a difference in quality.

 

Best thing to do is to talk to your LBS, and explain what is going on (they should also know what the story is as they handled the replacement for you) and ask them what they / the distributor will be doing given that your experience / perception of the brakes is that they are of inferior quality. Maybe ask if you can have another set of Elixirs, if they have any left in the factory?

[JXV]

There is a good upgrade option if your shifters have their own separate clamps - it's called XT and it doesn't have any creaky plastic parts. Sell your brand new replacement DB5s here on the Hub and pay in the extra for some real brakes (flame suit on????)

[MuddyMike]

There is a good upgrade option if your shifters have their own separate clamps - it's called XT and it doesn't have any creaky plastic parts. Sell your brand new replacement DB5s here on the Hub and pay in the extra for some real brakes (flame suit on????)

took the words out of my mouth...