SRAM Guide RS vs Shimano SLX M7000

[Mintman]

This isn't really the tired old debate about which brake is better. I'm trying to get an idea of whether the overheating issue with the Guide RS is something to still be wary of.

 

From my internet research, I get a lot of people praising the Guide RS as a phenomenal brakeset. But I've also found long threads (even on bikehub) about the brake's internals having to be fixed or simply being replaced by SRAM with no questions asked.

 

So does anyone know if this is still a big issue worth considering? Would the SLX be more reliable?

 

Thanks! 

[V12man]

At least the guides ARE serviceable.....

 

I have 2 sets - great brakes.

[Ico Schutte]

not sure about the difference between the guide and DB5 but i just unpacked my new bike and one brake was faulty straight out the box, so replaced it with an old XT i had lying around. then 30 mins into my first ride the other jammed up.. so after about 7 years of avoiding SRAM brakes i thought i would give them a second chance just to be let down again. Never once had an issue with Shimano in over 10 years of riding. 

[Capricorn]

not sure about the difference between the guide and DB5 but i just unpacked my new bike and one brake was faulty straight out the box, so replaced it with an old XT i had lying around. then 30 mins into my first ride the other jammed up.. so after about 7 years of avoiding SRAM brakes i thought i would give them a second chance just to be let down again. Never once had an issue with Shimano in over 10 years of riding. 

so which SRAM brake failed so quickly: DB5 or Guide? Seems like you simply had rotten luck. Spit happens.

[Capricorn]

This isn't really the tired old debate about which brake is better. I'm trying to get an idea of whether the overheating issue with the Guide RS is something to still be wary of.

 

From my internet research, I get a lot of people praising the Guide RS as a phenomenal brakeset. But I've also found long threads (even on bikehub) about the brake's internals having to be fixed or simply being replaced by SRAM with no questions asked.

 

So does anyone know if this is still a big issue worth considering? Would the SLX be more reliable?

 

Thanks! 

 

it's not an overheating issue, but rather an issue of a design oversight wrt the piston in the lever body that rears its mugg when there's high ambient temperatures. It's been resolved AFAIK for those buying the latest guides. for others with older model of Guide brakes, and if the problem occurs, replacement of the piston resolves the matter as well. Again, AFAIK.

 

Guides are fantastic brakes. DB5s are the sleeper performers within the SRAM range.

[Mintman]

I like that the Guides are serviceable. But my issue is that I would buy newish second hand. So if this is a serious issue I prob wouldn't have any warranty and would have to factor the rebuild expense in.

 

That said, they are going for 3995 on special at Evobikes today...

[BaGearA]

Are SLX even in the same price bracket as guides ??

[Mintman]

Are SLX even in the same price bracket as guides ??

 

If you buy second hand, then yes.

[V12man]

I like that the Guides are serviceable. But my issue is that I would buy newish second hand. So if this is a serious issue I prob wouldn't have any warranty and would have to factor the rebuild expense in.

 

That said, they are going for 3995 on special at Evobikes today...

They will fix that problem even if they are second hand

[Mintman]

They will fix that problem even if they are second hand

 

Wow, that's good to know. Thanks!

[Bizkit031]

Had SLX for 3 years now and not one issue,been bled 3 times due to changing frames and it's been fine.The Guide RS should not be compared to the Slx but The XT brakes,if you want to compare SLX then it should be to the Guide R

[BaGearA]

Had SLX for 3 years now and not one issue,been bled 3 times due to changing frames and it's been fine.

Same experience for 4.5 years now ^

 

Paired with 203mm and 180mm rotors they make for very decent stoppers

[V12man]

Wow, that's good to know. Thanks!

You can actually fix it yourself with some light sanding of the plastic piston - it seems to swell a bit after high air temperature exposure- I wouldn't unless it was an emergency but I have watched it done and it works.

 

I serviced my one set just before epic and we saw Temps of over 40 - no issues after that at all - should not be a consideration really.

[Eugene]

Whether they warranty them or not, I would not want a brake that can fail at any time.

 

Having said that, there is a thread on the problems of SLX too.

[Meezo]

Whether they warranty them or not, I would not want a brake that can fail at any time.

 

Having said that, there is a thread on the problems of SLX too.

XT's are the problem yes.

 

But repairable as are the guides.

What most people don't realise is that brake fluid must be changed within its intervals, I'm guessing around 5-6months.

 

The primary reason for this build up on the pistons is the fluid turning black and leaving a slight layer of "dirt" on the piston.

 

Neither SRAM nor Shimano brakes are completely flawless, choose which one you prefer in terms of feel and buy that one, i didn't quite like the feel of the guides, and bought zee's instead.

 

As someone else has stated you might not be comparing apples with apples though...

 

All the best with the decision, but wait till the hope and magura fans enter

[V12man]

Whether they warranty them or not, I would not want a brake that can fail at any time.

 

Having said that, there is a thread on the problems of SLX too.

they don't really fail - the lever stops returning properly and they tend to drag a bit - not life threatening at all