Hydraulic brakes to replace Elixir 1's... recommendations?

Discussion in 'The Workshop' started by ScottQ, Mar 23, 2014.

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  1. ScottQ

    ScottQ Member

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    Hi guys, looking to replace the Avid Elixir 1's on my Status. They're crap and the front brake has a blown seal after less than a year of moderate use, and despite frequent bleeding I cannot get them to cooperate so I've decided to just get a better set anyways since this is my AM bike.

    Any recommendations? Looking to spend $300.
     
    ScottQ, Mar 23, 2014
    #1
  2. sir crashalot

    sir crashalot Member

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    Shimano slx, xt or saint. Might find slx for $300?
     
    sir crashalot, Mar 23, 2014
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  3. Kriller134

    Kriller134 Member

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    You can get XT for that price or even Saints if you go used. I'm a big fan of formula too.
     
    Kriller134, Mar 23, 2014
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  4. bing!

    bing! Active Member

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    bing!, Mar 23, 2014
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  5. 9er

    9er New Member

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    XT or SLX +1
     
    9er, Mar 23, 2014
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  6. herzalot

    herzalot Well-Known Member

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    You will get about 10:1 recommendations for any of the 2012+ Shimano brakes (SLX at the price you mention) vs recommendations for any other brand. I have been running XTR Trails and they are fantastic. I have 2013 Elixir XO Trails on my DH bike (with the two piston calipers) and they aren't nearly as good as the Shimanos. SLX Trail brakes FTW!
     
    herzalot, Mar 23, 2014
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  7. TheDecline

    TheDecline New Member

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    I run XT on the trail bike and have had zero issues with them in the few years I've had them.
     
    TheDecline, Mar 23, 2014
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  8. sir crashalot

    sir crashalot Member

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    Im still running old saint 810s on both bikes for 3 years. Never any problems easy to bleed and holds a bleed for a long time.
     
    sir crashalot, Mar 23, 2014
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  9. UPSed

    UPSed SPECIALizED

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    Another vote for Shimano SLX/XT. 240 geared up and I've never experienced fade and I'm not the slowest on the downhill.
     
    UPSed, Mar 23, 2014
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  10. BikeThePlanet

    BikeThePlanet Active Member

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    Best upgrade I ever made on a bike was to go from Elixirs to SLX. They were complete shyte. Worse than mechanical BB7s. Some people have had positive things to say about XO Trail. I don't care. The Elixirs were so bad Avid lost me for good. They'd have to sponsor me for me to ride their crappy brakes.
     
    BikeThePlanet, Mar 23, 2014
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  11. .:Made in OC:.

    .:Made in OC:. New Member

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    Too bad I just sold my Shimano Saint M810's a few days ago for $300! :(

    I too would recommend XT's or Saints.
     
    .:Made in OC:., Mar 23, 2014
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  12. von

    von Member

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    Unless you can find a XTs for cheap get the SLX. I rode with a friend today that had SLX s. I fondled the brakes a lil bit and they felt really good. I have XTs.
     
    von, Mar 23, 2014
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  13. UPSed

    UPSed SPECIALizED

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    I still wouldn't run 'em.
     
    UPSed, Mar 23, 2014
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  14. stevemacko

    stevemacko Member

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    I know they suck, but I was just in the same boat... Less than a year old, and the rear brake had been bled 4 times. Avid replaced the complete set under warranty... Even the front brake that was functioning perfectly. For that price, I'll use them a while longer.

    Good luck...


     
    stevemacko, Mar 23, 2014
    #14
  15. dcrfx

    dcrfx Member

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    Another XT endorsement. If you can swing it get the Ice Tech rotors too (but probably goes above the range you stated). They work real well to dissipate heat as part of the system with the finned pads. Real helpful on prolonged downhills where you have to be on the brakes allot.
     
    dcrfx, Mar 23, 2014
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  16. riiz

    riiz Member

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    XT or SLX brakes, cant go wrong with those.
     
    riiz, Mar 23, 2014
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  17. speckledtrout

    speckledtrout Active Member

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    Well, that was easy.
     
    speckledtrout, Mar 23, 2014
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  18. LuvMammoth

    LuvMammoth Member

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    I do miss the sounds my Avids made, but I agree with the XT/SLX love being shown.
     
    LuvMammoth, Mar 23, 2014
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  19. monstertiki

    monstertiki New Member

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    slx, xt, with ice tech rotors.
     
    monstertiki, Mar 23, 2014
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  20. Dino Brown

    Dino Brown Sir Smack-Alot

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    What Ed said! ^^^^^^^
    (Hey, that rhymes) :)

    FWIW: I use XT brakes / Ice Tech rotors!!
     
    Dino Brown, Mar 23, 2014
    #20
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