MTB - Avid Elixir ?

Randell Floyd · 5 Aug 2009 at 12:47

I've had my Merlin Malt 4 for over a year now, and it's time for the magura julies to be sent to hell, as they don't quite do the business on such places as Llandegla and C-Y-B.

I'm not looking at breaking the bank, and I'm down to
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/mount...brakes/avid-elixir-5-disc-brakes-f-r-set.html

or

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/mount...disc-brakes/avid-elixir-r-disc-brake-set.html

I'm tipping towards the Elixir R as I can then have 185mm at the front.

Anyone have any real world feedback on such brake setups? I assume they fit the Malt straight from the box, and LBS has quote £25 for fitting them as long as they don't need cutting, as they come pre-bled.

ichabod crane · 5 Aug 2009 at 12:49

I would go with the Elixir R they are a lighter break and have more adjustment.

Burned_Alive · 5 Aug 2009 at 12:56

My mate has the Elixir Rs and is very happy with them, seem to stop him pretty well when he needs it!

SoliD · 5 Aug 2009 at 13:39

Got the Elixir R Carbon on the boardman and they are a fantastic brake to use.

Randell Floyd · 5 Aug 2009 at 13:56

Ordered the Elixir R for delivery tomorrow morning. Anyone know how hard fitting is for someone who can just about do basic things on a bike

ichabod crane · 5 Aug 2009 at 14:01

you should be fine all you need is an alan key and star screw driver for the rotor bolts and follow the intructions!

Burned_Alive · 5 Aug 2009 at 14:18

It's literally just a case of unbolting the old stuff and bolting on the new, plus a little bit of faffing around aligning them, but as long as you follow the instructions you'll be fine.

Randell Floyd · 5 Aug 2009 at 14:47

Sweet will have a go at that then, had a quick look at the online instructions and they don't seem that bad, fit some new road tires and then go for a blast

Burned_Alive · 5 Aug 2009 at 14:48

Where do you live?

Randell Floyd · 5 Aug 2009 at 15:07

Bangor when off work, Llangollen while working, work in Manchester

Burned_Alive · 5 Aug 2009 at 15:23

Ah right, thought you might be nearer (Knutsford) in which case I could help out if you struggle. I'm sure there's probably a/some members nearby who could help you if you get stuck.

Randell Floyd · 9 Aug 2009 at 12:54

Fitted the actual brakes in no time at all with no problems, but when I tried taking the screws holding the old brakes in place off before they arrived, three of the bolts rounded with out any real power applied too them, ended up having too dermel the brake discs off and then the bolt, lucky I had no plans for the brakes really!

Not had a chance to test the brakes yet, as it was a weekend of Kayaking, but hopefully I'll let them loose on the road this coming week.