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New Brakes Avid Elixr - bigger rotors worth it?
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Well it's time to get some new brakes and I have been looking at the Avid Elixir R's mainly as they are at a nice price point and seem to get quite good reviews.
My question is related to the rotor size and if there is any disadvantage (apart from a little more weight) upgrading to the 8" rotors from the current 6" I have now. And if I will have any issues fitting the larger rotors. My bike is currently fitted with Tektro Auriga Comp brakes/rotors.
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I upgraded from 6-8" rotors which use Deore LX brakes and the difference is very noticeable. Bear in mind I weigh 120kgs so if I can notice a difference (assuming you are NOT 120kg) you should see a big difference.
Alternatively, get some Shimano Saints.....................niiiiiiice!
Bigger roters mean more braking power or skidding depending on the dirt. Before you go out and spend a bunch of money check with your frame and fork manufacturer to ensure that the bigger rotors fit becuase not every bike/fork is built to take an 8" rotor. Your also going to have to hunt down taller calliper mounts.
snwbrd give the brakes a go with 6" rotors first. These brakes a seriously grunty!!! Unless you are big and or doing extended big downhill runs i think that 6" rotors will be plenty big enough. these brakes are going to be a massive step up for the tektro that you are running now.
Hey snwbrd,
8" rotors provide more stopping power as they have a longer moment arm to the centre of the hub and are better able to dissipate heat due to their larger size. The downside to this is more rotating mass. Rotating mass can have almost 3x the effect of fixed weight (maybe a bit less so when it's close to the centre). (i.e adding 100g to your wheels is like adding 300g to your frame). You will also require larger 8" adaptors for your calipers as they need to be moved further away from the centre to be at the edge of the disc. These obvisouly also weigh a bit more than 6" adaptors. Check if the brakes you want to buy come with the appropriate size adaptor or if you need to buy them separately (additional expense).
I haven't personally tried Elixir's, but i have heard good things. I have Juicy 7 Carbon's with 8" rotors and they are great.
I just went to 6" Elixir from 8" Shimano Hydraulics, and was worried that I'd miss the braking power. So far I have not noticed any reduction in capability, but I haven't done a screaming down hill descent yet to see how the 6" rotors handle the heat.
Also make sure your fork will clear the rotor. Some are pretty tight on an 8".
I recently changed from 05 Hayes HFX9's with 6" Rotors to 09 Avid Elixir CR's with 8" on my AM Bike
you notice... believe me
Once you get the Elixirs bleed properly and setup they are amazing.
Couldn't recommend them enough.
Do you need 8" on anything short of a DH Bike? prob not, but I had spare 8" rotors kicking about and the weight increase is minimal.
I dont ride my bike, my bike rides me... we are currently in counseling...
I weigh 78kg and find that 7" on the front and 6" on the back are a good compromise for all round riding. I use this combo on my race bike too, although don't need the extra power most of the time.
Unless you are doing downhill or weigh heaps, a big back rotor is a waste, and more vulnerable to bending in a crash.
Most forks allow 7" (180/185mm) rotors without voiding warranty (or safety for that matter).
The weight of 7" is a bit more than 6, but 8" is a fair bit more.
"Unless you are doing downhill or weigh heaps, a big back rotor is a waste, and more vulnerable to bending in a crash."
We'll I am (sort of) - I've run 8" rotors on the back for 9 years now and haven't bent a rotor badly, not entirely sure how I've managed that but I'll take luck over skill.
Thanks for all the comments, I had a chat with a mate and he had similar thoughts. Considering I don't really do any downhill I think I will stick to the 6" rotors to save myself the hassle of looking around for adapters.
Can't wait to have some real stopping power!
Just noticed they do three sizes, 160, 185, 203... decisions decisions!
I run a 185 on the front and the standard 160 rear.
It just gives me a bit more peace of mind when doing long sustained downhills like The Oaks or Kangaroo Valley, that I won't cook the front brake.
If you did want to get the 185mm/7" or 203mm/8" rotors you can get the adapters for around $15 per end. Most LBS's have a good range.
The Shimano or Jet Black ones are the cheapest. The Hayes ones are wickedly overpriced, and the Avid's are hard to find.
Im using a Hayes on the rear and Shimano on the front for my Avid Elixir CR's. No issue at all.
I dont ride my bike, my bike rides me... we are currently in counseling...
I have decided to buy local as I don't want hassles down the track and with such a small order the price difference is not much difference when you add shipping. The best price I can find on the Avid Elixir R's is from is www.mymountainonline.com.au
Can anyone suggest any other online stores that I may be able to find a better price, I have already looked at phantom, t7, the bike shed...
Thanks!
Thanks everyone for your advice, I got my brakes yesterday and can't wait to take them for a spin!
I have had the Elixr's on for a while now and just thought I would post my feedback: WOW
Worth every cent I paid for them and has changed the way I ride...