Sram Brake ?

[sndmn2]

I have ridden a couple different bikes recently as I continue my search for a new ride. I am new to disc brakes as my ride has rim brakes right now. One of the bikes I rode came with Elixer 1, the other Elixer 7. I found the Elixer 7 to have a softer more controllable feel where as the Elixer 1 was all or nothing to me. Is this a characteristic difference in the two or is one better than the other? I see the Elixer 7 is a more expensive brake. Thanks.

[iamkickstand]

with hydraulic brakes there are a number of variables.

1. The brake being bled properly, or not.
2. The age/condition of the fluid.
3. The age/condition/material/etc of pads/rotors.

With Sram Brakes Avid juciy 3/5/7
Juicy, Elixer, Code etc.

the higher the number usually the nicer the brake, how much nicer, how noticeable, how worth the money? thats up to you

[Roy]

The difference is weight and down hill performance. You pay a lot more for a little less weight, better fade resistance, and higher repair costs.
For normal Michigan ridding both brakes are way more then you need.
Both use DOT brake fluid which is need for high temperature down hill runs. The Elixer 1 uses Dot 4 which boils at 446 f, the Elixer 7 uses DOT 5.1 which boils at 518 f. Not a big difference. Is there a hill in michigan long and steep enough to heat a brake piston to over 400 degrees? When brake fluid boils, the brakes go away.
If you have not burned you rim brakes, then almost any disc brake will work for you. Look for a 2 piston self adjusting system. (less maintenance)

Roy

[monkeyevil]

I do agree with you there is a much different feel in modulation as you move up the Elixer line. I think the 5's are a good compromise of feel/quality/price.