fskywalker

Hi Folks. My bike came with the Shimano Deore LX disc brakes (160mm f/r) but I decided a while ago to upgrade to the Elixir CR's with 185mm discs. After just a couple of uses I started to get the infamous brake noise in the back (At the time had a GT Zascar Carbon Expert frame, now a Look 986 hardtail but still the same noise) so decided to switch to the xx rotors and organic pads to see if it would work better. I still have the same issue and now the front brake is getting air on the line (bike at LBS now) so have decided to try something else. The LBS mechanic told me the Shimanos are very reliable and highly recommended them (And I sold my LX's ) so am considering to buy the Shimano BR-M975 XTR's, which can be found new in the net for around $200-250 pair without the discs apparently due to the fact the newwest models are comming out (M985 for race and trail versions). So my questions are: (For owners of them)

1- Are they reliable?
2- Would you recomend them?
3- How easy is to bleed them? I was told by the LBS mechanic that is a lot easier then the Avids
4- Can 185mm Avid discs be used with Shimano disc setup for 180mm? I realize the disc edge would sit closer to the top of the assembly but wonder if it would fit at all (Would like to retain those nice looking XX rotors ). The other thing I would think would work would be to elevate the disc mount the extra 5mm with spacers, have some done that?

Thanks,

Francisco

Grimlock

Personally, I'd give the Avids a little more time. The XTR set is nice though.

1.Yes, XTR is reliable.
2. They're nice brakes but so are the Avids. So are the top end Hayes and Hopes and Formulas and everything else. It's really personal preference.
3. Personally I find Elixir CRs mind-numbingly easy to bleed and the Shimano process a little messier.
4. You can try to set up the caliper but it will probably rub on the top end. Shimming it might work but I'd be surprised if either company said it was a good idea. I would compare the pad height of the two to make sure the new pads are shorter that the old ones.

ed 

Dump the Avids. They're really "frame dependent". Mine still make a bit of noise now and then and it drives me nuts. I'm hoping to move over to XT's at some point.

fskywalker

Are you saying then that the XTs are better than the XTR's? What is better on the XT's, the caliper, the lever or both? I ask because understand that you can mix & match shimano levers and calipers and I don't like the look of the XT lever (too much grey), so if the XTR lever are not the problem, would then combine them with the XT calipers.

Thanks,

Francisco

Grimlock

The XTR levers are lighter but the XT levers are more versatile, coming with a much easier reach adjustment knob and a tooled contact point adjustment screw.

fskywalker

What about the Hayes Stroker Ace or the Shimano Saint? I understand both have a 4 piston design and seems to be good based on a few reports. I saw some Sain levers (800 series ) on sale and if they are compatible with the 810 series (newer) calipers may built a full set for around $300

never

I'll give you $100 for your Elixirs...I need brakes for next year's downhill build!

Dannihilator

overkill for xc.

ed 

Actually, I said "I'm hoping to move over to XT's at some point."

fskywalker

Well, I order a pair of XTR's on sale, lets see how they work once I got them delivered....

ed 

full report please

fskywalker

Well, so far everything is great with my new XTR 180 MM rear & front brakes. I had to change the XX 185mm rotors for 180mm Hope razor 2 piece (aluminum center just like the XX's) discs (imported from england) which IMHO looks even better than the XX's!!

M_S

Just an FYI, since shimano brakes use a narrower pad, and narrower track on their rotors, you might run into issues down the line using the hope rotors with a standard width braking track, and shimano calipers.

I do not know this for sure though. I do know that shimano rotors with other brand calipers can cause pulsing and loss of power as the pad wears down unevenly and then catches on the arm of the rotor. Your case is the opposite though, and maybe someone with more experience will step in to correct me, but it seems like if you wear down the rotor over time but need to adjust your calipers for whatever reason and contact a new part of the rotor, you could run into issues (because of uneven wear on the rotor).

Again, it might not be an issue at all. I just thought I would mention it since I know compatibility in the other direction (shimano rotors with another brand caliper) doesn't work.

fskywalker

Thanks for the heads-up!! Below is a picture of the bike. (Upgrades almost done, new 2010 Sid World cup XX Fork waiting to be installed, hopefully this week.

M_S

Sweet bike, don't know about that light though. I would check with a more reliable source before you worry about brake/rotor incompatibility.

sscyco

That seat makes me very uncomfortable.

fskywalker

The SMP's looks weird, but they are comfortable, that is the SMP Trek. I have one of them also in my road bike (also a Look)


In that case is a Stratos with carbon rails!

Dilberto

Go Magura Marta SL...the best hydro brake out there for the $$. Mineral oil is also Earth-friendly and safe too.