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the internals of my SRAM guide RS brakes are goosed, a bit sheared off(internal to lever arm), was hoping to refurbish but not an option.
Im now considering what brakes to replace with - i am trail and XC riding mainly and don't need top end. Anyone got any good recomendations of good mid range budget brake systems?
also is it possible/ recommended to mix and match(i.e. keep my existing calipers and get new levers?). i doubt it but just asking.
cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Formula Cura 2 are ace
Running Saints, RSCs, and MT7s and preference is in thar order
At that price it's hard to not go with the RSCs
You can buy replacement levels but I doubt you'll find them new for less than that set of Codes above.
If they're for trail/XC riding then 2-pot will be enough? Set of SLX for £110 all in would be my choice:
https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-slx-m7100-front-and-rear-disc-brake-set-179619.html
or
4-pot Deore for more power for same price:
https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-deore-m6100-m6120-front-and-rear-disc-brake-set-213641.html
Personally I’d pick up some Code RSC as they are as near to fit and forget as I’ve ever got with an mtb brake. If you can find Code RS on eBay (often taken off an OE Specialized) then they might be a cheaper deal.
Not a fan of Shimano for a few reasons based around reliability.
Have heard pretty good things about Cura 4s so could be tempted to try those too.
So I had Guide Ts on my bike and I've been looking to upgrade them for a while as they just seem a bit mince.
I bought those Code RSCs that rockhopper70 linked above from eBay. Arrived today and fitted this afternoon. Quick 12 mile ride around a local loop and I'm sold. More power and more modulation. They are an OEM set and come ready bled and with sintered pads.
Only issue I had was the rear brake, the lever was pulling pretty much all the way to the bars, even with the bite point adjuster set for the closest bite point, also the reach adjuster was set the same as the front.
I hooked up my bleeding kit to the rear caliper and pushed some fluid into it before locking off the magic bleeding port jobby. That sorted it out for me. Bit odd but hey ho.
The bleed-a-ma-jig tool is ace and it helps to slightly overfill SRAM brakes which I think is a key to a great bleed on these.
G2 RSC on all our bikes. Second hand, removed from someones new bike as they prefer Shimano. Done via the classifieds.
I'd be tempted to look for a pre loved Hope brakes. You'll be able to keep those things trucking forever.
I went from SRAM guide RE's to hope tech4 E4 and they are amazing. Really give you confidence. The x2's probably would have been enough but the E4's have so much more power.
I've got code RSC on the Enduro and SLX 2 pots on my commuter. Both are excellent brakes.
Agree on overfilling the rear on codes to perfect the bite point.
4 pot deores for £110 would get my money
I have a set and they are excellent brakes for the money, I have tech4s on my other bike and while they are not quite as smooth in action or as powerful theyre not far off the much more expensive hopes!
also is it possible/ recommended to mix and match(i.e. keep my existing calipers and get new levers?). i doubt it but just asking.
Yes, you can mix and match SRAM levers and calipers. There used to be a model that had Guide levers and old code calipers I think. Code levers are higher volume/more fluid/handle heat better in heavy use.
You can probably buy a new lever for about £50. But really hard to beat a full set of new brakes with discs and pads for £150 (especially if you sell the bits you don't need or your existing brakes for spares)