[Bent Wheel]

They will be used on my AM rig...which one would be the better choice? Both are priced the same. I use my rig for every type of ridin...DH/FR/XC/AM. Help me make the right decision...Please.:thumbsup:

 

[mefistofeles]

Code R's of course they're four piston brakes and will have far more stopping power than the SLX brakes. I use Code R's on my freeride bike they work well. They also look much nicer than anything in Shimano's lineup.

 

[Bent Wheel]

Code R's of course they're four piston brakes and will have far more stopping power than the SLX brakes. I use Code R's on my freeride bike they work well. They also look much nicer than anything in Shimano's lineup.

Have you had any issue's with them....rotors rubbing....bad factory bleed.
I like the reach adjustment...how does that work for ya? I'm thinking 203 F....185 R.
This is a big purchase for me...wanna do it right. Thanx.:thumbsup:

 

[BaeckerX1]

SLX are great brakes for an AM rig and I love them for that purpose, but to compare them to Codes doesn't really make any sense. As previous poster said they're 4 piston downhill brakes. If you'd compare them to anything it would have to be the Saints. You have to ask yourself how much brake you really need. If you're frequently going to the resorts with the same bike, get the Codes. If not, SLX with large rotors will be more than fine, and I've had more luck with Shimano brakes than Avids. I run SRAM drivetrains and Rockshox suspension so I'm not biased either. Cheers.

-B

 

[Bent Wheel]

SLX are great brakes for an AM rig and I love them for that purpose, but to compare them to Codes doesn't really make any sense. As previous poster said they're 4 piston downhill brakes. If you'd compare them to anything it would have to be the Saints. You have to ask yourself how much brake you really need. If you're frequently going to the resorts with the same bike, get the Codes. If not, SLX with large rotors will be more than fine, and I've had more luck with Shimano brakes than Avids. I run SRAM drivetrains and Rockshox suspension so I'm not biased either. Cheers.

-B

Thank you sir.......I was comparing the 2 only because I can get them for about the same price....I was leaning towards the SLX......occasionally I do ride some pretty gnarly DH...but for the most part it's just AM riding....I appreciate your info..Thanx.

 

[BaeckerX1]

Thank you sir.......I was comparing the 2 only because I can get them for about the same price....I was leaning towards the SLX......occasionally I do ride some pretty gnarly DH...but for the most part it's just AM riding....I appreciate your info..Thanx.

Yeah I understand about comparing them because of the price. I should have phrased my post better. I just meant on performance you can't really compare them since they're designed for different types of riding.

Another thing to consider is do you work on your own brakes? I don't mind working on/bleeding Shimanos because they use mineral oil and it's not caustic. It cleans up pretty easily and doesn't damage paint/skin. Avids I'm not as comfortable messing with, especially since I live in an apartment and do my work inside. I don't have a garage to work in. Not sure what price you're getting the brakes for, where you're getting them, or what year/model Code you're looking at, but I've seen SLX for $99 per wheel online.

I think the SLX will be alright for the occasional downhill trips, especially if you put 203/180 rotors on. For AM/trail riding I only run 180/160mm rotors with the SLX brakes and the stopping power is more than enough for me, and I'm a big guy at 230 lbs. I'm not looking to eject myself over the bars very often.

One of the things I like about the SLX and the Servo Wave is that they retract quite a bit from the pads when not in use. This makes it easier to eliminate rotor rub and eliminate any drag. It also gives you a little more leeway if your rotor isn't completely true. As for factory bleeds, you're going to have varying results. You might get a good one, you might get a bad one. Hard to say. One set I ordered was perfect, another was pretty bad. You'll probably have to shorten your lines anyway regardless. Luckily I find Shimano brakes to be a lot easier to bleed, they just take awhile. If you get them from a shop, they should install them for you and make sure they're bled properly without charging you for the work.

The SLX are not going to have nearly the same all out stopping power as the Codes, but the modulation will probably be better. If you do find yourself on really fast downhill runs fairly often though, get the Codes. Given what you described, I'd probably try the SLX with 203/180mm rotors.

 

[Bent Wheel]

Yeah I understand about comparing them because of the price. I should have phrased my post better. I just meant on performance you can't really compare them since they're designed for different types of riding.

Another thing to consider is do you work on your own brakes? I don't mind working on/bleeding Shimanos because they use mineral oil and it's not caustic. It cleans up pretty easily and doesn't damage paint/skin. Avids I'm not as comfortable messing with, especially since I live in an apartment and do my work inside. I don't have a garage to work in. Not sure what price you're getting the brakes for, where you're getting them, or what year/model Code you're looking at, but I've seen SLX for $99 per wheel online.

I think the SLX will be alright for the occasional downhill trips, especially if you put 203/180 rotors on. For AM/trail riding I only run 180/160mm rotors with the SLX brakes and the stopping power is more than enough for me, and I'm a big guy at 230 lbs. I'm not looking to eject myself over the bars very often.

One of the things I like about the SLX and the Servo Wave is that they retract quite a bit from the pads when not in use. This makes it easier to eliminate rotor rub and eliminate any drag. It also gives you a little more leeway if your rotor isn't completely true. As for factory bleeds, you're going to have varying results. You might get a good one, you might get a bad one. Hard to say. One set I ordered was perfect, another was pretty bad. You'll probably have to shorten your lines anyway regardless. Luckily I find Shimano brakes to be a lot easier to bleed, they just take awhile. If you get them from a shop, they should install them for you and make sure they're bled properly without charging you for the work.

The SLX are not going to have nearly the same all out stopping power as the Codes, but the modulation will probably be better. If you do find yourself on really fast downhill runs fairly often though, get the Codes. Given what you described, I'd probably try the SLX with 203/180mm rotors.

With this info...I'm leaning towards the SLX more & more....ease of set-up, easy bleeding, mineral oil, set it and forget it scenario.....yeah, I think I'm gunna go for these.....sounds like a better set-up for me. Thanx B....good info.

 

[mefistofeles]

I have Saints as well and the manual lever adjust is nice but it's not exactly all that, in terms of rubbing I still have some issues with my GF Hifi Plus,although the Anthem X 29er doesn't have quite as many problems, it uses a 15mm t/a hub.

In terms of stopping power I say that get as much as you can. When I ride with the Saints or Codes I have alot confidence in the bike,more so with the Saints than the Codes. I know that I can simply let go of the brake and grab it at the last second.

Before when I had the Elixir CR's on my Faith 0 I had to actually ride the brakes when I went down a steep hill. There was always a fear that I wouldn't be able to hit my stop points.

Now with the Code R's I don't worry I simply let the brakes go and stop at the last minute. This makes riding much more enjoyable because I don't have to worry about managing my speed when I'm going down and only have to worry about my braking point. The Code Rs' allow me to focus on the descent and turns themselves and allow me the luxury of enjoying my descent. If you chose the Elixir CR's or the SLX's over the Codes you're going to constantly spend your time managing velocity and worrying about overshooting braking points,versus the experience of enjoying your descent.

Powerful Brakes=Freedom

 

[Bent Wheel]

I have Saints as well and the manual lever adjust is nice but it's not exactly all that, in terms of rubbing I still have some issues with my GF Hifi Plus,although the Anthem X 29er doesn't have quite as many problems, it uses a 15mm t/a hub.

In terms of stopping power I say that get as much as you can. When I ride with the Saints or Codes I have alot confidence in the bike,more so with the Saints than the Codes. I know that I can simply let go of the brake and grab it at the last second.

Before when I had the Elixir CR's on my Faith 0 I had to actually ride the brakes when I went down a steep hill. There was always a fear that I wouldn't be able to hit my stop points.

Now with the Code R's I don't worry I simply let the brakes go and stop at the last minute. This makes riding much more enjoyable because I don't have to worry about managing my speed when I'm going down and only have to worry about my braking point. The Code Rs' allow me to focus on the descent and turns themselves and allow me the luxury of enjoying my descent. If you chose the Elixir CR's or the SLX's over the Codes you're going to constantly spend your time managing velocity and worrying about overshooting braking points,versus the experience of enjoying your descent.

Powerful Brakes=Freedom

Have you had any issue's with the Codes? Rotor rub? Trouble getting the caliper to line up? Anything? After looking closer.....the Shimano's don't come with rotors or adaptors...Codes come ready to rock....again I only get one shot at this and want to make the RIGHT decision.

 

[mefistofeles]

I haven't had any rotor rub on my Code R's,they work fine. I have three bikes with Code 5's, only one has had issues with brake rub. Note that Avid appears to have made a number of improvements on the Code R versus the Code 5,stopping power for sure. Brake rub might be another improvement.

With my Shimano Saints I have rotor rub one out of two sets,again I believe this is due to using a 9mm q/r versus a 15mm t/a.

As far as Codes are concerned if you have a thin ,hard frame it could make noise however I was able to solve this problem by going to a floating rotor,Shimano. I had noise with my Juicy 3's and Code's on my XTC 29er frame however I didn't have problems with my the Elixir R's on my Gary Fisher Rig. Note that Giant's XTC 29er has a very hard and thin hydroformed frame,I don't think this will be a factor in your case if you're using a long travel bike.

Although Shimano doesn't include rotors or adapters I like their strategy better, it allows you to chose an expensive or cheap rotor for your brake system. The Avid rotors are okay and shouldn't give you any problems.

I think you'll like the Code R's, they are better than the Code 5's that they replaced and have excellent stopping power. Cosmeticallly they Code R's are the nicest brake I've seen.

 

[Thor Lord of Thunder]

Just put Code Rs on my Bottlerocket....203 front and rear. No issues setting the calipers/rotors up, but did have to bleed to shorten the lines. Factory bleed was ok after some lever reach adjustments, but they're definitely better now. First impressions? They look great and are hella powerful!

 

[Lets Try Science]

I'm in the same boat comparing these two. I was surprised to see the weight between the two so close.

SLX can be had for $100 online while the cheapest I've seen Code R is $160. The rub is that the SLX come with 160mm rotors while the Code R come with 180 or 203 so once you get new rotors the SLX are less than $100 cheaper than the Code R.

If I was going to lose out on all the upsides of the Code R I'd like to gain something besides a few bucks in my pocket, maybe a few ounces less weight.

 

[Bent Wheel]

I'm in the same boat comparing these two. I was surprised to see the weight between the two so close.

SLX can be had for $100 online while the cheapest I've seen Code R is $160. The rub is that the SLX come with 160mm rotors while the Code R come with 180 or 203 so once you get new rotors the SLX are less than $100 cheaper than the Code R.

If I was going to lose out on all the upsides of the Code R I'd like to gain something besides a few bucks in my pocket, maybe a few ounces less weight.

I ended up with a set of Avid Elixir R take off's from a 2011 Stumpy.....haven't had them out in the dirt/mud yet, but just around the "hood" they seem to be pretty good.
C'mon sunshine....I'm ready to try these babies out.

 

[lel-95]

slx > any avid brake IMO.

every avid i have used has had problems.

i owned a pair of code 5's, they were the noisiest and most underpowered brakes i've ever used. (203mm front and 185mm rear with sintered and organic pads)

then there was the juicy 7, same problems as the codes.

now im running a saint on the rear and an slx on the front and what a difference! i now have noise free and powerful brakes

i would never use avid again, wouldn't even recommend them , but if you like them then great!

 

[buddhak]

slx > any avid brake IMO.

every avid i have used has had problems.

i owned a pair of code 5's, they were the noisiest and most underpowered brakes i've ever used. (203mm front and 185mm rear with sintered and organic pads)

then there was the juicy 7, same problems as the codes.

now im running a saint on the rear and an slx on the front and what a difference! i now have noise free and powerful brakes

i would never use avid again, wouldn't even recommend them , but if you like them then great!

Educate me...why the big 4-pot brake on the rear?

 

[lel-95]

i got it for a really good price basically.

i was planning on getting an slx for the rear but i got a brand new saint for the same price as the slx, so i just bought it.

i was thinking about swapping the callipers around so i have the saint on the front, but the slx is more than enough, so im not going to bother

 

[buddhak]

Wakarimasu. I understand.