Formula R1 vs. SRAM XX

hello guys,

I am on the same boat. I am trying to decide whether to buy the R1s or the XXs. I found the R1s for $560 with the 2piece rotor and adapters, and I also found the XXs for $475. Based on your experiences, which way would you fella´s take? Should I save the extra 100 or should I just buy the formulas. :madman:

thanks

Both of these are XC race brakes. The super low weight means the power is slightly compromised.
XX still has pretty good power, but elixirs have seemingly had some hit and miss issues with setup. I have had a set which caused initial issues but with a little work they are now no issue. Equally I have 2 pairs which have been flawless since day 1.

The R1 are more powerful than the XX. They are more expensive as they don't come standard with rotors. A few people having recurring dragging issues with them, and some early versions of the brakes have had leaking from the master cylinder.

Thanks for your comment. It will be a tough decision. About power, Bikeradar tested a bunch of brakes including these two. Apparently, the R1 had better numbers overall. However, at 150N the XX showed a bit more power.

I dont think you could go wrong with either brake. I guess you need to see if you can get good deals and which price/package appeals more

The XX modulation is impecable.

+1 on Avids

My CR mag are fantastic, good to see the XX seem to be the same. I get more impressed by the XX gruppo every time it is mentioned.

I have the Avid Elixir CR's and hate them. They constantly make noise after about 10 minutes of riding no matter what I or the bike shop does. I am looking into the Formula R1's as well. A friend of mine has the XX's and he likes them. I ride with all them time and he has had a little trouble with noise but not like I do.

Here's the skinny as I obsessed over my new brakes.

R1's have great power but essentially no on the fly adjustability.

XX's have less power but have tons of adjustability and are, in general, cheaper.

I personally use the contact point adjustment often, hence, I now have a set of XX's on my trail bike. I have had no problems with power with my XXs (180mm front, 160mm rear), but, I take it as fact that the R1's are more powerful.

The adjustability options vs. raw power is the true performance difference between these brakes. You need to figure out which is more important to you.

I'm running the R1's (180mm/160mm combo) on my Transition TransAM setup as a SS with 160mm fork. I've ridden it about 4 times (about 8hrs only) so far and the braking and modulation is by far better than any Juicy or XTR braking system I've ever owned/tried. Haven't heard a peep out of them and the stopping power for a lightweight brake is pretty amazing. I wouldn't hesitate to put these on my Nomad that I use for AM/FR. Haven't had any leaking or alignment issues as of yet. Paid $550.00.

Lowball said:

I'm running the R1's (180mm) on my Transition TransAM setup as a SS with 160mm fork. I've ridden it about 4 times (about 8hrs only) so far and the breaking and modulation is by far better than any Juicy or XTR braking system I've ever owned/tried. Haven't heard a peep out of them and the stopping power for a lightweight brake is pretty amazing. I wouldn't hesitate to put these on my Nomad that I use for AM/FR. Haven't had any leaking or alignment issues as of yet. Paid $550.00.

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appreciate your feedback on the R1s... i'm thinking of them for my nomad... which currently has 8/7 elixir crs... i'm looking at going to 185mm XX or elixir mags or temped to try the formulas either Ones or R1s... could the R1s handle the occassional mega decent?... i'm not hard on brakes but like to be able to scrub a lot of speed when needed... from your experience with them do you think the R1s would handle big descents on a relatively burly (170mm lyrik DH, CCDB, etc.) but light nomad (29lbs) ?

appreciate the input...

gratiflying said:

appreciate your feedback on the R1s... i'm thinking of them for my nomad... which currently has 8/7 elixir crs... i'm looking at going to 185mm XX or elixir mags or temped to try the formulas either Ones or R1s... could the R1s handle the occasional mega decent?... i'm not hard on brakes but like to be able to scrub a lot of speed when needed... from your experience with them do you think the R1s would handle big descents on a relatively burly (170mm lyrik DH, CCDB, etc.) but light nomad (29lbs) ?

appreciate the input...

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I would say yes. My TransAM is 30lbs with the 2-ply's on it...so it's not light by any means and the stopping power has been great. I ride the exact same trails (Auburn, CA) that I ride my Nomad with the TransAM and haven't had any issues...it's a rigid steel frame with the Lyrik up front...so I'm not going as fast as I would on the DH as I would on my full squish but again...2.5 DH tires + 160mm Lyrik up front...think you get the idea.

Brakes: R1's with 180mm/160mm combo.

Let me know if you want any specific info and I can try to provide it for you.

Lowball said:

I would say yes. My TransAM is 30lbs with the 2-ply's on it...so it's not light by any means and the stopping power has been great. I ride the exact same trails (Auburn, CA) that I ride my Nomad with the TransAM and haven't had any issues...it's a rigid steel frame with the Lyrik up front...so I'm not going as fast as I would on the DH as I would on my full squish but again...2.5 DH tires + 160mm Lyrik up front...think you get the idea.

Brakes: R1's with 180mm/160mm combo.

Let me know if you want any specific info and I can try to provide it for you.

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cool, thanks a lot... i'm in north vancouver/whistler so the descents can be a few thousand feet and don't let up sometimes... the same/similar power as juicy 7s or elixirs would be sweet...

ok...so i am ready to pick them brakes, but I have a question. What does PM or IS stand for? Which one should I get? I have a REBA fork with Avid Juicy 7 on it.

PM = postmount -> threads on fork/frame go in parallel to rotor

IS = Intl Standard -> threads go in perpendicular to rotor

Most brake calipers sold now are PM only (R1 are PM, not sure about the XX).

You most likely have PM on your fork and, IIRC the threads should be 74mm apart which means without an adapter you can mount a 160mm rotor (will need PM to PM adapter to use a larger rotor).

On the rear you most likely have IS mounts and again, IIRC the threads are 51mm apart so you will need an adapter for the rear (IS to PM).

What size of rotors will you be running?

i will be running 160mm rotors

Ok, so you will not need an adaptor for the front and you will need an IS to PM 160mm for the rear. Both calipers should be post mount.

Hmm

Some people have great luck with Avid brakes but I really hate them big time: noisy, lack of modulation, and eats pads quick. I have Formula's now and think they are just pretty good. I would go with Shimano XT brakes as they rule the roast.