Unique for 2011 within the Avid discbrakes category is completing the XO range with a new addition to the Avid Elixir family. Previously, the Sram owned company, Avid didn’t possess the possiblity to tie in their brake systems and Sram gearing group sets, but this time the revolutionary 2 x 10 series is complete. The XO standard really has become transmitted into the Avid discbrakes range with sufficient of colour options also.
These new disc brakes,branded up as Avid Elixir XO, a combination of both Avid and Sram terminology could well polish off an already impressive group set for any bike. Weighing in at approximatively 333 grams these discbrakes pack one hell of a punch yet come with all the trimmings regarding adjustment. Ambidextrous levers make life that little bit easier, carbon fibre lever blades provide a more comfortable feel as well as reducing the weight. Contact point adjustment, reach adjustment, matchmaker compatible and the usual Avid tri-align system giving you no reason for not having perfectly square brake pads. Avid are the only company that use this type of calliper alignment and trust me, it really does save a lot of time and hassle.
One of the new features with this discbrakes is that you can have the graphics in different colours which may not sound relevant but if you have invested in the various colour options of the XO group set, cassette, rear mech and shifters, then it will certainly tie everything in with each other. Such a nice touch!
On the more serious side of things, the XO discbrakes looks just like the XX brake however they are only similar in looks. The XX works with a magnesium calliper thus so that it is lighter by around 50 grams but also nearly 100 higher in price. Compare to the XO’s smaller brother, the Elixir CR it does have quite a few upgrades. Such things as a carbon fibre lever blade are a nice touch it also has what they call ”mojo”. Apparently its not a sauce but a secret magic and moxie that radically improves the braking performance. I’d assume it is a kind of brake fluid specially intended for the brake.
These discbrakes are certainly not the most affordable out there but since when has buying cheap discbrakes ever been recommended
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