2010 shimano saint or 2011 avid codes
- Thread starter xemini
- Start date
Both are great brakes, I've used both and it really depends how much modulation you want. Personally I like how the saints have less modulation and more immediate, go big or go home power, but many people do not.
saints cost more $, if that doesnt matter go for them. i love the 2011 codes and they seemed like the best til i tried a set of saints.
I am using Codes for a year now, and I like them very much. It has plenty of power and modulation is superb. I had no reliability issues, but am through a pad change. They can get a bit noisy when wet, but otherwise the are totally silent. The weight is also very good. Lighter then a set of XTs. I have no experience with the Saints, but they seem to be solid brakes, based on what I hear from my riding buddies.
I would take Saints on pure merit of running mineral oil.
I have no interest in running DOT powered brakes ever again.
I have no interest in running DOT powered brakes ever again.
I would go with the codes - good brake and super easy to bleed. JMO
Saint is a good brake that doesn't need to be bled. Hmm.
this of course is not true. but the ability to ghetto-bleed them in the parking lot is a huge bonus, it saved several weekends of riding for me.
i totally agree on the superiority of mineral oil over DOT (although maybe not technically, but it's way more user- and environment friendly). i initially had Code's as OEM brakes on my bike and switched to saints which are IMHO better in very regard than the codes (except maybe for the ultra-stupid non-hinged lever bracket, which means that you have to get your grips off the bar, if you want to take the lever off...)
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all brakes should be done at least once a season
Both brakes are almost equal performance wise but the new codes are mcuh lighter.
My 2006 Gustav who have only been bled once, due to plumbing change just called. And they disagree with you.
I don't know why this is. On my trail bike, I have only bled my 2005 XT brakes once, and they have been working perfect the whole time, and I ride 2-3x/week in season. The only reason I bled them was 'cause I cracked the reservoir cap in a crash and needed to replace it. YMMV of course, but I just don't understand why a properly designed brake should be bled if it doesn't need it.
FWIW, my Saints on my DH bike are going on their 3rd season without a bleed. But then again, it wasn't ridden much last year (5x I think) because of the arrival of a little monkey....
All this to say, I am sold on the superior reliability of Shimano brakes. I had Juicy's and Codes and they were nothing but a headache.
This, and as slyfink said, Shimano brakes are generally very reliable and almost maintenance free. I would also suggest that if you end up with Saints, run smaller rotors unless you're doing Psychosis race run on the regular. They provide plenty of power with smaller diameter rotors, and I don't have a modulation issue with mine. The only functional advantage the Codes may have in lever feel/reach, altho I'm not even sure what the latest Saint levers look like.
because even the fluid acts as a heat reservoir in a closed hydraulic system like brakes. fluid will thermally brake down over time. they may feel ok, but fade resistance has been compromised. either way, it only takes ~15 min to bleed an elixir which are by far the hardest, i don't see why people are so lazy?
Your more then welcome to disagree, it's called Maintenance! Checking the bolts to make sure they are tight. Changing tires when the wear out, putting new pads on your bike - all of that stuff is maintenance so your bike performs at peek performance.
Every time I change my pads I bleed my brakes (DH Bike) - it takes 15 min (or one beer) to change fluid out. I always know that I have fresh fluid.
Sometimes I will skip my XC bike when I change pads but the XC bike will ALWAYS get at least 1 change a season.
But alot of people don't change the fluid in their brakes - does it really make a big difference???? I think so, and I enjoy working on my bike so I'm going to continue to take care of my bike in that manor. You don't seem to think it makes a difference. I guess we can agree to disagree
Must be one of the reasons your Avids work for you. (A small reason.)
They are both great brakes (and I am hesitant to say anything good about RS/Sram/Avid stuff). Saints might be slightly less maintenance? I've had nothing but good luck with my 2011 codes. Super reliable, and I think the ergonomics are a lot better than the saints. That stupid "servo" or whatever lever design that everyone is doing this days is so f*cking stupid IMO. But ya, they are both great brakes.
haha....dick.
I'd vote saints, but I think Avid may have finally figured out QC on their codes by 2011.
I wouldn't count on that. I had one 2011 replaced under warranty and now the other one has the same issue and needs to be warranty'd too. I just replaced them with xt's. I'm done with avid.
eh, oh well. I've only met people with problem free avid brakes on the internet so far....every one I've met has problems with them in real life.
as far as bleeding goes, you should bleed your brakes once a year, even if they don't need them. They'll perform better. It's pretty simple. DOT absorbs water making it pump up/absorb less heat, and if water gets in your mineral oil, you risk hydro lock which would be bad. It's usually not a horrible procedure, so just bust out your favorite brake juice and get it done.
as far as bleeding goes, you should bleed your brakes once a year, even if they don't need them. They'll perform better. It's pretty simple. DOT absorbs water making it pump up/absorb less heat, and if water gets in your mineral oil, you risk hydro lock which would be bad. It's usually not a horrible procedure, so just bust out your favorite brake juice and get it done.
After 3 sets of Avid brakes, my fourth (2011 Codes) has finally given me more trips to the bike shop than all the others combined (Note: i've never had to take the others to the bike shop).
The problem is not a fatal one: but the rebleeds have been far too frequent for my liking. No idea what the problem is, and the interwebs doesnt indicate air leaks are consistent problem with the 2011 Codes.
Since my last (3rd) bleed, I've switched to higher performance Dot 4 fluid. Working very well so far.
As for the brake's performance: superb. Bit grabby with the organic pads (only ever used the sintered metals before), but the modulation is surprisingly good considering the on-off reputation of previous Codes, and has been mentioned previously: sick stopping power.
The problem is not a fatal one: but the rebleeds have been far too frequent for my liking. No idea what the problem is, and the interwebs doesnt indicate air leaks are consistent problem with the 2011 Codes.
Since my last (3rd) bleed, I've switched to higher performance Dot 4 fluid. Working very well so far.
As for the brake's performance: superb. Bit grabby with the organic pads (only ever used the sintered metals before), but the modulation is surprisingly good considering the on-off reputation of previous Codes, and has been mentioned previously: sick stopping power.
Been running saints for a while now (more than a year). Codes are PITA to maintain. Mine had issues on the o-ring expanding on high temp (when left out under the sun). I'd say go for saint. Less maintenance, more time riding.
One more:
DOT are hard to find in our area, so i opted for mineral oil.
One more:
DOT are hard to find in our area, so i opted for mineral oil.