skip to main |
skip to sidebar
The newest addition to Avid's Elixir family is also the most affordable. The popular TaperBore design found on previous Elixir models is used on the 3, but a new pivot assembly makes accessing the 3mm lever-reach-adjustment bolt easier. Internally, the TaperBore master cylinder is structurally the same as on the Elixir 5, as is lever-pivot placement and geometry, but an allnew two-piece caliper has more-direct porting for easier bleeds. It also has more mass, so it's a better heat sink for less fade. However, this added mass means the Elixir 3 is heavier than other Elixir models. Feel at the lever is similar to higher-priced Elixir models, but initial power comes more softly. In fact, the stock organic pads give the Elixir 3 a lessaggressive feel overall than the Elixirs that come with sintered metal pads. Those looking for more raw power (large or aggressive riders, in particular) should swap to metal pads, go up a rotor size, or both. Bonus: The Elixir's toploading design makes swapping pads a simple task.--Ron Koch (www.bicycling.com)
The newest addition to Avid's Elixir family is also the most affordable. The popular TaperBore design found on previous Elixir models is used on the 3, but a new pivot assembly makes accessing the 3mm lever-reach-adjustment bolt easier. Internally, the TaperBore master cylinder is structurally the same as on the Elixir 5, as is lever-pivot placement and geometry, but an allnew two-piece caliper has more-direct porting for easier bleeds. It also has more mass, so it's a better heat sink for less fade. However, this added mass means the Elixir 3 is heavier than other Elixir models. Feel at the lever is similar to higher-priced Elixir models, but initial power comes more softly. In fact, the stock organic pads give the Elixir 3 a lessaggressive feel overall than the Elixirs that come with sintered metal pads. Those looking for more raw power (large or aggressive riders, in particular) should swap to metal pads, go up a rotor size, or both. Bonus: The Elixir's toploading design makes swapping pads a simple task.--Ron Koch (www.bicycling.com)
