In a move that seems to be a reflection of what Shimano has done with XTR, and XTR Trail, SRAM just released information telling us about a new pair of brakes they are calling “X0″ and “X0 Trail”.
X0 Brakes in “Red”. (Image courtesy of SRAM)
X0 Brakes: SRAM has been introducing new names and design tweaks across the range of its brakes for 2012/13. Gone are the Juicy, and for the most part, Avid branding in turn for branding that aligns more with the drive train parts. SRAM says the X0 brakes retain the tool free reach adjustment and are Match Maker X compatible. There is a colorway choice of Red, (shown here), silver, or black.
Rotor sizes supported will be 160, 170, 180, and 200mm in the new HS 1 design. (SRAM lists a 140mm rotor in HS 1 but does not indicate that it will work for the new X0 brake.) Weight claimed for the system is 315gm for a front brake, direct mount, 160mm rotor. The system runs on DOT 5.1 fluid and is a 2 piston, “open” design. The caliper is a forged, 2 piece design. Pads are organic with alloy backing plates. Expected availability is mid-July. Price is set at MSRP $261.00 per wheel.
X0 Trail brakes (Image courtesy of SRAM)
X0 Trail: Here’s the answer to Shimano’s XTR Trail brakes, seemingly, from SRAM. A four piston, lightweight caliper and lever design SRAM is calling “X0 Trail”. The new design features a tool free reach and pad adjustment along with the Match Maker X compatibility. The lever also features a pivot bearing which the X0 lacks. It will be available in the silver, (as shown), or black versions. Both the X0 Trail and X0 brake calipers will have tooled adjustable banjo fittings, which owners of full suspension rigs should like. All other features of the X0 brake apply here as well.
You’ll pay a slight weight penalty for the (assumed) more power of the “Trail” version of X0. Claimed weight is 340 grams for a 160mm rotor, front, direct mount version. Price for the X0 Trail brakes is set at MSRP $310.00 and they should be available in mid-July according to the press release.
We expect to find out more concerning these brakes in a few weeks at Sea Otter. Will there be a “XX Trail” version as well? Time will tell, but assuming that SRAM is trying to address the Shimano XTR Trail brake idea, one might be pardoned for thinking along these lines.
NOTE: Images and information used in this post were supplied by SRAM in a press release.
SRAM is really chasing Shimano it seems. With these new ‘trail’ brakes (they should use a different name at least, like XO4 for 4 piston or something), and the roller clutch derailleurs, it seems like they’re playing catch up.
I like XO4, but i think it will help most customers when manufactures use same terminology, trail, xc etc.
They do seem to be playing catch up but until they introduce a brake using mineral oil, they havent, and I’m just not interested. Mineral oil doesnt seem to fade as fast, doesn’t act adversely in really cold weather and doesnt eat paint or the planet. I’ll just keep buying Shimano.
Do we really need two diferent models of brakes that are really so close in terms of weight and performance? Marketing I guess.
will the howling/turkey gobble squealing noisy nonsense be addressed in these new brakes. funny how its not mentioned..but you can hear a avid brake user coming from a mile away.. can someone from avid comment on this?
(or prepare for another season of many many many warranty replacements)……just sayin
@ Jettpack, AAAAAMEN! I’ve noticed a bit with most manufacturers but you’re right on w/Avid. I actually had to “hybrid-ize” my bikes to end that misery. I run Shimano w/Tektro wavy rotors on one and Auriga Comps w/Avid CS3 on two others (don’t even ask about the BB5′s on new belt drive AAAARRRGH) but all without turkey gobble, quail qweefe, monkey howl, and snail snoggle.
Maybe if all the R&D guys would just have lunch and compare notes…I’d even buy their drinks!
Has Avid fixed the air leakage problem experienced by so many of the previous Elixir models? I got fed up with them after a long series of warranty replacements, countless bleeds to get out fresh air, several brake failures out in the absolute middle of nowhere. Every time I talked to someone at Avid, I got a different excuse for why air was getting into the lever so quickly – slightly permeable bladder, air bubbles stuck at the far end of the reservoir from the bleed port screw, etc. Now my bikes all have Shimano XT brakes and I couldn’t be happier.
brake x0 excelent. double piston. look nice.