I've got a gen 3 Levo that came with SRAM code rs brakes and over the 200 mile I've done on the bike they seem to be getting spongier and spongier. To the point where the levers need a few squeezes to get a decent feel. At some points on yesterday's ride they were almost coming to the bars.
Ideally I'd like to change for some Shimano xt but no funds to do that currently so thinking about a bleed on these.
Is it worth bleed them? Do I have to buy the bleeding edge tool ?
Cheers.
Steve.
The SRAM video is a must watch.
Do I have to buy the bleeding edge tool ?
Yes.
Check your pads, as they lose feel when the pads are worn.
I like the RS Codes, but upgraded the levers to RSC for a reasonable cost.
Before you get involved with bleeding (which isn't a bad idea anyway), try exercising the caliper pistons (allowing them to come out further than they normally would, then pushing them all the way back).The pistons on these are regularly sticky on a new bike, and doing this can firm up a spongey lever an unbelievable amount (Just don't let them out too far, that'll get very messy very quickly).
200 miles? Are they new brakes? as binman says, when the pads get worn they can quite a bit of travel at the levers. They're good brakes when working well, I certianly wouldn't change them for XT.
Easy to bleed with the right tools, and 2nd for watching the YouTube.
They may have had air in the master cylinder reservoirs. When the pads wear or you lay the bike on its side the air gets into the master cylinder and you get a spongy feel. First thing is to try bleeding them properly. Don't assume that they were properly bled from new, the hoses may have been swapped side to side and air got into the system from that.
They have been fitted with new pads about 50mile ago as the original ones worn really quickly.
They are brand new brakes that come fitted on my new levo.
Don't get me wrong they are good brakes. Just wish they had more of a Shimano feel at the lever.
I think you are going to have to get some Shimano brakes if you want Shimano feel.
You should be able to sell them on if you don't get on with them. Try a lever bleed first in case there is a lot of air in them. You don't need the bleeding edge tool to do a lever bleed.
If you do sell them on, make sure you cut the hose at the lever end to keep the hose as long as possible. New hoses are really hard to get hold of and cost a fortune.
Epic bleed solutions will sell you a kit for a lot less than the official SRAM one. The bleed process is easy, but my results have been varied!