SRAM Code R brakes - opinions

[Just get out there!]

I like my Magura MT7/MDRP upgrade much better than the factory Code R (which were good brakes but were prone to warping and noise). Magura's have much more predictable modulation and bite point, IMO. Also, Magura rotors don't seem to warp nearly as much when hot.

 

[Bndit]

2 rides in on my new-to-me (2021 ex demo) E-160, and I hate these brakes. Very little power for the weight of the bike + me (at 80Kg).

I notice that both the outboard pistons on both front & rear calipers are sticking in and won't extend out to the rotor - so that's not going to help.

Anyone had similar problems and - if so - did you cure them (how?) or just replace the brakes?

Thanks.

Changed them to XT`s, problems solved.

 

[Choppersquad]

I used to love my Code R's...... Until I got MT7's on my ebike.
Night and day difference. So much more power that when I switch between bikes I usually nearly send myself over the bars by grabbing a fistful of brake. Would dearly love to get them on my non eeb.

 

[Mcharza]

Changed them to XT`s, problems solved.

Or just change to bigger and thicker rotors and better pads. The different is huge.

 

[Bndit]

Or just change to bigger and thicker rotors and better pads. The different is huge.

I actually tried to change bigger rotor (220mm) and put trickstuff power pads, didn`t have big effect. I admit that maybe I could have asked LBS to bleed them or try something else because it was new bike, but I was so dissapointed to the performance compared to my Turbos SLX`s so I just asked them to put XT`s on. Just love those Shimano brakes. And of course I can now use same pads on both bikes and bleeding is same…

 

[Patterson Stark]

The one thing no-one has said is that they followed the Avid recommended set up of advancing the pistons with the pads out (someone earlier did alude to it) using a 1mm spacer card to stop the pistons closing tight.
The R's WERE shite until that process. Now, coupled with a good bleed and Uberbike pads, they are as good as most stuff-predictable, powerful and definitely have good modulation.
I have ridden motorbikes for years, from crosses to fastroad bikes, still do, and brakes are my first check-if not good, I move on. The speeds and weights we talk about with ebikes cannot even compare to hauling a CRF or R1 to a stop from nearly 3 figure speeds (honest officer, I said nearly).
Horses for courses I suppose, but confidence is a prerequisite for biking,and we all ride/feel different. Just don't get caught up in the ad man's ever expanding blurb net, and ride to the limits of what you can afford and enjoy.

I have 16000 K on mine and they are stuffed. Never had a problem in 2.5 years - yes I ride a lot each week in NZ dust and mud. Replacing the whole lot with… TRP based on trying friends and reviews + price.

 

[Giff]

I didn’t like the Code R’s and changed to Magura’s.
E Mountain Bike magazine did an extensive test some time ago. It’s the scrubbing of speed that is noticeable in real time.
SRAM CODE R 30-15 km/h=3.1s
MAGURA MT 30-15 km/h=1.6s
That could be between 4-8 meters difference.