AVID’S ELIXIR 3 is low on features but high on control for its cost. It uses the most basic ‘humpback’ Elixir lever body and a fixed-hose calliper that has to be aligned using pain-in-the-arse cup and cone washers. It runs on less heat tolerant DOT 4 fluid too, though you can upgrade to DOT 5 easily enough.
You do get a two-bolt clamp for easy bar fitting
though, along with the latest, quieter, pulse-free HS1 rotor to keep weight
reasonable. Avid’s unique close-in lever pivot gives a natural sweep that
boosts adequate power and improves already decent feedback levels.
Bleeding is OK if not brilliant, and the basic Elixir
lever has always been the most reliable. It’s a decent high control, low price
XC/trail option. There’s no brake-only option though.
WEIGHT 442g
POWER 100Nm
PRICE: 148$
