Do any other mechanics think the new Avid Elixir brake systems are a pain to bleed?

[mtnbykerman]

I loved bleeding Juicy 7s but the new Elixir platform has had nothing but issues whenever I bleed them(which is frequently working at an LBS where bikes come w/ Elixirs stock)

[patcycles]

I would also like to hear opinions on this. I have never bled them and have been deciding on whether to get a bleed kit or not.

Thanks...

[MrA]

I have 2 sets of 2009 elixir Cr's. Other than having the plunger system fail on one, and bleeding the system three times before I realized the problem, I find the process fairly painless. (You cans buy replacement small parts from Universalcycles.com). I find a bleed last double or better the interim needed on the Juicy7s. One thing to consider is the remaining pad and the volume of fluid you put in. Fresh pads and bleed can lead to an over-full situation. Try not to squeeze in as much fluid as possible. 90% feels about right. Eight months on my Covert set and they feel great with at least one ride per week. And, Chainlove has current Cr's for $99. Merry new year!

[matbar20]

The bleed procedure is exactly the same as Juicy's, so it is not that bleeding them is a pain. In fact I find the Avid systems' to be the cleanest procedure of any bike brand. That said, Elixer brakes do have their share of other high maintanence issues (one of them being the caliper pistons/square seals being "sticky" often causing one or both to move out and not retract properly, causing a tight feel at the lever and brake noise and drag. I swear it feels like we swap pistons on those brakes almost as often as we replace brake pads. Hope they figure it out this year.
P.S. just remember when you are bleeding the CR's, to have the pad contact dialed all the way to "out". The most important step in the process is sucking the air out of the lever body.
Good Luck!