Avid XX World Cup Disc Brake
A new model of Elixir for 2012, SRAM have taken the existing XX brake, sculpted the calliper, updated the lever, removed the Pad Contact adjust dial and have whittled weight down to a stunning 277 grams per end! While the original XX disc brake was no slouch, Avid understood that many riders out there were keen for a simpler system and found that they could improve the internal system of the Taperbore lever for easier bleeding and a more solid feel. The result of the partnership between Avid and SRAM is the lightest disc brake they have ever produces, that has also improve reliability and brake lever feel.

The Avid XX brake was originally based on the Elixir CR mag design but with a stripped down chassis and lighter materials to make it the lightest and most powerful XC brake on the market. For 2012, this has only improved with the latest XX and XX World Cup disc brakes. You get a forged magnesium lever body with a carbon fiber lever that weighs a scant 8 grams on its own! Also saving weight is the slim 1-bolt U-clamp that secures the lever to the bars. The U-clamp can be swapped out for SRAM's Matchmaker clamp, so you can attach the XX shift levers and suspension remote all on the one handlebar clamp for a lighter and neater cockpit setup. The forged Magnesium calliper is sculpted to remove any unnecessary material and the CPS washer design has been omitted for further gram-saving. If you're specifically after the Pad Contact Adjust dial for setting up the bite point of the brake pads, you'll want the standard XX brake. Though if you're not too concerned about this adjustment, most riders will actually find the feel of the XX World Cup lever to be smoother and more solid

TaperBore Technology
Along with the 2012 Elixir 9 and 7 brakes, the latest SRAM XX brakes get an updated Taperbore Master Cylinder that aims to protect the system from air and other unwanted particles. Although Elixirs have always been fairly intuitive to work on, by re-shaping the internals to reduce O-ring friction and provide an easier path for any present air bubbles to make their way up and out of the system when bleeding, the Avid engineers have created a simpler and lighter lever body. The result? An easier bleed that gives you a smoother actuation and a more solid feel at the lever. This has only improved on the feel from the TaperBore brake levers, with plenty of power available towards the end of the stroke but more importantly, plenty of control and modulation up till that point.

HSX Rotor
For 2012, Avid introduce a new line of disc rotors for the high-performance XX line. Featuring a new drilled pattern for the braking surface, the HSX rotors increase the rotors ability to dispel heat build up on long descents, which reduces the affect of heat on the DOT fluid and thusly reducing potential brake fade. Compared to the HS1 rotor, the HSX that comes on the XX and XX World Cup brakes is a lighter 2-piece unit that gets an alloy central spider that connects the stainless steel brake track to the wheels hub. Though the awesome feature of the HSX and G3 rotors is that they're backwards/forwards compatible with the entire Elixir brake line so you can get the setup you require without necessarily having to buy new rotors.

From SRAM:

"If you’re going to be the lightest brake component in the most advanced cross-country group ever, you have to be more than good. You have to be remarkable. XX World Cup has been trimmed down to a impressive 277g while maintaining the features and reliability you rely on to keep you in the lead. Incorporating lightweight two-piece forged magnesium calipers and carbon fiber levers, XX World Cup features the precise control of TaperBore technology and tooled-reach adjust. Just because weight matters, doesn’t mean nothing else should".
 

The Avid XX World Cup Brakes feature:

• Re-designed TaperBore Lever with Integrated Reservoir
• Carbon Fibre lever blade
• Two-piece forged Magnesium calliper
• Top loading pads
• Adjustable banjo
• MatchMakerX compatible
• DOT 5.1 standard
• Brake Pads: Organic with Alloy backing plate (Sintered Metallic available aftermarket)
• New HSX 2-piece Disc Rotor (6-Bolt pattern)
• Available rotor sizes: 140mm, 160mm and 180mm
• Weight: 277 grams (160mm rotor)
• Each brake includes: Brake lever, Calliper, Hose, Rotor and Mounting Hardware
• Comes ready to mount - no bleeding required!

SRAM XX sets a new standard in XC mountain bike components with the new Avid XX World Cup brakes