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So having got fed up with needing to bleed my Cannondales stock Avid Juicy 5 front brake for the 3rd time in under a year (4th time in 2.5 years) I've decided I should just get it replaced with something a bit more reliable.

Any suggestions? Probably set a budget limit of £130 for the front and I'll probably replace the rear later in the year.

I've got a Cannondale F3 Hardtail: http://www.flickr.com/photos/moohcowh/6659294705/

Firstly have you tried speaking to the warranty team at fisher outdoors, they may ask you to send said brake in for a assessment... Worth trying before spending.

Do you think they would when it came stock on a bike 3 years ago?

I wouldn't have thought that fishers would do much about it now. unfortunately with the Avid juicy range once they start going that way thay become maintenance heavy normal due to the piston seals in the calliper. Have a look at the new shimano brakes they are ace.

If you explain the extreme high maintenance against your riding behaviour, and even show work shop receipts if possible, they may replace or overhaul them for you.
It would be best to explain in any communications that you feel the brake is not performing to expectations for this type of product. In addition, that the problem is has been going on since shortly after the purchase of your bike. Whilst the rear brake has not had any issues, you now believe that the front break has been faulty from the factory to continually need this type of service and repair.

I think from what you have said that some of the seals are faulty in the lever or calliper, fisher warranty may also suggest this to you or that they may be worn out !
Either way they will asses the brake for you just make sure you send them recored delivery

The chances are that they'd tell me that nearly 3 year old discs need a complete overhaul and if I sent over the brake to them I'd need a replacement anyway.

Looking at the new XT brakes, they seem very well priced. Will take a closer look at those thanks!

Shimano Disc brakes are highly recommended at the minute and for longevity go with Hope!

Quick update! Judging by the amount of air coming out when I bled it tonigh, the seals are knackered and I can see the hose is stressed in a couple of places.

The amount of effort to fix plus the cost of replacement parts means I'm going to upgrade, so after trying a few different brakes on work mates bikes in the lockup today I'm going to pick up the XT M785 on payday.

Thanks for all the help.

Have a think about may be some Margua's i've got the louise one's you'll get them for around £150. but think they are on sale at chain rection.
i've had my bike a year and just need bleeding once but that was just because i changed the pads.
so i thought i'd do it any way.
but they are a great brake.

The 785's have had great reviews and you can't really go wrong with XT brakes. I still use my 755's and have only bled them once in all the years I've had them, Also I've never had to bleed my 775's in the couple of years i've had them.

Front 785 XT ordered, picked up a brand new unboxed for £75. Should arrive tomorrow!

Hopefully i might get a front brake that works and doesn't squeal constantly, as anyone who was at Epping on Sunday will have noticed...

Was that you? I could hear that further than you could see my rather bright helmet lol.

Yeah, hard to believe they were bled on Friday and had pads that were only 2 months old in them.

Remember to bed them in properly to help prevent sqeal. This article will help, it's about how to help stop squeaky brakes but does tell you how to bed them in properly if you don't already know. http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Tech-Tuesd ... -2011.html