Avid Elixir 5 SL pad life

[Two Wheelin]

I recently got a new Stumpjumper and it comes with the Avid Elixir 5 SL brakes which use organic pads. I have had the bike for maybe 3 months and have done some downhill rides and the rear brake lever has to be pulled in more than the front by quite a bit to apply the brakes. They still work fine but I was wondering if its pad wear or something else?

Do organic pads not last as long? I have Hayes Strokers on my other bike and pads last forever on that thing. I guess I can look at them but figured I would find out if organic pads wear out that much faster first.

[dirt farmer]

No, organic pads last nowhere near as long. Try sintered.

Also, you should really be using your front brakes much more than your rear: front to slow down, rear to help position the bike while slowing down.

[Two Wheelin]

Will sintered pads work with my rotors without damaging them?

I usually try to use front and rear at the same time when possible and just rear when I need to slide around a corner etc.

[dirt farmer]

Will sintered pads work with my rotors without damaging them?

I usually try to use front and rear at the same time when possible and just rear when I need to slide around a corner etc.

Yes, sintered and organic are interchangeable. No damage at all.