SRAM DB8

Has anyone used these for a while and have any comments? Power, reliability, ease of bleed etc?

Thank you!

DB8 power and feel are essentially identical to the SRAM G2 RE***. That is to say, it has a firmer initialization compared to the Code R but less power. Whether they have enough 'bite' for you is going to be personal. I'm happy enough with them on a trail bike but wouldn't cheat on rotor size. 

They're a two-syringe bleed like other SRAM brakes, Formula brakes, and Hayes brakes. No easier or harder than bleeding any of those systems. 

Do note that SRAM has a specific bleed kit (M4 fittings) for them so that folks wouldn't accidentally use DOT fluid with them. I haven't used any kits other than the SRAM mineral oil bleed kit to bleed them, but it's possible that other mineral oil bleed kits would fit if you're comfortable taking a chance with different mineral oils cross-contaminating. 

.

If you're looking specifically at mineral oil brakes, for a similar amount of money (SRP) I'd choose the Magura MT-5 over the DB8 just down to raw power. Then I'd use aftermarket pads with the MT-5 to keep the cost of ownership similar. 

.

***Not to be confused with the G2. The G2 RE, like the Guide RE before it, uses an older Code caliper with a G2 primary cylinder.