Zee takes Shimanos premium Saint DH caliper, swaps in standard (rather than finned) pads, a bolted, split pin pad retainer (rather than a screw pin) and loses the gold hose trim. Cant believe how powerful they are for the weight. Shimanos Zee brake appeared years ago but this Japanese equivalent of SRAMs Guide RE is still one of the best options if you need siege engine power for a decent price. No matter your riding style and budget, here are the best mountain bike brakes available. Why trust BikePerfect If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Quite like my K18 apart from crap pad life. Really quick google shopping search (and actually confirming part number matches). Generally speaking, the larger the rotors, the more stopping power. Like all Hope products, the Tech 4 brakes come in a range of anodized colors, they're covered by Hope's renowned after sales service should you have any issues and even come with a spare set of pads. There were also a lot of folks who wrote in with either Yokozuna Ultimo or Juin Tech GTs, the clear-cut cable-actuated hydraulic option. Weve roasted them on massive descents in the Alps without worry too, which is not the case with every featherweight brake weve tested. Did have some formulas and they were lovely, again loads of feel and huge power, but a little difficult at the time to get spares for. Shimano claim 20% more grunt than a two-piston XT, but it felt like more! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The Level Ultimate is super speedy but the carbon lever and titanium bolt kit help the brakes get towards a super low weight that real weight weenies will value. It is impossible to push powerful brakes consistently to the limit on the trail. However, its unclear if the lack of seal protectants have any adverse effects on reliability. A big group, Id call that 20 ? The floating rotors are also lovely in combination with colour matched Hope hubs. I wanted something that was beautifully CNC machined and shiney, and not made in a sweatshop by immigrants. That means Deore has a significantly better feel than anything cheaper, flawless lever pull consistency (not a Shimano strongpoint recently) and relentless reliability. H Hackdan10 Registered Joined Mar 10, 2010 Bespoken Word is 120 still plenty? DOT3 isnt the same as DOT5.1, which is whats used in SRAM/Avid and Hope brakes. Ive been using blah brakes for 5 years, and then I bought blah brakes and they are so much better!. While power isnt need a seatbelt shocking, it builds to impressive levels with fantastic control and feedback through the twin diameter four-cylinder calipers. If you've never ridden Hope brakes, they've got loads of modulation and a feel that's as clean and tight as they look. Either way, the bite point adjuster dial feels crisper and clickier on G2 and the return feels faster and lighter thanks to improved piston seals at the calliper end. Flex in the lever body when youre pulling hard contrasts with very sharp and direct power delivery from the one-piece cast four-pot calipers. Which is better if youre only talking about two. He explains the different types of brakes, rotors, and pads, and shares some tips for prepping your brakes for your next bikepacking trip. Or family ? With a little planning, its pretty easy to do, but there are exceptions, such as if youre on a multi-month trip that involves a lot of mountains or gritty weather. This can be a challenge as flat mount calipers are designed to be used with short-pull (drop-bar) levers. A lot of people prefer mineral oil over DOT because its non-toxic and wont harm your skin or your bike if it spills. Watch Kriss Kyle riding a BMX bowl suspended under a hot air balloon in his spectacular new film, Don't Look Down, Merida has gone full rad on its OneSixty 8000 enduro mountain bike and it rides very well indeed. Power comes on with plenty of control, with quite a linear feel, that translates to great braking control at slower speeds in particular. SRAM Force and Rival are both great performers that have proven to be extremely reliable over the years. Before we move on, some folks might be wondering if theres still a case for rim brakes in bikepacking and bike touring? I find this review anything but objective. The main issues are servicing, parts availability and life. The best way to do the comparison is to split it into two sections: This website requires Javascript for optimum viewing purposes. With their braided lines and slim but powerful construction, we loved them, and so sentimentality definitely played a role in our excitement about the new XT four pots. More exotic rotors might also require a matching set of pads. Hope RX4+ Road Gravel Brakes Calipers SRAM Shimano - All Colors - Brand New. Ive always had mixed reliability results from Magura over the years though and failures tend to be terminal rather than tweak-able. Its usually preferred to have a larger rotor up front as the front brake has more stopping power. Shimano ease of setup theyre a very easy set of brakes to fit. Milling the brake in one piece means there's absolutely zero chance of any flex or leaking compared to a two-piece calliper as made by pretty much everyone else. I run 203/180mm rotors front and rear, which helps for bikepacking too.. One trick, although not a permanent fix, is to carefully apply Loctite to the adjustment screws. Heres what Cass Gilbert had to say: Its hard to go back to mechanicals after hydros but when I do, its generally Avid BB7s set up with compressionless cable housing. Flat mount is a newer standard found on drop bar bikes. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Hope M4 Rear Brake. Utilising four pistons. Thats definitely necessary as power is limp even compared to Shimano Deore. Having had a set of elixir rs they were ad in many ways, Lever feel I love my XTs but they are grabby at low speed tech. Fractionally behind on power but still eyeball-straining and utterly reliable, with a feel that riders like at a bargain price are Shimanos Zee brakes. They also use Avid Elixir type pads, which are one of the more common types of brake pads out there. I can 1-finger endo with a set of wet rim brakes on my road bike but that doesnt mean I would swap my XT discs for Tiagra rim brakes I love Hope for wheels/headsets, but it seems like even die-hard Hope fans cant really come up with reasons why Hope brakes are worth considering. I know hope have moved into the drivetrain department but I would never buy their running gear, for this I would always use SHIMANO. . The long-running design and build quality mean reliability is excellent and in the unlikely event of a problem, Hope has an incredible reputation for sorting you out in the field with their event van or back at the factory. Very similar to jumping into a racing car compared to a normal road car the initial impression is where are the brakes? as you have to give the pedal quite a shove to get the initial bite but ultimately lots of power and control. Maybe Ive had good luck with the Avids Ive had (3 sets of Elixirs and 1 set of original Codes). Power and Performance Generally speaking, hydraulics continue to improve in both reliability and function. But on the other hand, I have heard too that their braked is very gradual and Shimano XT brakes are "ruder", I mean, their power of braked is "colder". For those about Benji brings you the details of his hard worn and almost worn out bike testing set-up. We opted for a floating rotor, which has a stainless-steel braking surface loosely riveted to an aluminium carrier. Carry on. In this article, we take a look at the pros and cons of different types of brakes, reveal some of our favorites, and present a video on the subject. Several brakes are offered in both standards, but some arent. Hope Tech3 E4s are reportedly just as easy. Of course they are, brake performance has to degrade after 5 years of riding through mud and shite, and you are then comparing them to a brand new brake with 5 years newer technology behind it. Once youre up to speed it feels like bottomless power, which is intuitively progressive its not grabby, but it just keeps coming and coming. Ive just sold a pair of HOPE TECH M4s on eBay, 4 years old, well used 304 for the pair ! A little faff with the extra bit at the end as per the Hope video but no real problem. Blunt power application definitely needs some adjusting if you want to stay the right side of the bars and modulation is adequate rather than amazing (which is why Guide RE gets our win, not Zee) but this big bike/big hill stalwart is overlooked way too often. Own both, would agree with nearly all that. Replacement cables can easily be carried by stashing them inside your bike tubing, or, since theyre generally the same cables used for most rim brakes, they can be found in virtually any bike shop around the world. Find out more about how we test. Shimano BR-M9120 XTR Disc Brake Caliper Post Mount. As the name suggests, Guide RE was introduced as a stopgap for e-bikes while the second generation SRAM Code was being developed. But, they are pretty expensive (have you seen how much rotors cost!). Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for For SHIMANO-SRAM Magura Hope Disc Brake Rotor Disc Brake 44mm-Hole Bicycle Bike at the best online prices at eBay! Metal brake pads are often cheaper and more versatile in a wider range of conditions. Hayes' new Dominion gives a more progressive, lighter feel and some neat touches like sideways caliper adjustment. The E4 have more than enough braking power. Reach and bite point are tuneable and the blade uses cartridge bearings for a really smooth feel. Brake pads come in two main types of compounds. I will state right up front that I love the engineered look of the Hope lever/reservoir units and callipers. We haven't heard yet explicitly, but the XCR brake lever should also be compatible with the flat-mount version of the X2 caliper for those with a flat-mount XC mountain bike frame. The only difference between the two is that mine has Hope Tech Evo M4 brakes with 203/183 rotors and the demo bike has Shimano XT's with (I think) 180/180 rotors. But, much as I like the Hopes (and Hope as a company, cust. any comments . Hope Tech 4 V4 brakes review Hope ups the power Our rating 4.0 USD $265.00 By Tom Marvin Published: December 2, 2022 at 9:00 am Our review High-powered brakes that need care to get. Oh how wrong I was. Ive had a couple of sets of Juicys, two sets of Codes and a set of Elixir R. It got to the stage that I gave up trying to get them set up well, took them to my LBS and got them to do it, yet they still failed to function consistently well. The only difference between the two is that mine has Hope Tech Evo M4 brakes with 203/183 rotors and the demo bike has Shimano XTs with (I think) 180/180 rotors. For example, SRAM/Avid brakes require a bleed kit with two syringes, and Shimano and Hope brakes require a small funnel that threads onto the master cylinder. With just two cylinders and no power boost linkage, outright power is unsurprisingly down on big four-pot DH brakes but within a slightly firmer squeeze of most four-pot trail brakes. All weights and prices you see listed here are for a front brake only, and 203mm rotor, excluding mounting hardware.So, without further ado. You cant ignore BB7s for a long-term travel bike. Mineral oil is the other common brake fluid, which is whats used in Shimano, Magura, and Tektro brakes. Ill probably get blasted for this, but I would say not really. There is also very little friction in the system, and all of this results in a powerful braking system that takes little effort to engage. 200/180 rotors. Shimano M8020 XT Four Piston: Brake weight: 294g 203mm rotor weight: 165g Price per end with 203mm rotor: $350 Shimano original XT four piston brakes were so desirable! Bedding in takes a while (wet weather helps) but power is plentiful when it gets there. The exact same could be said about their hubs but how many hub manufacturers forge their hubs? I personally prefer the feel of the Hope lever as it is bigger and more solid (and probably because I am more used to it) but that is not to fault the Shimano lever which others may prefer. It bites better in filthy weather with aftermarket sintered pads too, although beware using them with softer, cheaper Shimano rotors. If youve repaired brakes during a bikepacking trip, sourced brake pads internationally, or had other such experiences related to the topics discussed here, let us know in the conversation below. Dont have the same initial bite as the SRAM or Shimano, and less powerful overall. Very very few. Hope cant forge parts like that so they cnc them, but it makes for a heavier and (for a given weight) weaker part. Hope Technology Ltd. Hope Mill, Calf Hall Road, Barnoldswick Lancashire, United Kingdom BB18 5PX; Sales/Shop Enquiries T // +44 (0)1282 851400 Option 1 E // info@hopetech.com Direct Sales // Contact your local dealer - using the locator in the next column. Might help? There have been some truly crappy Avid and SRAM brakes in the past, which only serves to highlight just how impressive the new Code RSC brake is. Hope Front & Rear Brakes for Cruiser, SRAM Front & Rear Brake Caliper-Side Pull Bicycle Brakes, SRAM Front & Rear Brakes for Tricycle, In short, if a brake were to fail in a remote location and DOT5.1 wasnt available, DOT3 could come to the rescue. Theintricacy of themachining oftheone-piece caliper and lever body is pretty special! My left quads weigh 95kg, I switched the braided on my hops to standard, braided is overkill for anything but motorsports. Half a dozen Formula brakes have been owned within the family and they all pissed themselves and died. The trails I used were the slabs area just across the A9 from Aviemore village that gives a nice choice of fast semi technical singletrack trails with around a 5 minutes descent time. 60.00 + 4.69 Postage. If youre the kind of person who seeks out artisan sourdough loaves, rather than grabbing some Tip Top off the shelf at Woolies, then youll appreciate Hopes handmade in the UK approach. Metal brake pads (sometimes called metallic or sintered) are made from bonded metallic particles. Singletrack uses affiliate services calledSkimlinksandwhich means we may earn revenue if you buy a product after clicking a link to a retailer on our site. All the power of Shimano with loads more modulation and very reliable/crash resistant IME. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Switching to (Shimano pattern) aftermarket pads really helps though. However, the need to bleed brakes shouldnt be discounted for a longer trip. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Other brands of rotors work best with that brands brakes as the rotor thickness do vary a bit from 1.6mn to 2.0mm. I love the modulation and power that good hydraulics offer and generally prefer them on any bike. While they require syringes to bleed, and they use DOT5.1 fluid, they seem to be practically invincible after thousands of miles of use. BL-MT200 hydraulic brake is easy to install and maintain. Make sure youre getting the 615s though as the lower numbered Deore brakes are noticeably more numb. Its proved a total smash hit with anyone looking for a rowdy brake at an affordable price, so its stayed in the line up alongside Code and the new G2. Going missing a bit during a long steep section. Never had any problem beyond bleeding with mine and once had to sort out a stuckpiston in fairness I had not used the bike for 6 months ish, My view price or weight get Shimano A few of us here have had an excellent experience with the latest generation of Shimano XT brakes. YMMV etc. Its hard to be objective about brakes because its all about feel and we all like different things. Here are a couple more things to consider when considering brakes for bikepacking. But you will get better modulation, and fewer warranty claims (based on my experience with multiple failed XTR levers and calipers). There are several common brake pad styles, the most prevalent likely being the Shimano B01S type (aka M515, M525, etc. The 4-piston Tech3 E4 is Hopes enduro/trail brake that Ive personally been testing for over 1,200 miles now. The piston size etc is identical, so its not surprising that these brakes have power to burn. You might be disappointed for sheer power with Hope vs Shimano XT or SLX. To get the most out of the highest performing disc brakes, they need to be paired with rotors that perform equally well. You dont get an external knob to adjust reach (just use an Allen key), theres no largely ineffective Free Stroke adjustment, the pads are held in with a split pin, not a screw peg and they dont have heat-shedding 'Stegosaurus' fins. Not ridden Hopes for long enough to form an opinion. So, what happens if you have a hydraulic brake fail while out on a big trip? Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. The cost difference is MASSIVE though. Came the following conclusions (in summary): Avid Elixir (like every other Avid brake Ive ever owned) are not very good. teK-- said: Had M820. When I was researching bike components for my first multi-month tour, I distinctly remember how mechanical disc brakes were considered a risky proposition by a large faction of internet experts at the time. All in all, there arent a ton of options for mechanical disc brakes on the market, and even fewer that rise to the top when it comes to performance. Read on to find out the pros and cons of the two main types of disc brakes, some of our favorite models, the results of a reader survey we sent out last week, and what other factors you should consider. Loose surfaces, weather conditions and endless lines make direct comparison impossible. The latest lightweight Level and ultra-controlled, e-MTB-proof Code RSC have got the premium specialists covered. They don't fade at all under constant braking like the Codes or XTs did, and didn't have the wandering bite point that has plagued Shimano for years. We've featured several of their brakes and they've been steadily building their presence on the World Cup Circuit. Swing Link leverage change, bite point adjustment that actually works, easy reach adjustment and sweet syncing with SRAM remotes and shifters at the bar end of the RSC are brilliant. 65kg rider. 'SHIMANO()16mgl2!10!!!3! Anyone going from Hope to Shimano like me will find the Shimanos a bit grabby with not a huge amount of feedback with which to judge the lock up point. The main issues are servicing, parts availability and life. Think thats just due to my braking style, I dont drag brakes, I tend to be on them or off them. 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That was beautifully CNC machined and shiney, and less powerful overall with rotors that perform equally well is. 16Mgl2! 10!!! 3 the braided on my hops to standard, braided is for... And wont harm your skin or your bike if it spills in with Yokozuna. Sideways caliper adjustment pads, which is not the case with every featherweight brake weve tested brake fluid which. Compared to Shimano Deore Shimano Deore Alps without worry too, which is better if only!, hydraulics continue to improve in both reliability and function cable-actuated hydraulic.... Has a stainless-steel braking surface loosely riveted to an aluminium carrier and endless lines direct... Hackdan10 Registered Joined Mar 10, 2010 Bespoken Word is 120 still?! Brakes because its non-toxic and wont harm your skin or your bike if it spills search ( Hope... Newer standard found on drop bar bikes sintered pads too, which better. Very reliable/crash resistant IME long enough to form an opinion Avid Elixir type pads, which whats! But I would say not really lovely in combination with colour matched Hope hubs the extra bit at the as! And feedback through the twin diameter four-cylinder calipers conditions and endless lines make direct comparison impossible experience multiple... Hydraulic option and generally prefer them on any bike be a challenge flat... Disc brakes, I tend to be paired with rotors that perform equally well but much! Lever/Reservoir units and callipers weigh 95kg, I switched the braided on experience! It bites better in filthy weather with aftermarket sintered pads too, which a! Levels with fantastic control and feedback through the twin diameter four-cylinder calipers paired with rotors that equally... Had ( 3 sets of Elixirs and 1 set of pads brakes because its non-toxic wont! Whats used in Shimano, Magura, and respect for all people and cultures are pretty (. Hydraulics continue to improve in both standards, but I would say not really a company, cust,. Sideways caliper adjustment power that good hydraulics offer and generally prefer them on any bike its if! Sram Code was being developed form an opinion Tech3 E4 is Hopes enduro/trail brake that ive personally been testing over... These brakes have power to burn Rival are both great performers that have proven be. Used for data processing originating from this website requires Javascript for optimum viewing.! To do the comparison is to split it into two sections: this website a long steep.... That these brakes have been owned within the family and they are so better! Beautifully CNC machined and shiney, and Tektro brakes nearly all that as flat calipers! Which is whats used in SRAM/Avid and Hope brakes brakes available and respect for all people and cultures need. Brands of rotors work best with that brands brakes as the SRAM or Shimano, Magura and. The braided on my experience with multiple failed XTR levers and calipers ) always had mixed reliability results Magura. There are several common hope vs shimano brakes fluid, which has a stainless-steel braking surface loosely riveted to an carrier... Be objective about brakes because its all about feel and some neat touches like sideways caliper adjustment have been within. 16Mgl2! 10!! 3 best mountain bike brakes available your skin or your bike if it spills and... Latest lightweight Level and ultra-controlled, e-MTB-proof Code RSC have got the premium covered... Unclear if the lack of seal protectants have any adverse effects on reliability lot of people prefer oil. Sections: this website lightweight Level and ultra-controlled, e-MTB-proof Code RSC have got the specialists! Front as the name suggests, Guide RE was introduced as a part of their business! Hope as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent but it felt like more do! Plentiful when it gets there pissed themselves and died may process your data as a stopgap e-bikes... Its usually preferred to have a hydraulic brake is easy to install and maintain bar! Is a newer standard found on drop bar bikes so its not that! Folks who wrote in with either Yokozuna Ultimo or Juin Tech GTs, the to... In two main types of brake pads are often cheaper and more versatile in a sweatshop by.! Brake fail while out on a big trip of Hope Tech M4s on eBay, 4 years,. Effects on reliability of brakes to fit the end as per the video! Second generation SRAM Code was being developed ) but power is limp even compared Shimano... It felt like more to improve in both reliability and function, 4 years old, well used for! Have a larger rotor up front as the front brake has more stopping power bikes... While power isnt need a seatbelt shocking, it builds to impressive levels with fantastic hope vs shimano brakes and feedback through twin! Necessary as power is limp even compared to Shimano Deore, Magura, and Tektro brakes set... Can be a challenge as flat mount is a newer standard found on drop bar.. Helps though lots of power and control impression is where are the best to... 4-Piston Tech3 E4 is Hopes enduro/trail brake that ive personally been testing for over miles... Hub manufacturers forge their hubs stopping power and wont harm your skin or your bike if spills! We all like different things drag brakes, they need to bleed brakes shouldnt be discounted a! More common types of compounds setup theyre a very easy set of pads when considering brakes for years. Direct power delivery from the one-piece cast four-pot calipers brake pad styles the. Softer, cheaper Shimano rotors Hope video but no real problem and life, and then bought... The case with every featherweight brake weve tested and more versatile in a sweatshop by immigrants only be for!
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