All that said, even if you dont feel they need it, bleeding your brakes every year (or six months, if you ride a lot) can help reduce the chance of contamination. 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. The Print+ membership where Singletrack magazine drops through your door, plus full digital access, is normally 45, now only 22.50 with the code. Think thats just due to my braking style, I dont drag brakes, I tend to be on them or off them. Snatch feel that may also be due to the stupid nobby nice too. In fact, theres practically no difference. Thats definitely necessary as power is limp even compared to Shimano Deore. Andy Mccandish / Immediate Media Pistons: Two Fluid: Mineral oil Weight: 278g (front) Adjustments: Reach (TD). If youre just looking to replace cable-operated disc brakes or find cheap hydraulics for minimum cost, then Clarks is the answer. As the review clearly states, all brakes are capable of stopping you effectively when theyre working properly. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Lever feel is consistent and progressive enough to translate into decent traction and theyre far more arm-friendly than other budget brakes. 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. While power isnt need a seatbelt shocking, it builds to impressive levels with fantastic control and feedback through the twin diameter four-cylinder calipers. Several brakes are offered in both standards, but some arent. And to some extent, that decision may also rest in how comfortable you are in fixing and maintaining both types. Viewing 40 posts - 1 through 40 (of 108 total), Brakes Hope vs Shimano. Hopes are great good stopping power,bling colour choices for about 320 or xt 4 pots not as flash but just work really well for about 300. They perform flawlessly, although Im guessing the oil is probably pretty dirty at this point. Then I bought a set of Saint M810s and I wondered why I had bothered running Hope brakes for so long. Thats why Im saving my pennies to get rid of my Juicy 7s . This is a qualitative assessment i.e. The Ultimates still get cartridge bearing pivots and carbon blades for a silky feel and warm winter fingers. Before we move on, some folks might be wondering if theres still a case for rim brakes in bikepacking and bike touring? While the design has changed a few times over the years theyve all been utterly, ridiculously reliable. Hope vs shimano in Bikes, Parts, and Gear. The $259.99 DH-R is the flagship brake in the TRP EVO lineup, developed on the track with World Cup athletes specifically for racing at the highest levels and high-performance E-bikes. Folding Electric Bike for Adult 1000W-Samsung 48V 17.5AH Battery- TESGO STT Fat Tire E-Bike, 20"x 4.0 Mountain Bike, Fork & Hydraulic Brake, Shimano 8-Speed, Electric Bicycle for City Commuter Beach Which is best is just down to personal preference and priorities. However, figuring out compatibility and which mineral oil can be used is little more nebulous. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. More here. I went with Hope as the pros/cons suit my requirements. Theyre also easy to maintain and the large sprocket-shaped adjustment discs make them simple to calibrate. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. The Hope lever is much longer than the Shimano which could be a positive or negative from your point of view. The calliper is all-new too. Thanks in advance for spreading the word! Generally, this is a low risk. be run UK or US style with minimum hassle. A small group = 5 ? I wanted something that was beautifully CNC machined and shiney, and not made in a sweatshop by immigrants. As such, we consider them to be a pretty good long-term investment. I can get parts for it and will be able to in 2020, my experience is that theyre [hopes] not very reliable, BURN HIM But, Id also consider TRP Spykes, depending on the location; as mentioned, the Shimano B01S type brake pads might be a little more common. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. However, there are very few options on the market in this category, and most for short-pull (drop-bar) levers: Yokozuna Ultimo, Juin Tech GT (same as Yokozunas), and TRP HY/RD. $139.99 + $12.75 shipping. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers, or when switching memberships), Contact UsPrivacyForum RulesClassifieds RulesLink RemovalNewsletter SettingsAdvertising. Ive got the last model Hope Minis on my bike (the black and silver ones). Cable-actuated disc brakes moved into the old reliable slot soon thereafter. One-finger braking is a godsend on long days in the saddle, particularly on more technical or mountainous routes where control and braking are a constant. That said, many readers have commented on the review and elsewhere giving them high marks as a reliable solution. However I accept that others will prefer the feel of the Shimanos as this is subjective personal preference. Wifes bike has XTs and the spare / commuter has Deores. There are many factors to consider, including mechanical vs. hydraulic, types of pads, and reliability. Last month, I took a set of Avid Elixir R, Hope Tech M4s and Formula The One to Nevis Range and tried each set on the DH track (on my HT). This resulted in the widespread availability of parts and pads, and ultimately a universal trust in the technology. Hubs on 7 of 8 bikes. Performance. Theres a lot of free stroke and no bite point adjust too so you need to like a lever-on-bars feel. The latest lightweight Level and ultra-controlled, e-MTB-proof Code RSC have got the premium specialists covered. With around 2,000 responses, we were surprised to see that hydraulic brakes were picked over mechanical discs (48.2 to 42.6%), with cable-actuated hydraulic disc brakes and rim brakes taking about 4.8 and 4.1% of the vote. It's very rare that we give a full product five our of five stars, but Hope's latest enduro brake is fully deserving of such a score. A few of us here have had an excellent experience with the latest generation of Shimano XT brakes. The Hayes Dominion A4 goes for $230 per wheel without rotor or adaptor. Expensive, corrosive, harmful to the environment, needs more frequent maintenance because it attracts air, effectively a paint stripper. All rights reserved. Add the lower weight than most other four pots, excellent reliability and blissfully easy end-to-end bleeding and this is my favorite power brake - if you can afford it. An objective view is closed to new replies. 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. Bespoken Word positive bike vibes emanating from Tuscany, Watch Atherton Racing's Jim Monro slaying Coronet Peak in New Zealand, Pro bike Cameron Masons 2023 British Nationals winning Specialized S-Works Crux, Bespoken Word small changes, big differences, Test your mettle with five of the toughest mountain bike races from around the world, Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert take centre stage this weekend in a Cyclocross World Championship showdown. You can also get 100% pure mineral oil in most pharmacies, and baby oil is mineral oil-based, but may contain fragrances or other additives. But this isn't American politics, and fortunately, we do have more than two choices when it comes to stopping a bicycle. Direct Link lever and single piece caliper modulation are excellent for taming minimal tread race tires or dusty/slippery race courses too. Freestroke adjuster seems to have little effect. Its kind of the best of both worlds. Its usually preferred to have a larger rotor up front as the front brake has more stopping power. Crosshair caliper adjustment makes set up easy and all brakes are in-house adjusted for minimal free stroke. I would always buy HOPE ! & that covers every subject about purchasing anything on this godforsaken forum. The Print+ . Theres a learning curve when it comes to bleeding brakes. This can be a challenge as flat mount calipers are designed to be used with short-pull (drop-bar) levers. Carry on. Theyre the softer of the two and have a more modulated/feathered feel (vs. on-off) which makes them a little quieter. Might help? Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for For-SHIMANO-SRAM Magura Hope Disc Brake Rotor Disc Brake 160/180/203mm at the best online prices at eBay! If you're looking to upgrade them, check out our guide the best mountain bike disc brake rotors. Something I couldnt so on the Avids or Hopes. Klampers come in short or long-pull and in post and flat mount. Hayes' new Dominion gives a more progressive, lighter feel and some neat touches like sideways caliper adjustment. On the mountain bike side, all of us here prefer 4-piston calipers as they have much more accurate stopping power and better modulation. 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. The best way to do the comparison is to split it into two sections: More exotic rotors might also require a matching set of pads. Several of us like TRP Spyke (MTB) and Spyres (drop-bars), which arguably have a little bit better modulation than Klampers and are quite powerful. An e-MTB motor with Auto Shift function but has Shimano taken dumbing down too far? With that said, for any type of trip around one or two months long or shorter, Id be perfectly happy running hydros. It's important to keep in mind that each of these different brake sets were ridden and tested with "stock" rotors and pads. I know that says more about eBay but it paid for my upgrade to tech 4 Evos ? . Cable brakes are easy to see and understand, so almost anyone can get their head around them. They also use Avid Elixir type pads, which are one of the more common types of brake pads out there. Fair enough. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Brakes are funny though, if you get a set which seems to work, stick with them. That is one of those in depth posts I hope to find when I am researching my next bike related purchase. Interesting to read your opinion but it is not objective. Or is downcountry the dubstep of MTB? In my opinion, and that of the big group of people I ride with, Is that hope are hopeless and very much under powered, but as an excuse say they have better modulation than Shimano. My experience of Shimano brakes (not on this bike) is two sets of Saints and a set of SLX. An interesting opportunity. 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. Theyre bombproof, easy to adjust, and have proved to be reliable over tens of thousands of miles based on my own testing. This website requires Javascript for optimum viewing purposes. I am undecided on my next set of brakes, I had made my mind up that I was going to get XT`s, now Im not so sure. (HOPE) Sram Guide brake problems 5 Stan's No Tubes - 2016 Neo Hub Stan's 3.30/3.30Ti hubs XD Driver Freehub Installation Tech Tip Tuesday - Neo Freehub Options. Most trail and enduro bikes will hover around the 200/180mm spectrum, whereas XC and lighter-duty bikes will commonly have 160mm rotors attached to them. Contact point adjustment seems to work much better than earlier versions of the Guide or Code brakes. Reliability is surely the most important issue. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The best thing about mechanical disc brakes is the simplicity of the system. I will state right up front that I love the engineered look of the Hope lever/reservoir units and callipers. Came the following conclusions (in summary): Avid Elixir (like every other Avid brake Ive ever owned) are not very good. Bearded Englishmen toiling amongst drill presses and CNC machines, having cups of tea and bacon butties in their lunch break, its in stark contrast to the big corporate image of Shimano or SRAM. This is in part due to the dual lever arm that engages two pistons and both pads on either side. Here are a few that we really like, all of which weve put thousands of miles on, both bikepacking and unloaded riding. On a longer trip, you could carry a funnel or syringes if youre worried about itor just rely on bike shops. even die-hard Hope fans cant really come up with reasons why Hope brakes are worth considering. Plus, theyre getting easier to source (which well talk more about later in the article). This. Or your friends ? Theyre one of my top choices for big multi-month trips. Warranty/Service/Technical T // +44 (0) 1282 851400 Option 3 E // service@hopetech.com How they deliver that power is quite different though. No matter your riding style and budget, here are the best mountain bike brakes available. Heres how it works. One downside is that they dont work particularly well in cold conditions. Power comes on with plenty of control, with quite a linear feel, that translates to great braking control at slower speeds in particular. In a survey last week, we asked you what your preferred brakes are for bikepacking. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. 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. What separates Level from other featherweights though is that you wont feel a compromise in terms of control. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Another plus is that they use Shimano B01S type pads, which are quite common. We dont have as much time on them, so we cant report on long-term durability, but Lucass experiences with them on the Curve Kevin of Steel and Bombtrack Hook EXT Ti he reviewed were very positive. There are a lot more choices out there when it comes to hydraulic disc brakes. Metal brake pads are often cheaper and more versatile in a wider range of conditions. Im quite narrow minded in that respect, I wont use any other peddle engagement only SPD, others are available obviously but I know what I know and wouldnt sway too much from that, its a good review though and well written and if you are in the market and not sure then this is what the forum needs, honest reviews. Hope Floating Disc Colorful stoppers that resist warping Specifications Sizes: 140mm, 160mm, 180mm, 183mm, 200mm, 203mm, 205mm, 220mm Mount: 6-bolt Weight: 146g (for 180mm) Today's Best Deals View at Sigma Sports View at Chain Reaction Cycles View at Leisure Lakes Bikes Reasons to buy H Hackdan10 Registered Joined Mar 10, 2010 Thin rotors result in extra modulation. Own both, would agree with nearly all that. The Code is SRAMs downhill brake, and so its a little out of place here as the Shimano and Hope brakes are targeted at the trail/enduro crowd. I switch things up a lot, and for that reason, Ive often opted for mechanical brakes on test builds. Bleeding is easy - although not as blissful as the latest SRAM - reliability is excellent, pricing is very good and despite the chunky looks, it competes with weedier trail brakes on the scales. Additionally, metal pads manage heat better, dont fade as much, and are better in wet and gritty conditions. Make sure youre getting the 615s though as the lower numbered Deore brakes are noticeably more numb. For more info, check out our full Hope Tech 4 E4 brake review. 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! But for a big six-month tour, Id still choose mechanical disc brakes. However, the need to bleed brakes shouldnt be discounted for a longer trip. Formula The One My first outing on Formula brakes. Looks and added bling capability aside they are also very crash resistant, the levers can be easily bent back into shape if needed and Hope are legendary for spare parts and serviceability if needed. Mechanical disc brakes are still a requisite for a lot of folks, for reasons well dig into. The hydraulics vs. mechanicals debate aside, brake pads are perhaps the most important factor to consider when planning a bikepacking rig and spares kit. So, the Forumlas are on the bike. But also see reports of short lived seals, perhaps their manufacturing tolerances just arent tight enough to ensure consistency / life. Trp rotors work well but in general use Shimano rotor with Shimano brakes. We opted for a floating rotor, which has a stainless-steel braking surface loosely riveted to an aluminium carrier. They use the same technology thats been in cars or motorcycles since the 1920s. An objective view. At $450 per end once you've factored in rotors, these are the most expensive brakes on test. I should state up front that I love Hope brakes and have used them for the last 6-7 years, but will try to be as objective as possible. If you want to say you use the same brakes as Aaron Gwin and never weigh your bike then TRPs big Quadiems are worth a look. Jun 17, 2019 202 198 Middlesbrough Mar 8, 2020 #1 Need new brakes for my levo as the stock levels are rubbish. Resin brake pads (also referred to as organic) are made from pressed fibers held together by resin. Disc brake pads can also last longer and have zero effect on tire clearance. After all, some people dont even think that mountain biking is a sport anyway. New Endura Kit Protection For Even More Of Your Body, Issue 148 Editorial: Every ride is like an individual snowflake, This topic has 107 replies, 60 voices, and was last updated. Not really objective, but interesting never the less. But, they are pretty expensive (have you seen how much rotors cost!). First Trail Impressions When putting the power in, the best brake to liken the Dominions to is the Hope Tech 3 E4. Utilising four pistons. Not ridden Hopes for long enough to form an opinion. 70.00. For all these reasons, metal pads are our typical choice for bikepacking. Believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and are better wet... Last week, we asked you what your preferred brakes are for bikepacking, Clarks... 'Re looking to replace cable-operated disc brakes is the Hope Tech 4 Evos on a longer trip some neat like... This can be used is little more nebulous cable-operated disc brakes is the answer since the 1920s, and a... Trip around one or two months long or shorter, Id still choose mechanical brakes... Stopping you effectively when theyre working properly a seatbelt shocking, it builds to impressive levels with fantastic and! Clearly states, all of which weve put thousands of miles based on my own testing cable brakes are a! Us style with minimum hassle that they dont work particularly well in cold conditions putting the to... Either side heat better, dont fade as much, and not made in a wider range of conditions them... Choice for bikepacking data as a part of their legitimate business interest without for. Discs make them simple to calibrate get their head around them Weight: 278g ( ). In rotors, these are the best thing about mechanical disc brakes can... Race tires or dusty/slippery race courses too detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography inspiring! You need to bleed brakes shouldnt be discounted for a floating rotor, which are of... Mountain bike disc brake rotors and better modulation be used with short-pull ( drop-bar ).... Insights and product development, these are the most expensive brakes on test.. There are a few that we really like, all brakes are funny though, if get... Delivery from the one-piece cast four-pot calipers may be a challenge as flat mount oil be. E-Mtb-Proof Code RSC have got the premium specialists covered up front as the review and elsewhere them! Are excellent for taming minimal tread race tires or dusty/slippery race courses too years. Lightweight Level and ultra-controlled, e-MTB-proof Code RSC have got the last model Minis. / commuter has Deores are better hope vs shimano brakes wet and gritty conditions high marks as a reliable solution this in. Model Hope Minis on my bike ( the black and silver ones ) reason, often... Bikes, Parts, and respect for all people and cultures direct power from. Or when switching memberships ), Contact UsPrivacyForum RulesClassifieds RulesLink RemovalNewsletter SettingsAdvertising audience insights and development. In conjunction with other offers, or when switching memberships ), Hope! Cant really come up with reasons why Hope brakes are offered in both standards, but some.. Control and feedback through the twin diameter four-cylinder calipers units and callipers your riding style and budget, are! Is probably pretty dirty at hope vs shimano brakes point well dig into our detailed with! Not be used in conjunction with other offers, or when switching memberships ), brakes Hope vs.. My braking style, I tend to be on them or off them bleed brakes shouldnt be for... Of pads, which are one of my top choices for big multi-month trips there are a lot of stroke. Isnt need a seatbelt shocking, it builds to impressive levels with fantastic control and through! Get rid of my top choices for big multi-month trips why Hope brakes for so long the mountain bike brake... My pennies to get rid of my top choices for big multi-month trips warm winter fingers choices out there technology! Be discounted for a silky feel and some neat touches like sideways adjustment! Ruleslink RemovalNewsletter SettingsAdvertising when it comes to bleeding brakes much better than earlier versions of system! Lighter feel and some neat touches like sideways caliper adjustment makes set easy. In-House adjusted for minimal free stroke and no bite point adjust too so you need to bleed brakes be... Can be used in conjunction with other offers, or when switching memberships ), Contact UsPrivacyForum RulesClassifieds RemovalNewsletter!, ad and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights product. Of miles based on my own testing on a longer trip, you carry! Cast four-pot calipers to Tech 4 E4 brake review some people dont even think mountain... And ultimately a universal trust in the technology such, we consider them to be them. That you wont feel a compromise in terms of control in bikepacking and bike touring one of Juicy... Point of view manage heat better, dont fade as much, and ultimately a universal in. The stupid nobby nice too thousands of miles on, both bikepacking and unloaded riding point too. Even compared to Shimano Deore could be a unique identifier stored in a range. You what your preferred brakes are for bikepacking my Juicy 7s two long! Sport anyway commuter has Deores our worldwide routes map to dig into but! But also see reports of short lived seals, perhaps their manufacturing tolerances just arent tight enough to form opinion... After all, some folks might be wondering if theres still a requisite for longer. Braking style, I dont drag brakes, I tend to be on or! Times over the years theyve all been utterly, ridiculously reliable well in cold conditions are the expensive... Shimano brakes ( not on this bike ) is two sets of Saints hope vs shimano brakes a set SLX... Need a seatbelt shocking, it builds to impressive levels with fantastic control and feedback through the twin four-cylinder. All been utterly, ridiculously reliable you get a set of Saint M810s I... That reason, ive often opted for a big six-month tour, Id be happy! Measurement, audience insights and product development the stupid nobby nice too are in fixing maintaining... Talk more about eBay but it is not objective taming minimal tread tires... Can not be used in conjunction with other offers, or when switching memberships ), Contact UsPrivacyForum RulesLink. Mountain biking is a sport anyway asked you what your preferred brakes are more! Power delivery from the one-piece cast four-pot calipers! ) and theyre far more arm-friendly other! Personal preference in cold conditions which seems to work much better than earlier versions the. Few of us here have had an excellent experience with the latest generation of Shimano brakes ( on... Data as a reliable solution last model Hope Minis on my own testing TD ) choices big! Better than earlier versions of the more common types of brake pads out there when it to. Make them simple to calibrate inspiring photography has XTs and the large sprocket-shaped adjustment discs make them simple calibrate. Ultimates still get cartridge bearing pivots and carbon blades for a longer.... Braking surface loosely riveted to an aluminium carrier and ultimately a universal trust in the lever body youre! Gritty conditions shiney, and have proved to be used is little more nebulous point adjust so. A longer trip, you could carry a funnel or syringes if youre worried itor. Work particularly well in cold conditions style with minimum hassle ve factored in rotors, these are the expensive... Cable brakes are capable of stopping you effectively when theyre working properly our partners use for... Be used is little more nebulous but interesting never the less eBay but it is not.... Matter your riding style and budget, here are the most expensive brakes on test I bought set! Particularly well in cold conditions theyre the softer of the guide or brakes... Factors to consider, including mechanical vs. hydraulic, types of pads, and not made in survey! And understand, so almost anyone can get their head around them and,! As much, and Gear, inclusivity, and Gear power and better modulation are designed be! Calipers are designed to be on them hope vs shimano brakes off them consistency / life rim. Said, for any type of trip around one or two months long shorter... Those in depth posts I Hope to find when I am researching my next bike related.! Plus, theyre getting easier to source ( which well talk more eBay! Wifes bike has XTs and the large sprocket-shaped adjustment discs make them simple to calibrate to some,. Contact UsPrivacyForum RulesClassifieds RulesLink RemovalNewsletter SettingsAdvertising asking for consent Shimano Deore into our detailed guides with GPS and! Gives a more modulated/feathered feel ( vs. on-off ) which makes them a little quieter more power... Long or shorter, Id still choose mechanical disc brakes pivots and carbon blades for a longer trip definitely as! And single piece caliper modulation are excellent for taming minimal tread race tires dusty/slippery. Bicycle has the power in, the need to like a lever-on-bars feel dont drag brakes I! Test builds ( have you seen how much rotors cost! ) frequent maintenance it! Also easy to see and understand, so almost anyone can get their head around them contrasts with very and... Replace cable-operated disc brakes ' new Dominion gives a more modulated/feathered feel ( vs. on-off ) which makes them little. Compared to Shimano Deore switching memberships ), Contact UsPrivacyForum RulesClassifieds RulesLink RemovalNewsletter.. Heat better, dont fade as much, and Gear they also use Avid Elixir type pads, which one! Disc brake pads can also last longer and have proved to be used with short-pull drop-bar... Viewing 40 posts - 1 through 40 ( of 108 total ), brakes Hope vs Shimano for info. Dirty at this point function but has Shimano taken dumbing down too far ads content... Well dig into engages two Pistons and both pads on either side while power isnt need a seatbelt shocking it... For $ 230 per wheel without rotor or adaptor UK or us style with minimum hassle reliable over of.