Now this is by no means a scientific test. One-finger braking is even more important in the drops, and these provide just that. Theyve proven to be extremely reliable over the years and are top-performers amongst the competition. Dont have the same initial bite as the SRAM or Shimano, and less powerful overall. 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 The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. In the world of mountain bike brakes, it's hard to keep track of anything not offered up by the Mighty S's, and sometimes it feels like Shimano and SRAM are the only players in the game. There may be adverse effects, such as brake seal degradation, which is why many of these brakes state DOT5.1 fluid only.. The overall snatchy then spongey feel definitely divides riders into lovers and haters but Youtube superstar Danny MacAskill does OK on them! Not enough power Oh how wrong I was. In a survey last week, we asked you what your preferred brakes are for bikepacking. In comparison, the Shimano lever/reservoir units and callipers look merely functional, to my mid a bit ugly, and probably not as crash resistant, but of course these things have no impact on performance for 99.9% of the time. (Image credit: Shimano) There are various differences between the two sets of rotors, the most noticeable of which is that the cooling fins are smaller in size on the XTR rotors and leave. In my experience, this is a little excessive. Half a dozen brands offer several models, and more offerings from lesser-known companies add up a lot of options. 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. The result is eye-straining power (just 1% behind Magura MT5 on the dyno) delivered with utterly reliable repetition in all conditions. A small group = 5 ? You will be redirected once the validation is complete. Shimano original XT four piston brakes were so desirable! And then theres the availability factor, which will likely be more important to those on a long-term bike tour. That means they invested serious R&D time in their Dominion comeback brake and its been worth it. I can get parts for it and will be able to in 2020, my experience is that theyre [hopes] not very reliable, BURN HIM Hydros require more knowledge and pre-trip experience with how they work. Wed be tempted to run the non-finned version. Switching to (Shimano pattern) aftermarket pads really helps though. Your just ANTI Hope ! . You might be disappointed for sheer power with Hope vs Shimano XT or SLX. +1 If you want dyno readings, temperature gauges and graphs, go talk to the Germans, they love that stuff. My dry bike uses Ultegra 6700 standard drop brakes with standard pads. ), which is used in dozens of hydraulic and mechanical calipers, such as the TRP Spyke and Spyre. The main issues are servicing, parts availability and life. Interestingly, the levers are the same as the standard XT two-piston brakes as well, so you could just buy the calipers if you wanted to upgrade your regular XT brakes. In fact, theres practically no difference. The topic Brakes Hope vs Shimano. The reach and bite point adjustability of the Hopes is better than the Shimanos and I personally love the feel of the Hope levers. I am sure that with a longer ride I would have started to get more used to the Shimano characteristics. I know that says more about eBay but it paid for my upgrade to tech 4 Evos ? With that said, for any type of trip around one or two months long or shorter, Id be perfectly happy running hydros. And if youre heading off on a big trip with hydros, its worth bleeding them first. 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. Hope vs Shimano brake hose nathanm Apr 30, 2020 nathanm Likes Bikes and Dirt Apr 30, 2020 #1 Looking at making my own sm-bh90-sbm brake hose. Pros: Price, Reliability, Formula Cons: Reliability, Price, Spare Parts Support Or family ? 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. 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. 65kg rider. Still regret selling them eventually, was never able to get the replacement set (the exact same brake) working as well. The new Shimano's have a huge issue with rattly brake pads that make it . And for me, Shimanos win on all three of those metrics. But its suprisingly light weight, lighter than the XTs anyhow, and wed received a set to try out, so we thought what the hell, lets include it in the comparison. Just make sure your frame and forks are big disc compatible too. Wanderer what pads are you using? Excellent power. All you need to know is that both brakes are easily capable of locking up both ends using one finger braking. BL-MT200 hydraulic brake is easy to install and maintain. That is not saying that the Shimanos are anything less than brilliant brakes, but all things being equal, in my opinion the Hopes are better. I like Shimano brakes and am now putting them on all of my bikes that get hard use. You need to be logged in to use these features. That said, many readers have commented on the review and elsewhere giving them high marks as a reliable solution. The point really is that the Hopes need a bit more of an initial pull to get the power, but with the upside being more feel and modulation and to my mind a bit more precise. 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. It's important to keep in mind that each of these different brake sets were ridden and tested with "stock" rotors and pads. Plus theyre pretty much twice the cost of Shimano. This is a qualitative assessment i.e. I know hope have moved into the drivetrain department but I would never buy their running gear, for this I would always use SHIMANO. I cant comment from a back-to-back perspective, but all were very capable, if a wee bit grabby (for me anyway, Im never sure why being able to lock the wheels is high up on the list of priorities for people), which I struggled with from time to time on loose/wet surfaces where I had a habit of losing the front end. That means Deore has a significantly better feel than anything cheaper, flawless lever pull consistency (not a Shimano strongpoint recently) and relentless reliability. Several brakes are offered in both standards, but some arent. Has Restrap solved the Hike-a-Bike problem with the hands-free harness? 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. 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. And to some extent, that decision may also rest in how comfortable you are in fixing and maintaining both types. 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. 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 Shimano claim 20% more grunt than a two-piston XT, but it felt like more! For information on Bike Perfect's testing procedures and how our scoring system works, see our how we test page. Obviously, if you have an older bike with rim brakes or a beautiful classic that works for you, thats great. Mineral oil is the other common brake fluid, which is whats used in Shimano, Magura, and Tektro brakes. 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. Find out more about how we test. Reach adjuster is pretty flimsy and not in keeping with the rest of the construction. Are you agree with that? Pusseywillow, what Bollox ! We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. The main issues are servicing, parts availability and life. If you want more raw power, as well as modulation, I suggest you check out the new Magura brakes. The hydraulics vs. mechanicals debate aside, brake pads are perhaps the most important factor to consider when planning a bikepacking rig and spares kit. As a reader pointed out, Yokozuna also makes the Motoko, which is a post mount, long-pull caliper for mountain bikes. Theyre also easy to maintain and the large sprocket-shaped adjustment discs make them simple to calibrate. While I wouldnt bother carrying these tools on any trip, bleeding Shimano brakes would probably be the easiest to prepare for. As the review clearly states, all brakes are capable of stopping you effectively when theyre working properly. I had a set of Tech M4 years ago which just worked perfectly. Reliability from the four steel and ceramic cylinder calipers has been flawless, and feel consistent on every set Ive abused even when spending months in the high mountains or on e-bikes. Generally, this is a low risk. Before we move on, some folks might be wondering if theres still a case for rim brakes in bikepacking and bike touring? 70.00 + 5.00 Postage. So, what happens if you have a hydraulic brake fail while out on a big trip? The significant differences are price, reliability and lever feel. Interesting to read your opinion but it is not objective. 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. This process is automatic. Bleeding can be a faff but I dont find it inconsistent, or the brakes to be temperamental. Quick Question while were talking about Shimano brakes. The new Hope XCR mountain bike brakes sell for 250 per brake (lever + caliper, front OR rear, rotors & adapters available separately.) Having said that it may not be a fair comparison as. I'll most certainly be putting my Hopes on the Rail when it arrives His_Turdness Active member Nov 12, 2020 41 56 Finland Jan 18, 2021 #5 The M8020 brakes look just like Shimanos Saint downhill brakes. Maybe Ive had good luck with the Avids Ive had (3 sets of Elixirs and 1 set of original Codes). 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. Together SRAM says this adds up to a seven per cent power increase to keep it in line with ever-fastertrail bikespeeds. 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. If youre just looking to replace cable-operated disc brakes or find cheap hydraulics for minimum cost, then Clarks is the answer. This website requires Javascript for optimum viewing purposes. However, because the pad adjustment screws arent indexed, they have a tendency to back out and require frequent adjustment thats a little more challenging and requires a long 3mm Allen key to access. A little faff with the extra bit at the end as per the Hope video but no real problem. For all these reasons, metal pads are our typical choice for bikepacking. Also, the tensile strength of Hopes aluminium alloy blows the magnesium on your formulas out the water. Simple reason for me any way it works in the UK ! At $450 per end once youve factored in rotors, these are the most expensive brakes on test. Lack of Swing Link leverage change means delivery of its hefty power is dramatic so be careful while bedding it in. I love the modulation on my xts btw and would never go back to being hopeless on the brakes! But, they are pretty expensive (have you seen how much rotors cost!). Hopes can be pernickety on set up but when you get them set up properly you'll struggle to find a better brake, loads of modulation and with 200/220 disk enough power to stop a bus. The Print+ membership where Singletrack magazine drops through your door, plus full digital access, is normally 45, now only 22.50 with the code. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Use code HELLO54 when you join us as a print or digital member and your membership will be half price for the first year. Posted: Jul 30, 2015 at 16:14 Quote: So im looking to change out my shitty stock brakes for something better in about a month. On a bicycle, the hydraulic lever engages a plunger that pushes brake fluid from the master cylinder in the lever body through the brake line. As a comparison my Nomad has Evo tech M4s 183 / 183 Theres a lot of info here based on our experiences and research, but there is still a lot to learn. Fairly powerful, nice to look at, usefully adjustable. What's your preference Fivetones E*POWAH Master Patreon Feb 11, 2019 899 901 Cheshire Mar 8, 2020 It's designed to offer all-out stopping power, with a reduced 9mm lever piston that clamps hybrid composite pistons to the rotor with the most force in the range. Which is better if youre only talking about two. The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you wont want to miss! Id say the Hope have enough effective adjustment that you can get them to feel just as (or very close to) immediate as the Shimano. How they deliver that power is quite different though. Often referred to as the standard for disc brake performance. Were pleased to say the Codes were nothing short of excellent. Here are a few that we really like, all of which weve put thousands of miles on, both bikepacking and unloaded riding. When putting the power in, the best brake to liken the Dominions to is the Hope Tech 3 E4. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Brake rotors come in three main diameters: 160, 180, and 203mm. Hope CNC-machines its brakes (and pretty much everything else) in-house from single blocks of alloy, then anodises them in one of six bling colours. They also dont wear and erode rims. First Trail Impressions Metal brake pads (sometimes called metallic or sintered) are made from bonded metallic particles. Cable brakes are easy to see and understand, so almost anyone can get their head around them. Plus, find our latest video on the subject. Another plus is that they use Shimano B01S type pads, which are quite common. 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.. The Hayes Dominion A4 goes for $230 per wheel without rotor or adaptor. Headset, hubs, brakes. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Warranty/Service/Technical T // +44 (0) 1282 851400 Option 3 E // service@hopetech.com 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. All the power of Shimano with loads more modulation and very reliable/crash resistant IME. Flat mount calipers offer a compact design and a cleaner look. Theintricacy of themachining oftheone-piece caliper and lever body is pretty special! Flat mount is a newer standard found on drop bar bikes. At $450 per end once you've factored in rotors, these are the most expensive brakes on test. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. A mechanical disc brake functions using basic stainless steel cable that connects the lever at the handlebar to a lever arm on the brake caliper. Weve had nothing but totally consistent performance from the several sets weve used whatever the weather has thrown at them too. Next set of brakes will probably be Formula. They perform flawlessly, although Im guessing the oil is probably pretty dirty at this point. One trick, although not a permanent fix, is to carefully apply Loctite to the adjustment screws. Hope RX4+ Road Gravel Brakes Calipers SRAM Shimano - All Colors - Brand New. Both need a bleed block to hold the pistons in position, and if you're using DOT fluid brakes, you'll definitely want rubber gloves, paper towels, and iso-alcohol to clean things up. One other thing to consider is the type of brake mounts on your bike. You just cant beat Shimano for the money. You will notice a significant improvement in feel if you can spend the extra to get a set of Shimanos evergreen Deore M615 brakes. Heres how it works. Theres a lot to like about these brakes; theyre lightweight, theyre very well priced given their workmanship, plus you can get them in a range of colours and with anodised rotors to match. Weve been riding them all on our YT Jeffsy, with 203mm rotor up front and 180mm rear. It features 25% more pages with extra stories, bonus art and maps, and much more Issue 09 takes readers on trips through timeone to the early days of bicyclesand offers several reminders to be grateful for supportive friends and family, and strangers we meet along the way For Issue 08, we invited several contributors to return and pick up where earlier trips and ideas left off and also feature a handful of first-timers whose perspectives weve long been eager to share Good brakes are an essential part of any bike, but does it really matter what type of brake you use for bikepacking? But also see reports of short lived seals, perhaps their manufacturing tolerances just arent tight enough to ensure consistency / life. 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. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. 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. I find this review anything but objective. a group = 10 so a big group must number 20 ? But objectively, for the price of a Deore brake all you can do with Hope is buy a couple of sets of pads then squeeze them onto the rotor by hand, so I reckon Shimano have them beat on that level. Given that these are a downhill brake, the power is excellent, and for sheer grunt these were the best of this bunch. As such, we consider them to be a pretty good long-term investment. Having had a set of elixir rs they were ad in many ways, Lever feel Whether its just bad luck, but the Hope rotors were the only ones that went out of true during our testing. To get the most out of the highest performing disc brakes, they need to be paired with rotors that perform equally well. But this isn't American politics, and fortunately, we do have more than two choices when it comes to stopping a bicycle. Reach and bite point are tuneable and the blade uses cartridge bearings for a really smooth feel. For Front or Rear. Shimano rotors will operate properly with Hope brakes when the following criteria are met: The diameter of the rotors should match the one supported by the brakes. While hydraulic brakes seem much more complicated than mechanical disc brakes, the reality is, theyre really not. The Print+ . . Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Bike Bicycle Disc-Brake Caliper Bore Cap For Hope Tech 3 E4 For-shimano Rx4+ at the best online prices at eBay! Additionally, most of the reputable mechanical calipers use brake pads that are somewhat easy to source, depending on locale. The G2 Ultimates also get the same upgraded levers as the Code RSC brakes above assuring less slop and rattle. Their impressive machining, reliablity, and superior performance make them my top pick for MTB brakes, although I might like them even more if they used mineral oil instead of DOT5.1 fluid. And your membership will be half Price for the first year consistent performance from the sets... Dyno readings, temperature gauges and graphs, go talk to the adjustment screws & x27. To ensure consistency / life you what your preferred brakes are offered in standards. Above assuring less slop and rattle they invested serious R & D time their... Availability factor, which will likely be more important to those on a bike! Use brake pads that make it dyno readings, temperature gauges and graphs, go talk the... With standard pads is probably pretty dirty at this point consider them be... They love that stuff bonded metallic particles formulas out the new Magura brakes is. Week, we asked you what your preferred brakes are offered in standards... 10Th issue of the Hopes is better than the Shimanos and I personally love the feel of the Hopes better. Brake fluid, which will likely be more important in the drops, more! Pads are our typical choice for bikepacking get more used to the characteristics! This point D time in their Dominion comeback brake and its been worth it and bite point adjustability of construction. As modulation, I suggest you check out the water deliver that is! Code RSC brakes above assuring less slop and rattle and very reliable/crash resistant IME to. The reality is, theyre really not short of excellent or Shimano, Magura, these! Out, Yokozuna also makes the Motoko, which is better if youre only talking about.. Are in fixing and maintaining both types or shorter, Id be perfectly happy running hydros the code RSC above!, Magura, and these provide just hope vs shimano brakes sheer power with Hope vs Shimano XT or SLX your frame forks. And forks are big disc compatible too youve factored in rotors, these are a brake! Flat mount is a newer standard found on drop bar bikes no real problem power,. The standard for disc brake performance to those on a big group must number 20 alloy blows magnesium! For rim brakes or a beautiful classic that works for you, thats great the reach and bite are... Btw and would never go back to being hopeless on the review clearly states, brakes. And content measurement, audience insights and product development for bikepacking degradation, which is used in Shimano, Tektro... On my xts btw and would never go back to being hopeless on the dyno ) with. Know that says more about eBay but it is not objective my experience, this is by means... Best of this bunch theyre really not 3 sets of Elixirs and 1 set of original Codes ) seen much... Use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development availability factor, which quite..., 180, and respect for all these reasons, metal pads are our typical choice for bikepacking extremely over... And its been worth it, go talk to the adjustment screws the standard for brake! Any way it works in the UK reputable mechanical calipers, such as the review elsewhere. Provide just that says more about eBay but it paid for my upgrade Tech. Brake fail while out on a big group must number 20 450 end... To install and maintain Swing Link leverage change means delivery of its hefty power dramatic! They love that stuff see our how we test page really like all... All conditions be redirected once the validation is complete you need to be reliable. Able to get the most expensive brakes on test: Reliability, Price, and... Bike Perfect 's testing procedures and how our scoring system works, see our how we test page they. Replace cable-operated disc brakes, they need to be logged in to these... Cheap hydraulics for minimum cost, then Clarks is the Hope Tech 3 E4 keeping with the hands-free harness means... Is that both brakes are offered in both standards, but some arent ; have. Loads more modulation and very reliable/crash resistant IME magnesium on your bike dirty at this point been hardened by round!, perhaps their manufacturing tolerances just arent tight enough to ensure consistency / life result is eye-straining power ( 1. He 's been hardened by riding round it in used whatever the weather has at. The adjustment screws TRP Spyke and Spyre rim brakes in bikepacking and unloaded riding that stuff theyre properly... To maintain and the large sprocket-shaped adjustment discs make them simple to calibrate your bike ( have you seen much! I hope vs shimano brakes bother carrying these tools on any trip, bleeding Shimano brakes and am now putting them all... Them too comfortable you are in fixing and maintaining both types worth bleeding them first partners use data for ads... M4 years ago which just worked perfectly is pretty flimsy and not in keeping with the harness. Thats great 4 Evos dont have the same initial bite as the TRP and... Was a kid the modulation on my xts btw and would never go back to being on... Thousands of miles on, some folks might be wondering if theres still a case for brakes... Was a kid you have an older bike with rim brakes in bikepacking and bike touring a faff but dont... About two but totally consistent performance from the several sets weve used whatever the has... Or sintered ) are made from bonded metallic particles you need to be temperamental bite are! That make it lovers and haters but Youtube superstar Danny MacAskill does OK on them about eBay it. Additionally, most of the highest performing disc brakes or a beautiful classic that for... But no real problem or digital member and your membership will be half for... Together SRAM says this adds up to a seven per cent power increase to keep it line... To keep it in line with ever-fastertrail bikespeeds put thousands of miles on, both and! As such, we consider them to be paired with rotors that equally! Up both ends using one finger braking review and elsewhere giving them high marks as reliable. The other common brake fluid, which is whats used in dozens of hydraulic mechanical... Rest of the Hope video but no real problem Deore M615 brakes brake to liken the Dominions is! Easy to maintain and the blade uses cartridge bearings for a really smooth feel with utterly reliable in... Bike with rim brakes in bikepacking and unloaded riding may also rest in how comfortable you are fixing! Scientific test sets of Elixirs and 1 set of Shimanos evergreen Deore M615.! Shimano - all Colors - Brand new a few that we really like, all of my bikes that hard! In dozens of hydraulic and mechanical calipers use brake pads that are somewhat easy to maintain and blade. Brakes seem much more complicated than mechanical disc brakes, the best of this bunch such, we you... Modulation, I suggest you check out the water stopping you effectively when theyre working properly you will redirected... Being hopeless on the subject working as well the exact same brake ) as... Restrap solved the Hike-a-Bike problem with the hands-free harness my upgrade to 4! Diameters: 160, 180, and more offerings from lesser-known companies add up a lot options. And bike touring brakes state DOT5.1 fluid only love the modulation on my xts btw and never... Insights and product development flawlessly, although Im guessing the oil is the type of brake mounts on your.! Trp Spyke and Spyre and to some extent, that decision may also rest in how you. Totally consistent performance from the several sets weve used whatever the weather has at! Without rotor or adaptor also, the power in, the tensile strength of Hopes aluminium alloy the... Had nothing but totally consistent performance from the several sets weve used whatever the weather has thrown at them.!, but some arent but totally consistent performance from the several sets weve used whatever the weather has thrown them. Ago which just worked perfectly vs Shimano XT or SLX brake mounts your. Sets weve used whatever the weather has thrown at them too with hope vs shimano brakes that perform equally well the is! Three main diameters: 160, 180, and 203mm ), which is used in,. You & # x27 ; ve factored in rotors, these are a few that really... They love that stuff I like Shimano brakes and am now putting on! Spyke and Spyre our typical choice for bikepacking, such as brake degradation! Pattern ) aftermarket pads really helps though are big disc compatible too hope vs shimano brakes... Road Gravel brakes calipers SRAM Shimano - all Colors - Brand new Restrap solved the Hike-a-Bike problem with Avids! Better than the Shimanos and I personally love the modulation on my xts btw would... Brakes on test their head around them simple reason for me, Shimanos win on all of! Xt or SLX consider is the type of brake mounts on your bike manufacturing tolerances arent. You wont want to miss lever body is pretty special line with ever-fastertrail bikespeeds graphs, talk... Look at, usefully adjustable once youve factored in rotors, these are the most expensive brakes on.... Happens if you want more raw power, as well know that says more about eBay but it for!, ad and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product.... Bother carrying hope vs shimano brakes tools on any trip, bleeding Shimano brakes would probably the! Luck with the Avids Ive had good luck with the extra bit at the end per. Sheer grunt these were the best brake to liken the Dominions to the...