|   Hope Mini vs. Magura Marta | KHP
Jul 10, 2002 10:15 PM | | i'm looking at these two hydro disc brakesets. i was also thinking of formula b4 brakes, but the reviews don't seem too promising. what do you guys think of each of these. is one easier to set up than the other? modulation? reliability? heck, how about customer service? this is going to be my first disc experience, and if i'm gonna spend this much and have waited this long, i wanna do the right thing right off the bat. i'm a 170 lbs xc rider if that matters. i'd love to hear from people who have ridden either of these brakes, and especially also from those who have used both (Heff, Mike T., etc???).
thanks in advance. |
| HoKaaaaay. | Mike T.
Jul 11, 2002 5:26 AM | | Hope Minis I have not tested and all I know of them is what I read around here. Squealing problems seem to abound.
I've used B4s and Martas extensively. I'll answer your Q's on these two brakes and let you decide.
"is one easier to set up than the other?"
No. Both use shimmed IS mounts and are self-adjusting brakes. Bleeding is probably a bit easier with Marta. Not by much.
"Modulation?"
Both exceptional. I can't tell a difference.
"Reliability?"
I've heard of a few B4 lever bodies breaking when the bike hits the ground (not what levers are designed for) and for 2002 Formula is beefing up the bodies. Run the levers loose on the bars and everyone should be ok whatever the brakes. Hydraulics - even score here.
"Customer Service?"
Thorsten from FormulaUSA invented (four years ago) customer service for his brake users (then Magura) and perfected the art. Now he's with Formula he is keeping the standard alive. It doesn't come any better. Magura is exceptional too. You have a problem, both will fix you up instantly. No concerns here.
Other stuff - both are the lightest XC brakes available with the nod going to B4. New even lighter versions are coming soon. Magura uses mineral oil and B4s use regular brake fluids. Both brakes were dead quiet for me (except when wet but that's common with most [all?] disc brakes). Power - both totally adequate for XC. Formula have a variety of optional rotor sizes that will gave more power. They use (as standard) a cute little 140mm rear rotor.
Both are nice brakes that I used for about 5 weeks each (still using the Martas). |
| Bit of a correction. | Mike T.
Jul 11, 2002 11:37 AM | | Five weeks for the Formula? More like eight months. Three months on the Marta so far. I had a brain-fart on that one. |
| Thanks Mikey! NM | KHP
Jul 12, 2002 5:09 PM | | . |
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