Nerding out on Brakes shall we? Not another tech deraliment

mtbjoe
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Leawood, KS US
6/21/2025 11:52am
Evil96 wrote:
I do believe it makes brake feel different, sharper more defined bite.That’s why pros use stiffer hoses on trp, stock ones are soft, you can feel...

I do believe it makes brake feel different, sharper more defined bite.

That’s why pros use stiffer hoses on trp, stock ones are soft, you can feel them and see them moving while just using the lever.

 

So what hoses are the pros using? 

1
6/21/2025 12:49pm
mtbjoe wrote:

So what hoses are the pros using? 

Neko and Dak were using Saint hoses a couple years ago. I made that change on mine. Agree it feels more direct. 

2
Evil96
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Portogruaro, VE IT
6/21/2025 12:55pm
Evil96 wrote:
I do believe it makes brake feel different, sharper more defined bite.That’s why pros use stiffer hoses on trp, stock ones are soft, you can feel...

I do believe it makes brake feel different, sharper more defined bite.

That’s why pros use stiffer hoses on trp, stock ones are soft, you can feel them and see them moving while just using the lever.

 

mtbjoe wrote:

So what hoses are the pros using? 

I’ve seen many using the shimano bh59 hose

If I’m not mistaken they mentioned it on a MoiMoiTV video as well at some stage 

If you go through all the tech ransoms on the red site you’ll see some from ages ago

1
mtbjoe
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Leawood, KS US
6/21/2025 4:24pm
mtbjoe wrote:

So what hoses are the pros using? 

Neko and Dak were using Saint hoses a couple years ago. I made that change on mine. Agree it feels more direct. 

those are just bh90 hoses

 

bh59 is worse for sure 

1
Teknik
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FI
6/22/2025 12:58am Edited Date/Time 6/22/2025 3:53am

Does anyone have tips on how to measure the brake caliper vertical alignment so that the brake pads are centered on the friction ring? One method I was thinking was to use a marker on the disc and then observe where the pads make contact.

I’m using Shimano Saint brakes with TRP RS01E 223mm discs. The rear has an IS-PM adapter and the caliper fits very tightly, so it might require some creative thinking. I have couple of Magura shims to align caliper.

Primoz
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6/22/2025 4:48am

I think the question is more along the lines of the diameter ring where the pads contact, not where the pad makes contact with the rotor on the surface area of the pad itself vs. where it does not (that would cover checking if it moves parallel to the rotor or rotates inwards).

For the 'wear ring' method, sharpieing the rotor makes sense.

7even
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6/23/2025 8:43am
Shinook wrote:
The Trinity brakes are really really good. I've tried a lot of brakes recently (Code, Saint, MT7, Radic Kaha, Intend, Maxima, Maven, Dominion, Hope T4 V4...

The Trinity brakes are really really good. I've tried a lot of brakes recently (Code, Saint, MT7, Radic Kaha, Intend, Maxima, Maven, Dominion, Hope T4 V4, a few others I'm probably forgetting) and they are my favorite of the group. I strongly recommend them to anyone interested and willing to pay/run a niche product like that, with the caveats I mentioned above. 

They do take a little bit longer to sortof 'bed in' than others. The pads took longer than I was used to for the power to come in, but I also had a minor issue with the pad dragging slightly. After I rode some steeper stuff and got them moving a bit more, that went away. They feel like a more boutique, refined Dominion. 

The obvious downside is getting ahold of them. 

I am interested to see what Magura does in the near future. They've been liquidating MT7s at heavily discounted rates and I suspect something new is on the horizon. I really liked the feel of the MT7s, but felt the lever body could use some refinement and the initial bite of the pads was a bit lacking compared to similar options. 

Just bought the trinity a few weeks ago, didn't have the chance to go on a trail yet but went around town trying to bed in the brakes. 

 

The modulation is amazing, but I still feel there is power left there on a 1 finger pull. Still can't fully lock the front wheel on a fast hard 1 finger pull (unless I use 2, which I never do). Don't need to lock the wheel when I go blasting through a trail, but I want to know I have all that range on 1 finger. 

Is this something that shows I still need to bed in the pads more? Using 220 rotors front and rear, 2.3mm monolithic forumlas, 94-96kg average kitted, 16.7kg bike

 

Thanks!

2
Shinook
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6/23/2025 9:08am
7even wrote:
Just bought the trinity a few weeks ago, didn't have the chance to go on a trail yet but went around town trying to bed in...

Just bought the trinity a few weeks ago, didn't have the chance to go on a trail yet but went around town trying to bed in the brakes. 

 

The modulation is amazing, but I still feel there is power left there on a 1 finger pull. Still can't fully lock the front wheel on a fast hard 1 finger pull (unless I use 2, which I never do). Don't need to lock the wheel when I go blasting through a trail, but I want to know I have all that range on 1 finger. 

Is this something that shows I still need to bed in the pads more? Using 220 rotors front and rear, 2.3mm monolithic forumlas, 94-96kg average kitted, 16.7kg bike

 

Thanks!

I weigh more than you and ran these on a bike similarly weighed, you shouldn't have problems locking either front or rear wheels. I would suggest trying to bed them better and re-do your bleed to be certain, getting all the air out can be a bit of a chore the first time. I'd say something is off though b/c locking either front or rear shouldn't take much effort at all.

1
6/23/2025 9:12am
Shinook wrote:
The Trinity brakes are really really good. I've tried a lot of brakes recently (Code, Saint, MT7, Radic Kaha, Intend, Maxima, Maven, Dominion, Hope T4 V4...

The Trinity brakes are really really good. I've tried a lot of brakes recently (Code, Saint, MT7, Radic Kaha, Intend, Maxima, Maven, Dominion, Hope T4 V4, a few others I'm probably forgetting) and they are my favorite of the group. I strongly recommend them to anyone interested and willing to pay/run a niche product like that, with the caveats I mentioned above. 

They do take a little bit longer to sortof 'bed in' than others. The pads took longer than I was used to for the power to come in, but I also had a minor issue with the pad dragging slightly. After I rode some steeper stuff and got them moving a bit more, that went away. They feel like a more boutique, refined Dominion. 

The obvious downside is getting ahold of them. 

I am interested to see what Magura does in the near future. They've been liquidating MT7s at heavily discounted rates and I suspect something new is on the horizon. I really liked the feel of the MT7s, but felt the lever body could use some refinement and the initial bite of the pads was a bit lacking compared to similar options. 

7even wrote:
Just bought the trinity a few weeks ago, didn't have the chance to go on a trail yet but went around town trying to bed in...

Just bought the trinity a few weeks ago, didn't have the chance to go on a trail yet but went around town trying to bed in the brakes. 

 

The modulation is amazing, but I still feel there is power left there on a 1 finger pull. Still can't fully lock the front wheel on a fast hard 1 finger pull (unless I use 2, which I never do). Don't need to lock the wheel when I go blasting through a trail, but I want to know I have all that range on 1 finger. 

Is this something that shows I still need to bed in the pads more? Using 220 rotors front and rear, 2.3mm monolithic forumlas, 94-96kg average kitted, 16.7kg bike

 

Thanks!

How many rides have you done on brakes? Mine didn’t take too long to bed in. 

You may also want to re-visit your bleed, I had to bleed a few times to get all the air out and now my brakes are solid. There was a good reply to me about this a few pages back.


I can lock the front wheel pretty easily on my setup with 203 2.3mm rotors but Im also only at 75kg rider. 

1
Jakub_G
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6/23/2025 10:27am

Locking the front wheel on asphalt with grippy front tire and long travel fork requires crazy stopping power.

3
HexonJuan
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6/23/2025 11:06am
Teknik wrote:
Does anyone have tips on how to measure the brake caliper vertical alignment so that the brake pads are centered on the friction ring? One method...

Does anyone have tips on how to measure the brake caliper vertical alignment so that the brake pads are centered on the friction ring? One method I was thinking was to use a marker on the disc and then observe where the pads make contact.

I’m using Shimano Saint brakes with TRP RS01E 223mm discs. The rear has an IS-PM adapter and the caliper fits very tightly, so it might require some creative thinking. I have couple of Magura shims to align caliper.

I think you and Primoz are thinkin' too hard, and that's not meant with any holier than thou. The pads will leave a witness mark on the rotor's brake track, even on initial bed in. I'd be cautious introducing anything that may negatively affect pucker power, such as permanent marker. 

4
7even
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6/23/2025 12:35pm
Shinook wrote:
The Trinity brakes are really really good. I've tried a lot of brakes recently (Code, Saint, MT7, Radic Kaha, Intend, Maxima, Maven, Dominion, Hope T4 V4...

The Trinity brakes are really really good. I've tried a lot of brakes recently (Code, Saint, MT7, Radic Kaha, Intend, Maxima, Maven, Dominion, Hope T4 V4, a few others I'm probably forgetting) and they are my favorite of the group. I strongly recommend them to anyone interested and willing to pay/run a niche product like that, with the caveats I mentioned above. 

They do take a little bit longer to sortof 'bed in' than others. The pads took longer than I was used to for the power to come in, but I also had a minor issue with the pad dragging slightly. After I rode some steeper stuff and got them moving a bit more, that went away. They feel like a more boutique, refined Dominion. 

The obvious downside is getting ahold of them. 

I am interested to see what Magura does in the near future. They've been liquidating MT7s at heavily discounted rates and I suspect something new is on the horizon. I really liked the feel of the MT7s, but felt the lever body could use some refinement and the initial bite of the pads was a bit lacking compared to similar options. 

7even wrote:
Just bought the trinity a few weeks ago, didn't have the chance to go on a trail yet but went around town trying to bed in...

Just bought the trinity a few weeks ago, didn't have the chance to go on a trail yet but went around town trying to bed in the brakes. 

 

The modulation is amazing, but I still feel there is power left there on a 1 finger pull. Still can't fully lock the front wheel on a fast hard 1 finger pull (unless I use 2, which I never do). Don't need to lock the wheel when I go blasting through a trail, but I want to know I have all that range on 1 finger. 

Is this something that shows I still need to bed in the pads more? Using 220 rotors front and rear, 2.3mm monolithic forumlas, 94-96kg average kitted, 16.7kg bike

 

Thanks!

How many rides have you done on brakes? Mine didn’t take too long to bed in. You may also want to re-visit your bleed, I had to...

How many rides have you done on brakes? Mine didn’t take too long to bed in. 

You may also want to re-visit your bleed, I had to bleed a few times to get all the air out and now my brakes are solid. There was a good reply to me about this a few pages back.


I can lock the front wheel pretty easily on my setup with 203 2.3mm rotors but Im also only at 75kg rider. 

I'd say I did about 20 runs of 30km/h-5km/h braking spurts with a bit of commuting to work and back home through town

I guess I will try a re-bleed eventually if I don't notice any improvement. The free travel on the lever is good and short and don't feel anything spongy after the bite point. Also did the zip tie of the lever close to the handlebar trick. 

There is another issue though, when I go do a hard front brake pull on the lever that is very short in duration (about 0.5seconds/less) with instant release afterwards, sometimes it feels like I get dragging pads for another 0.5 seconds when the pistons retract. Sometimes I don't get this issue, they retract instantly, other times it happens like this. Is this a lagging piston issue? I am too much of a novice to figure it out, but now I also feel like there is a different sensation to the hard front brake pull when it initiates, but not sure if this is just in my head.. sometimes I can audibly, clearly hear the pads engage the rotor, other times not (and depending on this, the rotors squeal a bit or howl louder). No idea if this is normal 

I did write to Intend and they said to get the brakes hot first and if it doesn't fix it, to contact them again... though I can't really get them HOT in town like on a trail (even after the 20 runs of braking spurts, I still have this happen) 

7even
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6/23/2025 12:36pm
7even wrote:
Just bought the trinity a few weeks ago, didn't have the chance to go on a trail yet but went around town trying to bed in...

Just bought the trinity a few weeks ago, didn't have the chance to go on a trail yet but went around town trying to bed in the brakes. 

 

The modulation is amazing, but I still feel there is power left there on a 1 finger pull. Still can't fully lock the front wheel on a fast hard 1 finger pull (unless I use 2, which I never do). Don't need to lock the wheel when I go blasting through a trail, but I want to know I have all that range on 1 finger. 

Is this something that shows I still need to bed in the pads more? Using 220 rotors front and rear, 2.3mm monolithic forumlas, 94-96kg average kitted, 16.7kg bike

 

Thanks!

Shinook wrote:
I weigh more than you and ran these on a bike similarly weighed, you shouldn't have problems locking either front or rear wheels. I would suggest...

I weigh more than you and ran these on a bike similarly weighed, you shouldn't have problems locking either front or rear wheels. I would suggest trying to bed them better and re-do your bleed to be certain, getting all the air out can be a bit of a chore the first time. I'd say something is off though b/c locking either front or rear shouldn't take much effort at all.

the back is probably at half the bedding process and I can lock the wheel, the modulation is great

the front is weird and I wish I could go to a trail sooner, don't have any of these bedding in machines at any bike stores in town and just me riding around will take a bit longer

7even
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Bucharest RO
6/23/2025 12:40pm
Jakub_G wrote:

Locking the front wheel on asphalt with grippy front tire and long travel fork requires crazy stopping power.

Have a Magic Mary with addix ultra soft on the front wheel with a 170mm fox, gets quite grippy + 29 psi

Primoz
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6/23/2025 12:40pm
Teknik wrote:
Does anyone have tips on how to measure the brake caliper vertical alignment so that the brake pads are centered on the friction ring? One method...

Does anyone have tips on how to measure the brake caliper vertical alignment so that the brake pads are centered on the friction ring? One method I was thinking was to use a marker on the disc and then observe where the pads make contact.

I’m using Shimano Saint brakes with TRP RS01E 223mm discs. The rear has an IS-PM adapter and the caliper fits very tightly, so it might require some creative thinking. I have couple of Magura shims to align caliper.

HexonJuan wrote:
I think you and Primoz are thinkin' too hard, and that's not meant with any holier than thou. The pads will leave a witness mark on...

I think you and Primoz are thinkin' too hard, and that's not meant with any holier than thou. The pads will leave a witness mark on the rotor's brake track, even on initial bed in. I'd be cautious introducing anything that may negatively affect pucker power, such as permanent marker. 

What about if you are using used rotors on another set of brakes? There are no witness marks then Tongue

If the sharpie will affect the braking power, well, damn, we better cover up those rotors with well sealed covers REAL quick. Think of all the dust, muck and sand getting onto the rotors affecting braking power.

2
6/23/2025 12:48pm
7even wrote:
Just bought the trinity a few weeks ago, didn't have the chance to go on a trail yet but went around town trying to bed in...

Just bought the trinity a few weeks ago, didn't have the chance to go on a trail yet but went around town trying to bed in the brakes. 

 

The modulation is amazing, but I still feel there is power left there on a 1 finger pull. Still can't fully lock the front wheel on a fast hard 1 finger pull (unless I use 2, which I never do). Don't need to lock the wheel when I go blasting through a trail, but I want to know I have all that range on 1 finger. 

Is this something that shows I still need to bed in the pads more? Using 220 rotors front and rear, 2.3mm monolithic forumlas, 94-96kg average kitted, 16.7kg bike

 

Thanks!

How many rides have you done on brakes? Mine didn’t take too long to bed in. You may also want to re-visit your bleed, I had to...

How many rides have you done on brakes? Mine didn’t take too long to bed in. 

You may also want to re-visit your bleed, I had to bleed a few times to get all the air out and now my brakes are solid. There was a good reply to me about this a few pages back.


I can lock the front wheel pretty easily on my setup with 203 2.3mm rotors but Im also only at 75kg rider. 

7even wrote:
I'd say I did about 20 runs of 30km/h-5km/h braking spurts with a bit of commuting to work and back home through townI guess I will...

I'd say I did about 20 runs of 30km/h-5km/h braking spurts with a bit of commuting to work and back home through town

I guess I will try a re-bleed eventually if I don't notice any improvement. The free travel on the lever is good and short and don't feel anything spongy after the bite point. Also did the zip tie of the lever close to the handlebar trick. 

There is another issue though, when I go do a hard front brake pull on the lever that is very short in duration (about 0.5seconds/less) with instant release afterwards, sometimes it feels like I get dragging pads for another 0.5 seconds when the pistons retract. Sometimes I don't get this issue, they retract instantly, other times it happens like this. Is this a lagging piston issue? I am too much of a novice to figure it out, but now I also feel like there is a different sensation to the hard front brake pull when it initiates, but not sure if this is just in my head.. sometimes I can audibly, clearly hear the pads engage the rotor, other times not (and depending on this, the rotors squeal a bit or howl louder). No idea if this is normal 

I did write to Intend and they said to get the brakes hot first and if it doesn't fix it, to contact them again... though I can't really get them HOT in town like on a trail (even after the 20 runs of braking spurts, I still have this happen) 

Anecdotally it took me about 700m of descending after doing a “street bed in” process for them to fully bed in. 

I’d just take it on a few rides first before troubleshooting any more. 

1
HexonJuan
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WI US
6/23/2025 1:26pm
Teknik wrote:
Does anyone have tips on how to measure the brake caliper vertical alignment so that the brake pads are centered on the friction ring? One method...

Does anyone have tips on how to measure the brake caliper vertical alignment so that the brake pads are centered on the friction ring? One method I was thinking was to use a marker on the disc and then observe where the pads make contact.

I’m using Shimano Saint brakes with TRP RS01E 223mm discs. The rear has an IS-PM adapter and the caliper fits very tightly, so it might require some creative thinking. I have couple of Magura shims to align caliper.

HexonJuan wrote:
I think you and Primoz are thinkin' too hard, and that's not meant with any holier than thou. The pads will leave a witness mark on...

I think you and Primoz are thinkin' too hard, and that's not meant with any holier than thou. The pads will leave a witness mark on the rotor's brake track, even on initial bed in. I'd be cautious introducing anything that may negatively affect pucker power, such as permanent marker. 

Primoz wrote:
What about if you are using used rotors on another set of brakes? There are no witness marks then :PIf the sharpie will affect the braking...

What about if you are using used rotors on another set of brakes? There are no witness marks then Tongue

If the sharpie will affect the braking power, well, damn, we better cover up those rotors with well sealed covers REAL quick. Think of all the dust, muck and sand getting onto the rotors affecting braking power.

KEEP THE HYPOTHETICALS COMING!!!!

You'd still need to bed the brakes in, which would bring back the witness marks. I look at it as not introducing an unintended consequence. Is perfect* pad depth worth potentially screwin' up a set of pads? But that could be my frugality speaking. Will the solvent and/or resin in the ink mess things up? I don't know, hence my predilection for working with known variables. 

1
7even
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Bucharest RO
6/23/2025 1:50pm
How many rides have you done on brakes? Mine didn’t take too long to bed in. You may also want to re-visit your bleed, I had to...

How many rides have you done on brakes? Mine didn’t take too long to bed in. 

You may also want to re-visit your bleed, I had to bleed a few times to get all the air out and now my brakes are solid. There was a good reply to me about this a few pages back.


I can lock the front wheel pretty easily on my setup with 203 2.3mm rotors but Im also only at 75kg rider. 

7even wrote:
I'd say I did about 20 runs of 30km/h-5km/h braking spurts with a bit of commuting to work and back home through townI guess I will...

I'd say I did about 20 runs of 30km/h-5km/h braking spurts with a bit of commuting to work and back home through town

I guess I will try a re-bleed eventually if I don't notice any improvement. The free travel on the lever is good and short and don't feel anything spongy after the bite point. Also did the zip tie of the lever close to the handlebar trick. 

There is another issue though, when I go do a hard front brake pull on the lever that is very short in duration (about 0.5seconds/less) with instant release afterwards, sometimes it feels like I get dragging pads for another 0.5 seconds when the pistons retract. Sometimes I don't get this issue, they retract instantly, other times it happens like this. Is this a lagging piston issue? I am too much of a novice to figure it out, but now I also feel like there is a different sensation to the hard front brake pull when it initiates, but not sure if this is just in my head.. sometimes I can audibly, clearly hear the pads engage the rotor, other times not (and depending on this, the rotors squeal a bit or howl louder). No idea if this is normal 

I did write to Intend and they said to get the brakes hot first and if it doesn't fix it, to contact them again... though I can't really get them HOT in town like on a trail (even after the 20 runs of braking spurts, I still have this happen) 

Anecdotally it took me about 700m of descending after doing a “street bed in” process for them to fully bed in. I’d just take it on a...

Anecdotally it took me about 700m of descending after doing a “street bed in” process for them to fully bed in. 

I’d just take it on a few rides first before troubleshooting any more. 

Will  do that

1
Pedal Bob
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6/23/2025 2:00pm Edited Date/Time 6/23/2025 2:00pm
3
6/25/2025 1:57am
Evil96 wrote:
https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/hope-technology-unveils-evo-brakeThe new Hopes are revealed, I assume 6% increase in piston size from 18/16 means 18/18mmI might give these a go when they come out...

https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/hope-technology-unveils-evo-brake
The new Hopes are revealed, I assume 6% increase in piston size from 18/16 means 18/18mm

I might give these a go when they come out with the power levers 

Added lever bleed port puts them on my list of brakes to try now. 

1
Evil96
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Portogruaro, VE IT
6/25/2025 2:06am
Evil96 wrote:
https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/hope-technology-unveils-evo-brakeThe new Hopes are revealed, I assume 6% increase in piston size from 18/16 means 18/18mmI might give these a go when they come out...

https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/hope-technology-unveils-evo-brake
The new Hopes are revealed, I assume 6% increase in piston size from 18/16 means 18/18mm

I might give these a go when they come out with the power levers 

Added lever bleed port puts them on my list of brakes to try now. 

Im curious to see how it is, it looks to me it’s in a position where air can get trapped underneath the diaphragm, so I’d still bleed them the normal way 

3
7even
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Bucharest RO
6/25/2025 2:27am
Evil96 wrote:
https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/hope-technology-unveils-evo-brakeThe new Hopes are revealed, I assume 6% increase in piston size from 18/16 means 18/18mmI might give these a go when they come out...

https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/hope-technology-unveils-evo-brake
The new Hopes are revealed, I assume 6% increase in piston size from 18/16 means 18/18mm

I might give these a go when they come out with the power levers 

Too bad they aren't compatible anymore with that massive 3.3mm rotor 

1
Primoz
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SI
6/25/2025 2:29am Edited Date/Time 6/25/2025 2:31am
Evil96 wrote:
https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/hope-technology-unveils-evo-brakeThe new Hopes are revealed, I assume 6% increase in piston size from 18/16 means 18/18mmI might give these a go when they come out...

https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/hope-technology-unveils-evo-brake
The new Hopes are revealed, I assume 6% increase in piston size from 18/16 means 18/18mm

I might give these a go when they come out with the power levers 

GR4 and TR4 both use larger leading pistons (as per video).

Still DOT?

1
Evil96
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Portogruaro, VE IT
6/25/2025 2:34am
Primoz wrote:
GR4 and TR4 both use larger leading pistons (as per video).Still DOT?

GR4 and TR4 both use larger leading pistons (as per video).

Still DOT?

I think so, no details that I’ve seen about that, now they have the same pads GR and TR but both different from e4/v4 shape 

Evil96
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Portogruaro, VE IT
6/25/2025 2:35am
Evil96 wrote:
https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/hope-technology-unveils-evo-brakeThe new Hopes are revealed, I assume 6% increase in piston size from 18/16 means 18/18mmI might give these a go when they come out...

https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/hope-technology-unveils-evo-brake
The new Hopes are revealed, I assume 6% increase in piston size from 18/16 means 18/18mm

I might give these a go when they come out with the power levers 

7even wrote:

Too bad they aren't compatible anymore with that massive 3.3mm rotor 

They most likely realized almost nobody uses them, they’re too expensive and heavy 

1
Primoz
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6/25/2025 3:10am
Slavid666 wrote:
After going back and fourth for the last month I decided to pull the trigger on some T4V4’s to replace the Radic Kaha’s that I’ve been...

After going back and fourth for the last month I decided to pull the trigger on some T4V4’s to replace the Radic Kaha’s that I’ve been running for the last year. I figured my purchase should trigger some event that causes hope to release the new gravity brake causing me to have buyers remorse over the purchase for not waiting, but giving anyone else the opportunity to grab some discounted T4V4’s or the new brake… your welcome 😂. 

Some initial impressions:

Last time I worked on a set of hope brakes was at least 15 years ago, and they always seemed to be shelf queens imo. I know that has changed but I’m happy to see/feel it in person. Pad retraction is pretty damn good, having struggled with mt7 for longer than I should have and coming from Kaha’s that are intolerant of any runout in rotors I’m pretty happy that these have a decent amount while still having short throw. Coming to that, the dead stroke is much much better than I was expecting, not sure if it’s exaggerated or what but with the contact point adjuster wound in for the least free/dead stroke I am measuring 14mm until the lever firms up. That’s actually very close to where I have the free stroke set on my Kaha’s, also adjustable, to maintain reliability. I will say, they have a heavier lever pull than both the Kaha’s and the Dominions, by a fair amount to the latter. 

I pulled my Trickstuff pads from my Kaha’s to have a better idea of how they stop, with everything else being equal, tbh I feel like there is no difference in power other than I builds slower, more modulation, but required more lever throw to get there. 

I was able to get the calipers centered on the rotors and have nearly equal piston extension front and rear. The bleed process brought back memories but I used a miniature hose clamp to secure the hose to the barb at the caliper which made it a lot easier to pull a vacuum and dislodge any bubbles in the caliper before I pulled the diaphragm and performed a push bleed from the caliper. The front brake was pretty poorly bled from the factory, the rear was perfect (based on lever feel prior to cutting the hoses) can’t wait to put some laps on them and hoping, pun intended, they solve my weird reliability issue that comes and goes with the Kaha’s…

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Thanks! Smile

3
mtbjoe
Posts
52
Joined
8/4/2024
Location
Leawood, KS US
6/25/2025 3:49am

Kaha dead stroke seems the easiest to get ultrashort. Mine is 6-7mm. The firmness is unrivaled. However, the lever shape is not great and no tooless on the trail reach/bite adjust. The bite point grub screen requires removal of the lever from the bar in my experience. Parts long term are also a concern.


The hopes seem like the best option going forward. Would have liked a bleeding edge port and larger resivour but finally some company has lever options! Been saying that’s needed for years. Parts are obviously not an issue. 

Vented rotors are no loss—PITA to true. 

1
mtbjoe
Posts
52
Joined
8/4/2024
Location
Leawood, KS US
6/25/2025 3:51am

The raidic hose connectors are amazing. No barbs or expendable parts—totally resuable. I use them on my hopes btw 

3
Pedal Bob
Posts
230
Joined
1/30/2025
Location
H NO
6/25/2025 4:41am

- "Revised bore cap design reduces width for more frame clearance"

Maybe the new Hope calipers will be a better match with my frame given the V4 caliper cannot be fully centered. The ironic part is that it is room to have the caliper closer to the frame, it's just not possible because the bolt holes won't allow it.

That said I believe it's wise to have all caliper pistons in the same size to limit inconsistency in drag. These two factors makes the new calipers something to consider for me personally at least. 

I also have no real need for the bleedport on the lever side, but I also don't mind it. If it's there it's simply an extra option. 

I'll do a re-evaluation next spring to see where I'm at with my Tech 4 V4 setup. 

Just got my bore cap tool so I at least can open up the calipers and get the fricken silicone grease out of my calipers. Absolutely first and last time I'm having grease anywhere near brakes. 🙄

2

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