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Magura
HS-33 Tomac, Raceline, Quicksilver
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Submitted by
sean
a Racer
from new jersey
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | rt 15 bicycles | | Strengths: | Lasts forever, incredible stopping power, excellent modulation, almost zero maintenance, super easy to change pads. | | Weaknesses: | it's getting a little tougher to find parts in america. | | Similar Products Used: | ss-7 cantilevers, hs-11, koski v-brakes, avid v-brakes, magura marta, avid bb-7, avid juicy carbon | | Bike Setup: | karate monkey, rigid. | | Bottom Line: | i have a few sets of these. the one i'm currently running has been in constant use going on TEN years now. TEN. i haven't bled the lines since i installed the brakes and cut the hoses to length. the front has had a kink in the hose since the first week, but it has not affected it. they have over 15,000 miles on them, and have been used for trials, xc, commuting, messenger work, long distance touring, endurance racing, xc racing, skatepark. they've been on two different bikes and have outlasted countless parts. i find the kool stop salmon pads to be the best for all around riding. i run discs on my current xc/endurance racer, but the karate monkey with these brakes is my back up race bike and still sees plenty of use, and saw near daily use up untill this summer. these are STILL a viable alternative to disk brakes, and have superior lever feel to and equal if not better stopping power than v-brakes. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester, UK
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | UK Online - can't remember ! | | Strengths: | Zero maintenance (after initial set-up), loads of stopping power, conversation point, no maintenance, fantastic customer service, value for money, no maintenance. | | Weaknesses: | Tricky to set-up initially - you need good quality tools and loads of patience. Not really designed for 2.3 inch tyres (but you can just about get away with it).
The manual could be better written - especially the instructions for bleeding ! | | Similar Products Used: | Various brands of v-brakes. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Specialized FSR-XC, Rohloff speedhub, Marzocchi Marathon S Coil forks, 2.3 inch continental vertical pro tyres. | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic brakes. I've had the one set for nearly 6 years, and had it fitted to 2 bikes and three different forks.
Only two things have gone wrong with them (despite the years of complete neglect). These were:
1. A split in one of the hoses. Using the Magura HS-33 service kit, I replaced the hose, refilled the system, and was ready to go in less than an hour.
2. One of the evolution mount bolts broke whilst I was undoing it to transfer the brakes to my latest set of forks.
I emailed Magura UK asking if I could buy some more bolts from them - and within a week, Tony Barton had sent me 4 new bolts at no charge. Impressive customer service - thanks guys !
I've considered buying disk brakes due to the reduced wear and tear on the rims, but I've never had a rim split whilst using the HS33 (unlike when I ran v-brakes), and at just £100 for a complete set of HS-33's I cannot justify using anything else.
If you want the performance and low-maintenance of a disk brake, but at a much lower cost, then go for this brake. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Fenner
a Weekend Warrior
from Bath / Bristol England
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Isle of White has loads | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay - secondhand | | Strengths: | POWER, durability, lack of service, Look cool. | | Weaknesses: | My red Ltd Edition HS33's, look a bit pink compared to my red frame, due to sun bleaching. But hey I bet David Hastlhofs shorts are going pink by now too. Snapped the leaver adjuster, so replaced with bolt, looks ugly but saved me £20, and does the job. | | Similar Products Used: | HS11's, Hydrolic disks, Brabhus ceramic's on my car. | | Bike Setup: | Handsome Dawg, Marz.Bomber Z4's, Anomeba bars, Club roost, FSA etc etc Trials setup.. | | Bottom Line: | These are secondhand E-bays, looks like they have been working hard, chipped up but still fully working, I have HS11's on another bike, so used to the setup.
Ensure you fit these corectly and they will give you years of maintenance free riding, the stock black pads work OK, but last almost too long, Im bored give me something to fix.
Green frogs will come out in the winter.
These brakes are so powerfull, they should fit them to Juggernalts, not just bikes, Im tempted to upgrade my Car to Magura's. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hillary Corwin
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that points down and has big airs | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Bought off friend who was going to discs | | Strengths: | They're tough, I've yet to break one. They're not too terribly heavy stock, mine have a huge custom machined plate, so they weigh a little more. Great stopping power in both wet and dry conditions, was pretty impressed at how well they shed Texas mud (it's more like clay...). | | Weaknesses: | Pads aren't cheap. Never used the stock pads, I hear they aren't too wonderful...Cool Stops work quite well, though. | | Similar Products Used: | Avid Mechanical Discs, Shimano XT's...1001 BMX brakes... | | Bike Setup: | Gack Trail Mod, Manitou Dorado SC, King Headset, Hadley SS/Mammoth wheels, IRC Kujo's, Primo Powerbite cranks, Primo Tenderizer pedals, Profile/Kink 3/16" drivetrain, etc. | | Bottom Line: | These are the best brakes I've ridden. They are also my first hydraulics.
The lack of maintenence is wonderful. No cables to lube and strech out, only had to mess with 'em once, and it was pretty painless (new rims...different width).
I didn't know rim brakes could bite down in mud and rain, these enlightened me to the possibility.
They're tough, I ride a lot of urban assault and dirt jump, and am not always wise about the things I attempt. As a result, the lever's taken some serious beatings. It's not broken yet. They look sharp, and aren't too expensive.
Very nice brakes for bikes w/o disc mounts...
Complaints about this product probably stem from improper setups. I know that at the very least those who are complaining about leaking put theirs together improperly...
If you're planning to ride down a mountain at 60+ MPH, don't buy this brake. If you like to stop quickly, but don't need the braking power of an Italian automobile...these work just fine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeffrey
a Weekend Warrior
from Stadskanaal, The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Strengths: | Design, great brake power | | Weaknesses: | It's hard to adjust them. | | Bottom Line: | Brake power is very strong and the design is very nice. These brakes are the best options for you if you don't want to use disc-brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc W
a
from Oxford UK.
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Brecon Wales | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good modulation, awesome stopping power, work well in both wet and dry (if your used to V's!), easy to change wheels, value. Quiet operation. | | Weaknesses: | Can be a bit of a fiddle to set up, but you get used to it. The manual I had was not very clear and miss'd vital points about setting up! like the fact the EVO mounts are reversable and if you do that it move's the brake body/pads closer to the rim which on certain bike's make's it easier to set up, only a small problem. | | Similar Products Used: | Avid & Shimano V's only | | Bike Setup: | GT hardtail | | Bottom Line: | These are amazing rim brake's in my opinion, maybe not as simple as V'S or quite as easy to maintain, but the performance gains out weigh the negative's. And if you like me and not ready for disc's then the HS33 make a good alternative to V's. I mostly use these for aggresive cross country riding. Getting them set up well is vital for good performance, its worth checking out Magura's website for tips on set-up. Kool stop brake's work better than stock pads, and although wet braking is not as good as dry, its still the best wet performing rim brake I have used. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ollie
a Weekend Warrior
from Dorset, UK
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Included on 2nd hand Cindercone | | Strengths: | Excellent power and modulation, maintenence free, quiet operation, on the fly pad adjustment and quick releases | | Weaknesses: | Fiddly to set up, but once done they don't need doing again | | Similar Products Used: | Deore/LX V's, Avid SD-3's, Hope Mono's/Mini's/C2's | | Bike Setup: | Cindercone, Magura Tomacs, Mavic X138's, WTB saddle, LX mechs/shifters, Panaracer Fire XC's, Marzhocchi Z3 Flylights. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent brakes, only viable option between V's and expensive hydraulic disks. Much better than cable discs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bis
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The Marin, sunny Wales | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | belting in all weather, cool colours, | | Weaknesses: | fiddly if your not used to them | | Similar Products Used: | Julies :¬( | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale H/Tail, Bombers, Azonic Headlock, Truvativ XC Riser Bars, Shimano Deore LX, Mavics with 2.1 Panaracer XC's | | Bottom Line: | Superb brake set, excellent in any weather, reliable, easy to service and look after when you have fiddled with them once, very important to install correctly first time!!!!! or your problems will mount up ride after ride, you will not have any problems if installed right the very time!!!! Mine are coming upto a 1000 miles, no problems so far apart from some new pads (£20.00) in next few months, greenfrogs are good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordon
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, Idaho
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hulls Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Bike Chain | | Strengths: | Superior to linear brakes, once set-never look at them again til it's time to change pads, not all that heavy compared to cable brakes. | | Weaknesses: | If you aren't mechanically inclined, you are in for a long haul of no fun unless you pay a shop to set them up. | | Similar Products Used: | Hayes, V's, cantis', center pulls | | Bike Setup: | Kona Kilauea, XTR drivetrain w/Sachs 9spd shifters, Raceface, Mavic Cross wheels, Manitou | | Bottom Line: | The biggest bang for your buck in stopping power (for rim brakes only). If you want better, go with mid range or higher discs. Read all instructions throuroughly and then go to the magura cult online for more info before you even pick up a wrench. Setup is crucial, but when you get it right, you never have to touch them again except for pad replacment. Superfast wheel removal, modulation beyond belief, haven't had any problems with mud or wet yet so not sure about those complaints. Don't like the routing with the heat shrink tubing, but it works and the setup could be easier, but I can't fault them for this since working on anything worthwhile takes time and knowledge. If you can adjust deraileurs or repack a wheel, no problem ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Capel
a Downhiller
from uk
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything freeride wiv big dropins | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | autovouge | | Strengths: | easy as hell to bleed, modulation, fit red koolstop pads and they'r easily as good as any 165mm 2pot disc system ive tried, good pad wear, bla bla bla... | | Weaknesses: | weight, tricky to setup unless you've used 'em before. pad wear adjusters can break. boosters are a MUST. | | Similar Products Used: | xt v's (eughhhh!)
hope c2's & m4's
hayes hfx mag's | | Bike Setup: | they'r on an old fisher joshua ZO at the moment | | Bottom Line: | cheap rim braks that with the right pads put much more expensive brakes to shame! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt G
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Bottom Line: | I have had the Magura HS-33 for about 2 years and can't find any flaws. The main complaints I have herd are "they are to expencive" or "they are hard to set up". Yes, they are a bit expencive,but they are worth every cent, no cable to streth, easy to change pads, and extreamly progressive. If you read all the instructions in the manual and read the tips on the net they shouldn't be hard to set up at all. Maguras are good for every condition and every style of rideing. Once you try them you will never let them go!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graeme Finlayson
a Cross Country Rider
from Aylesford, Kent, UK
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Coed-y-Brenin | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | www.wiggle.co.uk | | Strengths: | Stopping power, modulation. Very easy to change the pads. | | Weaknesses: | Slightly heavier than V-brakes. Some say they're pricey, but at £95 for a full set, there are much more expensive and less well performing V-brakes around. The heat shrink hose fixing isn't ideal, the optional hose guides are a better idea, but not easy to get hold of in the UK. | | Similar Products Used: | Avid Arch Rival 40, Shimano LX. | | Bike Setup: | Kona Muni Mula, USE Shock post, Shimano LX/XT, Mavic X517 Ceramic rims, Hope hubs. | | Bottom Line: | These brakes work superbly, and the control is outstanding. The contrast between these and cable operated V-brakes is amazing. I tried spinning the back wheel with the bike on a workstand and bringing the wheel to a halt slowly with the original V-brake. The lever travel was jerky, and the wheel stopped suddenly (newish LX brake and new XTR cables). With the Maguras fitted, and the same test, the free spinning wheel can be slowed down very gradually with the lightest touch on the lever. It makes the difference between controlled braking and rear wheel lock-out on slippery descents.
Initial set up could be tricky for the inexperienced. The first one took me 1 1/2 hours, the second one 30 mins. When you've done the first one and got a feel for it the second one is much easier. The fitting instructions are very clear, concise and well illustrated - It's well worth taking the time to read them properly a few times before opening your toolbox. Fix the mounting washers to the brake bosses with silicone sealant. That way you won't lose them later when you have to take off the quick release to fix a puncture.
Take care when cutting the tubing, and follow the instructions for this to the letter. I did and found the brakes didn't even need bleeding afterwards.
Changing the wheels is a fairly simple affair; with the tyre deflated, undo the quick release mount, slide off the cylinder with the booster attached and hey presto you can get the wheel out. When you refit, just get the brake block at the right height on the rim, hook the booster over the nut on the fixed side and do up the release. Just remember to wait until the wheel is refitted before inflating the tyre again. Personally, I think it's easier than a tyre change on a V-brake, what with all that fiddling to free the noodle.
All in all, a superb piece of kit, with little ongoing maintenance in contrast to my V brakes which needed adjustment after almost every ride. A serious alternative to disc brakes if you can't afford them or like mine, your bike doesn't have disc mounts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabe Gibson
a Cross Country Rider
from LEEDS, W YORKS, UK
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tong to Fulneck public footpath ( @night) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | trails bikes uk | | Strengths: | German build quality,durable, excellent stopping power,good modulation,works well in wet. | | Weaknesses: | standard brake pads wear out fast. No bleed kit supplied with set. diffucult to follow instructions. | | Bike Setup: | Kona Kahuna 02, full xt, judy tt forks,magura hs 33s, kona standard head set, planet x beam me up stem (blue), crud guards. | | Bottom Line: | Before My brakes arrived I perused over this forum and became a little aprehensive by the amount of people reporting installation problems. This was not the case for me. I am relativly inexperienced when it comes to being a cycle mechanic but these babys where easy to install and set up. Anyone reading this forum contemplating whether to buy them or not, listen:
*Easy to install
*Excellent stopping power (dry & wet)
*Look the dogs gonads
*costs £25 for them fitted by a professional.
*£00.00 if u do it yourself.
*Deflate or remove tyre when fitting them.(correct clearences etc)
*Naturally leave the actual wheel rim on.
*For correct clearance place a thin piece of metal/card board under each pad then set the blocks flush against them.
*tighten all nuts and go test.
*proceed to local area and hit some dirt.
cheers,
GiBBo
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Worcester, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Bump | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Alley | | Strengths: | power, modulation, maintenance-free, adjustable lever take-up, weight(relative to discs) | | Weaknesses: | set-up, weight(relative to V's), fragile hardware | | Similar Products Used: | V-brakes, Hayes discs | | Bike Setup: | Klein hardtail, Manitou X-Vert Air, Bontrager ceramic rims w/Phil hubs. | | Bottom Line: | The bike noted above is the third bike I have owned in the last four years. All these bikes have had the same set of brakes! Not the same model, the same set. In each case, the only work I have ever done besides setting them up is replace the pads, which is a less than 30 sec. operation. I agree completely with all the 5-chilied reviews regarding the power and modulation these brakes provide. I weigh about 190lbs., and ride fairly technical singletrack. Around here, almost all the riding is very steep and also muddy much of the time. In my experience, these brakes have nearly the power of discs, with better modulation(a fair trade for me).
I also agree that these can be a real pain to set up. Allow at least 2-3 hours, and then only if you have previous bike wrench experience. Do not attempt installation if you don't have a high degree of patience. Having said that, the pay-off is definitely worth it. I have replaced some of the light aluminum mounting bolts with steel ones from the hs-11 kit after breaking them. This is probably due to the repeated retightening necessary during the initial installation and the fact that they have been reused on multiple bikes. Hint-take your tires off the rims, much easier to set the pads parallel and at the correct distance. I work in a bike shop, and have installed a few sets, and I still need to set aside an afternoon for the job.
Speaking of rims, if you can afford a set of ceramic rims, they likewise are worth it. Power and modulation are improved, and you won't toast your wheels nearly as fast. In muddy areas, regular rims do suffer increased wear. A rear booster is definitely required, I myself haven't felt the need for a front booster with my X-Vert. I give these brakes the highest rating, both for performance and value(due to their durability). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
oscar
a Cross Country Rider
from regensburg
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | H&S bike-discount | | Strengths: | power, looks nice (raceline yellow on a black bike), 5 years guarantee, no wires, no DOT-brake-fluid | | Weaknesses: | weight?? (if you are really interested in 200gr)
not as powerful as a Louise FR :-)
expansive, but they are worth it | | Similar Products Used: | shimano LX V-brakes, some cantis by shimano and others | | Bike Setup: | 01 Dynamics Eagle, Judy XC, SID, HS 33, Rigida ZAC 19 rims and Shimano LX hubs, Flite, Mythos 2,1 | | Bottom Line: | these are really nice Brakes! They aren´t much more powerful than my former V-brakes, but its enough in all stuations. The real difference is that you feel what your brake is doing.
If you need oder want the power of a fat disc-brake, then forget it of course. But for all others it´s one of the best brake systems, that you put on your bike and forget.
Be warned about the installation!! I needed some hours...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Klauser
a Cross Country Rider
from Feldafing
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Rabe Munich | | Strengths: | s.b. | | Weaknesses: | s.b. | | Similar Products Used: | s.b. | | Bike Setup: | s.b. | | Bottom Line: | Amendment: optimal set-up of Maguras:
Use them ONLY with brake boosters front AND rear. They are nearly useless without boosters. Use Carbon booster (Muddy e.g.) instead of stock ones, saves nearly 100g.
Install them with steel mesh lines instead of the stock plastic ones: looks nicer, the lines are fixed bomb proof (remember this very carefully: 1. fitting inot line: when having shortened the lines to appropriate length, the fitting has to be screwed into the line on the shortened end of the line. Only the last turnings will catch the outer nut, too. 2. fitting into brake and lever: the fittings are of two different types. One side of the line is a fixed connection, the other screw can be turned without turning the line. First, fix the fixed side. When having postitioned brakes and levers in the final position, fix the other movable side of the line onot brake and lever.
Dump the stock spacers. Buy suspension spacers front AND rear (can be fixed with a screw).
Buy ceramic rims the next time you'll have to change rims.
When installing the brakes, remove the tires. Don't do installation in a hurry. Read instruction very carefully. Bleed the brakes twice when you've finished installation (this implies that you have to buy a bleeding kit, too).
If you are not a skilled bike mechanic, let the shop install these brakes. Installation of these is NOT easy.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Klauser
a Cross Country Rider
from Feldafing
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | rabe munich | | Strengths: | Performance, low maintainance, durability, looks | | Weaknesses: | weight | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XTR 96, Shimano LX 98, Shimano Deore 01, Magura 10th Anniversary | | Bike Setup: | Trek 9900 OCLV 98 Frame, Mavic x618ceramic, tune hubs, Moots post, Shimano XTR drive train, IRC Mythos redwall | | Bottom Line: | An old fan of Magura rim brakes, I ripped them off my TREK in favour of Shimanos (tried both XTR and Deore), just to save some weight. Man, how fast did I reinstall those Magura babies. There is nothing like these Magura brakes, to be sure. And I am in doubt whether this includes most disks either. The forces on spokes, rims and fork must be tremendous with disks, much higher than with rim brakes, and I am quite confident that we are in for some nasty surprises when the now substantial number of bikes with disks have been in use for some years.
I have Mavic ceramic rims, so I use grey pads when it's dry and green ones when it's raining. Since changing pads is very easy, it is really worth bothering to change to the right pads for a long tour. When you are a skilled bike mechanic, you might install the babies yourself (keep in mind, that you REALLY have to strip the tires, if you want to succeed within a reasonable span), else let the people at the shop do it. Keep in mind, that THESE BABIES FUNCTION ONLY WITH BRAKE BOOSTERS, BOTH FRONT AND REAR. Else you may even rip off your brake bosses. And don't open the oil circuit if you don't really know what you are doing.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DEVIN
a Cross Country Rider
from TEXADA ISL.B.C [CANADA]
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | ALL | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | THE BIKE SHOP | | Strengths: | GREAT MODULATION,SIMPLE SET UP NO HASSELS | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | CANNONDALE SUPER V 800 | | Bottom Line: | I'M A HEAVY RIDDER,250LBS+ I HAVE ALWAYS HAD BREAKING PROBLEMS WITH CANTIES,OR V'S.NOT ANY MORE,THESE BRAKES WORK SO WELL IN ANY RIDEING CONDITIONS,AND I GET IT ALL THAT I WOULD USE NO OTHER.GREAT PRICE AT THE TIME OF PURCHES COMPAIRED TO DISK.LOW MAINTANENCE,HIGH PERFORMANCE.THEY ARE ADJUSTABLE ON THE FLY.BUY THESE YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yetibuster
a Cross Country Rider
from germany
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | XC | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | germany/ffm | | Strengths: | Breaks with two fingers anytime. Easy to install. Quick tire changes (30 seconds). Quick change of rubber without tools. Very powerful (almost like disk brake). Breaks good when wet. Can be adjusted while driving.
Install an forget, they'll never disappoint you!
-No Problems on lightweight forks like SID (as I'm using) | | Weaknesses: | none (they are not as lightweigth as cantis but who want them?) | | Similar Products Used: | cantis/discs on test drives | | Bike Setup: | G-Zero Custom | | Bottom Line: | Almost all os my friends are driving those now. Five people of my friends who had other breaks changed to HS33. Everybody of them never had any problem in 5 years! In this time there went 2 bars, 1 stem, 1 frame and more...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phacops rana
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$179.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | power
modulation
hydraulic smoothness
on-the-fly adjustment that WORKS
| | Weaknesses: | see post | | Similar Products Used: | Marinovative
Shimano
Avid | | Bike Setup: | Yeti Ultimate. Steel with rigid fork. Campy Record OR drivetrain (haven't needed to change it in 11 years), Speedplay Frogs. | | Bottom Line: | These are the ultimate put-on-and-forget brakes. They work so well that you don't even think about them when you're on the bike. You fully expect them to work because they just plain work every time in all conditions. Great confidence inspiring brakes that will make you ride better.
They do, however, require proper set-up. This may take a while, and while some have said to take it to the local LBS, I did my own set-up and the things have worked from the get-go. If you do it yourself, remember not to touch the brakes or put them on until you have read the instructions enough times that you can memorize all the steps. This is extremely important, especially when it comes time to cut the hoses. This is not a rush job. Failure to do this will result in compromised performance. Given that, I still don't think that set-up was all too difficult. Time consuming, yes, but difficult, no. Instructions were perfectly acceptable and clear.
Also, the front really does need to be used with the booster. Even with a rigid fork there is a lot flex otherwise. The system is heavy, but who really cares when it inspires such confidence? It's not that you notice it on a ride or anything (and if you ride a steel Yeti hardtail with straight gauge tubing, what's weight anyways?). Changing wheels does take longer, but I don't notice that this puts a damper on my riding experience. It does, however, chew through rims. This is something that discs don't do, of course, but discs do need dished wheels, so every system has its compromise.
All in all, one of the best pieces of machinery to hang on my MTB. Only the Campy Record OR rear hub and bottom bracket can be said to be so perfect. Neither have had to be replaced, all have been working with the minimum of servicing, and all are spot-on reliable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
adrian moss
a Cross Country Rider
from leek England
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | dimmings dale (oakamoor) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | secondhand | | Strengths: | the product itself. Never had a problem with them. Great x country in all conditions never needed any tweaking since i got the bike. | | Weaknesses: | not found any yet. wow i usually hate everything!! | | Similar Products Used: | not bothered, to good | | Bike Setup: | specialised fsr comp, rock shox judy,deluxe shocks, stout front hub shimano deore xt rear. | | Bottom Line: | great brakes about the only thing that stops me off road. fully confident that they will work in any conditions or situations. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flynn
a
from Coventry, UK
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The urban trials scene in the midlands | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Some shop in Nottingham | | Strengths: | Hmm... Tough one, they look okay I suppose and... No, i'm sorry, thats all | | Weaknesses: | Hmm... Where shall I begin... Firstly, the bolts - we're not talking about the odd bolt here, we're talking every bolt to do with these brakes - they are all made from play-doh! Hmm... The boosters that come with these brakes, poor, to say the least, I think they are just for show and to rub against the tyre. The amount of time these brakes take to set-up is unreasonable. The standard (black) pads are safety hazards, they simply do not work. The lever tends to break and the brakes will often leak and I won't even start on what I think about the quick realeases! | | Similar Products Used: | - Diatech cable discs
- XT v's ('97 & '00)
- LX V's
- Cheap V's and canti's | | Bike Setup: | Cortina dual frame, full on trials set-up | | Bottom Line: | Well, on paper these brakes offer so much power but in reality the design just doesn't work... On a forum somewhere an argument was started about maguras and it appeared to me that most people who like their maguras have found that to get these brakes to work they have had to heavily modify them (new cables, oil, pads etc.) which shouldn't need to be done to a brake of this price, I will never trust a magura on my biie again, my LX V-brakes and black KoolStop pads do a much, much better job. If you're a little punk who wants serious injuries, these are the brakes for you! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | North Downs, Coed-y-brenin | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Merlin Cycles | | Strengths: | Excellent power, great modulation, confidence inspiring. | | Weaknesses: | B@stard to set up, clearance, bolts can round. | | Bike Setup: | Rock Lobster Team Ti, Mavic crossrides, Marzocchi Z2 light | | Bottom Line: | Used these for a month now, and they've been out in some serious (axle deep) mud. I was expecting their initially stunning performance to worsen considerably in England's best winter conditions, but they've proved me wrong. They respond to both the sticky stuff and wet conditions much better than V's, with only a little lost power. Mud clearance is an issue and the wheels are dificult to get out using the QR, but these are niggles that I'm more than willing to put up with in return for the best braking performance I have ever encountered.
They inspire enormous amounts of confidence, whether just scrubbing off a little on high speed sections or screaming to a halt in an emergency. You have absolute control over when you lock your wheels, and they have bags more absolute power than V-brakes (and even all but the very best disks in the dry).
However, you need to be REALLY patient when you're settng them up. It's not really that tricky, but I've probably now spent more than 24 hours in total over four weeks on setting them up and tweaking them - of course, if you run XT V's you'll have spent ten times this just trying to get them to stop squealing!! People who have complained about lack of power just haven't had that level of patience - if you don't, you won't get the most out of this brake. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carsten
a
from Somerville, MA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the city | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Dr. Cycle | | Strengths: | Enormous stopping power. | | Weaknesses: | Quick release tricky when 'booster' installed. If you undo your wheel often, you have to work harder than other systems.
Room for messing up when installing them - booster is the wrong word - these brakes need the 'booster' thingee. Unlike V's or Cantis - here it's a necessary support arch. They don't have brake cables to pull both sides together. These you don't want to pivot. They come with these lever thingees to support them of the stays - but that's tricky. Lots of room for mistake if you go the lever thingee way. Use the arch/booster - not much room for mistake that way - but you pay the not so quick quick-release price. | | Similar Products Used: | Div. V and cantilevers - the low cost and the expensive ones. | | Bike Setup: | Univega cromolly 700c ATB, phil & schmidt hubs, Weinmann & Velocity rims, Specialized Amardillo 28mm tires, ac cranks, ZuZu pedals, XTR bb, front/rear der. 3x8 , Tubus rack, Ortlieb paniers - usualy packed up. | | Bottom Line: | Amazing. But make sure they get mounted right. I originally didn't get it right and used only the little funny lever thingees when mounting them. I can only recommend to use the brake "booster" arches - forces are different on these brakes - unlike V brakes they dont have the brake cables to support the reaction forces - to pull both sides towards each other - and the pivots can't help - you actually dont want these to pivot - you either have to use the little funny levers to support them at the fork leg/seatstay or you have to use boosters - not even to "boost" - just to take care off the pull that they don't pivot/bend away from the rim. I recommend using the booster, the lever thingees are a little tricky and most people mess that up as I did. Once that is set up right the stopping power is enormous. I load my bike. The police tends to stop me in the city because they figure me for an unlicensed bike messenger - and I ride abusive - these brakes stop me - with any load going down any (city) hill in any weather. Downhill riding? There are no cars on the mountains. There are cars on city hills. And people. The city is where it counts (no offense). I got myself into situations. These brakes helped. I learned to trust them. And low maintennance. I've had them for a year. I ride daily. Every other week a little turn at the wheel on the lever to adjust for wear. That's it. Pads actually last rather long - probably the longest I ever experienced. Slightly on the pricey side. They just clip out/in - a no-tool pad change. No new adjustment. The modulation is fantastic. The quick release thingee is a little tricky with a booster installed. It's possible I tightened the pivot screw too much, I'm not sure - I misplaced the orig. screw and didn't have any Loctite - so I fastened it all the way. But I think one has to do it this way. I don't mind it much - if I would have to undo my wheels often I might think different and might look further into it. I had good Vs and Cantis before that I liked and still like. In regular situations some of those did just fine & probably even better than that - but in a tight spot or when schlepping additional pounds on my rack going down Beacon Hill having somebody jaywalk on short notice - hey, I jaywalk myself and I don't want to get runover either - or cutting into downtown going for that one exit downhill on 93 to avoid the inconvenient traffic channeling coming from South B. - I'm the only one not going 75 - my computer says I'm only going 40 - and I wish I wasn't - that's when I'm glad I have these. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kent
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that will kill you | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good power and good looks. There very easy to set up and adjust. Nice colour. | | Weaknesses: | cables are to long. The colour fades when eksposed to sun and water. | | Similar Products Used: | Avid archrival, Shimano XTR and XT. | | Bike Setup: | GT-zaskar team frame. marzocchi z1, full XTR accept for the brakes naturally. | | Bottom Line: | Good paire of brakes for me they have had excellent value having gotten them for free. Still I reacon that they're ok for the money thats charged. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david molony
a Downhiller
from Canterbury, kent, England
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Penshurst | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | melin | | Bottom Line: | i tried to submit a review but it told me not to use profanity and that tw@t was bad languabge.
Neway, it lost my decent page, but just think twice- the levers r pants and they need constant setting up, the recall rate is great, although this is not advertised_ i now run a rear hs11 lever and a home made brace, as they snapped/bent.
Think it through carefully, if you live in the dry, Vs r fine, the wet and they have no advanages- get diskz
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david molony
a Downhiller
from Canterbury, kent, England
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Penshurst | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | melin | | Bottom Line: | i tried to submit a review but it told me not to use profanity and that tw@t was bad languabge.
Neway, it lost my decent page, but just think twice- the levers r pants and they need constant setting up, the recall rate is great, although this is not advertised_ i now run a rear hs11 lever and a home made brace, as they snapped/bent.
Think it through carefully, if you live in the dry, Vs r fine, the wet and they have no advanages- get diskz
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david molony
a Downhiller
from Canterbury, kent, England
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Penshurst | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | melin | | Bottom Line: | i tried to submit a review but it told me not to use profanity and that tw@t was bad languabge.
Neway, it lost my decent page, but just think twice- the levers r pants and they need constant setting up, the recall rate is great, although this is not advertised_ i now run a rear hs11 lever and a home made brace, as they snapped/bent.
Think it through carefully, if you live in the dry, Vs r fine, the wet and they have no advanages- get diskz
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Johnno
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything life risking | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | hampton bike shop | | Strengths: | Great modulation,
Stopping power (sometimes)
Easy to set up and adjust. | | Weaknesses: | Inconsistency!! Really p__ses me off!
Standard boosters suck.
Standard pads suck. (only use coolstop) | | Similar Products Used: | Hope Discs
XT/XTR Vs | | Bike Setup: | Giant Trails. XT V brakes. All the other trials stuff. | | Bottom Line: | A bit of advise,
Make sure u try before u buy. Don't think just because other people rave about them, your gonna think their fantastic too. Maybe it's just me or these brakes aren't that crash hot. Modulation is fantastic, but stock power just isn't that good. After a few months of falling on my arse from the brakes slipping, i bought some XT v brakes (after trying them first) and their much better.
Maybe its just me ??? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yo Dude
a Cross Country Rider
from TEXAS...that's NORTH America
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | dry ones | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | They ALWAYS work! | | Weaknesses: | See Strengths... | | Similar Products Used: | Avid Arch, XT/XTR, most discs | | Bike Setup: | CDale hardtail, XVert 105mm, Rolfs | | Bottom Line: | Better than most V-Brakes or cheap discs, not as good as good discs. HAVE THEM SETUP BY SOMEONE WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY'RE DOING - all the gripes I saw below are related to that one simple statement. Then go out and ride fast, they WILL stop you!
I sold the bike with these on it, and kept both my disc bike and the one with AR40's......that might tell you something...but I'll still give 'em 5 fryin' roadkills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Mckie
a Cross Country Rider
from SW Scotland
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Strengths: | superbly made/fit and forget | | Weaknesses: | weight | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Fat chance Yo eddy! custom spec-syncros,King,Kooka,ringle,XTR,Z2 superflys PAUL mechs | | Bottom Line: |
I wanted a hassle free set of no maintenaince brakes. This is where its at. Stick them on and leave them, no cables to stretch or get gunged up with mud. I hate to admit it but if its made in germany then its made well.They will stop you as good as you need to.Ok, discs are more powerful but its bike your stopping not a tank! i won`t change them untill they go wrong (which I can`t see) Excellent bits of kit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Dutton
a Cross Country Rider
from Chester, UK
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Coed y Brenin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | Terrain Cycles (Bike 200 Show) | | Strengths: | Appearance, Improved Design, Consistent braking | | Weaknesses: | Setup, Wet Weather Performance, Ceramics, and TPA Adapters | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano Deore LX/XT V's, Avid V's (Tested), Hope XC4's (Tested). | | Bike Setup: | Extralite F2, SID Forks, XT Drivetrain, LX/Mavic x517 Wheels | | Bottom Line: | Lots of people reckon that these are brakes for just Trials riders, but I'd say they're perfect for XC, since they just work so well. Some disc setups are better but then they add about a load to the price (specific wheels, etc.) Compared to V's they're a lot better since you can stop so much quicker, and, you know they'll always act the same way. The problems are that in wet weather they can be a bit squidgy and the performance isn't as good. Although this depends on the pads you're using. I'm currently using Green Frogs which are much better in wet weather, however they do waste away loads quicker than the standard pads. The last set of pads I used lasted about a year. I'd agree they can be an pain to setup, although if you know what you're upto then it's not a problem (just RTFM, and make sure you have all the tools you'll need before hand. Also, its handy to get the bleeding kit, since it makes cutting down the length of the hoses much easier since it includes the oil, etc. to solve problems, if they occur). I've actually had Johnny T's before my current Blue HS33's (which I won from MBi Mag, in 1996 - Good Mag! :) ), and the design of the brakes has improved alot as well, for example alot of the bolts on the older brakes used soft metals and so they regularly rounded down. The cermamics though are still fairly weak though. On my Johnny T's I managed to tighten the bolt on the levers too much and they cracked. It hasn't happened on these, but what has is that after a long period of time they've started to rattle abit and I suspect if I were to tighten the bolts the ceramics would crack in the same way! The other thing that happened was that when I got the brakes the TPA Adapters (Red Dials on Levers for Adjustment) didn't work, because they were so well seized. Luckily they were well set up, and so by the time I managed to get them to work, it was about the right time for the adjustment (I guess something Magura should look at, as it indicates the machines which screw these in when they're being made are doing so just a little too well).
PADS - Green - best overall, Standard - Average, Grey - Better than standard in Good Conditions.
Otherwise pretty good brakes, just watch out for when it gets REALLY muddy (The Boosters can get clogged quite easily). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sanj
a
from Salisbury UK
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Mail order | | Strengths: | Good stopping power with good modulation to pull off stoppies. Look excellent. | | Weaknesses: | Can be a nightmare to set up, doesnt work in the wet. Might leak after a short space of time | | Similar Products Used: | Hope Closed 2. Hope enduro 4. Avid V brake, Shimano V brake | | Bike Setup: | Trials- Pashley | | Bottom Line: | The bloke below doesnt know what he is talking about. The magura lever is a ctually a two finger blade. It does work well in the dry. Sometimes it wont clamp on fully and it is worrying just before you are about to do a big drop off. A tip to make them work better. Use road or roofing tar on your rims. You only need a little bit and they will work amazingly as long as you dont mind the noise. You can remove excess tar with bike lube. Happy riding! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jive Psycho
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 4X4 trail in Mascouche | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Strengths: | Look good !!! That's all!! | | Weaknesses: | It is Fu****ng hEAVY!!!!
It is Fu****ng Leaking!!
Let me tell you that when it is leaking it is sure hard to stop, it is crappy as cantilevers brakes!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | V's XTR
V's XT
V'S Aviad 1.9 | | Bike Setup: | Supercaliber carbon frame
Mavic crossland, Syncross everywere, sid race, xtr brakes shifters and derailleur. | | Bottom Line: | These brakes are Sh**t, yes they look great and it's cool to say «MAn I have oil brake, not little cables..!!» but let me tell you something, cable are lighter, cheaper and more efficient that these Magura.
DIsc brakes rules! but they are kind of $$$$$$$$$$$$$
What's for the 5 years guarantee if it is leaking after 1 year!!
And they really s**ck During the winter!!!!
OH! yeah and an other thing, the levers are too big, they should gave 2 fingers levers whit it like v'brakes does! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, OH
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | buckeye | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | from mtbr trader Bill Larson | | Strengths: | Modulation, pure stopping power. looks | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | stx cantalivers, xt V-brakes | | Bike Setup: | 99 Ibis Alibi, Superfly, king headset, Race Face Lp crankset, xtr, custom wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | Of all the high priced custom stuff my bike has on it the thing that makes me happy the most are the Maguras. I love the way they stop. As for intallation, take them to a pro, everybody I know who didn't had problems, the people that did had no problems. Find a good local shop if you can and support the heck out of them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Downhiller
from Riverside CA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Damn good for any condition.
Lightweight versus Disc.
Better stopping than V.
Modulate Modulate Modulateeeeeeeeee!!!! | | Weaknesses: | A pain to set up at first.
Destroyed my cheap ass rims.
| | Similar Products Used: | Ain't no such thing as a similar product!!!!! | | Bike Setup: | Scott Vertigo LSD, ZZYZX, Sram 9.0, Raceface, Slamma Jamma, Ringle headset, Pazzaz, LX on Rhyno lite, Panaracer XF Pro, HS 33 Tomac. | | Bottom Line: | Damn the torpedoes. Or any other big ass whooping machine like disc brakes. These things are freakin amazing. I have used vee's and some disc brakes, but these babies rock. They look really cool and require no maintenance whatsoever. I would have gotten disc on my bike but they were too expensive and maintenance is too much for my lazy arse. Until you try these out you don't know what your missing. The first pair of wheels i had under these things got completely destroyed (though they were POS), now that's power. These things work in wet, dry, mud, rain or here in sunnay california, arid conditions. The selling point has to be modulation, good lord the modulation. Nothing else i know has the level of modulation these things have and the feel always stay the same. GET EM AND RIDE FASTER. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from UK
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$135.00 | | Purchased At: | Aberconwy | | Strengths: | Powerful, controlable and smart looking | | Weaknesses: | not too easy to set up | | Similar Products Used: | XTR V's | | Bike Setup: | Rigid Cannondale set up for trials | | Bottom Line: | Powerful and controllable - these brakes can lock and hold on 8+ foot drops to the rear wheel. Stoppies become easy compared to V's. They are not effected as much by cack on the rims....
Bloomin Brill - definately 5 flaming dog turds | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Nottingham,UK
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | merlin cycles | | Strengths: | very powerful
magura
looks good | | Weaknesses: | an absolute tosser to fit
get thru the pads quite quickly | | Similar Products Used: | lx v-brake
crappy tektros | | Bike Setup: | kona hahanna '99 ,z3 m80,xt 8-speed,mavic x517 ceramic f+r,azonic + x-lite trick bits........ | | Bottom Line: | i luv these brakes!!!!!
they are very powerful and are a great investment if you're not prepared 2 change your wheels cos they dont have disc hubs,and you get 2 of them into the bargain
though they are a pain to set up,they have great modulation and truly deserve 5 out of 5 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ramus
a Cross Country Rider
from NYC
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the one between the cabs and the peds | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$174.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | power coolness Maguras!! | | Weaknesses: | Price? | | Similar Products Used: | Cants! | | Bike Setup: | Fisher X cal. Steel baby! 1996 judys XT stuff | | Bottom Line: | First off- The HS-33s are the bee’s knees! If you are considering an upgrade just buy them and you will be one very pleased camper! I was looking for a replacement for my prehistoric LX cants. OK, I know anything is a step-up, but the HS-33 are a huge step up! I was considering Vs but my frame lacked a rear cable hanger, not a big deal but something to think about. Also Vs just don’t have the same appeal. Going disk would require way more of an investment than I can handle right now. Fork, hubs, plus some kind of rear adapter…and the brakes! Plus disks look expensive.. I ride in NYC and like the bike to be low-profile….Installation is not that bad, it’s fun really. The most important tip I found was to remove the tires before installing. This was a BIG help. Let me say it again REMOVE THE TIRES FROM YOUR RIMS! This makes it much easer to line everything up. If you leave tires on plan on spending hours getting it right.
Go to the Magura cult homepage and do everything the tell you, they know what’s up. On my initial test ride I was amazed at the power of these brakes. Modulation is so much better than the cantilevers. It will take some getting use to. So stop thinking about it and go Magura!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Oli
a Downhiller
from UK
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | pisces | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Mail order uk | | Strengths: | Power, at first | | Weaknesses: | everything after the first month. | | Similar Products Used: | Discs, 10x better, buy discs!!!!!!!!!!hope enduros | | Bike Setup: | Enduro 4,HS33, Judy XL's, Big un's on cd521, specialized full sus extreme, xt groupsrt, mrp, race face | | Bottom Line: | If trials is ur thing, theyre gr8. As soon as u get em muddy theyre sh#t!!!!! If u can afford get discs, much better. Ive had so many problems and the bads go in no time | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Richmond
a
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | bombhole | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | a dude | | Strengths: | Amazing stopping ability,quick adjuster,all round use downhill,trials,trails,xc. Good price compared to discs. Quick release pads | | Weaknesses: | Hard to set up | | Similar Products Used: | avid,shimano,grimerca | | Bike Setup: | good | | Bottom Line: | These are the brakes for u. I got mine second hand and the dude i bought them of has had them for over a year and they still work great now. If u need to bleed them go to www.magura.com and download the service manual and all ure troubles will dissapear. These brakes are used by so many people. Get em now | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raj
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Merlins Cycles | | Strengths: | Lots of power. Lots of modulation. Lots of colours. Easy one-finger lock. | | Weaknesses: | Structurally weak. They leak. | | Bike Setup: | Trials bike. | | Bottom Line: | I do trials and these brakes were very good with few problems for 3 months. Then the pieces of sh*t leaked. Wot is the 5 year leak-proof guarantee for. Don't get them unless u want them bust soon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Bolton
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | look wicked
light compared to hydr disks
never need servicing | | Weaknesses: | tricky to set up
if something does go wrong u are F***** | | Similar Products Used: | XT Vs
Avid crap | | Bike Setup: | Xt throughout
hs33s
azonic | | Bottom Line: | these are great. the stopping power compared to vs really shows after using them for a while. get em now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Millar
a
from Camberley, Surrey
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Terrain Cycles | | Strengths: | Extremely sweet in looks and style. Very easy pad replacement | | Weaknesses: | Can be a bit of a pain to setup | | Similar Products Used: | Hope pros, XTR v's, Avids | | Bike Setup: | Orange Trials, Fatty R's, Hope hubs etc.. | | Bottom Line: | These brakes are very good for all types of riding, they have a very wide range of adjustment so the perfect braking setup can be achieved. I use to have hope discs on my trials beast but they didn't offer the same feeling and power of the maguras, so I decided to put the maguras back on and haven't looked back since. My girlfriend has just bought a pair a can't wait to put them on her bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Racer
from Colorado Springs, Co USA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Awesome Modulation, and lots of power!! I use them on my Trials and xc bikes. | | Weaknesses: | None, except the stock pads don't do so well in wet weather... | | Similar Products Used: | XT and XTR V's | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Frame, Mag HS33's, Rhyno-lites | | Bottom Line: | These Rock!!! I wouldn't use any thing else. I use the Tomac red ones, even though he rides Hayes now, but they're stll great! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Uncle Fjalle
a Cross Country Rider
from Finland
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | internet | | Strengths: | great stopping power.
good modulation
maintenance-free brakes. | | Weaknesses: | - | | Similar Products Used: | LX,
Avid,
Tektro V's | | Bike Setup: | Steppenwolf XT/XTR | | Bottom Line: | The best rim-brakes I've ever ridden.
I wonder if Magura Discs are even better..? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Trumbull, CT
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Kalomtb (BIG mistake!) | | Strengths: | modulation
relaibility
great feel
great power
great customer service
great modulation (it deserves repeating) | | Weaknesses: | 200g heavier than Vs
bit tricky to work on until you get it figured out | | Similar Products Used: | STX cantis, LX cantis, XT Vs | | Bike Setup: | Yo Eddy, etc... | | Bottom Line: | What are brakes supposed to do...slow you down and eventually stop you. Well these do it better than any other rim brake (and many disks). The modulation on these is amazing. (modulation is the ability to cahnge braking presure incrimentally) They have more than enough power to lock up the wheels (not that you really want to lock up the front and go otb, or lock up the rear and skid). The best part is how well you can control your braking. On some steep rock slopes I can actually creep down with my wheels barely moving. Try that with Vs and you either lock up the wheels, or go much faster. They have that digital on/off feel. Its like you have ~4 choices in braking. 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% and locked. With Maguras you get anything between 1-100%.
The weight penalty is one that you'll only notice in the parking lot. The performance advantages far outweigh (didn't mean to do that) the extra grams you'll carry. They are much different to work on than Vs, so be patient and you'll get it. St them up wroing or mess anything up and they'll be a thorn in your side. Do it right and you won't even know they are there for years so long as you bleed them (5 minutes, $2) once a year or more. No more gritty cables to replace, springs to play with to keep pads from rubbing, mushy levers, or sloppy squeeling pivots.
Pads last longer too with these. They change in a snap, litterally. Just pop off the old ones and pop on the new. 5 seconds and you are done. There are normal (black), wet (red or green), ceramic (grey) and even trials (tan) pads available.
Get these. I know many people who love their Vs, but they get on my bike and try the maggies and after one squeeze they are sold. But let me say it again, setup is critical! It is more difficult than Vs, but if you go slow and follow the MCM's advie (go to the brake techtalk and you'll see who they are) its managable by almost anyone (some people just can't use tools). For the best deals and sevice go to www.thorusa.com. Thorsten used to be at Magura and is the best man out there for all things Magura.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian
a Weekend Warrior
from Warrenton VA
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | old pharm | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | on-line | | Strengths: | Good Looks
Strong
Feel like new Vs all the time and don't squeal
Good Good Good customer support these people stand behind their product | | Weaknesses: | Hard to set up at first, then you get used to it
Wacky design / But it works!
not cheap (but cheaper than discs)
(only)fair tire clearance with the boosters (had to cut off the second bolt hole on the boosters)
WHILE CUTTING TUBES SOME FLUID LEAKED ON ME AND MY THROAT GOT IRRITATED ALL NIGHT BECAUSE OF IT | | Similar Products Used: | Avid Vs, some other stuff | | Bike Setup: | 14" DS1, Z3QR20 4", Uncle Jesse bar, Blue HS33s, Rhyno Lites, Haro platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | These brakes are NICE. They are super strong and feel much much better than V brakes. Kinda hard to set up at first, their pre-00 directions SUCKED ASS but they redesigned their manual for 00 (see web site)...
Good customer support I broke one of the evo adapters and got good help from them they sent me the parts with free ship.
Overall dis iz vone good brrake get it...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitch
a Downhiller
from ohio
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Strengths: | Strong, cool lookin' | | Weaknesses: | Heavy,"rim crushers" screwy set up crappy wet performance | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Super 8 | | Bottom Line: | These are fro wannabies.....Get some real hydros.....Hayes, Hope or shimano...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Elkton, MD USA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | crackhead bob | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | nameless to protect identity... | | Strengths: | -decent modulation
-decent power
-look sweet
-budget brakes for those who can't shell out $600 for decent disks | | Weaknesses: | -decent is not a word that defines superior... these brakes were a bit of a letdown (maybe an understatement) had i paid full price, maybe i'd just shoot myself. | | Similar Products Used: | they work about as well as any v brake with boosters. | | Bike Setup: | 1999 schwinn moab 3, stock judy c, lx/maavic rims, hutchinson alligators. | | Bottom Line: | lets put it this way folks. i didn't pay full price for these brakes. so i have so room to complain. i was let down because they just don't work as well as they're supposed to. they go from zero to lockup in no time, they are only slightly more powerful than good avids, and they have horrible tire clearance. the instruction manual was vague and must have been written in tongues, my hutchies rub like crazy under hard turning, and they're kinda heavy when compared to v's which work almost as well...
anything good to say? well, i really love the fact that the pad wear adjustment is easily done from the levers, the red looks nice and they do stop a little better.
these breaks are ideal for someone who can't afford disks, runs cross tires on their mountain bike, and doesn't expect to use them aggresively. for your money's worth, just go out and get a pair of really sweet v's or maybe add a salsa booster to your brakes. if this doesn't appeal to you, then save your dough for a disk brake bike.
they work for me, but i don't really ride this bike too often. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raj
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Whalley Nab | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Merlin Cycles | | Strengths: | The braking power is incredible when adjusted correctly but still not as strong as i expected. I want Koolstop pads for trials and things. Very good for most things. | | Weaknesses: | Difficult to adjust pad clearance (on just one side) of brake. Slightly weaker than expected. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Trials bike (fully rigid), D521s, Bashring | | Bottom Line: | Very nice brakes for trials and nearly anything else. Should buy them regardless. They r fabulous. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ulrich Hansen
a Weekend Warrior
from Odense, Denmark
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Rolsted Cykler, Odense DK | | Strengths: | Easy pad change, great modulation, great power, good looks. | | Weaknesses: | Takes some time to set up, but then you can just leave it to itself - more or less. | | Similar Products Used: | XT V-brakes, Avid SD 2.0, Avid 3.0, XTR V's | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Chameleon, Judy Race, Magura Louise front brake, HS33 rear, XTR/XT, Middleburn cranks, HOPE and Hügi hubs, Mavic X517/X317 CD rims | | Bottom Line: | The Magura HS33 brake is the best and most reliable mountainbike-product I have ever used. Try it!
Use them for XC, free-riding or trials. They wont let you down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from uk
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | looks good, get u can b seen in the dark with the raclines, work ok, noneed 2 lube cables, no worries of snapped cables | | Weaknesses: | not very strong, takes ages 2 set up right, attract mud like a magnet, disconcerting frame flex on light bikes | | Similar Products Used: | avid v's | | Bike Setup: | trials | | Bottom Line: | i broke.
seals on front brake
both leavers
TPA's (apperntly very easy 2 brake)
one hose
hour glass bolt
cracked the QR
snapped the evolution adapter in two
bolt holding lever in place on back brake
use with tar, standard pads do nothing in the wet, green frogs hardly work in the wet, don't know about kool stops
use with tar
don't use in mud
bolts r very easy 2 round off
work very well if set up right
get the quicksilvers they look good on ne bike
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from San Mateo , CA , USA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | water dog | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | speed goat (on line) | | Strengths: | very smooth , easy change brake pads, color. | | Weaknesses: | hard to set up | | Similar Products Used: | not much | | Bike Setup: | raleigh m800, manitou sx le, mavac 221 with LX, | | Bottom Line: | once set up very easy to adjust, good stopping power, looks a little cheap, but they work very well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derrick
a Weekend Warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Very Good stopping power when adjusted correctly. They do not screech or make any noise like many of the V brakes on the market. THey also never lose that brand new over hauled v brake feeling (if that makes any sense) | | Weaknesses: | They are incredibly good but can also be incredibly complicated. The brakes are also very strong and have a tendency to bend or even break low end or small barred frames. | | Similar Products Used: | No other rim brake can compare | | Bike Setup: | Gt LTS DH with Marzocchi Z1 Dropoff up front and a rock shock super deluxe in back (rock shok suck). Free ride setup. | | Bottom Line: | These brakes are completely worth it. If want the reliablilty and stopping power of disks at a fraction of the cost these are what you want. The are aslo bettetr in some cases and styles of riding such as trials due to the fact that there are no roters to smash on logs or rocks. Bottom line is IF you have them adjusted correctly they will never cease to fail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Mullholland
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | I ride TRIALS du | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Ace Braking, as good as hope discs if set up right | | Weaknesses: | Magura need to improve the strength of the metals as I have snaped a holding arm and bent a hourglass bolt where the allen key enters (BUT the brakes will still work fine with these defects) | | Similar Products Used: | HOPE discs | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Hardrock A1 Comp 17" with D521's, TITEC risers ,DDG KEVLAR saddle,LX crankset,DDG ROCKRING,GEAX 2.1 TYRES and of course MAGURA RACELINES | | Bottom Line: | Apart from the metal weaknesses these brakes are top for TRIALS but V,s will do fine if you do normal riding | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern VA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything offroad | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | -No mushiness of the kind you get from V-brakes and their associated cable stretch.
-Smooth braking action, but this is a benefit of all hydraulic systems, and not just HS-33s.
-Easy pad replacement. It really is just a matter of snapping out and snapping in new ones.
-Better modulation. It's not a night-and-day difference from V-brakes, but it is noticeably better. | | Weaknesses: | Infinitely more complicated to set up than V brakes.
Poor tire clearance. The quick release is almost useless when using a wider tire. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano V-brakes | | Bike Setup: | GT Zaskar | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that these brakes are a pleasure to use. Barring frame and fork flex (which is substantially remedied by the boosters included with the brakeset), you can be assured that your pull on the levers will be transferred to the pads and to the rim, consistently and precisely. In addition, mud has no effect on the smoothness of the brake operation (although it does hinder performance of rim brakes in general). This is the advantage of hydraulics.
I have an enormous number of gripes with the design of these brakes. The levers are fine, as are the slave cyclinders. But the design of the evo's are the epitome of inefficiency, and they make setting up these brakes immensely more difficult than setup of any brakes should be. I could have designed a far better evo adapter, as could anyone else. When installing the brakes (forget about bleeding for now), you are dealing with two processes: 1. installing the whole system on the brake boss, and 2. adjusting the slave cylinder within the evo. These are two very separate and distinct tasks, yet, the design of the evo forces you to do both at the same time, as adjustment of one can negatively alter adjustment of the other. The main problem with the evo is that the section which holds the cylinders is not separate from the part that attaches the cylindr/evo to the frame/fork. Thus, when you attach the evo to the fork and tighten the bolt or the quick release into the brake bosses, you summarily prevent yourself from being able to adjust the cylinders. True, you can loosen the bolts half way, but that makes matters difficult as well, as it will allow the whole evo setup to rotate around the brake boss as you try to adjust the cylinder. In addition, when you tighten the bolt all the way back into the boss, you've literally moved the whole caliper setup inward, and now your adjustment is off. It's a catch 22, every time, and for each of the four cylinder/evo setups. The only way you can get it right is by trial and error, and many trials and errors at that. It is nearly impossible to simply adjust things to your liking and tighten it up when you're satisfied. AND.....to make matters worse, the brake lines are so stiff, that they can literally push the cylinders out of adjustment if your evo's aren't tightened enough, not to mention the fact that they make manipulating the cylinders much more difficult. I think these brakes would be much easier to install if the lines weren't attached to the cylinders.
Then, when you think you've had enough, you gotta cut the lines. People say you don't have to bleed, but chances are you will, and for an inexperienced person (as I was when I did my first bleed), it can be a horrendous pain in the a$$. By the time you've finished, and rode on the brakes for a while, you'll have learned how to bleed properly, and find that it's not such a difficult task. It's still harder to do than cleaning cables though.
So, what's it like when you finally have them on? They are extremely low maintenance. And they work just great. But don't expect to use a tire larger than 1.95. Otherwise you'll have to deflate before you can remove it. The brake booster doesn't give much clearance. And removing the tire requires a little bit of re-adjustment when you put the tire back in. The booster helps to maintain the correct height, but not completely.
In general, I think these brakes have their advantages, but their design is sloppy, and although it's very thoughtful in some ways, it's extremely unthoughtful and inconvenient in several others. They are not as easy to use as V-brakes. Sure, they have smooth action, and sure they are better stoppers, but using a brake also includes setup, maintenance, and ease of tire removal...three areas where Maguras are abysmal. Although hydraulics are nice, Maguras simply have too many severe disadvantages. And at $180 a set, I'd say they're not worth your money. High cost and lots of inconveniences? There is only so far one can go for the advantage of hydraulics. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fred³ clark
a Cross Country Rider
from saco, maine usa
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Work in all conditions so far(dry,wet,muddy,sandy). Quiet, reliable, pretty easy to set up, super company and mtbr tech(brakes) support, cult membership and so far virtually no maintenance. | | Weaknesses: | If they were cheaper I'd own a pair for every bike I own and buy for gifts! | | Similar Products Used: | Avid 1.0 and Dia compes.
| | Bike Setup: | '98 Specialized Rockhopper FS-USE XCR seat post, stock rims,chain,derailleurs,shifters,crank set,headset and wheels. Magura HS-33 Raceline yellows, Clubroost riser handlebar, Serfas cosmo saddle, Shimano 515 pedals | | Bottom Line: | Bought these from the wonderful people at Speedgoat. Installed the next day. I did call an mcm for some questions I had and spoke to another on ICQ as the instuction booklet may leave a few things out, but being extemely picky, I wanted to know all. Once installed(about 2 hours) and tweaked a few times(not because they were misbehaving) they haven't been touched. Yup they have great modulation in all conditions so far. Stop when you want with complete confidence. No noise even with the stock black pads. Rims staying clean(strange). They are just years ahead of any brand of "V" brake and that's because the design is superior and has next to no moving parts. If you KeepItSimpleStupid then you reap the benefits. If eveything worked this well then all of your time would be riding time. Note: to those of you having trouble with them, try reading the instructions and asking questions before guessing when you install or using. Recommended users: Anyone who wants to stop safely. Who shouldn't buy: DH'ers(who don't want to stop anyway) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Mac
a Racer
from M-town, NH
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | parkers farm | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | No need to be replace cables, no cable stretch, sealed | | Weaknesses: | weigh !/2 lb more than a typical v-brake | | Bike Setup: | sid, race face next lp, real ti bb, 9.o sl, crossland | | Bottom Line: | Installation requieres skill. Stop better than v-brakes ever could. I'll take performance over weight anyday.
Maintance free; Maybe 4-life | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Hunt
a Weekend Warrior
from Llantwit, wales, Britain
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Local School | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | They look kinda nice(ish). | | Weaknesses: | Don't seem to work for me.
Bloody F@~KING hard to set-up | | Similar Products Used: | M600 V'brakes,HS22,HS22. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F700 set-up for trials(d521 rims) | | Bottom Line: | Mine have no bite I might as well as put my foot on the wheel it would have the same effect. When I back hop my wheel just slides through(bruised arse city).. They just dont want to lock up. But hey Martyn Ashtons seem to work.
No honest, they're not awfull, but mine ain't to hot either. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
northwave
a Downhiller
from Vancouver,Canada
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | B&A | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | better than v's, the modulation, pure strentgh | | Weaknesses: | ummmmmmm no | | Similar Products Used: | none even close | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Dh T.O. z-1 QR 20, raceface, xt, quicksilvers etc... | | Bottom Line: | If you want the stopping power of discs but don't want to shell out the dough buy these you've got no reason not to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
morpheus313
a Weekend Warrior
from Hurricane, WV
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Timberline | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very good modulation, seems stronger that V's | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | XTR V's | | Bike Setup: | KHS Alite 4000, Magura Quiksilvers, XT Drivetrain, Sun Mammoth's wrapped by Panaracer Fire XC's, Titec bar and post, Ritchey Ti peddles | | Bottom Line: | These brakes rock. I go about 260lbs and these brakes have no trouble stopping me. XTR V's suck compared to these. There is no comparison. A little pricey at first but well worth the investment. Of all the things I have purchased for my rig over the past few years there are by far the best. Due to the fact that I know I can actually stop when I want to, my confidence level has increased ten fold. i am now riding more aggressive, and trying new things. Bottom line--Get these you will not be disappointed. Set them up and forget them. Highest rating possible. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Morrissey
a Cross Country Rider
from Townsend Taxachusetts USA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | leominster state forest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | this thing would stop a freight train. Lighter than discs, less expensive than discs. easy to change the pads, easy to maintain. All weather stopping power. And thats the bottom line! | | Weaknesses: | Ummmmm ahhhhh...like none dude. no foolin, none at all. | | Similar Products Used: | lx shimano stock crap, avid arch rival 50. | | Bike Setup: | fisher joshua,Judy XL,Sun mammoths,titec stem ,post saddle and bars. | | Bottom Line: | this system is the best ive used. good in ALL weather has no problem stopping me and Im 250. looks good and easy to work on. TAKE CARE ON YOUR FIRST RIDE AFTER INSTALATION...
IF YOU REACH DOWN FOR A HANDFULL LIKE YOUR STOCK CABLE BRAKES, YOU WILL GO A$$ OVER TEA KETTLE. Get use to them first. buy these if you dont wanna spend your dead presidents on discs but still want to stop like you had discs. Or dont buy them shell out the fun tickets for discs and pose like your tryin to be cool. These bad boys were all the rage in the DH world back a few years. Go ahead and ignore my review, shell out your money on discs and calipers and the special hubs. then deal with the drag and warped rotors and all the extra weight! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a
from Pittsburgh PA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great power, no more than a vbrake but it just feels better. Easiest hydraulic brakes to work on I've ever used. I've bled Wendler and Hayes, and Magura's are just easier. Consistent feeling, can dial front and rear to feel the same which is near impossible to do with some brakes. No friction. One finger lockup front and rear, even while on the rear wheel complete confidence in my index finger. | | Weaknesses: | The black pads aren't that hot, the red pads are good, for trials the Monty pads are the poop. You can kick the cross over line off whilst doing rear wheel moves. | | Similar Products Used: | Tektro V-Brakes (great brakes themselves), LX Simple V-Brake, Wendler StarBike Hydraulic V-Brake, XTR V's, discs, cantis, whatever. | | Bike Setup: | I have these brakes on two bikes, soon to be three. First one is an Eastern Woods Research Modified trial bike, front and rear Quicksilvers with Monty clear blue lines, Monty line splitters, Monty pads rear, Magura reds front. Ultimate Machine booster front, custom booster on back. Singer sewing machine oil in the lines -it just works and its cheap.
Second bike is a Monty X-Lite 231 Stock Trials bike. I have a mixed set of Judy Yellow/Quicksilvers on the rear only, XTR V-brake front for weight savings. It is also set up with Monty clear blue lines and Monty pads but has a standard crossover line. Pretty deep grind on the rims and a Threshold booster round out that package.
Soon to be on my Eastern Woods Research E-Motion woods bike.... | | Bottom Line: | The best brakes I've ever used. Easier to setup than discs, better feeling than vbrakes. You have to see that I like these things, otherwise why would I be buying a third set of them? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
allen
a Racer
from dover, de usa
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | nothing to maintain great power and "modulation", great price | | Weaknesses: | difficult to setup for the average person, cable routing,(i opened up the cable guides for the hydrolic line) | | Similar Products Used: | vees | | Bike Setup: | moots ybb xtr,sid, etc... | | Bottom Line: | in all honesty i wanted discs. however they can't be done on my ybbsl, so i gave these a try. i'm an excellent mechanic and had no problems with the setup but i think the average person will have problems if they do not follow the instructions completely. as for me i find them to be the best brakes i have ever used. wet or dry no rattleing like xtr vees no squeeling. just great consistant braking every time. equal power to the vees but no on/off switch like vees or discs. and of course that great "modulation" (if you don't have them you don't know what i mean) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phil
a Weekend Warrior
from lake district uk
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | walna scar | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Only in the marketing mans dreams! | | Weaknesses: | Where do i start? set up is a pain in the arse & requires far too many tools, riding in mud and gravel destroys even the hard pads in one ride(hey that must be what the 'on the fly' adjustment lever is for) these brakes are pure crap.
Do you want to spend time adjusting your brakes or riding
your bike?
removing a wheel with a 2.1 tyre also knocks these toys out of adjustment. Other problems; the lever has lots of play,
lack power in the wet.
| | Similar Products Used: | Avid AR 40 (these brakes rule) | | Bike Setup: | kona,bomber Z3,avid,syncros,raceface | | Bottom Line: | dont buy these brakes unless you're a poseur who only rides
round town in the dry. If you actually ride your bike buy
Avids instead.
One stinking turd from me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kiley
a
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | They are strong, ver strong. | | Weaknesses: | what? | | Bike Setup: | Monty X-Lite | | Bottom Line: | These are nice for Trials, thats what I do.
I use em on me XC Bike too, they work good on that too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Trials Ridin' in PA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Very strong, You can lock up the wheel wet or dry | | Weaknesses: | You lose modulation when the rim is wet, but can still lock the wheel, its just off or on | | Similar Products Used: | XT Vs | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Treak 8900 13" Magura Tomac Hs-33s, set up for trials | | Bottom Line: | I ride trials and they are really good for that purpose, they will lock up your wheel no matter what the conditions, the only gripe I have is modulation fades when the rim is wet, you can still lock up the wheel but its more or less off or on you can't ease into it as much as if the rim is dry, if anybody has any way around this email me im open to suggestions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
iain
a Downhiller
from Manchester, england
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | sligachan | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | These are really powerful brakes - especially for the money | | Weaknesses: | pad wear in the mud | | Similar Products Used: | dx, hopes, | | Bike Setup: | £600 kona with £1000 upgrades | | Bottom Line: | These are good brakes - if you don't have any disc mounts but want power and good modulation look no further. Also good for trials! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Finn
a Cross Country Rider
from Denmark
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything fast and furious | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great modulation, great stopping power, cool looks | | Weaknesses: | Difficult to set up but once that's fixed there's no fuss
Decreased brake power in rain...brakedust accumulates on the rim surface and gets very slippery | | Similar Products Used: | XT v-brake, LX v-brake, SRAM 7.0SL | | Bike Setup: | '98 Zaskar, combined XT/LX, Mavic Crosslink, Icon stem and bar-ends, ricthey pro logic, carbon bar AND off course MAGURA TOMAC | | Bottom Line: | Except for the mounting difficulty I have nothing but praises for the Magura Tomac. I like tough trails that require lots of braking power and excellent modulation and the Magura is definitely the best I've tried. It keeps you in control when you think you've lost it and allows you to push harder
The bottom line: Smokin' brakes | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TDAC
a Weekend Warrior
from Bay Area, CA
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Stevens Creek Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | best thing about these brakes is that you can adjust them ON THE FLY! Very good feel to them and of course, great modulation. They're different - unique - unusual and I like things like that. | | Weaknesses: | Set up was a little tricky, but once they're in place, you're good to go. Color choices suck. DayGlo Yellow, Silver or Red. How about BLACK? That would be nice. | | Similar Products Used: | cantis, v, side pull | | Bike Setup: | Kestrel Rubicon SX, RaceFace BB & Crankset, Z2 Atom80 fork, Dual SID rear shocks, Syncros skewers, seatpost, handlebars, ESP 9.0, Spinergy spox... yadda yadda yadda | | Bottom Line: | I just wanted something unique for a very unique rig. This was the ticket. A little tricky to set up, but haven't had to mess with it at all since. Great feel to these brakes. No squeal, great modulation and the park rangers can see me coming from a mile away since I got the day-glo yellow model (Raceline). :-) 5 flaming hairdressers.
Happy riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Keulen
a Cross Country Rider
from Arnhem, the Netherlands
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Beekhuizen | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | The main issue is here that the brakes aare super performing under dry, sandy, muddy en wet conditions. I compared them with V brakes on my friends Beone bike last sunday, let me tell you Magura John Tomac compared to normal V brakes are SUPER. They are also up to now maintanance (spelled it ok?) free! | | Weaknesses: | I have not seen any, but I know that when they breakdown, they are hard to fix compaerd to V brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | V brakes on bike a my friend | | Bike Setup: | normal | | Bottom Line: | super brakes for the money!! who should buy these brakes? well everyone who thinks/feels that disk brakes are to vulnerable or to expensive. The Magura John Tomac are reliable! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego,CA,USA
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Marsh Trail, Santa Rosa | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Excellent stopping power on flat ground | | Weaknesses: | My brakes are defective, they have not stopping power on step descents. The company said they tested them but didn't. Now i am stuck with defective brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | All style of cantis and v brakes | | Bottom Line: | The brakes work exceptionally well when they work. However, I would strongly caution anyone from buying a magura product, as they will not replace it or repair it for you without a serious fight. Also, when the brakes fail, it is complete and without warning. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from UK
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | the street | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | GREAT MODULATION, THE BEST FOR TRIALS, LOOK KEWL TOO | | Weaknesses: | THE STANDARD BOOSTERS ARE CRAP AND FLEX TO MUCH | | Similar Products Used: | DX v's | | Bike Setup: | Giant Martin Hawyes trials | | Bottom Line: | if you ride trials buy them, if you ride anything else then
who cares?? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adriaan Van huissteden
a Cross Country Rider
from Hobart, Tas, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great Power, Great Stoppers, Great, Great Just Great | | Bike Setup: | Specialized FSR Extreme | | Bottom Line: | GREAT BIKE STOPPER... These are the best. I like these over disks I think. No harsh noise when applied and nice modulation. Some say they are harder to set up, but I had no problem. Just start at the begining and work to the end of the intructions. It also took me a while to get use to the yellow glow in the Dark colour, but it is coll now...
Worth a look at!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sam hanley
a Racer
from tilburg
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | citycenterisallthatsleft | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | good stopping power
OK modulation but nothing special
some of my friends say "wooden"
get them on sale and they are quite cheap! | | Weaknesses: | Fluro
do need a bit of setteing up and tweaking
I work hard and have my bikes serviced
mine do have a slight problem that none of my riding buddys share (i do use my brakes lots) and that is when I get the bike out the brakes need to be pumped with the leaver 20 or 30 times (turning the adjuster helps)
I'm told that this is because the piston is worn and sticks | | Similar Products Used: | V's Old type cantis of all kinds | | Bike Setup: | pace RC200 F8 RC 30 fork ceramics 2.3 slick rubber | | Bottom Line: | good performance
im very hard on bike bits
but I'm goin' disk, reviews soon | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Julian Hughes
a
from Exeter,Devon,England
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ? | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | STOPPING POWER! Excellent feel,easy to adjust(once initial set up done).Top value for money,I got mine as standard brakes on a giant mtb for £425.These brakes inspire CONFIDENCE | | Weaknesses: | Initial set up slightly painstaking...but its worth it. a small price to pay. | | Similar Products Used: | avid v brakes,dia compe 747..yuk,shimano dual pivots,rx100,105,ultegra,dura ace | | Bike Setup: | Giant Escaper,t6 alloy frame,suntour 9sp/shimano lx transmission,rigid o/s cromo fork,ritchey slicks(bike is for very poor quality rural roads and touring) | | Bottom Line: | No regrets. cycle products and accessories are often truly awful,non functional rubbish that only make sense in the mind of sad marketing men and innocent or fashion victim purchasers.BUT MAGURA BRAKES WORK! Now,if they could make a road set whose levers could also run my beautiful dura ace transmission on my race bike I would probably cry with happiness. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GammaDriver
a Cross Country Rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Whichever trail leads me to breakfast | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Low maintenance, strong brakes, smooth action, great modulation, confidence inspiring, no cable wear, no cable friction (no cables, of course), low noise (only occasional squeal), adjustable w/out a wrench | | Weaknesses: | What, you're kidding, right? Oh ok, they're 'heavier' than the lighter V brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | There is nothing similar, but as far as brakes go; Shiamno V's, Avid V's, Shimano Canti's | | Bike Setup: | 1 1/8" CAAD3, Yellow HS-33's, tires, tubes, wheels, zip-ties, mud, etc. | | Bottom Line: | What can be said about them that already hasn't been said? Sure, I wish I had the limited edition green ones - but don't we all?
Set-up wasn't a 'pain' as much as it was an interesting learning experience - next set-up will take less time, I'm sure.
You callin' me lazy?
I've owned them 2 years and never touched them after the initial bleed.
The pads are getting worn and will need replaced soon. I liked the orginal red pads' performance so much I'll be sticking with them.
On the next bike I may drill out the cable hangers and feed the maggie lines through them.
Truthfully, I upgraded from canti's to these - making sure I skipped over the whole V brake mess. I now own Avid V's on my commuter bike, and while V's seem great for commuter biking I don't think that even the highest quality V's would satisfy me out on the trails.
Have fun, kiddies! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fedinando Linardona Haskagonivinias
a Racer
from East, West Paristanis, Europe
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The Pacific Ocean | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | They ruel!! have no probelms with thim. Tomack rules at all bikeinng | | Weaknesses: | I cant spell wakennensesses. it to hard to ecksplain. the cable dries op everi dai | | Similar Products Used: | Feat, nIKe shos and sticks | | Bike Setup: | shwinnn oarange krate, monster TEE fork,HEman bars they rule too | | Bottom Line: | I luve the cables and easiness to bled thim. I own mani a dounhill bik and luve to rid. my brother id flunt in engish ao he write now. IT is a great system. i love how it makes stopping so effortless. howw can you make it have modulation.i dont know? These are great better than those stupid SHIMANO v's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Hardiman
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Power and virtually no maintenance, pads change in minuets! No need to bleed them unless a tube snaps (which doesn't happen often, THANKFULLY!!) | | Weaknesses: | They take twice as long as V's to setup, but once setup they don't need any help. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano M600 (1999 DX Brakes but silver.) Great brakes for the money!, Cantis, Cantis, Cantis. | | Bike Setup: | Merlin Alu. Frame, RST Zeta TL Forks, Altus-XT Group. | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic brakes for the money, packs tones of modulation/power, a good range of pads to use, and not forgetting the groovy colours! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe brooks
a Weekend Warrior
from PA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | I ride trials fool | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Massive braking power. I ride hard and they never break. Once you set them up you never have to touch them again except for bleeding them. Go out and buy them! | | Weaknesses: | Setting them up is a pain. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XTR | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Cadd 2 frame ,maguras,Sram 9.0 rear derailier and shiters, Mavic D521 rims, XT hubs,and Azonic bars. | | Bottom Line: | Powerful brakes and maintance free. What are you waiting for go buy them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Nicholson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tsali | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Power
Feel The confidance they inspire
Good instructions
Great tech support from the MCMs
Get to learn how to fix something new on the bike | | Weaknesses: |
Weight The evos could be lighter if CNC'd
Have to learn how to fix something new on the bike | | Similar Products Used: |
XTR V's, XTR canties | | Bike Setup: |
Santa Cruz Superlight
Z2 Bam
XTR/XT | | Bottom Line: | I just installed and rode for the first time a new set of HS33s this weekend. I researched a new brake system for quite a while and came to the conclusion that Maguras, while different and somewhat intimidating, are the only Mtn. Bike product to my knowledge that has a support web site put up by fans of the product not the company. Which must mean these babies are pretty special. Installation was different than anything I'd done before but not that difficult. It took me about 3 hours but I really experimented with evos in and out and just getting familiar with the parts and how they fit. Also when I tried to mount tires and boosters I had to realign every thing just a bit to get the results I wanted. Shortening the lines wasn’t near as difficult as I imagined. I think if I where going to install another set I could do it in at least half the time it took me for my first set. The tips on the Magura cult page where very helpful and I appreciated them immensely. I didn’t take but a few miles on the trail to see what all the fuss is about. These brakes are defiantly more powerful than my old set up (Paul’s love levers with 1st generation XTR V’s) but the power isn’t the big thing it’s the control over the braking that blew me away. At the bottom of the first big hill I went down I leaned back and pulled harder and harder on the levers just to see what they would do. I wound up riding a wheely on the front wheel for almost 30 yards in complete control, I'd never done anything like that before. As I got on technical singltrack I felt like I was going faster into corners and had confidence in my ability to change speed in the corner if I needed to. I didn’t lock up my rear tire all day long not because of lack of power to do so but because the brakes just don’t lock up until you make them.The bottom line is, I could tell from the first ride that these brakes make me go faster, safer, and with more confidence, not many bike upgrades make that happen. Thanks to the MCMs for providing the information to help introduce, install and maintain this great product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nickster
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cincinnati, OH
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
the ravine... | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: | -Great modulation (yeah, yeah, everybody says that-perfect braking (honestly)-sweet looks (raceline yellow)-just the overall braking...ya know, what they were made for | | Weaknesses: | -well, they were quite tedious to install...I have a old Rock Shox fork, and I had to do some minor modifications to make it all work harmoniously-a little pricey (but, they are worth it!)-watch out for leaks...make sure to tighten the connections, but not too tight!!! | | Similar Products Used: |
-shimano lx v's -tektro's that came w/ the bike | | Bike Setup: |
-anniversary edition schwinn S(9six).30
-rock shox quadra 21R
-cane creek AD-4
-lx and grip shift (not too bad, actually)
-shimano m636 pedals
-wildgripper lite s tires | | Bottom Line: | I came in w/ very high expectations this product when I first researched my purchase. I got them @ Speedgoat ($170 incl. shipping). Installation was tedious...take your time, though. The setup is CRUCIAL. My first test was great. The brakes were everything the are cracked up to be. I simply couldn't imagine a much better braking experience. Congrats Magura, you did a hell of a job w/ these brakes... One lifetime Magura customer made here........ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike McDonald
a Cross-Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
San Juan | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
VERY strong when you use the proper rim/pad combination | | Weaknesses: |
Setup is a bit time consumingMust adjust VERY close to the rim to get proper feel at lever | | Similar Products Used: |
Everything | | Bike Setup: |
Moots YBB
Crossmax
XTR | | Bottom Line: | VERY strong brakes that REQUIRE aluminum boosters(not even an option). Proper pad for the rim surface is crucial (as with all brakes). It never ceases to amaze me how many people post reviews when they are TOTALLY CLUELESS about brakes. These brakes are not perfect, but don't listen to reviews by people that can't even match the proper pad to their rim, and then say the brakes suck. Better than v's, but setup is much more critical. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bud Merritt
a Racer
from Milledgeville, GA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Pete's Wicked Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Modulation, Modulation, and Modulation. Well engineered and feel great. | | Weaknesses: |
Initial set-up is a bit tedious. | | Similar Products Used: |
Zillions of V-brakes | | Bike Setup: |
3 sets on a Heckler (regular), a Heckler SL and a Wild Hare. | | Bottom Line: | THE deal in components. Less than $200 and weight close to XTR after you factor in XTR's cable and housing.
Five flaming dead horses all the way. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bikeyboy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Auckland
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mt Tarrengower Vic Australia | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
mighty stopping power, quite, very good modulation and control of your braking | | Weaknesses: |
can take ages to set up just right, pads do not move at the same time. | | Similar Products Used: |
XT and XTR V's | | Bike Setup: |
Marin Quake 9.0 FRS, Spox, full XTR/Plasma, etc... | | Bottom Line: | I have to use these brakes because the cable routing is the same as on the Rift Zone and in the wet, the XT V's I had would jam up. These are so buttery smooth and I would never go back to V's on this bike even with RideOn cables.
Bleeding them each year if I have to is easy.
One problem though is that after a while the pads do not move at the same time and one side fr and rr does not retract properly even though the system is air free. Not a major though.
Performance overall more than makes up for this fault(?). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Macki
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ont
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Ladies Only | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
- easy to adjust
- modulation
- good customer service
- in most conditions very good breaking | | Weaknesses: |
- cheap metal used for brake parts (except maybe the levers). The metal seems quite soft and the brake handle part - not the lever but the other part - is sucseptible to breaking- brake positions have to be adjusted once in awhile. I believe this to be due to the soft metal for when you brake hard the cylinders push away from the rim- crappy design of the brake booster. The one side fits AROUND the bolt head so there is play between the booster and the bolt. So there needs to be some flex in the brakes a bit before the booster does its work. But I thought this flex is what you want to get rid of?- if you ever break a cross over line watch out they are very hard to fix, they should have designed these better. They should give you braided cross lines- expensive replacement pads (if you get the kool stop), the other types wear out too easily- in wet conditions you do get a loss of power (I would suspect all rim brakes would do this)- they removed the bleed kit and spacers from there product (you have to buy them seperately). I would rather have these parts then the brake booster | | Similar Products Used: |
- Avid 50'
- Cantis | | Bike Setup: |
Chuck Fs with Z1 | | Bottom Line: | Great idea , but a bit of a cheap execution. I think for the money you pay for these things that they should give higher quality parts.They (and all other manufacturers) should be shot for putting plasitic levers on their brakes. (I heard there Louise brake levers are plastic). I had a plasitc lever break on my HS-11 while downhilling. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kona-Kid
a Downhiller
from British Columbia
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Great Modulation, Huge power(with boosters) price when compared with having to build new wheels for discs | | Weaknesses: |
brakes overpower even aftermarket aluminum boosters (not really a weakness) | | Similar Products Used: |
XT V's, Avid Arch Rival 50's. Coda Expert discs, Hayes discs. | | Bike Setup: |
Stock Kona Stinky Dee-Lux, except for the brakes | | Bottom Line: | I picked up a set and have never looked back, far better than discs when hopping around trials style. I work in a shop and have tried alot of brakes, and for the price these can't be beat. MUST BE SET UP PROPERLY TO WORK AS INTENDED. if you spend the initial time and do it right the first time you will not be disappointed | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles Fort
a Weekend Warrior
from AUstin TX
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
bright colors for flamers | | Weaknesses: |
Weak, expensive, long time required for set up | | Similar Products Used: |
some cheap ass huffy v-brakes, they out performed the Maguras | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale mountain bike | | Bottom Line: | People are stupid, spend alot of money on a product and are then scared to say how they perform. Maguras suck. They don't hold better than v-brakes, ask Magura about that and here there BS excuse they modulate better. There i told you like how it is. When they get wet there even worse. If you ride like a litte girl or don't mind using tar and other crap to make you brakes hold (what all the punk trials riders use) then Maguras are for you. For the $$$ not worth one star get a pair of Avids and ignore these fools that posted before. Infact if you think maguras are good call up Magura or e-mail them and ask for the real deal like do they hold better than v's? do they weight less than v's? How much does pad replacement cost? how many specail tools do I need to install them? They you can rush out and buy a pair of avids. Maguras might have been the thing when canti's where around but those are dead and so are these. Less than one star. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Danvers
Date Reviewed: November 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Im a real rider(TRIALS) -notice that there is no TRIALS RIDER selection- (MTBR must be a bunch of XC chumps!!) | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
POWER
NO FRICTION | | Weaknesses: |
TOO POWERFUL?? | | Similar Products Used: |
XT, XTR | | Bike Setup: |
a Schwinn Trials bike and a Monty X-Satm | | Bottom Line: | Buy these if you are a real rider, not if you are a XC chump who only cares about how heavy your crap is. Be a real rider and not a XC #####!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Munday
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wales, UK
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Llanwrtyd valley (this week) | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
They stop the wheels turning under near perfect control. | | Weaknesses: |
A bit more complicated to fit than cable brakes. However, you only have to do it once. | | Similar Products Used: |
Assorted V brakes. | | Bike Setup: |
Marin Rift Zone - full suspension 1997. | | Bottom Line: | I always had a problem locking the back wheel on the Marin - perhaps the cable run is too long or complex. I tried various combinations of cable and V canti but was never satisfied that I could let the wheel turn or not turn on command. Now I can. The Mags just work. In the wet I simply pull the lever a bit sooner, but we have to do that with any system. They have done about 350 miles and are on the original blocks so I don't care that the blocks cost twice as much a V ones. Should I have to pay £100 extra to get brakes that work in wet mud when I buy an expensive bike? Perhaps not. But what I know is that the Mags do the job. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GARETH
a Downhiller
from England
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Local town | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Smooth action | | Weaknesses: |
Little power compared to V's or discs | | Similar Products Used: |
XT V brake
Hope disc | | Bike Setup: |
Trials setup on Azonic DS-1 | | Bottom Line: | Contrary to belief these brakes do not hav ethe power people say they have, unless you tar the rims. If you do that then you get no modulation, I don't think they are what they're cracked up to be. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim
a Weekend Warrior
from cincinnati, ohio
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
very slick feel- minimal drag
lines almost totally weatherproof
great power
modulation | | Weaknesses: |
a little weighty | | Similar Products Used: |
xtr V, avid arch supreme | | Bike Setup: |
litespeed obed, halson pds fork | | Bottom Line: | excellent brakes, especially for trials. easy, but time-consuming setup. lock up like crazy for trials, but good modulation. equal to my avid arch supremes, but cheaper | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Lane
a Weekend Warrior
from Provo, UT
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bennie Creek, Loafer Mtn, anything at Mt. Nebo | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Very good braking
Low maintenance | | Weaknesses: |
Plastic tubing is fragile | | Similar Products Used: |
LX cantilevers | | Bike Setup: |
Fisher Joshua X | | Bottom Line: | I only have it on the rear, but it brakes very well and has good modulation. The lever is a bit long (I have an early Raceline). My only real complaint is that the tube that arches between the calipers has cracked twice from my heel hitting it while pedaling. Once on the street, and once on a steep downhill (yikes!). It's impossible to repair them on the trail. They should use a steel tube in that area instead of the brittle plastic. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Dickson
a Racer
from Leeds, England
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Clayton Wood Quarry | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
They look cool, they brake with a strong positive feel, the levers feel very natural. Just a sexy brake | | Weaknesses: |
Hmmmm, if any, set up has to be it (even though it is not that hard | | Similar Products Used: |
Hope Sport, most V's | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale F700SL (XC, DH, DS, jumping hybrid)
(see Sexy Bitch Shag Bike in perfect bike section on this site) | | Bottom Line: | Sexy brake, the best, people who criticise it are talking bollocks, this brake is half way to being as good as a disc (if a disc was the same price as the HS33!!!) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimbeau
a Cross-Country Rider
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Squaw Valley | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
power; modulation; easy to replace pads; quick/easy adjustments; durable; great reputation; customer support; plenty of users who l-o-v-e these things | | Weaknesses: |
initial set-up; availability of replacement parts; cost | | Similar Products Used: |
Canti's and V's | | Bike Setup: |
'99 Mantra Comp (Bonty Race wheels, LX rapid fires) | | Bottom Line: | It took me MUCH longer than expected to install/set-up the new Tomac's. The instructions, while good, do not provide any tips, hints or information if you have a problem. Instructions are straight forward but offer nothing for the unusual installation. Once the brakes are PROPERLY installed/set-up, they work great! Modulation is what everyone mentions...and now I know why. There is no grabbing and no surprises; but there is plenty of silence -- no more v-brake squeeeeeeel. The TPA makes adjustments quick and easy. Long ride? Lots of high speed downhil miles causing rapid pad wear? A simple twist of this knob and the brakes feel like brand new.....no tools -- don't even have to get off the bike. For me the weight issue -- isn't. The HS-33's are less than five ounces heavier than the Avid's I had -- a small penalty to pay. By the way...if you're considering V's, go with Avid over Shimano. Sell some old stuff....save your money and buy a set of these brakes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross-Country Rider
from Steamboat, Co
Date Reviewed: September 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
power
no maintaince
looks | | Weaknesses: |
expensive | | Similar Products Used: |
canti's and v brakes | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale F500 with all new components | | Bottom Line: | These brakes are my favorite component on my bike, not only are they the best rim brakes on the market, but they also require almost no maintance, and they look very cool (my yellow brake-booster and blue housing and levers stand out nicely). The only problem I've had happened once when I was changing a flat and forgot about the quick release washer and had to search for it for about 5 minutes on the side of the trail, cursing all the while. Overall these brakes kick ass. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lcunnion
a Weekend Warrior
from usa
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
*instill a sense of
confidence in my
braking (why? see
any below reference to
power, modulation, and
dependability)
*beautiful looking (i
got the frogs) | | Weaknesses: |
*the paint chips and
while not deteriorating
from their performance
or overall good looks -
you know about it and
it gnaws on you. | | Similar Products Used: |
*cantilevers
*v's (but not to any
serious extent) | | Bike Setup: |
stumpjumper
xt thumbshifters | | Bottom Line: | yeah, the paint chips - whatever. that's a law of samsara.
weight? well, with the xt thumbshifters (which work a gabillion times better than the old shifters to be mentioned) it feels like i'm saving weight by not using my previous rapidfires. oh, yeah - and i really don't care because my bike still feels light as hell.p.s. the thumbshifters are the perfect companion to the maggies. modulated shifting + modulated braking. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Ngueyn
a Weekend Warrior
from chicago
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Powerful!
Great feel/feedback
Stops wet or dry
Nice colors | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
XT, actually- are there any other? | | Bike Setup: |
ProFlex Beast w/ Mavic 517 rims. | | Bottom Line: | Very powerful and linear feel. The thumb adjusters are the best ideas since sliced bread. On the fly brake adustments should be mandatory on all brake systems! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Extreme terrain w/ massive drop-offs | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
This has to be the best modulating RIM brake on the market.From the moment you tap the lever, the the pad action is instantaneous.
Pad changes are a breeeeze!The owner's manual is very easy to follow.(even in multy languages).MINERAL OIL OVER DOT FLUID means no destoyed paint job!Pad adjusters. | | Weaknesses: |
Bleeding system can be tedious,but not life threatening.Occasional check of pad positioning is required after hard braking. | | Similar Products Used: |
Went from Onza H.O. canti's,(another fine rim brake in it's day)to the magura's. | | Bike Setup: |
First Bike:Trek Y-22 w/ Marzocchi Z2
Second bike:Kona Stinky Dee-lux Frameset w/ Marzocchi jr T | | Bottom Line: | This system in comparison to canti's and V's, has no comparison.It is simply the best RIM brake and I stress RIM.I have yet to compare to discs(soon).AS far as Installation, I had absolutely NO problem.Due to a mechanical background,install and set-up was not a situation.
I torque all my fittings religeously,so damaged hardware is never a problem.With the pad repositioning,hard braking tends to toe-out and wear the pads abnormally,wheel travel force will do this.Set-up should be checked on occasion.This is not so much a product weakness, just a law of physics.To all reviewers and browsers;when you bleed these brakes w/ the supplied syringe,you only have ONE shot at it.Because the plastic syringe degrades quickly inside from the oil.I located an older type GLASS syringe fom a pharmasutical supply,and I can re-use it anytime.For now,these brakes are THE SH#!. | | Overall Rating: |
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