No compromise fully hydraulic rim brake system with a 14mm diameter master piston and two 14mm diameter slave pistons. This makes the HS 33 series approximately 25% more powerful than the other rim brake models. Aluminium brake lever with forged 2-finger lever blade and integrated on the go turbo pad wear adjuster.
Submitted by
feeal
a Cross Country Rider
from colchester, uk Date Reviewed: March 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
a new and challenging one :)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
ebay (fitted to comp
Strengths:
awsome stopping power, cooler than Steve McQueen, no maintenance so far, , , easy to change pads, confidence boosting performance rain or shine!
Weaknesses:
like any rim brake, heavy mud can be a little awkward, just scrapes from the mud build up, they still stop you fine.
Similar Products Used:
a variety of v-brakes and a few rides on disc equipped mtbs
Bike Setup:
koxx drilled rear rim on a chris king hub, 12-28t dur-ace cassete and mech, middleburn rs8's with 34t uno chainring, raceface bottom bracket and headset, easton monkeylight bars, carbon fibre levers by rb design (by all accounts these are a great improvement on the maggie lever) zoo forks to a hope hub in mavic rim and michellin hot S tyres all lovingly bolted to a light as you like rockhopper frame
Bottom Line:
the whole bike cost me £157 and i couldn't by the brake levers for that. I'm well chuffed. The hs33's are the most awsome part of a beautiful bike, they stop you, and nothing stops them doing that. gotta love the bar mounted adjustment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SIMKE
a Weekend Warrior
from CROATIA Date Reviewed: October 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
N.Velebit
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
locak shop
Strengths:
Good,soft feeling on levers, very strong in braking,look.
Weaknesses:
Tricky to set up,to heavy for XC, if not set properly lack of streng.
Similar Products Used:
V-brakes, HFX9
Bike Setup:
All XT, Marzocchi MX Comp 120mm, kellys Sabotage HT frame.
Bottom Line:
Used them every where, on dry, rain, mud. Mud blocked me only once, on Bansko Brdo. When you set them up properly, they are great. But as the pads start to wear out i hed to set them to often, sometimes after 2 or 3 rides. And it is pain in the ass to set them up corectly. They where also to heavy for my tipe of riding, so i changed them and bought me self a pair of new
XT Vbrakes. Strenght of braking is about the same, but bike is much lighter now, and im vory free of constantly seting the brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BicycleGod.com
a Downhiller
from Dublin, Ireland Date Reviewed: August 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Boneshaker/DreamTrack - Ticknock
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
ebay Woohoo
Strengths:
Incredible stopping power. I ride these brakes on the rear of my urban/skateprk rig. Also on the front and rear of my Trials bike. Cannot recommend them highly enough
Weaknesses:
Inexperienced riders may find them difficult to setup initally. I did not have this problem!
Similar Products Used:
Avid, Shimano, Hayes.
Bike Setup:
Norco Trials 853 Ryan Leech Signature edition frame. easton Carbon set post, specialized Saddle. Onza wide boy Bars, Specialized DH lockon grips. Magura HS33 Eisbar edition rear brake, Hayes Nine Carbon Front disc, Shimano octalink cranks, DMR V12 Mag pedals, FSA 32t ring and bash gaurd, Surly 12t rear single speed conversion, Alex rims RL hubs specialized detonator tyres.
Bottom Line:
If you want rim brakes instead of discs. There is NO better brake on the market. FACT
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
harley foord
a Weekend Warrior
from chch nz Date Reviewed: June 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
bottle lake
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
trademe.nz
Strengths:
good one finger brakeing grips really good than the alps cable brakes easy to set up gooes good withn the magura brake boosters too.
Weaknesses:
dont grip to good in the wet but then again why would you ride trials in the wet
Similar Products Used:
monty 219 alp cable brakes
Bike Setup:
monty 219 alp with maguras
Bottom Line:
good brake to use and great for trials
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David King
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Port Hills
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Fully sealed system which gives you dependable braking with good modulation. Set up correctly, they are silent and pretty much maintenance-free. Mine have been going NINE years without adjustment, other than changing pads and the fluid a couple of times.
Weaknesses:
Braking suffers in wet conditions, like all rim brakes. Tricky to set up, but not if you get a mechanic to do it. New Evo2 mounts look like a major improvement.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano V, cantis
Bike Setup:
97 Santa Cruz Heckler
Bottom Line:
If you can't use disks, the combined dependability and power of HS33's beats any rim brake. Get them fitted and forget about them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pedro
a Cross Country Rider
from Porto Portugal Date Reviewed: March 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Strengths:
A very very strong brake!!! I think that it is to strong for XC! but know that I BOUGHT IT I think that I would never chang it for anyone of other brakes!! simply love It
Weaknesses:
A bit difficult to set it but once it is set its simply the best brake ever! THE ONLY weakness that I think it as is when ist muddy terrain it has the weakness off v-brake.. a lot of mud in the tyre.. its the only thing that its worst than any disc brake...
Bike Setup:
Giant MCM team 2003 with marzocchi marathon XC
Bottom Line:
its just like set it and forgett it..! just love it and never gonna change it! a lot but a lot of strong power!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: March 4, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
CRC
Strengths:
Evo2 slightly easier to set up than previous model. A1 braking, good looks. Cheaper than discs and imo as good as discs.
Weaknesses:
The new 2005 levers are horrible, the hose runs out at 45 degrees making running them to the front calipers difficult. The levers also dont match my XT shifters.
Similar Products Used:
Older Hs33's with decent levers.
Bottom Line:
EVO2 system is easier to setup than the older model, I HATE the new levers and will be contacting MAGURA to see if they will exchange them for an older set. HS33'S are bombproof and will last forever. For value 5 chillis but for the overall rating just 2 because of the dodgy levers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: March 4, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
CRC
Strengths:
Evo2 slightly easier to set up than previous model. A1 braking, good looks. Cheaper than discs and imo as good as discs.
Weaknesses:
The new 2005 levers are horrible, the hose runs out at 45 degrees making running them to the front calipers difficult. The levers also dont match my XT shifters.
Similar Products Used:
Older Hs33's with decent levers.
Bottom Line:
EVO2 system is easier to setup than the older model, I HATE the new levers and will be contacting MAGURA to see if they will exchange them for an older set. HS33'S are bombproof and will last forever. For value 5 chillis but for the overall rating just 2 because of the dodgy levers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: March 4, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
CRC
Strengths:
Evo2 slightly easier to set up than previous model. A1 braking, good looks. Cheaper than discs and imo as good as discs.
Weaknesses:
The new 2005 levers are horrible, the hose runs out at 45 degrees making running them to the front calipers difficult. The levers also dont match my XT shifters.
Similar Products Used:
Older Hs33's with decent levers.
Bottom Line:
EVO2 system is easier to setup than the older model, I HATE the new levers and will be contacting MAGURA to see if they will exchange them for an older set. HS33'S are bombproof and will last forever. For value 5 chillis but for the overall rating just 2 because of the dodgy levers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jose Thibault
a Cross Country Rider
from North of Toronto Date Reviewed: October 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Trail?
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
off Ebay
Strengths:
- Fix-it and forget it - TPA easy to use - locks the wheels up nice and hard - several kinds of pads available for different kinds of rims -
Weaknesses:
- Evolution adaptors for V-mounts are pain in the arse to set up - brake is too strong for some frames, requires brake booster (included in XC kit) - (if) booster (is) provided for V-mounts and not Maggie mounts (WTH?) - cross over's brake easily, repairing requires rebleeding brakes - Blue Blood is not included and often expensive itself ($20 compared to $10 for other hydraulic oils) - 4-bolt adaptors often need to be purchased separately (only Trials-dedicated shops have them)
- NOT A GOOD XC BRAKE - WAY TOO STRONG - USE ONLY IF YOU DO TRIALS!!
Similar Products Used:
Avid 2.0, arch-rival, Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Planet X Tibo with Norco Evolve Fork, HS33, Sun Mammoths. Single speed set up via Norailleur
Bottom Line:
A great brake, but a bit on the expensive side. Set up takes a while and tweaking isn't too difficult, once the user understands how to place the brake.
In terms of value, i'm going to give this one 4, as it can be a bit of an expensive brakeset to maintain. Not to mention the need for extra parts when setting it up for 4bolt magura mounts... it's rather silly that a brake that has frames with mounts dedicated to it, doesn't come BNIB with the adaptors for the 4bolt dedicated frames.
I give it a 4 for overall as well, seeing as how it tends to come with the parts to set up an XC bike, rather than Trials bike. XC-riders seriously don't need a brake this strong, so there's no real point in the brakeset coming BNIB with the evo adaptors and 2pt booster.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jose Thibault
a Cross Country Rider
from North of Toronto Date Reviewed: October 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Trail?
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
off Ebay
Strengths:
- Fix-it and forget it - TPA easy to use - locks the wheels up nice and hard - several kinds of pads available for different kinds of rims -
Weaknesses:
- Evolution adaptors for V-mounts are pain in the arse to set up - brake is too strong for some frames, requires brake booster (included in XC kit) - (if) booster (is) provided for V-mounts and not Maggie mounts (WTH?) - cross over's brake easily, repairing requires rebleeding brakes - Blue Blood is not included and often expensive itself ($20 compared to $10 for other hydraulic oils) - 4-bolt adaptors often need to be purchased separately (only Trials-dedicated shops have them)
- NOT A GOOD XC BRAKE - WAY TOO STRONG - USE ONLY IF YOU DO TRIALS!!
Similar Products Used:
Avid 2.0, arch-rival, Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Planet X Tibo with Norco Evolve Fork, HS33, Sun Mammoths. Single speed set up via Norailleur
Bottom Line:
A great brake, but a bit on the expensive side. Set up takes a while and tweaking isn't too difficult, once the user understands how to place the brake.
In terms of value, i'm going to give this one 4, as it can be a bit of an expensive brakeset to maintain. Not to mention the need for extra parts when setting it up for 4bolt magura mounts... it's rather silly that a brake that has frames with mounts dedicated to it, doesn't come BNIB with the adaptors for the 4bolt dedicated frames.
I give it a 4 for overall as well, seeing as how it tends to come with the parts to set up an XC bike, rather than Trials bike. XC-riders seriously don't need a brake this strong, so there's no real point in the brakeset coming BNIB with the evo adaptors and 2pt booster.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul burke
a Racer
from portugal Date Reviewed: October 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
street
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
sportzone
Strengths:
very strong, feel very nice to use, no need to mess around with the rims, like disc.
Weaknesses:
a pain in the ass to set up.
Similar Products Used:
disc.
Bike Setup:
magura brakes, DM24 rims, trial bike .
Bottom Line:
i like these brakes as soon as i tryed them they work very well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Midlands UK Date Reviewed: August 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
best solution if you don't have or don't like disc brakes
Weaknesses:
nightmare to set up, the QR bolts are cheapest metal
Similar Products Used:
cantis, disc brakes
Bottom Line:
I had these brakes on my old bike which didn't had disc mounts. I think the HS33 are the best solution in such a case, otherwise, I would prefer disc brakes. Rim brakes just are less powerful than disc brakes, they don't work well in wet and muddy conditions (which is the norm in the UK), and they cause rim wear: my rims had an U-shaped groove after one year of frequent riding. Having said that I think that the HS33 are the best rim brakes around once you managed to set them up without having a nervous breakdown.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil
a Racer
from London Date Reviewed: April 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
two wheels good
Strengths:
a truly fit-and-forget component. somebody asked me what kind of brakes my bike had the other day, and i honestly couldn't remember. i also couldn't remember where i'd locked my bike up... (it was late, the bar had closed an hour ago). but seriously, set these up once, and you'll only ever touch them to remove your wheel or change the pads. or maybe clean them. Cheaper and better than the best (XTR, Avid Ti) V-brakes...
Weaknesses:
this is a closed system. that means no cutting the hose to your required length. however, the total closure of the system is probably what makes it so reliable...
Magura have perfected the rim brake. if you are having difficulty setting these up, then it is likely that the geometry of your frame is not suited to the system. i would buy these over any V, anytime. truly Fit and forget. in fact, Fit, open a cold beer and celebrate your wonderful new set of brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Netherlands Date Reviewed: March 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Belgian Ardennes
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$160.00
Strengths:
Great stopping power in dry and wet. Little maintenance. Little wear of pads. Pads easily changed. Big distance of pads to rim so no dragging with dirty rims. Silent when braking. Relatively cheap. Easy setup with new EVO 2 adapters and big (up to 2,5") tire clearance.
Weaknesses:
Before the EVO 2 adapters fitting the brakes was a big pain in the ass!!!! And the tireclearance was only for 2.1". But that's all solved now!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT V-brakes (still doing fine on my girlfriends bike)
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude (1999), Rond Magura Quake CP, CaneCReek Thudbuster (2G), [RooX]. Cockpit, Shimano XTR r.derr./XT fr. derr./LX Cranks/SRAM PLasma shifters/Jagwire/Magura HS33 EVO 2 with red pads (Koolstop), Shimano WH-M540 wheels, Schwalbe Little Albert
Bottom Line:
Great, easy to setup, cheap, lasting brakes which won't give you troubles and will stop you always. Before the EVO 2 adapters they were very fiddle to setup, and I was never satisfied with what I could manage. And I wasn't happy at all when I had to reajust the brakes (Have had Nightmares because off these). Also I couldn't fit the tires I wanted as the tyre clearance went only to 2.1". I was actually thinking of a bike change so I could fit the tires and brakes I wanted. Now with the new EVO 2 Magura saved their butt, and made the brake work for another x years on my bike! Buy it when you want a trouble-free, cheap, lasting and pretty brake with little padwear. Use red pads (Koolstop) for extra power! Or go Ceramic, that way your wheelset will probably last way longer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jamie owen
a
from england Date Reviewed: January 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
derby. skate park(storm)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
chain reaction
Strengths:
the hs33s are very strong as they held me very well when tail biking and learning new 180s.once i put them on i became instantly better at trail biking due to the power and knowing they will hold you!!!
Weaknesses:
i fownd them quite hard to install but once on maintanance free!!!
Similar Products Used:
v-brakes,cheep disc
Bike Setup:
shinamo-v-brakes-----hardtrail bike
Bottom Line:
they are defanantly one of the best brakes arownd for the price and the power of stopping i would advise you to get them if not already got them
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zeke
a Weekend Warrior
from Middletown, CT Date Reviewed: December 9, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Frame-flexing power
Weaknesses:
Pain in the @ss to setup
Similar Products Used:
Cantis, Vs, Discs
Bike Setup:
Trials
Bottom Line:
Excellent trials brakes, much much better than cantis, powerful wheel lockup and release. Stock (black) brake pads are junk - remind me of old stock shimano pads (marginally useful when dry, snotty slick when not). Magura red pads are much better overall, have yet to get dedicated trials pads.
Brake setup on canti studs is horrible. Just plain painful. A fine example of elegant engineering that destroys the usefulness of a product - two bolts do EVERYTHING on each side, and when I say everything, I mean you can't adjust just one thing at a time. It's all or nothing every time, making the initial setup trial and error until you get it right. Then you spend the rest of your time hoping you never knock them loose!
Excellent stopping power though more affected by weather (water, mud) than discs. Better, but heavier, than Vs and vastly superior for trials. Buy some - it'd be 5 flamers if not for the setup...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: October 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Gravity's Edge
Strengths:
Quality of manufacture, excellent modulation and excellent, repeatable stopping performance.
Weaknesses:
a little fiddly to install.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Avid, Hayes, and another which I can't remember the name of, but whatever they came on the bike from new.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale hardtail, 60mm Air/Oil headshock, XT components apart from the brakes. Mavic 618 rims. It's a nice, light, good handling bike.
Bottom Line:
Really good brakes, I would like Magura Louise if I get round to getting a bike which can take discs. But right now there is no point, I like what I have. If you want the best brakes and don't have disc lugs, get Magura HS33 and you will be right up there with the best XC braking performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: October 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Great stopping power for rim brakes.
Weaknesses:
Takes for ever to setup due this the stupid design of brake booster.
Similar Products Used:
XT V brakes, Avid Disc, Hope Disc, Promax rims
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar, CHris KIng, XT
Bottom Line:
Great for XC/Hardtail and if your frame is old like mine and don't have disc mount on it, these are the best rim brakes you can get out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Toronto Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Great Value, more bang-for-the-buck than disk. works well in all conditions, and has great feel to them.
Weaknesses:
setup is difficult, brake pads ware down kinda quick. power is reduced when rim is wet or muddy (same as all rim brakes)
Similar Products Used:
v-brakes
Bottom Line:
These are amazing brakes, and imposible to beat for trials. They are the best brakes for your bike, if you dont have the mounts for disk. For setup tips go to: www.execulink.com/~dtierney/wmc/Magura/contents.htm
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil
a
from London, England Date Reviewed: July 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
as easy as V's to setup, virtually maintenance-free and a super nice lever feel...
Weaknesses:
supplied brake booster not engineered anywhere near as well as the rest of the brake - CNC version only comes in nasty silver... oh, and don't lose the annoying washer when removing the brake at the side of the road/trail to fix a flat...
HS33s are way better than most Vs if you get any lateral flex on the rear triangle - you would have to spend roughly $90 on an XTR Carbon Booster (if you can even find one) to get a similar amount of power from your Vs. If you're minted/foolish and scared of new technology, go for Avid's SD Ultimate Ti V brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Treadway
a Cross Country Rider
from san jose, ca Date Reviewed: June 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Wilder Ranch
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
Webcyclery
Strengths:
Easy to configure, great breaking power.
Weaknesses:
The brake booster doesn't seem like its that effective
Similar Products Used:
XTR V's, Hope C2's
Bike Setup:
Chameleon SS, 175 Turbine Lp's, HS33 Brakes, Planet-X Superlight Rigid Fork, Spot SS Chainring, Paul Hubs, Mavic 517 ceramics
Bottom Line:
Great product, especially for the price, and an abundance of aftermarket pads to use. at 405g per brake, you may wonder why not just switch to disc, but what for? These work great in all conditions and cost 1/2 the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
H-Pross
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Dukes
Strengths:
Imposible to beat for the trial rider, dirt jumper and even free rider
Weaknesses:
Pads wear down a tiny bit to fast
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Discs 8s 6s multiple systems Magura Hydrolic Discs Avids (levers)
Bike Setup:
Norco Rampage (Hardtail all the way) Marz Shiver Axiom Cranks DMR chain tensioner Kenda Tires Single Speed
Bottom Line:
I am sponsored by my bike shop. I have tried soo many brakes that i could fill a room of all the old ones. There is nothing that compares to the stopping power vs. cost and reliablity of these brakes. These brakes are taking over the world of biking. To all the people who said that i takes too long to set the up, how many times did u have to work on them after? Once their on the bike that is it, a killer brake for any rider, for a cheap price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison, WI USA Date Reviewed: February 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$157.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
One finger lock up, stronger than v brakes, no toeing in, no cables to corrode, they look cool, cheaper than disc, once they are all set up, they rock, great for a frameset w/o disc tabs
Weaknesses:
Set up is a bit finicky, they brake on the rim, not so sure the brake booster is really all that great.
Similar Products Used:
vbrakes, discs....
Bike Setup:
redline monocog, '01 marzocci z5, yada yada yada
Bottom Line:
I was getting sick of v-brakes, they work fine, but they are not as strong as I would like them to be, not to mention re toeing the rears everytime I need to do something with my rear wheel, (it's a single speed,) these maguras are promissing, and everyone I've know who has used them swears by them, until they get enough dough to switch to disc... go figure, but for the price they rock, if you're not wrench savy, have them installed, it can be a but frustrating for someone who knows what they are doing, if I ever need to do it again, it will be cake. They probably won't be good for someone concerned about weight, but I'm 185 lbs, so my bikes weight isn't really a huge concern, I need a little durability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton Date Reviewed: January 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anything steep and narly dude!
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
online - eBay
Strengths:
-once setup correctly only have to use the adjustment dial on the handlebar as the pads wear down -will stop you on a dime, time after time -dont squeal like other rim brakes -german engineered -brake pads a snap to replace, dont have to reset the brakes after replacing the pads, not like cantis or V-brakes -great modulation for just the right amount of stopping power -comes in lots of purdy colours -easy when taking a wheel off
Weaknesses:
There are none!! all those guys stripping threads installing these bad boys are doing it wrong, get yourself a torque wrench!!
Similar Products Used:
Cantilever brakes V-brakes
Bike Setup:
Leader frame, XTR hubs front and back, Sun XO rims, Magura HS33 rim brakes front and rear, Azonic bar, Chris King headset, Sun Ringle stem, XT rear derailleur, LX front derailleur, Shimano Dura Ace rear 12-28 rear cassette, Truvativ Stylo Team cranks and rings, Koobi seat.
Bottom Line:
Get yourself a pair of these awesome brakes, you wont regret it!! I have them on all my bikes, best investment I ever made, never looked back. You can get these at a very good price online, best bang for the buck out there in brake world. I gotta give em five flaming mouth heaters cause they ROCK!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ro vdH
a Cross Country Rider
from The Hague-Netherlands Date Reviewed: December 31, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
easy to set up, easy to adjust, very strong and precise, ridiculous stopping power. Self adjustable.
Weaknesses:
none experienced
Bike Setup:
Klein Mantra race (modified) Rock Shox Sid sl, King headset, Fox Float RL rear, all XT-R, Rolf propel wheels
Bottom Line:
Great relative inexepnsive alternative to disks but not that easy to break. Use the proper blocks when ceramic rims are used. Breaks are most important part, take the best; what are you waiting for?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bram
a Weekend Warrior
from Assen, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: November 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$190.00
Strengths:
- Reliable - Good modulation - Good stopping power
Weaknesses:
- Bolds tend to wear if you detach the brakes for maintenance purposes
Similar Products Used:
- Shimano 1999 LX V-brakes
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 2 2001 LG - HS 33 - Mavic 618 CD/Onyx/DT Competition - Rond Magura Quake C85 - Time Atac - IRC Mythos XC - Selle Italia Flite Trans Am - XTR shifters and rear der. - XT front der.
Bottom Line:
A reliable product that does what it's supposed to. As I am 92 kg. it's a bit tricky when I go downhill. There is only one solution for me; discs. So I ordered Magura Marta's. I'm very happy with the HS33's they will now move to a new XC bike I'm building for my wife.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Almonte, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
anything that's fun
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Kunstadt Sports
Strengths:
Everything! the modulation is great, hardly ever have to adjust them unless you some pansy - assed perfectionist.
Weaknesses:
None; they're not that fricken hard to install.
Similar Products Used:
None as good
Bike Setup:
Norco Team Trials w/ Rock Shox Psylo. Shimano Mech. disc on front.
Bottom Line:
Look, the pro trials riders use it (I.E. Shawn Denny, Ryan Leech) and most respected trials riders like Jared Jesperson all use this brake on the back. In trials, if you have a disc on the back, try riding backwards and hit the brake to spin around. You'll be buying a new hud and disc the very next day; it'll rip the disc right out of it's socket. It'll stop you at any speed. So to all you asses who gave this a bad review; go to the pros and ask their opinion. You seem high and mighty enough to treat yourself like one. Buy these brakes; Bottom Line!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Landgraaf/Netherlands Date Reviewed: August 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
XC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$160.00
Strengths:
-the perfect braking solution for your bike. -awesome braking power. -excellent modulation -1-finger braking for safer and faster downhill. -includes brake booster which prevents loss of brake power due to moving of the brake levers. -quick adjusting at the lever -Set them up and no need to ever look at them again, except for replacing brake pads.
Weaknesses:
-I've been doing some adjustments(2 hours fiddling) and the allen key 5mm screw under the quick release has already lost it's corners(become slightly round), so not really optimal grip when adjusting, it still works but something to keep in mind. -Brake boosters need bending at the second eye or cutting off. They will fit the given tires, but not during use, i have 1.95 tires and during sprints the tire would hit the booster even after correctly centering the wheel. -Adjusting them is no real pain in the ass but can take some time.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano STX-RC with PC dia compe levers(my old brakes) Other older magura's which had no number in their name but something like quito or whatever. Various v-brakes(XT and XTR).
Bike Setup:
Trek 970 SHX (1995)
Bottom Line:
Brake anytime,anywhere with any wheel(s) you like to brake. Perfect feel. It's been said before, if you ever THINK about buying these and you don't have hydraulic discs, BUY THESE BRAKES. Best add-on ever for my bike.
Value: they are not really cheap but offer superior braking to V-brakes like the XT or XTR brakes(at least i prefer them). V's lack the booster which will cost you even more if you decide to add these to the V's.(highly recommended) Overall: I just can't wait to start braking again it's just such a wonderful feeling, they ROCK! Buy THESE. Best way to spend your money on your bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Hatto
a Weekend Warrior
from Bedford, England, UK Date Reviewed: August 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
king size double deluxe in my bedroom
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
a shop
Strengths:
Stops u on a six pence, very strong, easy installation not as expensive as discs but just as strong
Weaknesses:
Can bve a git to alter sometimes
Similar Products Used:
Deore, XT, hayes discs
Bike Setup:
Kona Caldera 16', XT rear, Deore front,Z5, yellow maggy HS33
Bottom Line:
Sound as a pound as long as u keep your patience when fixin them!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Jamaica Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
great stopping power and modulation, look cool.
Weaknesses:
the levers suck
Similar Products Used:
xt and avid v's, avid mech discs
Bike Setup:
K2 Evo,Z-1 fork, fox van r shock, bontrager mustang rims, xt stuff,currently Avid disc front and avid v rear until I can afford another disc.
Bottom Line:
These brakes work great, much more power than V's especially in the wet.Set up is more difficult than V's or Avid Mech discs but it's not a big deal.I would give five flames if the levers were better.One broke in a weak pansy-ass crash and the replacement broke during installation.The other broke when hitting a bridge railing at very low speed.I know, if I didn't crash they wouldn't break but my old XT levers took five years of much worse abuse and are still working.A friend has some other aftermarket levers that I don't think are made any more, and has no problems, if I can find some these brakes will be back on my hardtail in a flash.Buy these for XC maybe, but not if you ride hard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a
from lilburn Ga,Us Date Reviewed: March 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
don't ride trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Powerful.I you ride trials these are the brakes for you.Wont slip at all.Also people say the brake boster bends there wrong.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Xt V's,Hs 11,avid disk,hope mini,crane creak.
Bike Setup:
A 2001 Monty X-Lite, drilled rims, hs 33s,everything else monty.
Bottom Line:
These are the best trials brakes in the world other then disks.I have no idea how they work in the mud,but anywhere else great.Buy these brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from AB, Canada Date Reviewed: February 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
urban trials
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
once set up rite -- great modulation, excellent power, stiff booster, easy to take your wheel off, zero play when lockin up my wheels, setup correctly n go! very little maintenance (no cables to lube n grease n replace), that loud but trials-signature squeal u get w/ tar!
Weaknesses:
a wee bit heavier than any v-brake (k a LOT heavier), but not by more than 500g's, uhhhh hafta bleed them every so often depending on usage of either brake, bleedin can b messy w/ that mineral oil (it's hard to grip things -- wear gloves!)
As for the XC pansy from the Netherlands: why would you ride XC and use hs33? they're obviously too heavy, n a fair bit more expensiv than XTRs,,, something is seriously wrong w/ u!!
Anyway, if u enjoy trials or FR or DH, n don't really want to spend an arm n a leg gettin hayes full hydros, magura's willg et the job done. if dun enjoy shavin ur legs n climbin up hills constantly, get these bad boys! setting them up fromt he packaging take a afternoon or so, n bleeding without gloves ensures u can't grip anything, but it's worth the money no doubt!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ty
a Downhiller
from Ft collins, Co, USA Date Reviewed: February 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
webcyclery.com
Strengths:
very strong, durable, reliable
Weaknesses:
pain in the ass to set up
Similar Products Used:
hs11
Bike Setup:
trials
Bottom Line:
The best hydraulic brake for trails, not quite as strong as discs but less expensive (no special hub) the only way to go for a rear brake on a trials bike. I dont know about XC though, seems like they could be a real hassle to set up and a pain when you get a flat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob hunter
a Weekend Warrior
from scunny Date Reviewed: January 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
kirton
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
rustys
Strengths:
Good stopping power. Easy to set up.
Weaknesses:
levers are crap. Pipes burst after a long hard ride.
Good brakes apart from the levers, but i preffered the cants that came with the bike. ps ui sell weed for £25 a bag (no refunds)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Somerset, UK Date Reviewed: January 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
www.chainreactioncycles.com
Strengths:
Awesome stopping power with no fade, zero effort required on the levers and adjustable on the fly
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
V Brakes (pads worn out in one month)
Bike Setup:
Standard Trek 4300 with XT shifters.
Bottom Line:
These are excellent and I would recommend anyone buy them. www.chainreactioncyles.com have them for £100 (GBP) and post free. GO BUY SOME !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adolf Schmickenbacker
a Racer
from Munich, Germany Date Reviewed: November 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
German Autobahns
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Bike shop near Hofbräuhaus
Strengths:
Sensational modulation capability, good braking power, virtually maintenance-free, good looks
Weaknesses:
Really nothing
Similar Products Used:
Really nothing but terrible crap (V brakes, disc brakes, cantilever brakes)
Bike Setup:
This is kept a secret because I don't want others to ride a bike as sensational as mine
Bottom Line:
These brakes are awesome. Hydraulic disc brakes may provide you with more braking power but they require much more maintenance efforts. If I were the ruler of the world, I would make the HS-33 obligatory for all bikes in all countries.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jamz rushforth
a Weekend Warrior
from chicago Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
bike shed
Strengths:
very powerful brake! Bombproof! just pure brilliant! People who ride X-country, downhill, trials, dual slalom would be better off buying this product!
Weaknesses:
N/A
Bike Setup:
trials
Bottom Line:
This brake soooooooooo rules definatly buy it!!! powerful, no messing about or fiddling with it apart from once a year when you re-oil it! 11/10 thats how good it is it is just BRILL!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fritz herbet
a Weekend Warrior
from hamburg Date Reviewed: September 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
hansiz trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
hamburg radfunken
Strengths:
Is very strong and has much power to brake with.Also is very light weight so does not affect how i ride my bike to much.I you do not have the right specification to atatch disk brake then this is definateley the next best thing.also i get a good garenty from the shop i buy them from and also the manufactures of the brake.top notch!
Weaknesses:
The sop told me i have to blead the brake every 6-10 months so that is not so good.
Similar Products Used:
None because i used to have a BMX and run a no brake system.
Bike Setup:
custom biult with long German specification.
Bottom Line:
A great buy that i wont forget in a hurry!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big Red S
a
from London, UK Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles (UK)
Strengths:
Yellow Powerful Good Modulation Warranty Pad change is easy
Weaknesses:
I'd prefer an open system..... a bit fiddly to setup on my frame (the stays are very far apart, and i'm running a narrow rim)
Similar Products Used:
HS11's, assorted V-brakes (demo'ed),
Bike Setup:
Azonic DS2 built up heavy and strong
Bottom Line:
If you dont have disc mounts, these are a great alternative. I have one one of these on the rear and a hope mini at the front. This has as much power as i have ever needed from a brake, and is very much a fit-and forget piece of bike. The yellow ones get dirty easily, but that's just the colour....
by the way, the dollars price is innacurate - i bought mine for £130
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stuart Black
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart, Australia Date Reviewed: July 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
www.chainreactioncycles.com
Strengths:
Awesome stopping power, good modulation, fairly good consistency in differing conditions.
Weaknesses:
Alloy bolts
Similar Products Used:
XT V-brakes, STX-RC V-brakes
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX 900
Bottom Line:
Very good brake for the money. If you do not have disc bosses or are a retro grouch then these are the brakes for you. They have a reputation for being difficult to set up, but I cannot see why. I have never had to bleed them, and the ease of changing pads is a miracle to behold. My only gripes with them are that the arch limits tyre clearance, but this can be fixed with an angle grinder, and the alloy bolts which hold the calipers on the bosses have a large Hex key slot, with a relatively small head and are made form alloy. End result is the bolt head strips out if you are not careful. Not enough of a gripe to stop them getting full marks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mensacyclist
a Cross Country Rider
from Clermont Fl. Date Reviewed: July 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
bike bought on e-bay
Strengths:
powerful, smooth, quiet
Weaknesses:
they are heavier then traditional brakes but I'm not a gay weight weinie so I don't care. People say they are hard to set up but i took them off and put them back on effortlessly.
Similar Products Used:
uhhhhhh....the brakes on my car? No, my car has rotors. Oh well, I guess none.
Bike Setup:
Surly 1x1 singlespeed (best bike on earth)
Bottom Line:
I got my Surly on e-bay and before it was even shipped to me I was planning on selling the Maguras. I was a predjudiced sucka fool. Once i took the first ride i realized that they were staying on the bike. They just feel better than V-brakes. They are silent too. The levers have a nice wide flat spot where your digits contact them. It sounds minor but it is really nice to feel that wide lever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything urban - trials oriented
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
+Great modulation +Very precise (locks up wheels when you need to lurch or nose stand) +The POWER! lol +Once u set them up they're pretty much maintenance free
Weaknesses:
-Tubies rip out n leak oil over the f*cking place if you get them caught on things -Takes a lifetime to set up -Gotta apply tar or else things suck -- buy some Simple Green too! -Pretty heavy compared to V-s, but worth it i think -Noisy as hell when tar is on -- but it's the official trials squeal!
Similar Products Used:
XTR, XT, avid mech disc, hayes hydraulic, Hayes Mechanicalm Julie, Marta, HS11, tektro, leechee, deore, LX, crappy canti's
Bike Setup:
Orange Zero w/ obviously HS33's, sun mammoth, custom front wheel, irc kujo DH, Tioga factory XC semi slick, race face northshore XS 165mm, Chris King NoThreadset, Amoeba riser, Amoeba shorty stem 15* (i think), deore hubs back n front, yeah that's all for now
Bottom Line:
Awesome brakes! Once things are set up correctly, you can just walk away, but dont' forget to apply the tar for a noticeable difference! Make sure you can get a deal for them, cuz in canada they're about 270 per wheel and it may not include the booster (which totally makes a diff too). i lucked out n i'm not disappointed! Sure they're heavier than XTR n 90% of the V's out there, or all of the V's out there, but when u squeeze, there izzint the sensation you can lock up anymore -- that's excellent modulation folks! I wouldn't mind having a disc up front, but for now front and rear HS33's do everythin n anythin you throw at them!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Stubbs
a
from Grimsby, England Date Reviewed: June 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Doncaster and Sheffiels BSX tracks
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
The Bike Show(Merlin)
Strengths:
*Lot's of modulation! *Smother than V's
Weaknesses:
*Not enough power(apart from milk pads, but then you loose modulation) *Hard to set up, pads usually end up at an angle, takes ages to get it right * Bolts easily round * pad holders rub on my Specialized Evil Twins bead lock *Quick releses wear out, botl has to be replaced often, or do away with quick release *Not enough power in the wet * Paint flakes off after a while *Booster sometimes needs to be cut down *Movement of Cylinders once tight *Plastic Cables(Not Braided)
Not worth the money!Good for Trials if you are prepared to put up with them. I personally prefer Hope Discs for power but not modulation especially if you are riding in the wet. I use mine for nearlyu every type of riding. Street, BSX, DH, XC and trials and think they are best suited for the latter! They can be good for sum "around town" street too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Braille Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
MTBR
Strengths:
Better feel and braking power than v-brakes. Easier to change pads.
Weaknesses:
Compared to v-brakes: setup and adjustment is a pain. Field servicability is difficult. Weight. Price.
Similar Products Used:
98 XTR V, 99 XT V, Avid 2.0.
Bike Setup:
Specialized M2 Pro
Bottom Line:
If you are more of a downhill rider, spend your bucks on discs - unless you really can't afford the new wheels and a decent disc setup. If you are an XC rider, as I am, these brakes are too much of a pain in the ass to justify the weight and the high price. For example, when installed with the boosters (which you need) getting the wheels off to change a tube or put on a bike rack is a complete pain. Furthermore, the brake pads must be set up jusssssst right when you put the wheel back on. God forbid your tire get knocked a little out of true on the trail - the speed dial works, but only to an extent, and only if you had it set up with just right in the first place to allow an adjustment.
3 chilis because the braking feel and power is superior, but the execution is impractical.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
red
a
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
great stopping power, no cables
Similar Products Used:
v-brakes
Bike Setup:
specialized RH '98 only the frame is stock, converted to a semi-trials bike.
Bottom Line:
They can be a bit difficult to install (took me about 2 hours for front and rear brakes), but follow the directions, and most things are really easy. If you have more concerns Jimi@magura.com(I think) is awsome (really quick responce and great knowledge) or you may try your LBS.
I like that you don't have to worry about cable drag, replacing pads is supper easy.
my front brake did devolop a leak, wrote jimi, got a responce in a day, got replacement in about a week, no questions asked, no troubles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trials God
a
from Da U.K Date Reviewed: April 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Henwick jumps/Any drop offs and benches
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Broad Ribs (Biester)
Strengths:
Very good brakes very rialable good for trials riders and duel,look good.
Submitted by
AARON
a Weekend Warrior
from AVONDALE,AZ Date Reviewed: April 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
SOUTH MOUNTAIN
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$179.00
Purchased At:
CAMBRIABIKE.COM
Strengths:
+GREAT MODULATION +VERY PRECISE LEVER FEEL +AMAZING POWER +NO CABLE MAINT.REQUIRED +TPA'S MAKE LEVER THROW ADJ.EASY
Weaknesses:
-SOMEWHAT TIME CONSUMING TO FIRST SET UP -CLEARANCE BETWEEN TIRE AND PAD HOLDER CAN GET REALLY TIGHT WITH LARGE TIRES.
Similar Products Used:
XT VEE'S,AMP DISCS
Bike Setup:
97 GT LTS-2,HS-33'S,RACE FACE.......
Bottom Line:
I'VE HAD THE HS-33'S FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW,IN THAT TIME I'VE CHANGED PADS 1 TIME TO THE RED PADS AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A LEAK OR SPOONGY LEVER AS SOME OTHER PEOPLE HAVE.THESE THINGS HAVE AMAZING MODULATION AND POWER WHEN SET UP RIGHT.SCARY LOOSE DECENTS ARE VERY EASY TO AVOID LOCKING UP THE TIRES WITH THIS KIND OF BRAKING CONTROL!I'M 210 LBS.,AND BRAKEING CONTROL IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME!THESE ARE GREAT BRAKES!REMEMBER WHEN THESE WERE THE BRAKES TO HAVE WHEN DOWNHILL RACING ONLY A FEW YEARS AGO? NEXT BEST THING TO DISC BRAKES AND EVEN BETTER THAN SOME!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
+ Awesome modulation + Lots of power too + Easy to set up + Pads last a long time + No spongyness at all + Came with boosters + Superbe lever feel + Changing pads takes 2 seconds
Weaknesses:
- Tiny little bit heavier than a light set of Vees if you are a gram counter (but well worth their weight!) - Don't have the power of discs, especially when wet - Mounting bolts are soft, easy to round out
Similar Products Used:
Various Vee brakes, several disc systems, canti brakes, coaster brakes.
Bottom Line:
If discs weren't invented, IMHO, these brakes would rule the bike world. Lever feel is awesome. Modulation is awesome. The whole setup is sweet. I will never go back to Vee brakes on a bike that I care about (beater/bar/commuter bike excluded).
First time you set them up, yes, it does take a while to do it. Just take your time and read the directions. Take the time to do it right, it will be worth it. Once you have done it, it isn't that bad. Plus once they are set up, you don't have to touch them. Nice.
Bleeding is easy, you don't have to do it unless you break or shorten the line, and honestly, I can do it in about 5 minutes per brake.
Modulation... I didn't know what it was back in the days when I ran Vee brakes. Not even joking.
These are one of my favorite components of all time. Five burning turds!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Biggest drop i can find
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Will slow your ass down quick! Awesome power in any conditions. Have best luck with Ceramic compound pad(by Magura) this is good in mud or wet. Standard black pads work well all around.
Weaknesses:
Ocassional brake bleed (no big deal)
Similar Products Used:
Arch Rivals, OEM brakes(Cannondale)
Bike Setup:
Ridig to the bone
Bottom Line:
I ride in Mud alot. These really do work any time. Even in the snow
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Mckie
a Weekend Warrior
from Stranraer Scotland Date Reviewed: March 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Kirrochtree forest
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
mail order
Strengths:
Maintenance free,unbeliveably reliable.Powerful.Totally sealed.Nothing to go wrong really.
Weaknesses:
In reality none.
Similar Products Used:
Cantis,Vs,Discs
Bike Setup:
XC hardtail
Bottom Line:
These are the BEST allround brakes you can put on your bike.Remember its a BIKE.Discs are without a doubt excellent but they are overkill on a XC bike.its only the magazines that make you think you need them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George Barron
a Weekend Warrior
from Sutherland, Scotland Date Reviewed: March 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Trials
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Magazine
Strengths:
MASSIVELY POWERFUL! Extremely good braking, should be expected from magura. Nice looking. The new quick release system lets you get your wheel off even faster. No need to replace cables anymore.
Weaknesses:
Small coulor range means matching them to your bikes coulor scheme is hard. But coulor does not matter with the power they provide. Hard to bleed in. I advise a professional does it. the kit comes with all the pipes surpluss to requirements so it fits any bike. If you aren't an expert, get it done for you!
Bottom Line:
THE rim brake.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Cross Country Rider
from Portugal Date Reviewed: January 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$173.00
Purchased At:
Ribabike
Strengths:
Amazing stopping power, great modulation, after mounting them on your bike you can forget all the settings required in an hidraulic disc brake system. This stuff is really good, it will stop your bike in any weather condition, the break feel is incredible... I just love the color...(Yellow race line)
Weaknesses:
(Who cares about about a few extra grams...) Absolutely none !!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Hayes hidraulic disc, V's
Bike Setup:
Specialized frame, Manitou black elite and lots of other good things, including now the "Maggies"...I just love my bike !!!
Bottom Line:
Now let's be honest, I'm not a great rider, I only practice cross-country riding for fun and pleasure, and to be with my buddies, but when we are talking about gear, I get really serious about it. I was hesitating between the Clara Disc brake or the rim system, I try them both and I choose the HS-33. The power is exactly the same, they are cheaper, they don't need the adjustments of a disc system and they don't squeal like the Hayes disc I tried once. After trying these babies, my opinion about disc brakes (wich was the best so far) fell down like a castle cards...Believe me I was the number one defensor of disc brakes... and I was wrong !!! The functionality of these brakes is so good and simple that I had to admit it: it's hard for me to say it, and some of you will understand me, but these brakes are as good as disc brakes... Sorry but it is true... Five chillis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
beefer boy
a Weekend Warrior
from nelson Date Reviewed: December 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
paper bag, 719 and urban in nelson
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
good braking. low maintenance and look sweet
Weaknesses:
expensive brake pads
Similar Products Used:
shimano v-brakes
Bike Setup:
hs-33, azonic d-s1 frame, z3 qr20
Bottom Line:
these brakes are the best rim brakes out there.wouldn't be the best for cross country if you're a weight freak.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Henk
a Cross Country Rider
from Hoofddorp, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Braking power, low maintenance, very reliable
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Shimano V-brakes
Bike Setup:
Kinesis frame, XT drivetrain, Rond Quake C Fork
Bottom Line:
A bit tricky to adjust while putting them on your bike the first time. After that the only maintenance required is changing the brakepads! Absolutely no maintenance required during 2 years of cross-country riding. Very good braking power with a good 'feel'.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Havn't you heard
a Racer
from Buffalo, New York, USA...Baby Date Reviewed: November 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tamarak
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
They have tremendous stopping power. They are extreemly reliable. If you do any of the maintenance on your bike, then bleeding them is a snap.
Weaknesses:
They are a little triky to adjust at first. They have a tendancy to wiggle loose after long rides. Pads wear quickly. Aloy bolt kit strips after 2 years of adjusting.
Similar Products Used:
XT/XTR V brakes
Bike Setup:
Trek w/XTR drivetrain, atom bombs, spins and a whole lota other crap
Bottom Line:
These brakes will last for what seems like forever. I had them for over 2 years and they are still butter. I never thought they would last this long. They will stop anything at any speed. I have a ceramic coating on my spins and the pads do go pretty quickly but thats no worry. Go with the red ones. Adjusting them is hard at the beginning but it gets easy. You do have to do it pretty often however. I would advise not going with the aloy bolt kit, they wont last half as long as the actual brakes. It seems like a good way to loose some grams, but they strip very easy. All in all I think that they will out-last the bike, then they are going on the new one!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Thompson
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: November 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any trail in Nelson
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
Village Cycles
Strengths:
Anything that can stop me on a downhill section has to be Good (95 kg) Fit on any shock that already has v brakes on it Quite Look Great easy to adjust
Weaknesses:
had to bleed them after a small oil leak you really need to buy the boosters as well
Similar Products Used:
v brakes
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Raven Supper fatty D Fox Alps R Sun Rims
Bottom Line:
These Things are great Forget about the v brakes (even Avid) and do yourself a favour a buy a set Any rider of any abality should be think about getting a set of these They have saved my bacon several times
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Weekend Warrior
from Taunton Date Reviewed: November 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Ralph Colemans
Strengths:
Fantastic braking power
Weaknesses:
Fiddly to set up
Similar Products Used:
LX, XT, XTR V's, Diacompe DPn7e,
Bike Setup:
'99 Specialised FSR
Bottom Line:
Set them up right and you're away! I have found that you should set everything up fingertight first, including the brake booster, then starting with the upper bolt on the QR side tighten everything up (go around the four fixings clockwise from there), otherwise the whole lot will slop around and it will takes ages to get right.
Make sure your rims are strong enough to enough to take the pressure.
In operation they cannot be beaten for reliability and consistency. Great feel and stopping power buy some!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Auckland,NewZealand Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Ground Zero
Strengths:
exelent feel and great stoping power Very easy to adjust
Weaknesses:
breaks often work lose after a hard ride that has included heavy breaking leaver allen bolts work there way up after a while but that is fixed by a little lock tight.
Similar Products Used:
xtr v break hays hydrulic disc (front only )
Bike Setup:
front and rear magura on a mongoose sx 6.7 that has almost no stock parts other than the frame and chainrings
Bottom Line:
these breaks are awsome even after having a hydrolic disc i think these r the best and will never go back to v brakes and i will always use a magura on the front instead of a disc even if the breaks lossen off a bit after a hard ride which means they just need a guick adjust with the realeaser and it's fixed.great value for the pair (4-5 hundred nz ) defanatly worth investing in no matter what style of riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Hill
a Cross Country Rider
from Frankfurt Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Taunus
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very quiet, good feel, gives confidence.
Weaknesses:
A tad heavier than the Avid's I chucked.
Similar Products Used:
none, always had cable v's.
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000, xt etc.
Bottom Line:
A great improvement over those horrid cable things. Makes you go at the downhill bits instead of just hanging on. look the business and actually does it too. If you're thinking then stop and buy them. Oh and when you see those guys with the Hayes discs you'll see what I mean about quiet.
Good luck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martijn
a Cross Country Rider
from Netherlands Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$145.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
awesome breaking power, for every tiny bit of pulling the levers you feel the braking power increase, looks, no squeaking
Weaknesses:
Beware of the little rings on the mounting screws: every time you take the brakes off in order to remove the wheel, the little buggers try to get away.
Similar Products Used:
V's (both conventional and parallel design), canti's
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Comp 2000, size L, mostly stock
Bottom Line:
These brakes are unbelievable, and negotiate all the wekanesses of V's. They're silent, have better braking power, and modulation is far superior. They're also adjustable at the lever. Minor thingie is when I clean my bike and have to take them off. There's a few loose rings around which you need to keep track of or they're gone forever. Not exactly cheap, but definitely worth it if you're a XC rider and need good braking control.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allen
a Cross Country Rider
from Maine Date Reviewed: September 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Windham fire tower
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
kalo?
Strengths:
Great feel, consistant performance, no squeal
Weaknesses:
weight?
Similar Products Used:
XT v's, Avid single digits, HS22's
Bike Setup:
Titus LocoMoto, X-vert Super, Crosslinks
Bottom Line:
I really like these brakes. I was riding with friends the other day and one of their Hayes discs were howling like a banshee. No brake fade, excellent feel. A tad heavier than Mags. Worth it too me
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
E Chou
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Not overly heavy, very impressive lever feel, great looks
Weaknesses:
sometimes loud when really wet, not the easiest to adjust
These are actually quite a value, considering that high end mech. rim brakes are just as expensive. Awesome modulation, incredible lever feel, practically unmatched power for a rim brake. My two relatively small gripes are that the seatstays on my bike are too weak, without the included brake arch, my stays bend about 3-4 mm at the mounts. Also, ajustment isn't too easy, but considering it isn't easy for most brakes, that really isn't a problem. I just wish that Magura would be able to make a steel-braided line option, so that a stray rock doesn't kill the system... luckily, plastic line is cheap. If you want a rim brake upgrade, you really can't go wrong with this. Just make sure your rims are true.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marcel Frenk
a Cross Country Rider
from Nijmegen, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rijk van Nijmegen, Cristalp
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Fietssport Vincent
Strengths:
Brake power, lever feel, great modulation, reliable
Weaknesses:
Difficult to mount and adjust. When compensating for brake-pad wear by increasing the oil pressure, only one pad moves towards the rim.
I have chosen to use Magura brakes because I like their lever feel and modularity over that of most V-brakes. Also I hate the feel of dirty cables, a V-brake that works smoothly with new cables will deteriorate rapidly as the cables wear or collect dirt. But with Magura brakes, not all is well either, which is a pity considered that the drawbacks have nothing to do with the systems basics, but with stupidity`s of the designers. They make these brakes for years now, you would have expected them to adress the drawbacks. The front brake is integrated in my fork, a Rond/Magura Quake Air 2001. This technique is called Firm-tech by their marketing dept. The rear brake is a conventional HS-33 with a carbon fibre brake-booster.
The front-brake: the brake is integrated in the fork`s lowers. Magura claims to have carefully chosen the mounting position by testing it with dosen`s of rims. I think that something went slightly wrong with making the mould in which the forks magnesium lowers are forged, and that they found the deveation to small to worry about. But in my experience with Mavic 517 rims and Bontrager Race Lite rim, the brake is positioned to low by about 1 to 1,5mm. That is the case with the 2000 and the 2001 models, both share the same lowers. The edge of the brake-pads comes out under the rim. Certainly with the Bontrager Racel Lite rims, that have a designated ceramic brake surface that starts about a mm from the edge of the rim, this is a disadvantage, for you cannot adjust the brake`s height, or maybe only by filing away some metal and instead using some rings. But that would result with trouble with it`s quick releases, so I left it as it was. For now, the only solution for me is to machine the brake-pads so that they only toutch the ceramic brake surface of the rims. Narrower pads means less brake power, so I don`t think the brakes work at their maximum power. Also a conventional setup with brake-boosters is stiffer, providing more power and a better lever feel, despite Magura`s claims. Still though, the brake-power is sufficient and easy to modulate. With the Firm-tech, you can at least adjust each pad individually.
The rear-brake gave a lot of trouble when mounting, I almost felt like driving to Bad Urach to kick Mr. Magenwirth`s ass, or at least make him mount one of his own products and see how likes that. They even made things worse compared to the older HS-22 model, by changing two rings in the design. They now have teeth instead of being flat, reducing their adjustability. Once correctly mounted, these brake work wonderfull, rarely an unwanted lock-up because it`s modulation is superb. But when the pads start to wear, you need to increase the hydraulic pressure (on the brake lever, very conveniënt), but in practice only one pad moves closer to the rim. If the wear has gone on enough, you will hear one pad scrape the rim while the other still sits a proverbial mile away from the rim. They should have provided some way to indivually re-adjust the pads, now you have to fight a sort of a deathmatch with the stupid clamping system these brakes rely on for their basic positioning.
I hope that Magura someday re-designs their rim-brakes, and adresses the abovementioned issues. For now, dispite it all, I think they offer the finest rim-braking available. I cannot give `m full marks, for the brakes are truly expensive, and leave to much to wish for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Sylvania, Ohio Date Reviewed: August 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Whiteface Mtn. Vermont; Toas, Sante Fe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Magura stand at NORBA finals
Strengths:
WOW! This brake is incredible. The power of a hydro disk brake w/o the annoying high pitched squeeking noises. They brake 10x better than any v-brake, and have as much, if not more, kick than disk brakes. Magura is a name you can love.
Weaknesses:
When the rims get wet....good night.
Similar Products Used:
Avid disk, xtr v-brake, avid arch
Bike Setup:
Trek STP 200 with love all over it.
Bottom Line:
If you want some love on the trail then shut up and get Magura!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a
from Devon, England Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Minhead, all of it
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Ralph Colman Cycles, Taunton Somerset
Strengths:
Plenty of power as standard and that quick release thing works a treat.
Weaknesses:
Although i havent ridden them, from what i have heard they are not as powerfull as disks.
Similar Products Used:
Cantis, U Brakes, V Brakes (outstanding setup by the way) original Avid SD2 Levers with Original LX,DX V's. the most powerfull V's ive ever ridden.
Bike Setup:
Various, changes every coaple of months, heading towards jump bike at the mo
Bottom Line:
They are very good, they have plenty of power, but not as much as some people are raving on about. The price is about the same as my V setup but they only have a little more than my V setup which was a little dissapointing but because of the smoothness of the modulation the 33s come out on top. I will never go back to cable brakes again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
toddi torres
a Weekend Warrior
from springfield oregon Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Goodman creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
Insanely powerfull. Very predictable braking. I HAVENT GONE OVER THE HANDLEBARS SINCE I BOUGHT THESE.
Weaknesses:
A tad heavy. But i was willing to sacrifice a little weight for some extra power. But i wasnt counting on this much power I LOVE IT
Similar Products Used:
crappy V's
Bike Setup:
XT hubs XT drivtrain homemade frame full suspension. DNM rear shock, 99 rockshox judy XC, 9spd , Cromoly home made stem. Cromoly home made rear triangle. Taperlock bb.
Bottom Line:
Very badass not only in looks but also in sheer brakeing power. Smooth feeling of hydraulics doesnt have to come at a high price and works with brake bosses and rims so you dont have to buy special hubs or anything. VERY COOL even came with Brake boosters.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Downhiller
from Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
kelso, urban
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath Oakville
Strengths:
awsome power, i like the lever feel and the pad adjuster is extremly usefull, good looking brakes
Weaknesses:
A total pain in the a$$ to install and even more so to adjust, even though they come already bled.
Similar Products Used:
Xt discs, hayes, v-brakes of all types
Bike Setup:
fs freeride with marzocchi z3 (2001) xt disc/HS33, Rhyno lite/mavic x312 disc on deore hubs etc...
Bottom Line:
so far they are good brakes with a lot of power. They were extremely difficult and finniky to set up and the holes for the bolts on the brake booster are stupid (too big and too small) However on a good note the brakes are super powerfull and they look really good
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Cross Country Rider
from Vienna Date Reviewed: July 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere at Jim Thorpe PA
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
Mail order
Strengths:
A bit hard to install But they work great!
Weaknesses:
Installation instructtions translated from German
Leaves you hanging.
Similar Products Used:
V Brakes U Brakes Coaster Brakes
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar Team
Bottom Line:
The brakes will work even if installed backwards.
Cold weather does not effect them Change sensitivity while you ride
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Gray
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything in Weardale, UK
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
mail order (forget who)
Strengths:
Wonderful efficiency, light action, HUGE MODULATION Less day to day fiddling than cables (lubing etc) More resistant to dirt (no cables to contaminate) Snap-in brake blocks make pad changes a 5 minute job.
Weaknesses:
Fiddly to set up. Ditch those AL mounting bolts (clever but too easy to strip, corrode into steel bosses) Pricey at first. Care needed with initial setup to avoid air in system. Not for novices or the mechanically inept. If in doubt get a shop to install.
Similar Products Used:
XT cantis, V brakes
Bike Setup:
94 Marin Pine Mountain (running 7speed block & thumbies / 2001 XTR) Marzocchi Z3 Bombproof, "simple as a knife and fork" long distance rig
Bottom Line:
Ignoe the hype on discs and V's. This is the solution.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Opie
a Racer
from Peterborough, ont, canada Date Reviewed: June 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
mtbr classifieds
Strengths:
the power, overall beffyness, anything you can think of they are there above all rim brakes
Weaknesses:
there is only one, the set up. no matter what anyone says they are a pain in the ass to set up.
marin pine mountain, whitebros fork, 9.0 shifters, everything else is shimano stuff.
Bottom Line:
they are the best brakes ever made to my opinion. disc brakes may perform better but i would always be afraid of bashing the disc off something and v's squeal a little too much. if you are debating on wether or not to get them, GET THEM!!!
have a good ride, opie only 4 for setup
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: June 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
£120
Strengths:
Powerfull controled braking. Look good
Weaknesses:
Initial setup can be difficult. Spares expensive
Similar Products Used:
Shimano DX, promax micanincal disk
Bottom Line:
The best braked I have ever owned. Well worth the cost. I have never had to pull the levers to my full strenth to stop. They are way more powerfull than I need but the extra control means this is not a problem. Spares are a little expensive. Easy adjustment on levers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve
a Cross Country Rider
from truckee Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the flume trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
porsche
Strengths:
these are by far the best brakes I've ever used.
Weaknesses:
absolutely none!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
formula discs
Bike Setup:
porsche s
Bottom Line:
these are awsome brakes!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Lommel, Belgium Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Transardennaise
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Kempenaers Lommel
Strengths:
Great stoppers, zero maintenance, good feel, nice silver look.
Weaknesses:
Brakepads wear out very fast :-)
Similar Products Used:
Magura HS11
Bike Setup:
American Eagle with Sram 9.0, Suntour front fork, HS33 brakes, Black spire blades
Bottom Line:
The last brakes I had fitted couldn't slow me down enough (because I weigh in over 100 Kg), these little gems can ! My best buy so far ...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al
a Racer
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Local bike shop
Strengths:
Powerful, great modulation/control, smooth feel, precise breaking.
Weaknesses:
Set up an be challenging, however is easy once you get to understand it.
Similar Products Used:
Avid mechanical disks, XTR V brakes
Bike Setup:
Santa Curz Heckler, XTR, Marzocci
Bottom Line:
This is a good alternative to going with full disks, which is very expensive. They are far more powerful than any canti or v I've ever ridden. Initial set up can be challenging, however it's easy once you get the hang of it. They don't work as well as disks in the mud, however that's what single speeds are for!!! Disks are hype, go with the HS-33s.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anders Ljungman
a Weekend Warrior
from Sweden Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Cykelcity
Strengths:
Braking power. They are silent, no squeeking at all.
Weaknesses:
No weaknesses att all for the brakes, but they are a little bit too expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano STX RC and XT.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F 600
Bottom Line:
I bought those brakes after being very annoyed with the original Shimano brakes. I tried them in all imaginable setups but I couldn't get them silent. After that I bought the HS-33, twice the braking power, and no sound, Couldn't be better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommo Nummes
a
from Denmark Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Marselisborg, Aarhus
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Porsche Zentrum Hamburg, Germany
Strengths:
Powerfull braking. Good for downhill use.
Weaknesses:
Weight Not good without boosters
Similar Products Used:
Avid Shimano XT SRAM 9.0
Bike Setup:
Porsche Bike S
Bottom Line:
Love it. But would like to try the Louise some time.......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JR
a Downhiller
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: May 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
South mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Price point
Strengths:
Look great stop great feel great. These brakes kick ass.
Weaknesses:
a pain in the ass to setup
Similar Products Used:
xt xtr hayes
Bike Setup:
scott xvert-r, sun mammath, xt cracks,xt shifters, tioga 66 xt front and rear der hs 33
Bottom Line:
These brakes kick ass. They are better than any v brake out there. I will never use a cable brake again because hydros feel much smoother and have more braking power.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david molony
a Weekend Warrior
from Canterbury, kent, England Date Reviewed: May 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Penshurst
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Merlin
Strengths:
they can b powerful
Weaknesses:
they r not, the levers r rubbish-esp. the adjuster, they suck in air the levers r slow 2 rebound
Similar Products Used:
stxrc nooooooooooooooooooo louise good LX's very good
Bike Setup:
identity with judys and D521's
Bottom Line:
they r not wot they are hyped up 2 be, and spares r expensive, esp the bleed kit. The levers have an annoying bolt in them that snaps a lot, it has happenned on both of mine, and on several of my friends.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrea C
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, OHIO Date Reviewed: May 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
cool look, easy working on it, brake just great!
Weaknesses:
I broke a lever..., need to buy the oil kit.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Instinct 2000, marzocchi Z2, XT group
Bottom Line:
Great brakes!!! I love how quick is to remove them to change the wheel (with the booster..). I had a great feeling using them, gives you a lot of control. I think if you don't want disk brakes, this is the best choice. Even if I broke a lever riding and to fix it I had to buy the oil kit, is still a great product!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony Saelens
a Racer
from Antwerp, BELGIUM Date Reviewed: May 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Antwerp city
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
on bike
Strengths:
great control of stopping power. No more broken cables
Weaknesses:
Too much braking power for amateur.
Similar Products Used:
everything except discs
Bike Setup:
Sbike 503 frame, mix of components
Bottom Line:
These brakes are excellent, but I wonder if they are worth the price. A good V-brake setup can send the rear wheel skyhigh using two fingers and if you put the right brake pads on V-brikes you have as much stopping power as magura's for less than half the price. I still give the HS33 5 out of 5, because of their awesome looks, easy maintenance and feeling of control.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Titus freelander
a
from Ireland Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
none
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Cycle ways IRELAND!!!!
Strengths:
Strong blinding belters , they also put hairs on your chest when you go faster
Weaknesses:
I haven't used them enough
Similar Products Used:
good v brakes
Bike Setup:
Cannondale(NAVY),maguras(YELLOW),armadillos
Bottom Line:
Buy these ,and when you are not noticing how good they are, you can be guaranteed someone else is admiring there looks :-O'
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Nguyen
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago Date Reviewed: March 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
Strong, good feedback, maintenance free, pads are SUPER EASY to replace.
Weaknesses:
reduces tire clearance
Similar Products Used:
Avid & Shimano V's
Bike Setup:
DS freeride
Bottom Line:
MUCH stronger then any V's I've used. Levers actually give good feedback about what's happening with the wheels. They modulate as well as cable brakes.
I have NEVER needed to do any maintenance other then replace pads. And that takes less time to do than removing the wheels!
Additional weight is neglegable.
If you can't or won't go hydraulic discs, the HS33 are truly the best rim brakes you can find- period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
amir
a Cross Country Rider
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: March 29, 2001
We wanted to go hydraulic disc for our tandem but scarcity of tandem compatible disc brake system in this part of the world forced us to look for an alternative. The Magura HS33 is simply awesome. We have used it on all kinds of riding conditions, and it never fails. We can even lock the wheels (combined rider weight 280lbs). The rims do get a little hot on long downhills but that happens on any rim brake system anyway. It is a little fiddly to install but once installed it requires little if any further maintenance. It even comes in 4 different colours. Five chillies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from SLC, Utah USA Date Reviewed: March 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
blue trail otter creek park Lou, KY
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$219.00
Purchased At:
jeff schwinn
Strengths:
stop on a dime lighter then disc easy pad replacement super smooth opperation
Weaknesses:
go through tires more often laying rubber not on purpose, easy to lock up.
Similar Products Used:
disc
Bike Setup:
00'haro werks xcr set up for urban assults
Bottom Line:
they kick total a** a great alterative to disk they will be on all my bikes in the future.if you are in to dh trials or xc you will benifit from the added stopping power of these killer brakes the only people i would not recomend these for are people just starting out or those who have just switched to spd style shoes. also anyone tring to get rid of the squeak of vee brakes, magura's are your boys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sandy
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: February 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tai Mo Shan
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Strengths:
-Amazing Stopping power (WOW!) kicks the ass of any v-brake -Great braking modulation (even with the stock pads) -Better than most cable actuated discs! -More colours available than with v's -Once setup, v. easy to adjust -Ooze sex appeal -V. little maintenance required -Levers have a great positive feel when pulled
Weaknesses:
-Heavier than v-brakes if you're mass-minded -Fiddly to setup
These are definitely worth the extra dosh over v's. Their most impressive feature has got to be the fact that they need so little maintenance; I've had them for a year and never had to touch them (bar the occasional nut tightening). Also the ability to adjust them while on the fly (using the red knob thingy on the levers) is a great plus. Finally nothing beats the amazing positive feel they have compared with v's, they feel dead solid, this gives you bags of confidence out on the trail. A less expensive alternative to good discs, performs just as well and definitely recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gav
a Weekend Warrior
from Half way up Ben Nevis (almost true) Date Reviewed: February 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lots
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction Cycles
Strengths:
Reliable in all conditions, except very wet. Great modulation and more power than the national grid. Nice selection of colours.
Weaknesses:
Need a lot of patience to set up and adjust when you first get them.(Easy once you've done it a couple of times).
Similar Products Used:
HS22's, Other quality V-Brakes.
Bike Setup:
2000 Santacruz Chameleon. Z2's, XT LX mix, F519's,Raceface headset+BB etc.
Bottom Line:
Top notch Hydraulic rim brake that really works. Unless you put the red ones on a green Apollo and use it for downhill riding?.(You know who you are James from Kingston surrey.) Also James, use a fullface helmet in future, that way you'll keep the other half of your face in one piece.
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Submitted by
U'hu
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Who's yer dady
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$86.00
Purchased At:
From a friend
Strengths:
Power with modulation. Not as heavy as those H-core xcountry riders say. easy to bleed if you have the right stuff
Weaknesses:
Tedious and difficult to adjest when you got boosters on it. need to get red pads for good braking.
Similar Products Used:
hs22
Bike Setup:
'98 kona u'hu with a Z1.
Bottom Line:
Excellent brake for trail riders and free riders. This is a good substitute for cable disks. there isn't much to say other than THEY ROCK!
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Submitted by
Noah
a Cross Country Rider
from Corvallis, OR Date Reviewed: February 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Chute Me
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
MTBR
Strengths:
Strong, not too heavy, beautiful modulation = no endos, easy to set up once you get the hang of it, easy pad changing, and they are downright neat. Also very beefy- you will never break these.
Weaknesses:
difficult to get the hang of adjusting... need brake boosters. Stock pads are terrible for any weather.
Similar Products Used:
POS Tektro V's, avid 20s
Bike Setup:
Frankenbike hardtail
Bottom Line:
These brakes are fantastic if you live out here in the PNW and ride a lot in the rain. at least 50% more power than V's, and they don't wear through pads nearly as quickly, unless you have the stock pads. I tried to ride in the rain once with those and ended up with no brakes at all. Dunno how these are in dry weather but I bet they're pretty sweet!
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Submitted by
Kevin Krueger
a Weekend Warrior
from Walsenburg, CO, USA Date Reviewed: January 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Trinchera Pass
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$164.00
Purchased At:
MTBR>com marketpalce
Strengths:
unbeleiveable power, cool colors, constant power. great if u dont want discs and are looking to upgrade.
Weaknesses:
u have to file the booster if u want wide tires. pain in the a$$ to get perfectly set on the rim.
if u dont want to give up a left nut to afford disc brakes, these are the way to go. they are much more powerful than those old avid or shimano vee brakes and u can dail them in basicaly right on the lever. they take some work to get them set up when u first get them, but once there on, theres no worries. they have a 5 year warranty for no leaks guarentee. if u are into freeride, slalom, or trials, and even trail riding these are the ultimate in stopping power.
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Submitted by
paddy winsley
a Weekend Warrior
from uk Date Reviewed: January 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
un holy brakes get a pair if ur thinkin of getting some i got tomacs and the rock my world
Weaknesses:
changin the hydrolic fluid. but still worthg getting
Similar Products Used:
avid "v" hope discs
Bike Setup:
dmr sidekick planet x bmf 24 inch wheels z2 xt
Bottom Line:
brilliant brakes for money.i think they r better than discs top rim brake
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Submitted by
James
a Downhiller
from kingston surrey Date Reviewed: January 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
kingston gat pro dh trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
£300
Strengths:
on off braking for pro dh which is well good except when going fast as now i only have half a nose, one eye, and no ears genrally fells smooth untill you put them on your bike.
Weaknesses:
sod to set up and they are so strong that they will crush your pro dh halfords rims and push themselves out of place. even if they are done up really tight. when taking the wheel of they have to be adjusted which is naff. and the red ones dont look good on a green appollo
Similar Products Used:
a stick in the spokes ( that also hurts)
Bike Setup:
appolo hardtail frame rockshock pogo sticks on the front and some bars and stuff
Bottom Line:
they are good but you will have to face the consequences of breaking your face.... alot and resetting the things up.... actually they are trash sick to the stick in the spokes dh's cause it is good. plus the were too expensive
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Pope
a Weekend Warrior
from Derby, UK Date Reviewed: January 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Derby City Centre
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
http://www.bikedock.com
Strengths:
Great Modulation, Great Stopping power, Easy Pad Change, Easy to service, Leakproof Warrenty, They are Excellent for all type of biking, especially Trials
Weaknesses:
I had to cut a hose guide off my frame because it got in the way of the brakes.
Much easier to service than V's, Great Power and Great Stopping,
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Submitted by
Joseph Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham, Uk Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sutton Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
£160 - inc setup and free fixing for life etc...
Strengths:
They are very powerful. Excellent moderation. Good for trials and xc and all the rest. Easily adjustable (Thanks to the TPA (that big red nob on it))
Weaknesses:
It has been known to be too powerful!!! If you have very cheap/weak rims be careful because of you suddenly reach to squeeze too hard in an emergency then be prepaired to pay for better, stronger rims.
Similar Products Used:
None. Maguras are one of a kind!
Bike Setup:
I use mainly for trials and trails. Saracen x-ile - 14" frame.
Bottom Line:
They are one of the best brakes ever, many people say that they are top runners alongside hydraulic disks! They are definately better than cable disks.
You only need a light touch as well to lock the brakes totally yet you have a lot of moderation! I know it sounds contradicting but you MUST try them to know what i mean.
They are also very silent and need little maintainence - even less maintainence than v-brakes.
Even though you might think that they are expensive they are worth every penny!
10/10 - great work magura!
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Submitted by
Roger Cheng
a Cross Country Rider
from Kingston Upon Hull, United Kingdom Date Reviewed: January 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dalby Forest, Peak district
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
£100
Strengths:
*Power *Adjustment *Modulation *Overall design and function *The ease of brake changing(a few seconds) *Ease of maintainence
Weaknesses:
*A little tricky to set up - but once up you'll probably never need to touch it again!
Similar Products Used:
Canti's, DX V's, LX V's, Hope C2, Hope XC4
Bike Setup:
Coyote HT3, Pace, XT etc
Bottom Line:
Probably one of the best brakes i have ever tried. Even seems to be better than Hope disks, definately cheaper!!! The braking power is immense and it can handle any conditions! From heavy snow to think gloopy mud (Haven't had any dry conditions yet!). Adjustments and modulation is so good! It also does not suffer from the annoying sounds that you get from V brake.
Got out a get a pair!!! and RIDE!
:-)
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Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from NH Date Reviewed: January 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
power, nice fiction free feel, after they are setup right once, you never have to change em, look sweet, good modulation
Weaknesses:
tricky setup...but can be mastered..if you suck at it..have someone else do it
Bike Setup:
freeride, mod trials, stock trials
Bottom Line:
These are the best brakes for everything. I cant find anyhting wrong with them. Once you set them up goo. You never have to do anyhting tothem again. Just click in an d out the pads(many different choices). Easy to adjust for pad wear. Great feel. Lock up your wheels when you need to, but slow 'em down without skidding if you want to. I just cant say enought about this brake. No squekes or faded braking. If you have trouble setting themup. Pay you shope a few buck to d oit right. And save yourself time. If you really plan on getting into it. Use the cult pages or experiment by yourself. YEA MAGURAS!! MCM# 8
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Submitted by
JASON LOCK
a Cross Country Rider
from GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND Date Reviewed: December 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
QUANTOCK HILLS
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
THE BICYCLE COMPANY
Strengths:
The best thing about these brakes is the low maintaince, I ride all year round in often very bad muddy conditions and in two years all I have had to do is replace pads and tighten the securing allen key bolt! Also the ease of replacing pads (they just clip in) no need for fiddly set ups, take a spare set on a ride and you can change them anywhere (no tools needed) in minuets! They may not be disc's, but for the money their the best alternative!
Weaknesses:
None realy, excessive rim wear only indicates how good they grip the rims, and out of true wheels judder, but that just makes sure you keep your wheels straight!
I ride x-country mainly, occasionaly race and do the odd epic coast to coast ride! These brakes are good 4 this type of riding if your on a budget. Low maintance good solid braking the main points. Altho I have ceramic rims I would not reccomend them as stopping power is greatly reduced espscialy in the wet, but with normal silver rims these brakes will amaze you. Increasing you confidance to go faster downhill and brake later in to a corner. Money no object I would go for disc's, but for £100+ you can't go far wrong! (Is five Chillis enough for value?)
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Niceville, FL Date Reviewed: December 20, 2000
Kaitai with Bontrager/Velociraptor, XT/XTR drive, ESP 9.0SL shift/der
Bottom Line:
I put XT brakes on the bike after I bought it in '97. I'm 6' 3"/215 lbs and I scared myself a few times on a fave downhill. I put on the HS-33s and life changed. If you aren't a good wrench the things look scary when you take 'em out of the box. The instructions tell you all about having to bleed the things and cutting the lines, etc. No worries! With two hours and a few brews, you're ready to rage! The HS-33s are darn near bulletproof. The lines are very durable and with a little preventive maintenance and cleaning, I haven't had a single problem. Stopping power is superb. I've had the stock pads and have ridden hard in snow, rain and ice with little degradation. If it's cold and wet the pads don't grip as well because the compound hardens. I love the adjustability! You can change the pull and bias on-the-fly in just a few twists.
I have one tiny gripe. When you switch out wheels/tires, you have to fiddle around with the clearance and contact spacing for the rim/pad.
If you don't want to spring for a set of discs and you want to upgrade from old or mediocre components, buy the Maguras!
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Submitted by
darryl
a Weekend Warrior
from montreal Date Reviewed: December 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
everything
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
everything pure power
Weaknesses:
no weaknesses but its a differesnt ways to put on but it will come very easily and its alittle heavier than vees for those people that care about weight.
Similar Products Used:
xtr xt hs11
Bike Setup:
p3 d521 tomac risers
Bottom Line:
this products rules. these are the best rim brakes in the world it works soo well you fork and frame flexes without a booster with just alittle pressure on one finger. this are the best for trials i dont knoe anything wrong with this product execpt for the price but lickily i got them for cheep off a friend and it was the best upgrade ive ever done.
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Submitted by
Matt Harold
a Cross Country Rider
from Rolla, MO/Houston TX Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ho Chi Min
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Buddy
Strengths:
PURE POWER, easy on the fly adjustment. They offer total stoping power
Weaknesses:
pain in the butt to put on and adjust. I went ahead and bought a Lock Jaw for my roof rack since taking the front wheel off all the time was getting to be a huge pain in the butt.
DO IT. i thought long and hard and i decided it was right for me. I like to stop fast and be in full control, i traded in my half ass V set up for this insane combo. Though a word of warning, you MUST MUST MUST use a booster. NO mater what you have to have on on the rear, or you will screw up your ride. i can watch the frame flex when the brakes are applied. Not only will it save your frame, but it will hone the power of your new hydro brakes.
$ 150.00
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