-Lever:
Flip-flop lever design.
Removable lever clamp – no need to remove shifters and grips for lever removal.
Patented inline open system reservoir which makes for a super compact lever design.
Polyester braided hose for increased expansion resistance.
Zinc plated fasteners.
-Caliper:
Post mount style calipers w/adaptors. No little shims to mess with: Quick and easy adjustments.
22mm pistons for the most stopping power of any 2 piston brake (testing done by Bike Germany in conjunction with a German University).
Quick and easy pad replacement.
Vented Caliper for increased heat dissipation.
Zinc plated fasteners.
-395g with 160mm rotors, IS adaptor and all fasteners included!
-Add 32g for 180mm rotor and 62g for 200mm rotors.
Submitted by
Damitletsride!
a Cross Country Rider
from Ireland Date Reviewed: September 26, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Looks good, good stopping power in most conditions.
Weaknesses:
The silver rod in the leaver pops out in most kind of crashes meaning the end of a race, major fault to the break.
Similar Products Used:
Hope mini.
Bike Setup:
Commencal meta 4
Bottom Line:
These are good if you are a rider that never crashes and rides xc on smooth trails. If you are going to have the odd crash i would stay away from these. I hope to sell these soon and go back to hope mini's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Schwede
a Cross Country Rider
from Örebro, Sweden Date Reviewed: August 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The Bergslags-track 280k´s of FUN
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction
Strengths:
Lightweight, Italian, modulation, maintainance.
Weaknesses:
Sounds quiet allot if not properly calibrated/tuned.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT and XTR, Avid Juicy 7.
Bike Setup:
Cube Reaction, Complete XT Shadow group and FOX F100RL
Bottom Line:
This is the second time I go for the same set of brakes, how ever white powder coating this time. While braking them in I push them until Purple-Brownish. No power or modulation fade and the brake discs are still absolutely straight. They can cope for what you trow at them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gman086
a Downhiller
from Portland, OR USA Date Reviewed: July 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Post Canyon
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$245.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Excellent stopping power, unreal modulation, light weight, quality second to none.
Weaknesses:
Somewhat difficult to bleed - there is an updated "how to" bulletin on their site now that helps.
Similar Products Used:
Avids, Hayes.
Bike Setup:
Have on both my Blur LT trail bike and on my Iron Horse 6 Point FR bike (sintered pad upgrade for FR/DH use).
Bottom Line:
I'm very confident that these are the best brake for the buck that you will find. The make the Avid Juicy line look like a total joke! Rarely any brake noise and the K-18's share the same caliper as the more expensive versions in the ORO lineup so they have the same superior stopping power without all the bells and whistles.
Did want to comment on the one poster who gave it a 1 because the lever pin fell out; Formula had a recall and that problem was addressed. If you are unsure about yours, call them with the serial no. and they'll send out the updated pin kit free of charge.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eirisch
a Cross Country Rider
from Gothenburg, Sweden Date Reviewed: May 11, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$220.00
Strengths:
Cheap, great stopping power, good modulation.
Easy too bleed.
Weaknesses:
Had a leak in the rear piston. It was easily replaced.
Bike Setup:
Frame: Specialized Stumpjumper M4
Wheels: Mavic Crossride
Tyres: Fat Albert Evo
Components: A working mix of deore and standard specialized-parts.
Bottom Line:
Great break for little money.
I would have settled for the 160mm rotors for my quite tough all-mountain riding and my 65kg of swedish flesh and bone. 180mm offers alot more than I can ever use.
I would have given them 5 chilis if they hadn't begun leaking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
codenamepistol
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: December 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anywere u can explore
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
merlincycles.com
Strengths:
Great stopping power. Modulation feels great not like any other brakes (xt) ive had! u can feel the brake working rather than just on/off.
Weaknesses:
Not really a weakness but theres better pads out there than what come in the box. cant complain tho. I did the whole 2007 winter and never had any trouble.
Similar Products Used:
XT.. Avid juicy 3.
Bike Setup:
Commencal Meta 5 frame with custom powder coat!. Fox Float 32. Sram X9 Shifters. X9 Rear Mech. XT Front. Formula ORO K18 Brakes. Race Face Atlas Crank. Chris King Headset. Hope Stem. Easton EA70 Bars. ODI Ruffien Grips. Thompson Elite Seatpost. Gobi XM Saddle. Time Z Freeride Pedals. Mavic 719 on Hope Hubs. Maxxis Hi Roller 2.35's Hope QR All Round.
Bottom Line:
It took me over a year and almost a releationship to build up my dream machine not cuttin any corners on parts. Thease brakes R in my opinion the dogs bollox! I wouldnt av um if I didnt think they were! No trouble with maintaining them and they could stop a race horse! There not even that expensive anymore! Seen um on merlincycles.com for about £140 a pair!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aphex2k
a Cross Country Rider
from Wolverhampton UK Date Reviewed: September 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Cannock Chase
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Velosave ebay
Strengths:
Amazing power using the 160mm rotors. Standard Formula pads aren't great in UK riding conditions but a switch to some quality sintered pads and the power is there whatever the conditions. Lever feel is superb - not just off/on like some brakes, you can actually feather your braking. When you need to stop, you will. These inspire confidence and you begin to leave corner braking to the last minute because you know they will bite if you need.
Weaknesses:
They are a bugger to bleed... Especially if you lose the bleed nipple o ring! It's tiny. Be careful.
Similar Products Used:
Magura Julie, 08 XT, Avid BB5, Avid Juicy 5
Bike Setup:
Pipedream Sirius hardtail with Revelations @ 120mm
Bottom Line:
Well, that's it. I'm converted. Will certainly be buying Formula again if and when the K18s die. Just put a 180mm rotor on the front and the balance is perfect.
Buy buy buy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniël
a Cross Country Rider
from Antwerpen, Belgium Date Reviewed: July 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
local trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
looks, braking power, price
Weaknesses:
leaking calipers
Similar Products Used:
magura HS33
Bike Setup:
Rock shocks, Mavic, Selle Italia, thompson, truvativ, shimano XTR, Schwalbe and now Magura Marta brakes
Bottom Line:
nice product but the maintaining is very high
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Carney
a
from Esopus, NY, USA Date Reviewed: May 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Taconic 909
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Does everything a disk brake should do... and very well at that. Price is right too.
Weaknesses:
Recall on a screw on the lever. If it's not tight enough, it could result in lever failure. Don't know why they issued a recall though, maybe some freeloader took a shot at a lawsuit. All you have to do is tighten the screw, if it even needs it. Common sense, not a sign of a bad product.
Similar Products Used:
Magura Hydraulic Rim-brakes, Shimano XT disk.
Bike Setup:
Kelley Steel Hardtail.
Bottom Line:
Awesome brake, stop you fast, never any squeeling, no problems at all. They look pretty sexy too. Unless you don't have a problem dishing out over 200 bucks for a brake and rotor, you probably won't find anything better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Morten Andreassen
a Weekend Warrior
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: April 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Korsvol-Grinda
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with the bike
Strengths:
This brake gives me the confidence to improve my DH skills whilst not having to worry about fade or lack of power.
Weaknesses:
Slightly weak lever.
Similar Products Used:
Only v-brakes
Bike Setup:
Locally made make- Diamant, model Oppenheimer ( xt gears, Manitou Minute Elite fork, Manitou spv Swinger Coil, Stylo cranks )
Bottom Line:
The only criticisms I could find about these brakes on this page was that the levers can break, & the front lever on mine got irrepairably pulled out of the plastic innards on the first ride. But in all fairness, I hadnt adjusted the levers far enough away from the handle ends. These little beauties let me discover and push the limits of my neophyte skills with a feeling of confidence in their stopping power ( even when I was on DH sections with only the back brake whilst I was waiting for my new lever ). All in all I reckon I agree with the praise heaped on these here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Downhiller
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: April 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$135.00
Purchased At:
mtnhighcyclery.com
Strengths:
Cheap, really powerful, great factory bleed, upgradeable to Formula's top of the line stuff.
Weaknesses:
???
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mag HD G1 and G2, Avid BB7, deore hydro
Bike Setup:
Brodie Thumper, 66 Light, DHX 5.0, assorted heavy freeride things
Bottom Line:
This is an amazing brake. Before riding it I replaced the pads with the sintered version and this thing is a beast. (That's what the Bianco uses to make it a "DH" brake.) Exactly the same mechanicals as the Bianco, but 100 bucks cheaper. If the hardware starts to corrode you can upgrade that for 20 bucks, if you have to you can get the FCS kit too, and you can out the 1 finger lever on it if you want. Plus the shiny black finish looks the best IMO.
So for about 150 bucks I got this brake, 200mm rotor/adapter, and the sintered pads. One good CO ride and it was broken in and kicking the $#!T outta my Hayes. Not even funny how much better it is. Great modulation and you can go over the bars with one finger. No fade on 3 mile CO descents. Buy this brake!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
guitargonaut
a Weekend Warrior
from Beckley, WV Date Reviewed: January 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Solid feel, great stopping power.
Weaknesses:
Not really a weakness but the levers are large. Because of this it took a couple of rides to get them adjusted to my liking.
Similar Products Used:
Avid BB7
Bike Setup:
Stock Cannondale Rush 5. I'm upgrading as I break or find the product I want.
Bottom Line:
Big difference in feel over the BB7s. I realize I'm comparing a mechanical brake to a hydraulic brake but some of the differences aren't where I thought they'd be.
These brakes deliver when it comes to better control. They seem to stop my 215 lbs. better than the BB7s as well. I expected more of a difference in feel but other than the "harder" feel of the levers I can't tell much of a difference in that respect.
Where these brakes really shine is on the extended downhill sections of trail one might encounter from time to time. (In my case a 3.5 mile, 1600 ft. vertical drop) Since the brakes react faster to the levers, I can pulse and alternate between the front and rear wheel keeping wear and temperature down lessening fade. When I did this with the BB7s - they would reach a point where it was hard to feel them engage.
I'm very satisfied with my purchase. Not too expensive, great quality, excellent value for those of us who log less than 50 miles a week.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a
from Mammoth Lakes, CA Date Reviewed: December 25, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Power, superior modulation, low maintenance, very reliable. Plan ahead and have spare pads on hand before you need them. Sintered pads are the way to go when your replace your pads. I weigh 225 pounds, down from 255 when I got the brakes... And these K18's are doing a great job of stopping me on 180mm rotors and long steep descents, 1500 to 2500 feet over 2 to 4 miles of travel. I replaced the factory organic pads with sintered metal, and it's made the brakes even better, quiet!
Weaknesses:
Organic pads can get noisy if overheated. These brakes will point out other weaknesses in your braking system, like having tires not suitable to the current riding conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Magura
Bike Setup:
Bionicon, Truvativ FireX, 2006 Sram X-7, Performance K-18 w/sintered metal pads, Schwalbe Big Betty and Fat Albert on DT Swiss hubs and hand laced Alex FD20s.
Bottom Line:
Durable, reliable, superb factory customer service here in the USA, just a great product for the price. All mountain worthy without all the bells and whistles of their higher models. Easily upgradeable, just add the K24 adjusters and it's a K24, add sintered pads, and it's a Puro, without the steep price tag.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nate
a Weekend Warrior
from denver, co usa Date Reviewed: December 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
hall
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
It took me 3 months of searching and scourring for the best budget brake and I have found it with the k18 they blow my hayes and avids and maguras out of the water hands down
Weaknesses:
lever broke on hard impact but formula usa took care of me and I was on the trail by the next weekend not very many distributors yet
Bike Setup:
2007 stumpy fsr, mavic crossrides,
Bottom Line:
If you have the coin buy them Great customer service looks are amazing modulation is like butter power is so controled it is the ultimate trail brake
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TODD
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: October 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat.com
Strengths:
Power, set-up, looks
Weaknesses:
Lever clamp is a bit thick causing me to adjust my shifter/brake lever position.
Similar Products Used:
Avid BB7, Hayes something another.
Bike Setup:
Gman, Fox 100 RLC, XTR, velocity/Hope, etc.
Bottom Line:
I bought the brakes due to the reviews posted here and the fact that Formula has representatives that frequent mtbr.com. I've seen them help a couple folks and think that's a classy thing to do. Fortunately, my install went better than planned. The brakes don't drag and provide way more power than my BB7's ever did and they aren't even broken in yet. Definitely some of the best money I've spent on my bike in a while.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricardo Cardoso
a Weekend Warrior
from Sintra, Portugal Date Reviewed: September 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Sintra
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
Ebay - France
Strengths:
Smooth, accurate and... huge power!!! Very easy to assemble.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
not so similar: Avid BB5 (Mechanical-Disc)
Bike Setup:
Hardrock Comp Disc - 2006
Bottom Line:
These brakes are just as good as everybody says! I've bought my pair based on the these reviews... god bless that day!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Albertinho
a Cross Country Rider
from Zagreb, Croatia Date Reviewed: August 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Everything with a good climb and descent, and a beer inbetween. And before. And after.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Maraton
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Magura Julie 180/160mm
Bike Setup:
KTM Ultra Flite 2007 Marzocchi MX Pro fork Formula Oro K18 brakes SRAM shifters Deore/LX parts
Bottom Line:
My stock Julies weren't strong enough to stop me on rough and steep trails, and I had problems with one finger braking, while having a lack of hand grip on rough trails with two finger braking. So I came here to find the best brake and saw Oro's superb ratings. Couldn't believe one brake is so much better than other high-end brakes who have mixed ratings but I chose to trust and bought a pair, both rotors 180, and woohoo! The reviews on this site are all true, this is THE brake! It's really as good as everyone says. Good looking, light, ergonomic levers that fit right between the joints on the index finger and you just squeeze as needed, great dosing of endless power, no fading. They have long levers so I put them first and then the SRAM shifters on the outside, and now my index finger fits to the end of the lever nicely. And you will never need two fingers on this baby... Recommendation? Get them! You won't be sorry in any way. They are at least twice as powerful than my Julies were. I stopped falling off my bike when I got these because I now feel more confidence and control no matter what the trail puts in my way! And whenever I look at expensive bikes, I always think "...and then I'd remove these brakes and put my Oros on it!" :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nikki Kelly
a Cross Country Rider
from Ireland Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction
Strengths:
Very good braking and feel. The levers are a good shape. Adjustmenst are very good. They are simple to put on and adjust. Completely reliable. Light weight. Nice looking brake. Easy to replace the pads. Formula pads are strong and last well.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hope Avid Hayes and Shimano.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro Epic
Bottom Line:
Just briefly I am very pleased with thsi brake and my set up is 180x160 discs. There is no shortage of grip with this set up and the feel is very good. I know where the pads are by the lever feel and I can feather the brakes or lock them with using just one finger even on a steep slope. They are simple to put on and adjust. They are light, they are very reliable and to top it all they are a nice looking brake.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jess
a Weekend Warrior
from ON Canada Date Reviewed: June 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Kelso
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Strong braking with plenty of feel. Light enough to race. Very reliable. Ease of set up.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hope Mono Mini, Hope Mono M4, Shimano BR-M755 XT.
Bike Setup:
Norco EXC1
Bottom Line:
had no difficulties setting up this brake, none tuning it and none using it. Its Light enough to race and the braking is very strong with all the necessary modulation that you need. A good solid and well made set up. I would certainly buy it again with no hesitation.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gud Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Britain Date Reviewed: June 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Gwdyr Forest north
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Mail Order
Strengths:
Good quality for the money with a lot of power. In fact very powerful one finger braking and a lot of modulation at 180 F & 160 R. Very good price, nice and light and it looks good. Set-up is no problem and no problems with tuning. Bed-in quickly
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any
Similar Products Used:
Hope Mono, Hope M4.
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance 3
Bottom Line:
I am happily pleased with this very good value brake. I fitted the set-up in no time and tuning it was a cinche. Bedded-in quickly and the power levels are mega. Good lever feel and very nice modulation on this. More powerful than my Hopes and more reliable and cheaper and the weight is low. I do not like to have to mess with my bike gear all the time. I like to get good stuff, fit it and forget about it because it just works. And this does that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Conrad Rimstein
a Cross Country Rider
from Upeer State N.Y Date Reviewed: June 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light, very powerful, very well controlled, adjustability, lever feel and reliability.
Weaknesses:
None
Bottom Line:
This is the way to go for strong and controlled braking. No fuss with instalation and the levers are well made and ergonomic. Light weight unit and easy on the maintenance. Had no dependability issues and would buy them again. Very good brake.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guytano Centini
a Weekend Warrior
from Torino, Italia Date Reviewed: June 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Pomedes, Dolomites.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Powerful and high modulation. Light weight for speed and very easy to attach and adjust. Reliable and so low maintenance.
Weaknesses:
No Product Weaknesses.
Similar Products Used:
Hope Mono Mini 180x160, Hope M4 180x160, Magura Louise.
Bike Setup:
Specialised Enduro Comp.
Bottom Line:
This is a very good powerful strong brake. The high modulation means that it can use all of its great power with plent of control. It can handle long hard descents and even though the brake rotor gets hot it does not fade what so ever. This is a very reliable brake and all that is required is a pad change when necessary. This is the entry level Formula brake it it has been much more powerful and reliable than the Hope ones which have cost me more money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Corcoran
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: June 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
On Line
Strengths:
A lot of power, plenty of brake feel and good lever feel, nicely made, strong and look good, very dependable, low maintenance, did I say very powerful?
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, Avid, Hope.
Bike Setup:
Kone King Kikapu.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is that this is a very, very good brake that delivers loads of power and nice feel. I can easy feather them to a very controlled stop or just go for the grunt like hitting a brick wall. Much more feel than Hayes or even a touch better than Avid Juicy's which are very good. Either way stopping power is all there. I fitted them very easily and basically have had no maintenance issues in over 12 months of hard riding many of them in rain and mud. So I think this is one of, or maybe even the best set up out there. You can pay more but that is just to get the weight down and these are not heavy to start out, very good value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Shannon
a Weekend Warrior
from U.K. Date Reviewed: June 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Coed-y-Brenin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Powerful and well modulated. Decent weight and very reliable. Very simple to install and the adjustments are straight forward. Plenty of rotor options. Good price.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mag Plus, Hope Mono Mini, Shimano XT and Deore 555 and 535, Magura Julies.
Bike Setup:
Spec FSR 2003
Bottom Line:
Excellent brake. Very simple to install and the adjustments are straight forward. Very powerful and very well modulated. Really well made and well designed. I have had not trouble at all with this system front and rear and am very impressed with it. My experiences of my Hope Mini brakes were constant adjustment to avoid pad drag, particularly on the rear and basically poor power (especially compared with these)....whereas this Formula is fit and forget. I am going to buy some K24s next.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ade
a Cross Country Rider
from Conwy, North Wales Date Reviewed: May 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Glentress
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction Cycles
Strengths:
Look the biz
Weaknesses:
Total brake failure
Similar Products Used:
Hope Mono Mini's
Bike Setup:
Marin Wolf Ridge, Fox Talas, Fox shock, Sram X-9, Maxxis Tyres
Bottom Line:
On the first ride out on these the pin which links the lever to the reservoir managed to detach itself resulting in total failure of the front brake. Sent back to the UK importers who tried to say it was my fault and nothing to do with a faulty brake. Fortunately those good guys at Chain Reaction came to the rescue. I'm sticking with Hope from now on, at least you know there gonna work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Padraig Hogan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ireland Date Reviewed: May 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction
Strengths:
A powerful and well modulated brake. Very good standard of finish. Very reliable and easy to attach and adjust. Light weight. Good rotors. Vast range of rotor options.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hope Mono, Deore 525, Shimano XT.
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR
Bottom Line:
Excellent brake and enough power to stop a train. Plenty of useable power because the modulation is so good. I attached this set up in minutes and did not have to file the forks or frame. Very easy to line up. Light weight for the power. All in all an excellent brake and it was a good price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Ledger
a Weekend Warrior
from N.W.England Date Reviewed: May 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Coed-y-Brenin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction
Strengths:
At 180x160mm rotor size....Very powerful and good modulation. Light but well constructed. Very dependable. Easy to fit.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hope Mono Mini, Hayes Sole, Magura Marta SL.
Bike Setup:
2002 Marin Mount Vision
Bottom Line:
Superb stopping power from these and exceptionally good modulation to go with it. They are light enough to race and are well constructed. They have been very reliable for me and were very eays to place on the bike. They are very good value to at a sensible price. I am very satisfied with these and would not hesitate to buy them again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mick
a Weekend Warrior
from Dumfries. Scotland Date Reviewed: May 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Ae
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Weight, power, feel, levers, finish, engineering, reliability, user friendly and straightforward engineering.
Weaknesses:
None
Bottom Line:
Excellent set of brakes. I use 180x160 and the power levels are simply incredible. One finger can lock the front brake and the back....but the modulation is extremely good so that control is no problem. This is a very well engineered set of brakes with a lot of thought having gone into the design and manufacture of it and this is clear in superb operating and reliability. The brakes are also very light and have that amazing quality finish that only the Italians seem to be able to create. Its like a top fashion item but it totally works!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gerry Lynch
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland.Or Date Reviewed: April 9, 2007
Excellent brakes and a must try for anyone who is less than 100% happy with the brakes that they are using now. Weight, Power, Modulation and finish are just excellent. With the 180x160 set-up I can do pretty much anything with total confidence and leave the braking to the last minute. Plenty of lever feel and progressive bite gives me so much control over the technical stuff and with plenty of grunt. This system is sophisticated and powerful at the same time but totally reliable. They also look fantastic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doc
a Downhiller
from co Date Reviewed: February 27, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Strengths:
Great modulation and great power. The pad installation system is also very well thought out. Cheap for what you are getting.
Weaknesses:
In cold weather the lever doesn't return fully, but it's fine on most rides
Similar Products Used:
hayes hfx-9 and avid bb-9
Bike Setup:
downhill sled
Bottom Line:
These are my new favorite brakes. They just have such a nicer pull than any other brake I've ever tried.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Y2KC
a Weekend Warrior
from Warsaw Date Reviewed: February 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
http://www.extreme-shop.com.pl/
Strengths:
Weight, power, modulation
Weaknesses:
organic pads
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX, MAG Grimeca System 12, Avid BB7
Bike Setup:
Merida/XTR/XT/DTSwiss/MAvic/Ritchey
Bottom Line:
I've nothing to say. FOrmula Oro is the best brake ever. For me the best thing in this brake is 2 finger lever which has perfect form.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dirt Dagwood
a Downhiller
from Marin County, CA Date Reviewed: February 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
super strong light good looking lever great lever feel
Weaknesses:
front brake squeaks like crazy after upgraded to 7 inch rotor with 3 ride old pads.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX9, Hayes Mag Plus, Formula ORO K24
Bike Setup:
Commencal Meta 5.5 #1 STOCK w/ KING HS
Bottom Line:
Formula makes the industries sickest brakes. Their cheapest brakes are still better than anything Hayes makes. They have brakes from good solid brakes (K18) to super highend XC (puro) and highend DH race (bianco Minaar signet). I have the ORO K18 on my Comee and K24 on my DH rig. If the single piston is strong enuogh for the worlds fastest DH racers then they are more then strong enough for me. Plus, they feel super nice and look sick too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garry Bayford
a Cross Country Rider
from Buckingham, England Date Reviewed: February 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Afan Forest, Wales
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Power, modulation, weight.
Weaknesses:
None.
Bike Setup:
Commencal Meta 5.20.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are great and parts are getting easier to find now. Gold sintered pads give the best mix of power and longevity. I made a big mistake when changing brake pads and over-tightened the stud that the pads ride on. This cracked the caliper which thankfully I spotted before I neeeded to use the brakes in anger. So be warned and only tighten the stud lightly. ukbikestore.co.uk supplies a whole set of spare parts for these brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tomas
a
from Gothenburg, Sweden Date Reviewed: January 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
actionsports.de
Strengths:
Easy setup, brake power, price
Weaknesses:
Organic pads wear out rather quickly
Similar Products Used:
Hope mini's, Magura Louise + FR, avid mech
Bike Setup:
All mountain style bike
Bottom Line:
This review is for a 2006 Formula K18 180mm rear brake.
After three months of use in mainly wet and muddy riding conditions the impression of the brake is: excellent value!
Initial setup was quick and painless to get it centered without rub. Brake power is more than enough for AM use. Only one thing about the organic brake pads, they won't last long if you ride in muddy conditions. But what organic pads last long anyway? Will try the "gold sintered" version next time.
The price of the K18 is also very good=low (at least in Europe) when comparing other disc brakes on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alessandro Rossi
a Cross Country Rider
from Genoa,Italy Date Reviewed: December 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$327.00
Purchased At:
Grancia di Lainate
Strengths:
very modulable and powerful
Weaknesses:
difficulty to set up
Bike Setup:
group xt2004 ,disk brake,alloy chassis,tora forks
Bottom Line:
formula K18 are the best hydraulic disk brakes that I've ever bought...its has got an high and modulable brake power and aren't so aggressive...under effort are soo good. The weight is acceptable (I've got a front disk of 200mm and a rear one of 180mm)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL Date Reviewed: September 4, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$385.00
Purchased At:
cambriabike.com
Strengths:
Everything...power, modulation, feel, ease of setup, strong levers...
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore 555 hydros, Hayes HFX 9, Juicy 5's and 7's
Bike Setup:
04 Specialized Enduro Expert...Crossmax wheels, these brakes, X-9 components, Fox suspension front and rear
Bottom Line:
Like some have said...kinda loud when wet...not always...but what brakes aren't loud when wet...its not a weakness cause they work the same. I am running 180mm rotors. Overkill for florida...but its all good. I would recommend to anyone wanting new brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance
a Downhiller
from Pleasanton, CA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Joaquin Miller
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Bikeman.com
Strengths:
Awesome braking power, Easy setup, great modulation, good lever feel. Very powerful
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Magura Louise FR, Avid BB5
Bike Setup:
Ibex Apogee Sport Lt, Hope 90mm stem, manitou minute 1, manitou 3 way coil, Formula oro k18 brakes, lx components
Bottom Line:
From the first time that i used these brakes they were powerful, even without them being broken in, easy one finger braking compared to my bb5's where i would 2 or 3 finger brake. After riding on them for about an hour the power was awesome, i can lock up my front tire and slide. All in all the power is great, with the upgraded front rotor 200mm and the rear 180mm. These brakes are the best if you are thinking of brakes only thing on one, formula, they are the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland Date Reviewed: August 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Power, Setup.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Hayes.
Bike Setup:
Commencal Meta 5.20 stock.
Bottom Line:
These brakes have good stopping power. Even before they were bedded in they could throw you over the handlebars! Luckily they are easy to control, so you can have a little bit of brake when you want it and a lot if you need it. Setup was a doddle- fit wheel, loosen calpier, apply brake, tighten caliper, done. Maybe not for crazy downhillers, but then there's 24s.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
henry mah
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto Date Reviewed: August 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
extreme, kelso
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Cycle Solutions
Strengths:
Great stopping power. Lever feel and modulation
Weaknesses:
minor squeal and noise
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX 9
Bike Setup:
commencal meta 5.2 Fox 130RL stock
Bottom Line:
Powerful brakes for the entry level Formula line up with great feel and control. Looking at 24 or puro for my Nomad. At times feels as if I can launch myself over the bars whereas my Hayes needs more work and effort. Sometimes a bit touchy but once accustomed to the feel, great stopping power. Took a chance on this bike as it is new but one deciding factor for me was definitely the feel and performance of the 18's. Wanted a Blur LT badly, just not $1000 more badly. Pretty much same components. So far so good with the bike and especially the brakes. Highly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Racer
from Los Gatos, CA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Blue Blossom
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
NorCal HS League Fundraiser
Strengths:
Incredible modulation. Commmanding lever feel. Adjustable lever reach. Tons of power on demand. Very light weight.
Weaknesses:
Brake squeal when wet or very, very dusty. That could be because I run XTR rotors though, which, if you read the XTR review, you'll see many complaints about rotor squeal. No rotors for center lock hubs.
Similar Products Used:
XT, disc brakes, Hayes Nine disc brakes, XTR and XT dual control brakes.
Bike Setup:
Trek Carbon Fuel 100, XT/XTR drivetrain and transmission. XTR Wheels and Fox suspension with Formula Disc Brakes.
Bottom Line:
These brakes make all the others I've used seem like toys. The positive lever feel and supple modulation are totally superior to the squishy feel of the Shimanos. Brake power is far superior to Shimano or Hayes. I'm a heavy guy, 210 with riding gear, but these babies have held up strong at Demo Forest, Skegg's, Downieville and everywhere else I've ridden. Set up is easy, by comparison, I've been especially frustrated with the fussiness of Hayes brakes. The lever reach adjusts easily with a 2.5mm allen wrench.
Because these are new on the market in the U.S. I asked around alot before picking them up. I ran into a lot of nay-sayers who say they are fussy and difficult to work on. I took a chance though because I got a great deal at the fundraiser auction for the NorCal High School Mountain Bike League. I can say that compared the variety of brakes the kids on my high school team have, these are by far the best. They operate better and they're easier to work on.
Next to my Fox Fork, these are the best value item on my bike. If I had to do it all over again, I would, and I would gladly pay retail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ivano
a Cross Country Rider
from Rome,Italy Date Reviewed: April 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Powerful even with rain and beautyful, I hope also reliable.
Weaknesses:
None at the moment, the brakes levers look weak.
Similar Products Used:
Experience only with vbrake.
Bike Setup:
Banshee Morphine frame, mzc 66 rcx2
Bottom Line:
I suggest tyres with big grip in order to use the big brake power. The brakes are also modulable. At the moment I'd suggest them also because the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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