Technologically advanced Forged lever blade with engineered breaking point.
One or two finger compatible.
Linkage driven Pushrod. 2 piece lever linkage maintains contact point through reach adjust changes and facilitates consistently direct compression of MC piston.
Alloy FCS knob allows for changes in lever contact point.
External reach adjust.
Ultra high volume reservoir virtually eliminates pump up.
Alloy MC Piston seal carrier provides long life and durability.
Positioning compatibility with available shifters on market.
Submitted by
elblingo
a Downhiller
from Christchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: October 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
All of them, get me out riding!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Burkes(Front) Evans(
Strengths:
Well finished, easy to setup, wide range of discs and mounts available. Awesome modulation and power.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Hope mini on my xc bike
Bike Setup:
Bighit 3, Marzocchi 888
Bottom Line:
I'm loving these brakes, I can't believe how much power they have, with a 200mm rotor on the front, and 180 on the back I don't worry at all about slowing down, and there's just no effort required to get huge power. They bedded in in no time, I thiought I'd tak it easy on their first run but they seemed to be working at full strength after about 50 metres. No hestation in recommending these, they worked perfectly out of the box. Can't comment on how they compare to similar produsts as I've only used hope minis on my XC bike, and they have trouble slowing me down with a 180mm rotor on he front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
quinndo
a Downhiller
from Oakland, CA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Crazy stopping power, without effort
Weaknesses:
Expensive
Similar Products Used:
Hayes 9, Juicy 7
Bike Setup:
Ibis Mojo
Bottom Line:
Believe the hype. These brakes are the schiznit! Took a couple of tries to get the bleed right, but once I had the right amount of fluid and got the brakes "bedded in", the experience was amazing. Never knew slowing down could be so precise and intentional.
And bleeding was not really that hard... in fact it was my first time ever cutting hydraulic brake lines. Just left them in a stand vertically overnight to allow bubbles to rise up to the top.
Also many have made comments about the actuation being too close to the bars. I disagree with this, as I am able to adjust the levers to engage in different spots. It took a call to Formula USA - and they instructed me to pump the brakes a few times with the rotors removed, just to help get the pistons set in better (but not so much that you can't get the rotors back in).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wrmntr
a Downhiller
from Thailand Date Reviewed: August 18, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Huge stopping power, great feel and modulation, light enough for XC race application--all in one brake. Best brake ever!
Weaknesses:
This brake is very fuzzy with the amount of brake fluid in it. Poor factory bleeding work.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XTR, Magura Martha, Hope Mini/M4, Hayes Mag
Bike Setup:
Trek Session 77
Bottom Line:
This brake is amazing in terms of stopping power and modulation. It is also very light. But what impresses me most is that I can "feel" the action and I can get the feedback from the lever. Only the Italians know how to do this sort of science and arts blend.
On the other side of the coin, this brake is as fuzzy as a Ferrari when it comes to setting up and adjustments. Mine came with excessive brake fluid in it it grabs a rotor all the time so I need to bleed a few drops out.
Mind you, too much bleeding and a lever travel will be too much before a contact. So you need to add some brake fluid back in. You may need to do it a few times until you find your optimal point. This can be painful to some.
Be sure to READ THE BLEEDING MANUAL! Else this brake can become a pain in the neck.
DOT4 brake fluid is not paint friendly. Factory bleeding job (also remind me of another side of the Italians :)) left some DOT4 residue outside, causing a paint to peel off but I am too lazy to return the unit since I am very happy with its performance now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hockeynut91
a Downhiller
from Timmins, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
My trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Absolutely AMAZING power, good modulation, I like all of the external adjustments, Made in Italy, and very very light!
Weaknesses:
levers aren't very well designed but i now have Twenty 6 dualie ones for it and I would suggest those.
Pain to bleed.
Similar Products Used:
Juicy 7, Mega, Gustav, Code's
Bike Setup:
Big Hit, 888 RC2X VA, Rocco WC push'd, Straitline pedals, holzfeller bar/crank. MRP G2, Odi Grips, E 13 Guide ring, MTX rims
Bottom Line:
Absolutely Amazing brake, great power (most powerful brake on the market) while still being the lightest!. I personally like the modulation and adjustments but like I said i didnt like the stock levers. More of a niche brake since they are quite expensive. But hey your paying for the best brake on the Market
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
YeahWhatever
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Whistler
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$190.00
Strengths:
Light weight, excellent quality of materials, well made
Weaknesses:
Too much lever travel before pad engagement
Similar Products Used:
Avid Juicy 7, Avid Code, Formula K24, Shimano XT M755
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel EX9
Bottom Line:
This brake has lots of power and modulation. It exudes quality as is very well made. My problem with "The One" is that there is too much lever travel before the brake engages. I like to set up my brakes so that the lever has almost no travel before they engage, and this is impossible to do with the Formula "The One" model. I called customer support at Formula after bleeding them three times and they confirmed that this trait was part of their "one finger braking" design. For me, this was unacceptable and I switched to Avid Elixir CR. Problem solved.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mushik
a Downhiller
from ro Date Reviewed: April 7, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
light, light and....hmmm...powerful
Weaknesses:
none at the moment
Similar Products Used:
magura gustav M, avid code
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Sunday, Boxxer WC, Sram X9
Bottom Line:
best brake so far. it's lighter than other dh promoted brakes (450 gr lighter than the codes), it's powerful and it has great modulation.
Plus...a great feeling at your fingers ;)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon C
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham UK Date Reviewed: April 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Brechfa The Raven
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
UKBikeStore.com
Strengths:
Monumental modulation. Massive power. Very light for the performance.
I have been looking for a brake with great modulation, and properly decent power for ages. This brake delivers just that - it is almost incomprehendably good. It is brilliant for slow speed manouvering, and uber high speed stopping. They are expensive, but the performance you get makes them a complete bargain. The UK importer (Propel Bike) is also brilliantly helpful. Believe the hype.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peteradco
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV, USA Date Reviewed: December 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, Hall Ranch/Nelson Loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Singletrack Factory
Strengths:
Super strong stopping power! Great modulation! They don't need to be bled all the time, just put them on and go! Break in period was quick. The best looking brakes out there!
Weaknesses:
NONE!
Similar Products Used:
Magura Clara, Magura Marta, Magura Marta SL.
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Epiphany, Fox RLC, Fox RP23, I9 hubs/spokes, DT Swiss Wheels, Weirwolf tires, XTR shifter, derailleurs, and pedals. King headset, Easton Monkeylite SL carbon bar, RaceFace bad ass black crank, Thomson Masterpiece post, Thomson Elite stem.
Bottom Line:
I did a ton of research before I bought my brakes. I researched everything obsessively for countless hours. I knew I didn't want Magura again as I had bad luck with three different Magura models. They would never hold pressure and needed to be bled all the time which was massively irritating. I rode many times with little pressure because I didn't want to hassle with bleeding them AGAIN. The Formula's are everything the reviews say. After one ride they were broken in. The don't make noise. They are so strong that I have be careful not to endo, but the modulation is excellent. Truly one finger stopping power...with ease. 6 months of constant desert riding in Nevada and Moab (once in Moab) and I have yet to bleed these brakes; they just rock! They are also beautiful! I think I love them. Thanks Formula!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
indyfab25
a Cross Country Rider
from Bath,Me Date Reviewed: November 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Spider Loop, Okinawa, Japan
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$265.00
Purchased At:
Bikeman.com
Strengths:
Modulation and power...gobs of both.
Weaknesses:
Pads wear fast. This first led me to believe that the brakes were suddenly failing. Turns out it was just the pads.
Similar Products Used:
XTR, XT, Saint, Juicy 7s, Hayes Mag...
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz LT2
Rev
XTR
Ones
I9 Enduros
Bottom Line:
When my brakes were back at Formula I thought I would shop around for new brakes if these didn't pan out. I was on Juicy 7 before the Ones and liked them. I ended up setting up XTR levers with Saint calipers while I was waiting for my brakes to get back to me. I really missed the modulation and power of the Ones. One finger braking all the time. They went back on the bike and aren't leaving. Super sweet.
The guys at Formula are great guys as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
forceyoda
a Downhiller
from el paso, texas, usa Date Reviewed: November 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Weight, great power and modulation when working, the bling factor
Weaknesses:
Cost, pump up and fade.
Similar Products Used:
Elixir, Codes, Juicy's, Shimano XT, Formula Bianco.
Bike Setup:
Nomad with 36 van
Bottom Line:
Great brakes at first but then i started having problems with the brakes pumping up and and fading so i tried to bleed them and found that these are by far the worst brakes to bleed. I have bled Elixir, Codes, Juicy's, Shimano XT, and the Formula Bianco and never had any problems with them but the Ones were impossible. After trying to bleed them five different times to get a consistant feel i gave up and bought the elixirs. Only one value chili because of the insane price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hellrider 1
a Downhiller
from Zürich Switzerland Date Reviewed: October 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
step
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
modulation, braking power
Weaknesses:
original pads wear down to fast went through the front and back pair in one weekend! My weight is 240 pounds. Front break with 220mm Rotor works excellent, Back break I still have problems with an moving breaking point
Similar Products Used:
Code
Bike Setup:
2009 Santa Cruz V 10
Bottom Line:
best modulation I have experianced so far - Code breakes are more powerfull in my opinion
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jimzworld1
a Downhiller
from Edmonton, AB Date Reviewed: October 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Dirt Merchant
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Lightweight, decent stopping power, solid, good adjustments, people think they are cool!
Weaknesses:
Levers don't suit my tastes, (I love Straitlines-not available for these yet) expensive for what you get. Feel.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mag, Juicy 7, Avid Codes w/Straitline levers (the best!)...
Bike Setup:
2007 Demo 8 w/ a few upgrades.
Bottom Line:
I am very particular about my bike and it's parts, and especially about essentials like brakes. I bought these brakes after rebuilding the pad adjuster on my Codes 3 times this season. There was alot of hype, which always makes me nervous, but I needed good powerful brakes, and they are plenty powerful! But, I never felt real good about these brakes right off the bat. They had a ramping up feel to them when you engaged them on and off in technical situations. I bled them myself and also had them bled at a shop as well, but still acted the same. Also, as the pads wore out, the levers came closer to the bar and had to be bled to make the firm again. Then when you put in new pads, the levers were too far from the bar, another bleed. Not a biggie, I don't mind bleeding, but I don't like wierd feeling brakes. I know I may be the only one to state such things here, but it is my experience with these brakes and I felt it was worth mentioning. I am selling mine and going back to the Codes. (with the yummy Straitline levers) They are at the very least, predictable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J Reid
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland, UK Date Reviewed: September 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Aviemore
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Stopping power, modulation, ease of adjustment. Bling!
Weaknesses:
The cost
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT, LX. Avid 5,7.
Bike Setup:
Commencal Meta 5 VIP
Bottom Line:
Totally stunning brake, the cost does make you think about it but now I have them they are great value. They look great on the big and make 1 finger braking easy for those who have still to adapt. I've not changed the pads yet but it appears that you do not even have to take the wheel off to do this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cxfahrer
a Weekend Warrior
from Leipzig Eastgermany Date Reviewed: July 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
looks, power, modulation
Weaknesses:
not yet found - the brake pads may be too tiny for extended downhills, but I will see...
Similar Products Used:
Magura Lousie 07 8"/8", 06, Julie, Juicy5
Bike Setup:
light freeride with Lyrik, Evolver
Bottom Line:
Great brake. I have 8"/8" (203/203) rotors.
The bike was cheap, and its nice then to have such brakes coming with it.
Looks cool with these tiny levers and gold adjustment screws (you dont need them really).
The power is easy to handle with one or two fingers, the levers are just right and give a good feel on your fingers.
Where the old Lousie had to be gripped like a vice, you only need two fingers with the One.
Pad wear might be an issue as the pads are really tiny. I didnt notice any fading yet, but I havent been to the really steep mountains.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bigave
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: June 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$310.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
looks, modulation, POWER, adjustmnts
Weaknesses:
your guess is as good as mine... price possibly but performance outways this
Similar Products Used:
hayes hfx 9
avid juicy 3 (sh1t, do not buy these)
shimano saint
hpe m4
Bike Setup:
specialized bighit, 2008 888rc3, 2008 dhx 5.0, formula the one with goodridge hoses, truvative parts etc
Bottom Line:
amazing brake, well worth the money. ended up costing about 370 in the end due to braided hoses but worth it. never had so much confidence in brakes! buy buy buy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cable0guy
a Weekend Warrior
from Torrance, CA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Feel, power, weight, modulation
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
Magura, Avid, Hope, Shimano XT 08
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5, Uzzi
Bottom Line:
The best brakes out there. Great at everything. I hated the Servo-wave of the Shimano XT 2008 (lack of modulation, kept locking up the brakes), so I tried these, and love them. So now the Ones are on both of my bikes. Great to have through the technical sections, and when you want to stop, pull a little harder, and these do the job. One finger braking through all the sections. A little pricey, but you get what you pay for if you want the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a
from Culver City, CA Date Reviewed: May 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
sullivan cyn.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Helens S.M.
Strengths:
Ultra high quality! Tons of stopping power, and the sweetest modulation I've ever experienced.
Weaknesses:
May be a bit pricey, but I don't mind paying for quality.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, Avid, Shimano... I've tried almost all of whats out there, and nothing comes close!
Bike Setup:
Intense 6.6, 36 Talas RLC, DHX 5, Industry 9 Enduros, Thomson, Race Face Deus, XO...etc
Bottom Line:
I bought these brakes just on the strength of demoing a couple of bikes with the K24's on them... and I couldn't be happier! They took a couple of rides to set in, but WOW, these are great. Powerful, smooth and easy to ride. Also , customer service from Formula USA has been great too. I call with some questions and to order the bleed kit (a must if you are going to cut your own lines...). The guys were friendly, and I received my parts the next day!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kane
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anadel in Santa Rosa
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Smokin Brakes: These are the 'real McCoy'. Wow! Modulation, modulation, modulation. Stopping power, stopping power, stoping power BLING, BLING, BLING These brakes are machined to tight tolerances. The pad contact switch is stiff without a little grease, but like the lever adjustment dial the gold colored CNC (?) adjusters are beautifull. The levers are comfortable for that one finger braking. One finger braking is like one hit ... (you know what). Very rare, but rewarding when you find it. The adaptors mounted my Vanilla fork very easily. The brake in period was a half of my first ride.
When, I got my Turner, it was so much better than my Santa Cruz Superlight. (The Superlight was so much better than the Ritchey hardtail that I rode in the 90's). That's because it is really easy to recognize greatness. It's like a beautiful girl. It only takes a glance. (Although, a 'toilet' inspection is recommended.
These brakes have that quality.
Weaknesses:
Me: Ah! Honey, I got some new parts for my bike, aren't they nice looking. Spouse: Expensive? Me: Well they were a little expensive sweety. They cost a $100. But, I want to be fair, so I'm going to rub your feet tonight and buy you some flowers. Spouse: Your wonderfull! Me: I love you!
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, Marta, K24
Bike Setup:
Turner Burner
Bottom Line:
Pretty piss poor to do a review after two rides ... but WOW!! And I mean WOW! My out the back door ride is Tamarancho in Fairfax. Ten miles of single track with 56 switch backs. The 28 downhill switch backs are a fabulous test of modulation. So sweet. Stopping power: from slip sliding to caboom. I'm running the same 180 F/ 160 R combo as used on the K24's. The K24's rock, but as good as the modulation is compared to other brakes I've ridden, "The One's" have more modulation.
Italy is the design capital of the world and compared to the ugly 'stoker' or the Marta's these brakes are beautifully finished.
Tips: 1. When/if you shorten your hoses, don't use cable cutters to cut the hose! These hoses are multi-layered and they need the brake hose cutting tool with a fresh razor blade! 2. If you are installing the rotors new hubs no worries. If you are installing the brakes on your previously used hubs, run your finger over the screw holes. If you feel metal burr over the screw hole, take a fine file or sand paper and smooth off the burr. This is true for any brake rotor. My crossmax wheels are a little old and I thought the rotor was warped when it was my aging hubs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
loren
a Downhiller
from norcal Date Reviewed: February 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Tons of power Inbredable modulation great lever feel awesome adjustments light
Weaknesses:
price lack of braided lines
Similar Products Used:
formula oro puros hfx9s hope minis
Bike Setup:
V10 with a 40
Bottom Line:
Best brakes ever end of story, but kind of expensive
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julio
a Downhiller
from The Netherlands Date Reviewed: February 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Looks very beautifull Super ligth weigth Extremly powerfull Huge 24mm pistons The Adjustments are over the top Brake Fade free Brake levers feels solid and great Awesome modulation
Weaknesses:
None!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX9,Hayes Mags,Avid Juicy 3 and 5,Shimano XTR,Avid codes
Bike Setup:
Trek Session 10,Revox,888 ATA WC,Alligator rotors,Formula The One with goodridge lines,Bontrager cranks,tires,pedals,Sram X.O shifter,Sram X.O limeted edition derailleur,
Bottom Line:
I think no brake will ever surpases this high end Formula brake in terms off braking power,modulation,Adjustments and weigth.Iv'e riddin plenty off great brakes but nothing comes realy close to the formula's,the formula's came with 203mm formula rotors but i switch them for Alligator windcutter rotors that make the formula's 50gr ligther.Formula The One is pretty expensive but well worth the money when you ride them and i can tell you once you riding The One you never wanted to go back to any other brake on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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