The C2 brake is a development of our original hydraulic disc brake featuring a closed 2-piston caliper and the popular pro lever. We produce calipers to fit almost all disc mounts on frames and forks. The outer half of the caliper can be changed to accommodate the different fixing points.
System type: Closed
Lever type: Pro
Caliper No.'s: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 9:74, & 11
Standard Disc: 145, 165, & 185
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunderland, MA Date Reviewed: May 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bachelor Street
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Adjustable, durable, maintenance free
Weaknesses:
for XC rider they are slightly heavy
Similar Products Used:
Avid
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Taurine carbon hardtail
Bottom Line:
I'm an XC racer. As such, I have been know to obsess a little bit about weight. That said, i've never even considered swapping out my brakes for a newer or lighter set! There is something to be said for durability and reliability. The adjustability of these brakes is amazing. I think that despite the weight penalty they make me a better rider. I haven't done a lick of maintenance since getting them almost 2 years ago used. They've been ridden through every condition imaginable and function perfectly. Sure I have to adjust them when the temperature changes, but it's a few twists of the know and I can dial them in exactly how I want. Too bad Hope doesn't make these any more. I guess they don't have to because i'm convinced that these things will last forever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Berkshire Date Reviewed: March 22, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
already on setup
Strengths:
A great all rough brake, I have used it for around 2 years on my Dr Jekyll and will continue to use it for a lot longer. The adjustable thumbwheel is a great feature which gives total control of modulation
Weaknesses:
My back brake seems to be a little on the weak side even after bleeding but i just pull harder on the levers
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX 9 (can't quite remember if that was them)
Bike Setup:
Identity Dr Jekyll, 2002 BomberZ1 forks, Mavic D521s.
All round pretty old setup now, but still going strong as the day it was made.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are amazing and i will be buying another pair if i can when mine give up the ghost and at the price they sell for now you can't go wrong. getting hold of a rotor for them is a little tricky as it is a weird size on a big'un hub
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mtbboyz
a Downhiller
from Boise, ID Date Reviewed: June 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
reliability, easy of set up and maintenance free. Hope stands behind they're products better than any bike company I've every dealt with.
Weaknesses:
A little tricky to setup initially other than that smooth sailing.
Similar Products Used:
hope m4, hayes hfx9, avid bb7
Bike Setup:
I had these on a kona hardtail setup for dirt jumping for a few years then they sat in my garage in a box for a few years and now they are resurected on my wife's new KHS AM1000, Bullet bro's ZYZZX fork (yes the ancient classic and it still tracks better than most of whats out there, the aftermarket damper from stratos makes it rideable.) deore/sun rhino lite wheels, kenda kinetics tires, truvative cockpit, xtr short cage derr, rocky mountain chainguide, raceface cranks, and an XT shifter. Hope C2's with 6 inch rotors front and rear.
Bottom Line:
These brakes cant be beat without spending a lot of money. They are utterly reliable, and the adjustability of a closed system is nice. These sat in the box for two years and came out working as good as the day I stored them. They handled the abuse of two years of dirt jumping and urban riding that managed to destroy a kona scab frame, a set of race face cranks, two sets of pedals and a marzocchi Z1 drop off QR20 with a snapped stanchion. The rotors aren't the lightest out there but they are tough and don't bend like lesser ones do. If you should happen to break something Hope is a great company to deal with and they were quick to send new parts to me at their cost even though my idiot wrenching was to blame for the breakage.(don't overtighten the banjo bolts or the bleed nipple, they can damage the caliper. doh!) These brakes aren't the lightest or prettiest and unfortunately the are no longer made to my knowledge, but if you can find a pair you will not be disappointed. I dont post reviews very often, but this product deserves it's high rating and I'm glad to add to it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
omer ahmed
a Cross Country Rider
from bristol Date Reviewed: May 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
cwm carn
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
exchanged at sale
Strengths:
RELIABILITY, RELIABILTY, RELIABILTY. power is better then avid, and control is something i believe that no other brake will surpass
Weaknesses:
they dont make these any longer, a shame relly cos i would buy them over all the new junk thats out there.
Similar Products Used:
avids.
Bike Setup:
dual slalom. orange evo
Bottom Line:
i have had these since 2001. changed oil once since new. changed pads once at front side only. They never leak, they never squeal, they never rub, they always work everytime, all the time. Power is on my 195 (yes a 195) disk is the best i have tried. for all those of u who who are unhapy with your brakes try these or the new moto v2's. after 6 years i am thinking of buying the new hope v2 moto's for my stumpjumper. v2's are 2 pot, with paad adjustment like these. i think HOPE have come full circle since the C2's by going 4-pot, 6-pot, and now they finally seen sence and decided. right, 2 pot (v2 moto's) WITH pad adjustment screw like the original pro lever c2's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eder Savio
a Downhiller
from Florianópolis - Brazil Date Reviewed: April 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Rio Tavares
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$56.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
All. Powerful, adjustable.
Weaknesses:
Discontinued.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes FX9, Hayes Mag, Grimeca S8, Tektro Gemini.
Bike Setup:
Remec Dh WC, Monster T.
Bottom Line:
This brake is amazing. Never more Hayes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan
a Downhiller
from west sussex Date Reviewed: March 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
snowdon
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
freeborn
Strengths:
great stopping power for 2 pot brakes reliable for the past 4 years wont change to hayes as hope are the way ahead.
Weaknesses:
n/a
Similar Products Used:
nothing but hope.
Bike Setup:
big hit, boxxers, xt-xtr drive train....and hope c2.
Bottom Line:
you will not be upset by this product at all its 100% spot on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, MT, USA Date Reviewed: October 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bangtail Divide
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
- The best pad retraction of any brake - Silent (mine are, at any rate) - Good power, but not the very best out there - Outstanding modulation - Zero maintenance - Can adjust the lever travel until contact
Weaknesses:
- Mine came with a bad batch of rubber, so all seals had to be replaced. They've been fine since. - Finding DOT 5.1 is a hassle, and although DOT 4 works, it feels too viscous. - The closed system requires you to manually adjust the brake as the fluid volume changes due to temperature. I almost never find this to be a problem due to braking, but I notice it as the ambient temperature changes. Overall, I like this feature as the need to adjust it is less of a hassle than the ability to adjust throw is a benefit. - Setting them up with shims is a bit of a hassle, but there has been no adjustment since then.
Similar Products Used:
Own a Hope Enduro, tested several others.
Bike Setup:
Titus QuasiMoto built up for cross-country at about 28 lbs.
Bottom Line:
This is by far my favourite brake for one reason: pad retraction. Not only do they never drag, but there's enough room for a second rotor between the pads. The front (before it was stolen) and the rear have been silent all along, the power and modulation are great, and I like the ability to adjust the level travel before pad contact. I don't find having to adjust them due to temperature changes to be a significant hassle.
I just bled it for the first time in three years. The dark brown fluid that came out suggests I should've done it sooner, but they felt fine and didn't seem to be boiling, so I put it off. And now that I've done it, I can't tell the difference! Very low maintenance product.
Simply put, they just work exactly as they should. Since I changed all rubber pieces, they've been perfect. I recommend the red "race only" compound pads for a little extra power, although I've heard they hold up poorly in the wet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nowhere
a
from East London Date Reviewed: July 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
off a mate
Strengths:
well, they're hope, aren't they? as far as i'm concerned, they're brilliant brakes; i have only a few minor niggles with them, and that's mainly because the ones i've got are four years old (i did say that they were second-hand). they also add a certain 'je ne sais what' to my rig; the whole black-and-silver colour scheme is utterly lovely...
Weaknesses:
the adjuster knob has a tendency to seize periodically, when it's hot, and the topcap is made from pretty soft alloy - my mate managed to round it off because he opened it up with an adjustable spanner (thank you so much, you mong...). also, as with any hope hoses, they're not easy to fit into frame-mounted hose guides
Similar Products Used:
cable discs (tektro), hope m4s, various bmx brakes (including the oh-so-highly-regarded 'fly brakes' - which are complete arse!)
Bike Setup:
azonic steelhead pro frame, atomlab gi hubs laced to mavic ex325 rims, dmr cheiftan mk2s, dmr v8s, blackspire ds-1, xt rear gearing, and a rather embarrassingly bad rockshox fork, which will remain unnamed - suffice to say, i'm changing it soon... picture here:
Bottom Line:
as with any hydraulic disc brakes, these are relatively easy to maintain; i would just make a point of saying that you must be really, really meticulous when it comes to bleeding these; even the tiniest bubbles in the lines can make them turn to crap. i predominantly use these for street - they're probably nowhere near powerful enough for anything like DH or heavy freeride (but, i wouldn't know - i'm not a DHer). i can't recommend these enough for anyone, really - they're absolutely cracking brakes, and the on-the-fly adjustment that the closed system affords you is wonderful. having said that, i am looking to possibly pick up some m4s, purely because they stop you like a brick wall... either way, i love these brakes with a passion, and they look brilliant.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spence flibbledibblemip
a Downhiller
from aylesbury Date Reviewed: June 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
aston hill dh3
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came on bke
Strengths:
good stopping power, look good in chrome
Weaknesses:
squeel like hell when wet or not! unreliable when left in a warm room the oil must expand or something and they lock on to the rotors
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
atx1, fox, bombshell, atomlab, raceface etc.
Bottom Line:
if you dont mind doing a bit of work to get them right then if you get a ggood deal buy them but if youre not too great with brakes i wouldn't bother.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Downhiller
from Hampshire UK Date Reviewed: May 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
lordswood
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
G A cycles
Strengths:
good looking all CNC'd, reliable, simple and easy to maintain. NO drag, easy adjustment using thumbwheel.use them for trials, xc, dh..whatever you want.
these brakes are the dogs! i have used these for about 5 years now, and have only had them rebuilt a couple of times, despite this they continually work perfectly and withour problems, they have a really nice progressive feel, and can stop you quickly and easily from any speed. compared to my mates bike which has hayes there is no contest, his are like a switch, either on or off, the hopes are perfect. add a set of braided hoses and you're laughing. There has been a lot of talk latley about closed systems "pumping up" and locking on long dh runs, who cares? you can adjust the brakes using the thumbwheel on the fly with no problems and no loss of control. i cant believe hope no longer manufacture these brakes, in my opinion the greatest and most versatile brake around has been lost RIP C2's :( :(
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Downhiller
from Durango Date Reviewed: March 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any of the National Circut
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Cheeney
Strengths:
Hope,Adjustable pad placement ,hydraulic
Weaknesses:
squeal hardcore when wet, only 2 piston, Hopes customer service sucks
Similar Products Used:
hayes, xt
Bike Setup:
2004 Raleigh ram, 6-way, White Brothers Dh 2.0, e.thirteen,xt cranks xtr deralier hope c2 Thompson post Selle italia seat
Bottom Line:
These brakes are good. They should probably be on a xc bike but on the dh rig the hold they're own with regualar maitenence If you have the Big'un hubs you get funny rotor sizes like 7&3/4 inches in the front but this size works the best on boxxers so get this is you need speed but stopping is only needed at the bottom
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA Date Reviewed: October 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
UCSC
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Great feel. Great modulation. Can completely remove drag.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Dean with C2 up front & v-brake in back.
Bottom Line:
Works great. You hafta flick the thumbwheel once in a while on a long downhill, but that's part of the closed system tradeoff. It's no longer available, so I'll be lokking for something else on my next bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
keit wolff moore
a Downhiller
from everywhere, portugal at t. moment Date Reviewed: March 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
far away from civilisation
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
north UK can´t remeber
Strengths:
I've had them since 1999 I think. well they outlasted may patriot (orange) and they will outlast my spec big hit as the mono around the head tube is deforming and no spec won´t give me a new main frame (f#$%'s)
Weaknesses:
the heating and cooling meaning adjusting during rides is sometimes a little scarry when you know not turning that little nob will mean the next corner will become tight
Similar Products Used:
hayes magura blah...I´ve worked in bike shops all over europe in the past and have seen them all leak and fail and everything. The quality of hope is just...I even went and told them this last eurobike with the reply that they have no plans on stopping making them. very sound.
Bike Setup:
spec big hit, 24 inches front and rear, a very tuned super t, cranks I go through every six months. First I had the mrp bones which cost a hand full (the guide is very attractive though) which lost bearins and botton bracket spindel in one drop; some 15ft. now I have the DMR mk2 which were a lot better but the same problem on all mtb three pieces the spider ie ring doesn´t stay plane with the guide, so now holzfellers and a gigapipe are in the mail. I put the crank part in because there isn´t a review for the bones on mtbreview and I do have a lot a problems with bb´s and cranks.
Bottom Line:
next up a knolly frame (www.knollybikes.com) looks very nice and has fsr and also u can put the seat down and up and wow, and it looks nice...with u got it mono6ti's also 26 inch on the front ´cause 24´s are a bit scary on dry hard sandy surfaces at speed. oh yeah the hope c2´s all that I ever had to do was change the seals in the calipers as the pistons wouldn´t retract after the fourth or fifth year; the seals had swollen a lot. that was real hard work. anybody who has these brakes, even with a hint of this problem don´t hesitate doing this ´cause it really is a b#$%h. yeah go and buy and forget about'em unless you have a 21 kg hucker (I do pedal up hill; 36teeth fr. and 34 rear) and want to race it dh; the heating issue isn´t chill meaning turning the nob!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a
from Ventura County, USA Date Reviewed: December 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
They look great, great quality, great customer service, they will stop you just fine, with good lever feel.
Weaknesses:
Closed system is not a good idea. Anyone who has owned these brakes will tell you what happens when the brake fluid starts heating up.........gotta turn that knob!!! Gets old after years of use. Only one other thing to wine about....the little dust boots on the piston rods could be a little thicker for longer life.
Similar Products Used:
Most of my riding partners run Hayes. They are really good brakes and pretty much maintanance free but look like cheap crap!
Bike Setup:
UZZI SLX, Marzocchi 5" dual crown fork, XTR & Raceface goodies, Rino Light rims on Hope Bulb hubs, Tioga DH tires. It weighs in at 36 lbs. Used to ride light bikes but I kept breaking stuff. Now I ride a heavier bike that doesn't break and will go though, up, down, and over the roughest stuff with confidence!!!
Bottom Line:
Hope, in my experience, has good quality products and great customer service. Will I purchase Hope disc brakes again? You bet.....just not a closed system. Have you seen their new 6 piston calipers and floating rotors. I've got a set on order. (6 piston for the front/ 4 piston for the rear)They're absolutely beutiful.....these have got to be the Brembo's of moutain bikes!!! Can't wait to get them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
milan
a Downhiller
from exeter Date Reviewed: September 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
bloody strong lever which will not brake powerful its a disk brake reliable
Weaknesses:
pump up a lot with small disks should come with mini disk (heats up much less) and 205mm option
Bike Setup:
missile fox forx kujos anything hardcore
Bottom Line:
after a first got them ai went downhilling 2 weeks in alps and they heated and pumped up a lot. then i increased rater size to 205mm f+r mini disk and well, amazing! bigger and better disks transform this brake every spare part thinkable is available (uk) there british and hope. had problems with xt hub but since fitting hope hubs no problems. boyyom line is get mini disks, and the biggest disks available, you can get adapter to increase 185mm to 205 and 165 to 205. this upgrade is esential for dh
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from London UK Date Reviewed: August 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Grand Union Canal
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$185.00
Purchased At:
Simply the bike
Strengths:
When paying top wedge for a respectable, reliable product you deserve quality and with the C2's you do. I've had them for four months now and they're fine. I ride cross country and I chose these over the M4's due to the closed system and due to the fact that I like to adjust the biting point of my brakes and with these you can do just that. The factory pads are rubbish in the wet, invest in some sintered for the winter, I've had the original pads from day one and I average 700kms a month, they've still got plenty of tread left in them.
Weaknesses:
The only other small thing that's not even worth mentioning is that in climate changes of +/-15 degrees C, you'll have to adjust the knob's to your liking again due to the brake fluid expanding and contracting.
Similar Products Used:
Magura julies not bad for 55 uk pounds and formula B4's which were half decent.
Bike Setup:
Handsome Dog easton arrow, X317's on XT disk hubs, full XT group, schwable black shark sx, rock shox sid race, kore lite 2 finishing kit.
Bottom Line:
It's like with anything if you invest in quality you get it, with the C2's you get just that, they should drop the price by about 15% but if people are buying them then why should they. Get them for the long run of trouble free riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Malcolm Jitam
a Racer
from Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Date Reviewed: June 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Tembawang Mild Seven
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
trade offer
Strengths:
The articulation - you can feel the brakes grabbing which gives you control. Especially important when riding down rainforest roots, slick moss covered sandstone and the like. Easy to bleed and work on, but I never did had to change the fluid.
Weaknesses:
Had a problem with air in one which became a problem until my 20th bleed or something like that. We should NOT penalise this close system for the fluid swelling up on long downhills- that's what it is - close system. Maybe a bit on the heavy side.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano - which would not tell you when it'll grab.
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR Elite, XTR/XT combo gruppo, Manitou Black springs, Mich Hot S tyres, HOPE head-set
Bottom Line:
This brake have been around for many years and it's still getting good reviews. Old die hard freeriders are still using them - they are good but if your're into XC or ride super long downhills then perhaps the Minis should be for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taylor Lyne
a Racer
from Chester Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Pocahontas
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Hope
Strengths:
Quality, Power and adjustable. Can buy straight from factory.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Hope XC4,Hayes 2003 Xtr
Bike Setup:
Truth
Bottom Line:
These brakes are the best out there by far. The new XTR and Hayes dont even come close to the quality of these brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas
a
from ithaca Date Reviewed: May 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
unbelievable quality - only metal parts, no plastic CRAP like shimano sometimes uses or other popular brake systems have
Weaknesses:
well...unlike the hope m4 or hope mini, this is a closed system - the brakes must be adjusted when the pads wear - but this is done very simply with just a twist at the master controls - very easy.
Similar Products Used:
hope m4
Bike Setup:
trek y-11 (made of OCLV carbon)
Bottom Line:
Very nice product - all other braking systems are plastic junk. These will last forever. Don't buy anything else, trust me. AND DEFINITELY BUY THE HOPE GOTHIC ROTORS. GIRLS LOVE THEM!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kris
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: April 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
anything in the Northwest
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
These brakes have outlasted 2 frames and 3 years of Pacific NW riding. I haven't changed fluid or done anything except change pads since I bought them. I've ridden these brakes in mud, snow, water, sand, stunts, they take anything and any terrain you can throw at them. They are adaptable to different frame mounts by swapping out half of the piston body. There are plenty of different pad compounds available from EBC. Well engineered - there are wery few moving/extra parts to deal with.
Weaknesses:
It's a closed system so the fluid expansion on long or steep descents requires that you adjust the brake at the lever while you're riding. Also they are not as lightweight as other, newer brakes.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT Disc, Hope Mini
Bike Setup:
Superlight w/ Fox Vanilla R, Z1.MCR, RaceFace cranks, Thomson seatpost & stem, Time pedals, XTR derailleurs, Velocity deep V rims, Geax Blade tires, ODI lock-on grips.
Bottom Line:
Excellent, dependable, durable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Deatherage
a Cross Country Rider
from Everett, WA, USA Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Southridge (Corvallis, OR)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
CYCLOTOPIA
Strengths:
Awesome braking power, super grabby!!
Weaknesses:
closed system was weird at first but got used to it (they adjusters right on the levers!)
Similar Products Used:
(sucky)Magura louise and FR, Hayes...which are also very good!
Bike Setup:
Large F3000SI, Nothing is stock on this bike so maybe thats why my review is a satisfied one...I have a XT bottom bracket w/ Richey WCS crankset, XTR shifters and derailers w/ Goretex cables and housings (cause I live in the wet Pac NW), Richey OCR Disc specific wheelset that I've made tubeless (that really rocks!!) And the rest is pretty common stuff like a Terry Fly saddle and Titec straight bar w/ richey wcs bar ends...
Bottom Line:
These are great brakes I think Hope really knows how to make a great product, I ride 60-100 miles every week and these brakes have almost thrown me off the front of my bike there so powerful! Even at speeds of 48 mph (on road) I have hit these and stopped within a matter of feet and seconds!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james
a Racer
from bournemouth Date Reviewed: January 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
primera
Strengths:
powerfull, easy to set up, compatable with every fork and frame, smooth leaver feel...the best brake ever.
Weaknesses:
none...they are honestly the best.
Similar Products Used:
tried out every other hope, hayes and shimano.. (none as good as the hope C2)
Bike Setup:
msisle, Z1, hope, azonic, DMR, etc
Bottom Line:
The best brakes money can buy...fully adjustable unlike every other hydro brake...doesnt leak...easy to bleed. powerful. loads of different compound pads by EBC. The best!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Andrews
a Downhiller
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: November 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
one with dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on my bike
Strengths:
mmm...Hopes, the adjustable pull
Weaknesses:
not overly bitey, the rotor isn't that cool, PRICE (HOW CAN I PAY $600 aud FOR THESE?)
Similar Products Used:
Enduro 4's (getting these soon), XT's, Hayes, v's, Codas, Maguras
Bike Setup:
Bullit... tricked out
Bottom Line:
Take a while to bed in... but they are solid. great feel, but i weigh 250 lbs, so the power just isn't there. they are good on short DH's, but i find they lose power quickly (it happens with every brake i Know0. Overall, these are good for 150lbs whippets, but fat blokes should buy M4's or enduros. RIDE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Coen
a Racer
from UK Date Reviewed: October 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Back yard trials
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
good bike shop
Strengths:
great looking adjustable great lever design better value than hayes reliable and gutwrenching power for a 2 pot brake. pads are cheap and easy to fit/remove
Weaknesses:
None found
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, Magura
Bike Setup:
DDG shooter, XT, DJ1's, D521 CD on to Hope bulbs. MRP bones combo cranks + chain device.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are the best in the world for people who do a bit of everything, not massively heavy and very reliable(no bleeding or adjustment since fitting, just a bit of cleaning). I used to work with Hope products everyday in my previous job and wolud recommend them to everyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod Davidson
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunnyvale, CA Date Reviewed: August 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sedona, AZ
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Great stopping power, good modulation, no fade
Weaknesses:
fluid expansion on long downhills
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, Hope XC4
Bike Setup:
FSR, XTR, Marzocchi QR20 Jr T, Sun Rhino/Hope Bulbs, King headset, Easton riser, 2.4 motos
Bottom Line:
After riding Hayes on a friends, but liking the cool looks of the Hopes, I went with a set of XC4s. Trying to stop 200 pounds with the XC4s was a loosing battle. I stepped up to the C2s with a 8" in front and 6" in the rear. I now had plenty of power to do nose wheelies any time I wanted. For anyone looking to step up to disc, Hope has performance and good looks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mortino soromjo
a Downhiller
from stockholm schweden Date Reviewed: July 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
TRIAL! TRIAL! TRIAL!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
cykelcity
Strengths:
POWER! with these brakes you can't complain about anything easy to install and powerfull right out of tha box
Weaknesses:
Don't seem to like marshsmellows on the rotor and caliper
Bike Setup:
Crescent illions 00, cannondale fatty r, hope big un front hud with d 321 and obiviously hope c2, roox xc cranks, dmr revolver singlespeed hub with d 521 cd rim, dmr singleator and magura rear brake, roox torque bar with roox dannys stem and odi ruffian lock on grips.
Bottom Line:
MMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Downhiller
from Manhasset, NY, US Date Reviewed: July 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Plattekill "Angel of Death"
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
They lock up nicely, the brake has no stopping power, it is almost not adaptable with any fork, this brake is best use for XCers, gave me a ton of problems.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes 01" 02" 03" Comps
Bike Setup:
Giant Team DH 00"
Bottom Line:
The brakes are best use for XC where there is not that much force put on them. DO NOT USE THESE BRAKES FOR DH! The front brake exploded when I gave it a squeeze to slow me down, thus ending up in a bent roder and a shot day. >:(
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
omer ahmed
a Downhiller
from bristol Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
forest of deam
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
bike shed scotland
Strengths:
These c2 used to be $320 or £210 pounds. the price has been cut to £135 which makes it a bargin.n POWER! POWER! POWER! parts availability is not to bad eithier.
Weaknesses:
none. why.
Similar Products Used:
haynes. magura. shimano.
Bike Setup:
orange evo 2 with hope 195 at front ant 165 disc a rear.
Bottom Line:
Lord have mercy on those that pully the leaver willy-nilly. over the bars they go, and not able to live to see another day they do. soooo strong r these brakes that stoppnig from 35mph (50kph) takes about 10 feet. i managed to lift the rear tyre 2 feet of the ground coming down the road from 30mph, and that was in the first to days of use. if a novice can do that think what kind of accrobatics a intermidiate can do. in the wet they r to powerful. rain, mud etc does not affect these.
i think it should be a crime to buy any other disc brakes.
these r so powerful i think they many be able to even stop Usama Bin LADEN. now there is a thought for u to think about.
buy these. THey look bloody good to on a bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Beverley
a
from rugby, uk Date Reviewed: May 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
halfords
Strengths:
powerful, easy to adjust, look good
Weaknesses:
dont seem to like the rain too much
Similar Products Used:
formula discs
Bike Setup:
lts 2000, magura rim rear and C2 front brakes, XT/LX, mavic d521, azonic,kore, club roost, rock shox, bomber z1 bits
Bottom Line:
a good brake system from hope, fairly easy to set up and maintain etc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dirc Khan-Evans
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey Hills, UK Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hidden trails on Leith Hill
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction Cycles
Strengths:
Never got as far as usin' 'em
Weaknesses:
Tried to fit onto a Trek 8000 (year 2000) using the special adapter for Hayes Chainstay fitting. However, it didn't quite fit, so I had to return it.
Similar Products Used:
Installed a mini on the front.. yet to use in anger!
Bike Setup:
Upgraded everything when it all wore out.. which was a lot sooner than expected... SRAM 9.0SL shorties and gears Race Face Chainrings Mavic disc rims XT Hubs
Bottom Line:
Hope have been very helpful and this alone is worth the money. However, my retro bike just doesn't seem to want a disc brake on the back, so I might have to revert to V-brakes, unless anyone has any suggestions...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dirc Khan-Evans
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey Hills, UK Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hidden trails on Leith Hill
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction Cycles
Strengths:
Never got as far as usin' 'em
Weaknesses:
Tried to fit onto a Trek 8000 (year 2000) using the special adapter for Hayes Chainstay fitting. However, it didn't quite fit, so I had to return it.
Similar Products Used:
Installed a mini on the front.. yet to use in anger!
Bike Setup:
Upgraded everything when it all wore out.. which was a lot sooner than expected... SRAM 9.0SL shorties and gears Race Face Chainrings Mavic disc rims XT Hubs
Bottom Line:
Hope have been very helpful and this alone is worth the money. However, my retro bike just doesn't seem to want a disc brake on the back, so I might have to revert to V-brakes, unless anyone has any suggestions...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Ledyard, CT Date Reviewed: May 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
modulation, power, lever throw adjustment, lever reach adjustment
Weaknesses:
price, but you get what you pay for
Similar Products Used:
Grimeca system 8, Coda, Hayes hydros, avid cable
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyll
Bottom Line:
These are the best disc brakes I have ever used. They are expensive and It is hard to find replacement parts to fix them but I would never give up the excelent modulation, DH brake power and lever adjustibilty that they offer. I have rebled them once and it was a easy process. If you are like me and prefer the adjustability of a closed system hydro disc, this brake offers all the bells and whistles. I think it is the best disc brake money can buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne
a Downhiller
from nottingham, uk Date Reviewed: April 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
sssshhhh. It's a secret
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
work
Strengths:
Amazing Power, Great looks, British made, Easy to set up and great customer service(Cheers for all the help Woody)
Weaknesses:
Braided hosing rubs paint off and I have been told it can damage your frame(superlight XC frames).
Similar Products Used:
Hope XC4, DH4, E4, Open2, Minis, Hayes, Magura Clara, Louise and Gustav M plus so many cable disc I have forgot.
Bike Setup:
Revell Hardtail with loads of cool bits.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are the best in the world for people who do a bit of everything, not massively heavy and very reliable(no bleeding or adjustment since fitting, just a bit of cleaning). I used to work with Hope products everyday in my previous job and wolud recommend them to everyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a
from leicester, england Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
hope themselves
Strengths:
great looking adjustable great lever design better value than hayes reliable and gutwrenching power for a 2 pot brake. pads are cheap and easy to fit/remove
Weaknesses:
caliper is wide so alignment issues can be faced.
Similar Products Used:
magura julie, hope enduro 4/m4
Bike Setup:
kona kula, stock except for hope c2s and hope bulbs /x317 rims.
Bottom Line:
the best all round disc brake money can buy, simple as that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joE
a Weekend Warrior
from Mansfield ,England Date Reviewed: March 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
second hand
Strengths:
adjustability is useful for setting desired lever travel and adjusting the pad wear look pimp powerful simple to maintain comfy lever
Weaknesses:
had a few alignment problems, but that was to do with the frame itself.
Similar Products Used:
hope enduro 4 (on the front of my bike) magura julie, louise hayes HFX, Purple shimano deore hydro
Bike Setup:
kona stuff, judy race (2000), blackspire chain device, hope enduro 4 front/hope c2 rear brakes,shimano disc hubs on sun rhyno lites, tioga 2.3 DH kevlar tyres, etc etc
Bottom Line:
though i havent had it for long, im already well impressed with its power, adjustability and how it can look good on any bike.as i bought it second hand, i had to change the old pace fitment caliper to an IS caliper (which was luckily included with it).it was ridiculously simple. Hopes customer care is second to none as well. well worth the £70 that i paid. 5/5
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonathan
a Weekend Warrior
from bristol Date Reviewed: March 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
browns folly
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
dave bater
Strengths:
I thought these were too heavy but read the reviews of other discs... These breaks do not fail and they do not cause the horrendous screaching of the minis. You can adjust travel which is very nice (but be careful overheating is not the biggest problem you will be made aware of this - it is cooling and suddenly finding you have no brakes left that is dangerous). These brakes work and if you do a bit of lonesome onesome biking then get these.
Weaknesses:
weight - minis are lighter but make big noise1
Similar Products Used:
v breaks
Bike Setup:
giant xtc hope synchros kore easton &c
Bottom Line:
Great for minimal hassle and great reliability. If your bike is on a diet and you have ear plugs then minis may be better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin Benn
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Cotswolds
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Awsome power and looks, fine piece of engineering. If you like these you should check out the latest M4's which replace the enduro and DH4's. I have these on my other bike and they rock !.
Once youve tried these there is no going back. I know Hayes have a large market share in the states, but if you fancy something different I would strongly recommend these. Built to last, nicely machined and well made.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JIm
a
from kansas Date Reviewed: January 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Landahl
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
mtbr
Strengths:
Powerfull, looks, lever feel
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
hayes, margura
Bike Setup:
Bullit, raceface, xtr, hope, Z-1
Bottom Line:
Very nice quality. The rear rotor rubs on my 2000 bullit when under stress. They look sweet. Exelcent customer service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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