The new Enduro 4 replaces last years successful DH4. Even though the brake has been slimmed down and lost over 60g in weight it still retains its awesome braking power. The caliper features 4 pistons operating 4 separate pads and is supplied with a pro lever. The brake is an open system. The 74mm post mount (200/1 Manitou) requires a special bracket and larger disc.
System type: Open
Lever type: Pro
Caliper No.'s: 3, 5 & 8
Standard Disc: 145, 165, 185 & 205mm
I bought them cheap on a whim from a bike shop in the US. Advertised as secondhand but complete and working I took a punt and $120 later they were mine. Bought some new rotors and a "hop-up" kit and I now have 4-pot 205/185 discs. And my GOD they're good.
The only thing I don't like about them is that the pads rub on the rotors slightly. It's more annoying than anything else and with my old Hope brakes (closed C2s/XC4s) you could adjust them to get rid of it; not possible on these ones but who cares when there's so much power on tap?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andy s
a Downhiller
from wirral Date Reviewed: December 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
llandegla, wales
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
already on my giant acid
Strengths:
amazing works in any conditions due to four pads in each caliper.
Weaknesses:
costly when you need new pads compared to other brakes, if you get good quality pads.
Similar Products Used:
avid juicy 5
Bike Setup:
giant acid
Bottom Line:
amazing bit costly
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oliver
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: May 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Wildside
Strengths:
very powerful, good modulation, looks
Weaknesses:
can be noisy (fixed by poring water over disc), master cylender scraches easily
very powerful brakes especially as they are quite a few years older than most of the brakes i've used, having said that the set i bought was new in 07 (old stock left in LBS). although there has been a slight ammount of squeal i fixed this by poring water over the discs (the squeal was caused by dust/salt) and upon advice from Hope replacing the standard pads with some newer sinistered pads provided free of charge by them, there is now no unwanted noise.
although the modulation is good it takes a little bit of getting used to, when they were first fittd i found i was constanly locking up but after about a weeks riding i had them dialed.
I'd recomend them to any rider, although i have only the rear brake for DJ i have used the same bike for bothe singletrack and DH and even with just the one i am stopping fast than most of the group who are using hydros
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jens no way stalker
a Racer
from kamloops b.c. Date Reviewed: January 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
kamloops bike ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
from this dude in the buy and sell
Strengths:
power and looks (4 piston!!!!!!!!!!!!)fitted perfectly on ma bike
Weaknesses:
loud, very loud!
Similar Products Used:
shimano mech,hayes purple,stupid v brakes off super cycle
Bike Setup:
04 kona shred,roox torque dh bar,dury grips,2.6 stout tires,2002 z1 drop off(20mm),single tracks and hope enduro4s
Bottom Line:
i am 11 year old and i love to bike it fun,fun ,fun. i like hope disk brakes they make me happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol Date Reviewed: December 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
2nd hand
Strengths:
Awesome power, great modulation, look pretty damn cool
Weaknesses:
Pistons need cleaning and lubing (with brake fluid) every so often or they stick, as least one pad per caliper rubs at any one time though you can't hear it when riding, rear heats up on long descents
Similar Products Used:
Minis, M4s
Bottom Line:
Really impressive brake and, considering how old they are, extremely reliable. Power is in the "glad I wear glasses or I'd have been picking my eyes up off the trail" league, but really useable even in slimy muddy conditions (which is 10mths of the year here). Brakes used to howl a bit, but stick a coke can cut out with grease on the pad side onto the back of each pad cured this. I'm considering retiring these for some Juicys in the future (bit lighter, bit more adjustable), but I ain't exactly in a hurry!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oli Lewis
a Weekend Warrior
from Wiltshire, UK Date Reviewed: April 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$7100.00
Purchased At:
Second hand
Strengths:
Great! Light (for the size and power of it) Total lock up with one finger ease, yet still has more modulation (and consistent moulation at that) than any V brake) Quality Customer Service Looks
Weaknesses:
RRP prices are quite high, but it is a damn quality bit of kit. I am very lucky to have got mine 2nd hand off a mate for a bargain price of £70, thats 1/2 retail.
Similar Products Used:
Hope minis, Avid Arch rivals, deore mech disks.
Bike Setup:
Custom Saraen mad trials, tough guy forks, hope hubs, hope headset, race face cranks, easton bars.
Bottom Line:
Got this on the back of my trials bike (185mm disk) and my only concern is breaking the disk tabs, which i will resign to happening eventually. I love the feel modulation and reliable power too much to go back to Vs or maggies.
I liked my Avid when it worked, but it was often inconsistent, needed lots of cleaning- especially through the british winter, and i had to keep my wheel straight otherwise i had lots of rub.
This has given me more power and modulation, and i dont think ive gained too much wieght as i was runnign a hefty booster any way.
I was skeptical about gettin ghte old pro lever, as im used to the new mini levers on my other bike, but after riding it for a while i actually really like it. nice broad flat blade. feels good and solid, even with a lot of pressure when im up on the back wheel.
I have had no noise problems with mine so far, very slight ocasional squeling, no where near as bad as my mins though. try a dab of copper greae behind the pads. that usually quietens things down a bit.
A fine looking confidence inspiring brake.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Cook
a
from York Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
dalby forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
second hand for front and rear pair
Strengths:
These are wicked brakes. they are easy to fit and easy to change the pads. the stopping power is amazing even before being bed in. After being bed in they are unbelieveable. 1 finger stops you fine but 2/3 fingers means you're over the bars.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
magura hs33's deore v's magura gustav disc's
Bike Setup:
cuda 03 frame dj2's f519 on xt disc hubs hope e4's
Bottom Line:
bloody excellent brakes!!!! go and buy some now!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil Baxter
a Weekend Warrior
from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Coed Y Brenin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes
Strengths:
Awesome power, great looks.
Weaknesses:
Insufficient slow speed modulation. Piston resistance to movement is not equal on each side of the caliper, causing the disc to deflect rather than the pads to centralise. Very loud screeching, unless cleaned every 10 minutes. Always seems to be a bit of stray brake fluid around master cylinder/levers
Similar Products Used:
Hayes
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit, Set up as Free-ride, Junior T's, 185mm discs on Hope BigUns.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are at home on fast down hill work. The brakes do not modulate well at slow speed on loose or muddy surfaces. These brakes come on with aggresive power which can catch you out. A very light feel is required to keep things from turning nasty on twisty steep technical single track, AKA North Wales. Great for stoppies though! The mis-match of piston movement resistance is a pain in the a.se. Once the caliper is centralised about the disc the free moving pistons should allow the pads to come in to touch the disc with equal force and then retract to the correct distance to ensure no rubbing.....no chance! One pair of pistons on one side of the caliper come out, pushing the disc to one side(even with BigUns), way before the other pair move. Result one pair of pads miles from disc, the other pair rubbing. This can be temporarily cured by wedging the disc so that it can not be pushed to one side, this will force the remaining two pistons to move out, voila! All this I can live with, but not the squeeling, I think I have tried everything(cleaning,pad change, copper lease on back of pad etc etc), at most, the cure works for a day. If anyone knows a long term solution to this problem, please mail me at: neilcbaxter@btinternet.com The noise has pi..ed-off myself and anyone who's ridden with me. If I cannot find a cure I'm getting a pair of Hayes (I already have some on a Trek VRX 500, look c..p, work well, silent-brilliant!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Collins Date Reviewed: April 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Downhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Already mounted on used bike
Strengths:
Modulation, Power, Look sweet (we all know it counts!)...
Weaknesses:
Centering the rotor b/t the pads is time consuming and tedious. Stock Pads Squeel like a stuck pig! Seriously... My friends were threatening to stop riding with me if I didn't stop the noise... Also a little heavy, but I'm not a weight weenie when it comes to stopping power.
Similar Products Used:
Only rim brakes. No other disc brakes tried...
Bike Setup:
Titus Loco-Moto
Bottom Line:
These brakes rock! Modulation is awesome and power is sick! I've had success eliminating the squeeling with some automotive disc brake squeel-stop applied to the back of the pads (b/t the pad and piston). EBC green replacement pads also seem to have eliminated the noise (less metal in the pad compound). Another note: the hollow bottom of my Marzocchi X-Fly sliders seemed to act as a resonance chamber increasing the noise these brakes produced. Problem solved with a little pipe insulation stuffed in there...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria BC Date Reviewed: March 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Fairfield Bicycle Shop
Strengths:
Great modulation, powerful, beautiful machining, Made in UK.
Weaknesses:
Can be finicky to set up. Hayes are nicer to setup. Initial brake howl(Cured).
Similar Products Used:
Hayes 6" and 8", Clara, Louise, Avid Mech.
Bike Setup:
Joker, Super,etc
Bottom Line:
Shim set up pretty straight forward but took a couple of rides to stop zinging. I had real trouble with brakes howling but Mike at NRG(great Company) gave me warranty pads no charge(EBC). That silenced them. I rode them for nearly 2 years trouble free then installed the new piston upgrade kit which reduces the distance between lever stop and engagement positions.They are really tuned and snappy now. They are more consistent than any of my hayes were and less susceptible to pad contamination, hayes seem sensitive to even touching the rotors.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
North Shore biker
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything on Fromme
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Airbomb
Strengths:
They work very well but only when they feel like it. Brake squeal is annoying but you get used to it.
Weaknesses:
Unbelivably finiky to get working properly. I found that generally after 1-3 rides, they would need to be adjusted because of brake fade. I had them bled three times by a LBS who deals with Hopes but the problems continue. I even shipped them back to hope and although they replaced the piston unit in both brakes, the brake fade problems continue. I give up.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes.
Bike Setup:
2002 SC Bullet with 5th element shock, super Ts, WTB laser disc wheels, etc.
Bottom Line:
They are expensive and finiky as hell. Definitely not worth the ridiculous price tag. Believe me, the slighly added power of the four pistons does not make up for the fact that you'll be constantly trying to fix them after every ride! Go buy a set of Hayes. You'll be glad you did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Herb neumann
a Downhiller
from cresskill n.j. usa Date Reviewed: February 16, 2003
unreliable have blown a few master cylinder seals(lever) on DH runs (plattekill) so they were retired to a lesser freeride xc (mountaincycle dhs with triple)
Similar Products Used:
Purple hayes and older hopes
Bike Setup:
They were on my Karpiel Armagedon but i replaced them with Purple hayes
Bottom Line:
I had mounting bolts back out of my hopes with in a 100 yyards of getting off the lift, unexplainable, they were tight (though not locktited) it happened twice on different days and later, on both days, the master cylinder blew out it's seal(under the boot) on the lever. I switched to purple hayes with braided steel line and have had zero problems. I think the hopes are over leveraged, all the pistons in the system are smaller and less fluid is in the brakes,creating more pressure and temperature on the seals,i demoted them to my mountain cycle which is a less intensly ridden bike more cross countryish ,less stree is on the brakes now, so they hold up fine,i have a few levers to send back to hope(i own more than one set), the loosening bolts? possibly some sort of vibration,though it was inaudible,i didn't have a squeeling problem. I machined my own adaptor for my shiver and i have a 2003 monster t that will bolt the Hayes right up. In back i just built my own floating set up,that's truely bad ass and stays on the bike during wheel removal( brake therapy's don't) Don't use Hopes for DH if you ride really hard,or think you might.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cobbs
a Weekend Warrior
from London, Kent, England Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$235.00
Purchased At:
WWW.UKBIKESTORE.CO.UK
Strengths:
Smooth as... Great Control... Loads of power (3 fingers will see the rear end over your head...NICE!!. But thnx to superb modulation, major head crunching was avoided) you simply cant go wrong, bought these on the reviews here, 1 year down the line im still smiling :) worth every penny paid.
Weaknesses:
When bolting discs on, advise that you use a criss cross pattern with the bolts, otherwise discs dont line up properly, and gastly squilling and rubbing occurs. Managed to get rid of it when i bolted the discs on correctly.
Similar Products Used:
AVID Mechanical Disc brakes. formula mechanical 99' disc brakes.
Best brakes i have ever had the privillage to use. Easy to set up. plenty of spacers of different sizes to line it up perfectly over the disc. changing of pads is an absolute doddle compared to my old formula mechanicals, had to dismantle the whole brake everytime pads needed changing.With these pull out pins slip the old pads out put new pads in put pins back in and away we go...smashing! 235 pounds for front and back including 185mm discs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerym YO-Mama
a Downhiller
from NZ Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
krankin.co.nz
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$10000000000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
POWER- bloody strong, one finger nose manuals, one finger skids
LOOKS - pretty sweet, machined finish too
MODULATION - Consistant
NOISY - lets people know when you are coming and scares the elderly
Weaknesses:
NOISY - lets people know when you are coming and scares the elderly
takes a while to bleed all the air out of them when setting up
expensiv
Similar Products Used:
6" hayes, 6" XT, 8" Gustav, 6" grimeca
Bike Setup:
02 avanti D8 , boxxers 205mm rotor
Bottom Line:
i am the man
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: December 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Powerful with excellent Modulation. Beautiful CNC work.
Weaknesses:
Noisy. Fade on long downhill runs. Heavier and most expensive than Hayes. Must purchase, disassemble and rebuild caliper half to change rotor size.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Hydro, Grimeca System 8
Bike Setup:
Titus Switchblade / 185mm front / 165mm rear / '03 Marzocchi Z.1 FR QR20+
Bottom Line:
Mostly good brakes, but they nearly got me killed on the Moab Rim trail. I had severe fade (nearly zero braking while gripping as hard as I could) on the last 3/4 mile of the trail. This is a very steep trail, but I can't believe that DH racers can use this brake safely. I would like to upgrade to the 205/185 rotor size, but I can't without disassembling the calipers and spending $140 on new caliper halves. I will be replacing the brake fluid with some Motul RBF 600 and will post a follow-up if it helps. I am also thinking about buying the Grimeca 20mm spacer kit from Gravity Racing just to see if it would work to allow me to run a 205mm rotor on the front. I am nervous about the spacer because there is very little clearance between the M4 caliper and the rotor bolts on my front hub. I'm worried that the extra leverage when mounted further out could allow the caliper to twist and make contact with the rotor bolts. Marzocchi must not have been thinking too clearly when they made the '03 fork legs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Edwards
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
www.ukbikestore.co.uk
Strengths:
VERY powerful, easy to setup and VERY powerful
Weaknesses:
I have got a slight leak around my leaver resluting in a spongy leaver but now i have bleed them they are perfect again
Similar Products Used:
HS-33, Formula B4's and v brakes
Bike Setup:
Club Roost Stinger Evo with 2002 bomber z1 mcr hope enduro 4 on front hs-33 on back lx/xt groupset
Bottom Line:
very powerful brake. i would recomend spending a few extra quid on these rather than the b4's because there is no compairson.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
speedy
a Weekend Warrior
from sydney Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Modulation - I lock up about 1/100th of the times I used to with V-brakes. Precision control - have now discovered how to balance the bike through corners using the rear brake - somehow corrects any slight mis-balancing when setting up a corner. Consistency - has always had the same feel/power, which is very important. I can't imagine needing more power. These brakes are probably overkill for their application (me: 73kg, bike: 25lbs) Zero maintenance, other than cleaning to try to reduce noise - see below
Weaknesses:
major prob (for me): Noisy. more noise if not cleaned, or if wet. makes people jump on the street. almost given up hope of silencing them. suggestions please. minor ones: Springs that retract pads are badly designed and don't really work that well - makes it hard when putting the wheel back in the frame (would be near impossible in the dark), and pads drag (only very slightly though, but make noise sometimes). can't adjust pads/lever for personal preference - I find the lever travel to be little too much (can't fit index finger between squeezed lever and bar when lever reach is adjusted where I like) These brakes make it hard for me to ride other bikes - find them dangerous now - too used to my brakes.
Given that I've never had any other disc brakes (other than on my 4-stroke enduro), it is hard to have an opinion on these (i.e. vs other mtb discs), but compared to V-brakes, well.... I don't think I could go back now. In addition to weekend trail riding, I put some slicks on, and commute to work every weekday in pretty heavy (and angry) traffic (anyone ridden on the road in Sydney?). To go back to "normal" brakes now, would probably get me into some major trouble (and pain) unless I made some major adjustments to my traffic dodging riding style. The power of these is unreal, and extremely consistent in all conditions. The modulation is excellent, and I always know exactly when a tyre is about to lock. I'm getting used to having the option of grabbing a handful mid-corner, knowing that I won't have any lock-ups, on any surface. I am now going LOTS faster (on and off road), on washed out surfaces, going into corners at crazy speeds. Haven't come to grief at speed since I've had these (it'll hurt a lot more when I do though).
The performance of these brakes cannot be disputed, that's for sure. I don't know about the others though (gustav, hayes).
But I just wish there was some way I could quiet them down a bit. I've already changed the pads (EBC ones, can't remember which colour) but that didn't work. It seems that if I clean them (alcohol), it takes away the loud shrieking noise, but the (quieter) squeaking still remains. If anyone has any suggestions about other pads etc, that would be very wellcome. These brakes have been set up properly. I'm also thinking about gluing/gooing the pads to the pistons with hi-temp solvent, in case the pads are vibrating (will also help with retraction problem).
I was thinking about getting mini's but heard all the good things about hope's open 4 piston system (enduro), so I got the new M4's instead - they don't weigh that much more than mini's. Maybe the mini's might have been quiter though.
I'd have no hesitation in giving them 5 chillis, except for the noise (I like a quiet bike).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Mercer Island, WA, USA Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
preston
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$165.00
Strengths:
Review for M4- Incredible power, great modulation, zero drag, good looks, tons of machining, lever feel, one-finger braking...always
Weaknesses:
A touch of lever flex, wicked squeal
Similar Products Used:
Hayes 6 and 8inch,
Bike Setup:
Spec Enduro Pro, m4 front and rear, xtr throughout, thompson, monkeylite, king
Bottom Line:
You cannot find a more powerful brake than the hope. Period. Takes sometime to get set-up drag free, but then maintains itself. If you can't handle squealing brake, do not buy these brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philip Onslow
a Downhiller
from United Kingdom Date Reviewed: October 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Red route at Peebles, Scotland
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Mark Anthony Cycles
Strengths:
AWESOME power, great modulation, solid CNC parts (no plastic here!), good value, hassle-free, look GREAT!
Weaknesses:
None really, but they can squeal like pigs sometimes and the rotors are a bit thin (keeps the weight down though)
Similar Products Used:
Magura Julie, Shimano XT, Formula MD1 cable discs, Top Gun cable discs
Bike Setup:
custom BMB Special built for me by my frame supplier, 6" rear travel, 7" front from Top Gun inverted forks, Hope M4 brakes, SRAM 7.0 drivetrain with Truvativ crankset (no Shimano anywhere on this bike!)
Bottom Line:
Firstly these are the M4 brakes, the replacement for the Enduro 4. The new Mini lever looks and feels better than the old Pro and works better with my GripShift. Unlike the Enduro the leading pistons in the caliper are smaller than the trailing, meaning less squealing (the Enduro sounded hideous!). I run 205mm and 185mm rotors - after using these EVERYTHING else feels hopeless! Shimano XT for example just doesn't have the power - the M4s lend a new meaning to one-finger braking! Hope's feel, construction quality and customer service is legendary, and at £120 per wheel they are cheaper than all the other DH discs out there. If you do DH then you should be using this brake - nothing else comes close for power and feel, and they are light (ish) into the bargain!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Bilsland
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: October 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Quantocks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Ralph Colman Cycles
Strengths:
Light Looks amazing Great lever Good price Hope aftersales
Weaknesses:
Looooooooong break in period...
Bike Setup:
I-drive w/ Psylo and Hope/F510 wheels
Bottom Line:
These brakes are the best you can buy. Obviously you yanks dont think the M4 exists but when you get it, it has an even better lever (Mini) and it's even lighter. It owns Hayes/Shimano on price, looks and aftersales service. I see all these american bikes with Hayes brakes and to be honest I think your all a little dumb. Hope M4s are the best XC disc brake you can buy. Minis might be lighter and look cool, but the M4 is hardly any heavier and it has 4 pistons. It decimates all - look at Steve Peat. UCI World Cup champ and he did it with Hope.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler
a Cross Country Rider
from Glasgow, Scotland Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$420.00
Purchased At:
Internet
Strengths:
Excellent braking power and and strength. Somwhat light for a 4 piston downhill disc brake.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Hydro, Shimano XT, Hope DH4.
Bike Setup:
Norco VPS1, Monster T, Race Face North Shore Cranks, XT drivetrain. Hope bulb hubs.
Bottom Line:
These are the best free ride brakes period. They are much better then hayes or shimano or magura. I also have Hope Mini's on my XC bike and they are amazing. Hope only makes the highest quality equipment. Buy these brakes!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Fontana
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage, AK Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
hmmm, there's so many...
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
RTR
Strengths:
Exactly what I wanted. Tremendous, even stopping power. Hardly a squeal to be heard and works fine in mud, water, steep descents, etc.
Weaknesses:
Some seizing on hot days coming down the mountains. Generally fixable by adjusting the dial on the brakes.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes.
Bike Setup:
Turner O2, the "dream bike" build.
Bottom Line:
I'll never go back to padded brakes. Worth the trade off by having the extra weight. Oh, and don't touch hot rotors!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony Ratcliffe
a Weekend Warrior
from Bucks Date Reviewed: July 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any fast singletrack
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Merlin & Chain reaction
Strengths:
Power and workmanship
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy and care needed with set up. I found out when bleeding apply pressure to the brake lever before releasing the nipple, shut the nipple and release the lever. This purges bubbles from the system during the bleed.
Similar Products Used:
Formula B4's
Bike Setup:
Spesh Enduro 02, Marzocchi's. Set up as a trail / freerider.
Bottom Line:
The front brake bought in 2001 was totally superb from the off but I had to hunt down the rear as everyone now has the M4. The Enduro has quite a long cable run to the rear disc and I needed a new hose, the rear was spongey at first but after some advice on bleeding the brakes are now excellent. Weighing 90+ kilo's I really love these brakes, they have power and modulation in all situations. The rating is for the brakes and doesn't take into account the set up bother as I don't believe it is the brake manufacturers fault that this bike needs a longer hose.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kelly W
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
www.chainreactioncycles.com
Strengths:
Good Looker, built to last, and good parts availability.
Weaknesses:
It was leaking when I got them, rather weak on the first ride, coudn't even skid.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Mechanical discs.
Bike Setup:
DMR Sidekick, hayes mech disc on front, M4 on D321 at the rear end.
Bottom Line:
well, they were leaking when I got them, so I had to rebleed them, and made sure that the seal was properly sealed. It didn't come with the brake fluid since it was prebleed, so I had to supply my own. The lever feel was VERY mushy, but it might be because of my bad bleeding. As a consequence, I couldn't even lock the wheels. It looks beefy though, and hopefully after my next bleed and some more bedding, it'll be as powerful as all those other reviews says it was.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wakestar
a
from yorkshire Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
adel/chevin/ilkley
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
stif
Strengths:
power, modulation, excellant lever feel, look cool, mini lever is only hope lever i like, feel much better than c2's.
Weaknesses:
none so far, maybe occasional squealing that can be easily sorted.
Similar Products Used:
c2's, mechanical disks, mini's.
Bike Setup:
planet x easton rad, shivers 02's, m4 disc, single ring, xt, 24/7 bar/stem, bulb/521,
Bottom Line:
soo good!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dr Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Ulverston,Cumbria,England Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Birkrigg Common,Ulverston
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
leisure Lakes, Preston
Strengths:
I weight 235 Lbs and my bike weighs 30.5Lbs and these babies stop me so well I nearly loose my teeth!
They also look well trick.
They work really well in the rain and mud which is essential in the Lake District.
Low maintainance=more time riding=very good!
Weaknesses:
A bit noisy,but at least the ramblers get out of your way well in advance!
Similar Products Used:
Magura Julies(I actually prefered the HS33`s on my old bike to these)
Bike Setup:
2002 Marin Wolf Ridge(UK spec)with Z1 Fr`s,Hope Enduro 4`s, Mavic D321`s and Panracer Fire xcPro 2.1 rear tyre
Bottom Line:
Stop me like I weight as much as an Xc rider(and I don`t!).
Excellent modulation,no pump(they`re an open system)and did I mention thet they look well trick?
Buy some now and never worry about stopping again!!!
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Submitted by
Tony
a Downhiller
from London Date Reviewed: June 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Cycle centre
Strengths:
Looks, easy to set up, instant working, unbeliveable power
Weaknesses:
squeal sometimes
Similar Products Used:
V`s, Magura Louise, C2`s
Bike Setup:
Cortina DH8, Shiver DC, Hope hubs, D321`s, M4`s
Bottom Line:
This is a review for the M4`s. They are very easy to set up and works almost instantly. The power is awsome and they do look good, the machineing of the brakes is a work of art. I highly recommend thay you spend the cash, suits dh bikes better.
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Submitted by
Mad luke Mad
a Downhiller
from kent Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
pensherst or cliff face near me
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$123.00
Purchased At:
chainreaction
Strengths:
very powerfull need to be very carefull when first tried fliped me first time. good modulation no pump which is wicked for long downhill runs. easy to top up with oil and pritty easy to chang the pads.built like a brick nothing cold crack thease they would proberly crack your frame if its a s**t frame. leaver fell is good as well and did i say power!!!!!! also work better in wet work excellent in dry but even better in wet!!
Weaknesses:
squeal when break which is irritating when in town but not downhill cous u cant here it and it also tells you if your stopping if you got your eyes closed.if they do squeal just spray water on them that works.
very good no problem with them except when first brought had to send back caus front break was leaking but hope fixed it free of charge but do take long to send back. if you are in to extream free ride and dh like me thease beasts are for you.
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Submitted by
Per
a Cross Country Rider
from Sweden Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002
Power with control.(somewhat like riding an R motorcycle)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter John Leeds
a Weekend Warrior
from North Shore, BC Date Reviewed: May 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
All Shore
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Unbelievable power. Excellent modulation and lever feel. Easy to set up (if you read the directions). Incredible manufacuring quality (Hayes don't even come close)
Weaknesses:
I have only noticed the pads do a high pitched squeal when engaged, but I am looking how to fix this.
Similar Products Used:
Hope Pro2
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Dare/Boxxer/full Raceface/XTR bits
Bottom Line:
I have used Hope brakes for over 3 years, and actually these are the M4's, but they are no different than the Enduros. They are by far the best looking, working, setup and manufactured brakes, no comparison. Even on workmanship alone the cost could be higher and still be fair but the bottom line is this: if you choose other brakes you are not doing your homework. They are easy to install, service (I know this as I am my own mechanic) and use, and look first class. I don't understand how Hayes even competes but as PT Barnum stated "a sucker is born every minute." Now to go out and ride.
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Submitted by
Luke Blaber
a Downhiller
from Exmouth Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Holdon Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
singletrack
Strengths:
Amazing, Power, Power, Power these are the daddies of downhill freeride brakes, when i first got them i looked in the manual about the break in period and it said put water on them and ride around with them half on and after ten minutes i ahd fallen ovet the bars twice, these brakes are amazing and need no maintenance except pad changing
Weaknesses:
After i crashed at a bmx track the rear brake was pulled out of it's socket and both brakes have been poor ever since
Similar Products Used:
hs33's deore, lx, xt v's xt discs(they work but have no power)
Buy them and once they are working keep them in good nick and look after them
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big Boy
a Downhiller
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$410.00
Purchased At:
www.unrealcycles.com
Strengths:
power, Power, POWER. OMG i can't believe it, MUCH better than my magura louis' (no offense to maggi lovers, they work for xc) read the good stuff at the bottom line section.
Weaknesses:
they have so much power that when i didn't use lock-tite they almost tore loose.
Similar Products Used:
nothing that can compare to this
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth joker, Hope enduro 4's, bunch of other sweet stuff.
Bottom Line:
Ok i got these brakes a few hours ago, and my friends show'd up. I spent awhile setting them up but it wasn't that hard, just figuring out which washers to use since they come with 40million types. I got them on and my rear brake wasn't working and my front was kidna weak. So i open up the manual and i adjust the lever to go out further and VOILA. Instantly work 100% better. It doesn't even seem like they needed mroe than a down the hill break-in period. I squeezed my front like i always do to rock back onto my rear tire and do some hops and i almost flew over the handlebars because i didn't expect it to lock up that well. THESE THINGS ARE MASSIVE. I got them and almsot fell over from the size. Its no wonder they work that well. These are by far the best brakes ever. They even look better than any other brakes as well. I just can't say enough good things about these brakes. Just get them if your reading this post and the others and thinking about maybe getting these or hayes for something i'd would have to tell you to get these. It's worth the extra cash.
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Submitted by
Percy
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchuch,New Zealand Date Reviewed: April 13, 2002
98 kona stab,Stratos mx6,hope enduro front,c2 rear,mavic d321's.
Bottom Line:
They rock,after the short break in,only 2 runs cos im about 95kgs(210lbs)theyre AWESOME!!!! Ive never had a problem with hopes,no leaks,no warped disks,nothing. They are the best manufactured brakes out there,beutifull cnc machining,first rate finishing,and as I run a cnc mill myself I should know,ehh?? If you can get them,do it cos you wont regret spending the coin!!!!
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Submitted by
James Hughes
a
from England Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Freeriding/dirt/SPEED
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
looks, feel, power, power power, did i metion power???
Weaknesses:
sqeak and shudder in the break in period, really fidly to centre and set up.
Similar Products Used:
Avid v's, the DH4
Bike Setup:
Marin Quake 7.0, hope hubs, discs, mavic rims, DMR stuff....i could go on but i cant be arsed!
Bottom Line:
One top class piece of kit to aid stoppin. even tho they do more than aid stoppin, they do stop ya dead. New users be careful, cos thats how good they are!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laurence Baker
a Weekend Warrior
from Cowes, Isle of Wight, England Date Reviewed: March 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Tennyson Trail - Isle of Wight
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
Extreme Cycles
Strengths:
Like any other disc brake it works in the mud. It's well engineered and the staff @ Hope are very helpful.
Weaknesses:
Had to bleed my rear brake after 3 months
Bike Setup:
Marin Wolf Ridge
Bottom Line:
This beaut will stop you. I am much more confident and faster downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam D'Urso
a Downhiller
from Winchester, England Date Reviewed: March 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bar end
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
chainreactioncycles.com
Strengths:
Spanking looks, exquisite power, perfect modulation, manic low price (£125!!!), cool name, never pump up (ever), non-american made (british engineering!!!)
Weaknesses:
one of my mates has broken the hub he bolted his to!
Similar Products Used:
Magura Clara (yuk!)
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Dare (do I need to say more?!)
Bottom Line:
everything about these brakes is incredible. You could buy some Haynes for £205 over here and there not as good as the Hopes. They never pump up, they look absolutly spanking on the bike (lightning strikes on the disc rotor!!!) and will always stop you, as long as your tyre can grip the dirt. Make sure you threadloc everything, however, 'cos otherwise the sheer power can wrench the disc free. Can I give it six chillies for value?!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Downing
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: March 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
dangerous, steep, long and no uphills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
TWO WHEELS (england)
Strengths:
Looks, power, power, power, power, looks, lever feel, modulation
GET THESE BRAKES THEY LOOK THE BOLLOX, THEY STOP U LIKE U HAVE HIT A BRICK WALL. WORTH EVERY PENNY, ROB UR GRANNY FOR THE MONEY JUST BUY SOME NOW.
DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW 2 STOP THEM SQUEEKING I HAVE CONTACTED HOPE AND THEY TOLD ME TO CLEAN THEM WITH METHS WHICH WORKED FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES. PLEASE HELP ME AND CONTACT ME AT andysredmini@hotmail.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke B
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anything Fast
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$335.00
Purchased At:
Two Wheels (england)
Strengths:
Absolutely Awesome braking power with the 205mm front and 180mm rear combination, meaning you can ride faster and smoother then with inferior brakes. They are very reliable once set up correctly and the modulation at the lever is great. Quite a light weight aswell. Excellent British Engineering.
Weaknesses:
Can take a while to set up correctly. You have to be careful as theres so much power at hand that the brakes can lock up very easily. sometimes thay make a bit of noise, but nothing a good clean doesnt solve.
Similar Products Used:
Hope C2's, hayes
Bike Setup:
Scott octane 2002, Marzocchi Z1's, hope, mavics etc.
Bottom Line:
If your looking for some of the best brakes available these are the ones, get some if youve got the spare cash.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CC Li
a Downhiller
from Fremont Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Strengths:
Power, Look, feel, did I say power....
Weaknesses:
No found yet
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, XT disk
Bottom Line:
This is one powerful brake and it is made very well. Same as the XT disk - a 4 piston system, the stopping power in my opinion is more powerful. It also has a very good feel to the lever. I like it a lot. However, since its soo powerful, I am a bit afraid to "screeze" it all the way, but this is one goooood brake!
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Submitted by
fred fishlock
a Downhiller
from england Date Reviewed: February 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
can't tell
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
stif.co.uk
Strengths:
very strong. reliable. definately worth buying if you have enough money
Weaknesses:
screws attaching disc to hub came lose within a month and ripped my hub to bits!!!!!!but i didn't use loctite.
Similar Products Used:
HOPE MINIS
Bike Setup:
planet-x rad z4s enduros
Bottom Line:
great brake system a little heavy but worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reuben
a Weekend Warrior
from Hertford, England Date Reviewed: February 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Aston Hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Marshalls Cycles, Hertford
Strengths:
High quality, well engineered, very powerful, excellent heat dissipation, look very nice, good lever feel, come fully bled, easy to get replacement parts, work well in nearly all conditions, cables won't scratch your frame, comprehensive range of disc sizes.
Weaknesses:
Not weaknesses as such but can be a bit fiddly to set up and my front hose came ridiculously long.
This is a great brake and I really would recommend it to anyone. Its probably a bit heavy for XC racing but if you're looking for a reliable, powerful no compromise brake and you don't mind a small weight penalty then this is the brake for you. Pricewise it compares very favourably to Hayes but is a bit more expensive than the Shimano 4 pot offering. However having used both I'd say its probably worth the extra cash if only for the feel of the lever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete Austin
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
pinchflat
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Bike Treks
Strengths:
It stops you. Looks good and is made by a company that knows how to help in times of great need.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Magura hs22, xt V's, old canti's.
Bike Setup:
See stinky deelux 99 review.
Bottom Line:
These brakes do exactly what they say on the tin. In all weathers (except horizontal rain) and on all terrain you can be confident these little beuties will do the buissnes. They look coll with the laser lightning on the discs instead of holes too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Warner
a Weekend Warrior
from Leicestershire Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
sherwood pines dual descender
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Dave Hinde cycles
Strengths:
Fat looks-lightning strike cut outs on the discs, get lever feel, sturdy caliper and fully bled ready to be put straight onto the bike. loads of different sizes of disc and caliper halves.
Weaknesses:
Slightly too heavy for some, can give a little drag. Takes time to set up the allignment when bought (but not that long).
Similar Products Used:
Hope XC4, Shimano XT, Avid mechanical, Formula evo.
Bike Setup:
1999 GT XCR 4000 with 2002 psylo sl, enduro 4 front and rear, full shimano LX groupset, Mavic X317cd front rim laced to black Hope XC hub, Mavic F219 black rear rim laced to black Hope XC hub.
Bottom Line:
Buy them if you're thinking of getting some powerful disc brakes for Trail riding, Downhill, Duel and Singletrack. If you're an XC rider check out the Hope Mini's. Great reliability comes standard with all Hope disc brakes and makes the bike look FAT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joE
a Weekend Warrior
from Nottingham, England Date Reviewed: January 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
winstanleys
Strengths:
super cool looks power and feel makes hayes discs look like a joke sweet levers attention to detail is second to none many different calipers and discs availiable to suit other forks + hubs
those who want ultimate stopping power and control should buy these: they make hayes discs look profooundly lame and its closest rival,the magura gustav m is too expensive, but the discs are a bit thin, and can warp if overheated. however, hopes customer service is superb, as i warped my disc and sent it back, they sent me a new disc in just a few days 5/5
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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