The Pro Series mountain bike disc brake is the ultimate
evolution of our hydraulic stoppers. Using the feedback
given to us by our World Cup riders, we honed the Pro
Series Disc brake to previously unimaginable levels of
perfection. These brakes can handle the worst braking
conditions imaginable, from rain, to mud, to snow, to the
hopelessly outrun carcasses of your competition.
Submitted by
Jim Frost
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington, MA Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Bottom Line:
Quick update to my previous review:
The leakage I mentioned turned out to be a worn seal in the lever. It took about a week for my shop to get a new set of seals, not too bad. The seal package came with two sets.
Changing the seals was very easy except for getting the circlip that holds the piston assembly together removed. I didn't have a tool for that and used a pair of needle-nose pliers and some jeweler's screwdrivers; that took awhile. It took about a half hour to do the change (excluding the trips to the hardware store to pick up tubing for the bleed and needle nose pliers for the circlip) but now that I've done it once I could probably do it again in 10 to 15 minutes, no big deal. I'm getting pretty good at doing a full bleed, too.
It would be convenient if Hope provided step-by-step servicing instructions rather than just an exploded parts diagram (available on their website) but considering that only the occasional fork manufacturer has ever supplied me with even that much detail I probably shouldn't complain :-).
Regarding the bleed kit I mentioned before: You'll actually do better if you just get some vinyl tubing from your local hardware store since it's clear so you can see the bubbles. I spent 42 cents on the tubing versus $5 for the auto bleed kit and the tubing was easier to use. You can get a one-man bleed valve (about $11) to make it really easy, just pump the lever rather than open valve/pump/close valve/release (which is a little tedious).
Despite having to replace the seal, I still maintain my high rating due to low service requirements. One seal and a bleed in two years beats the tar out of my experience with cable brakes. You do want to get a circlip tool, though, it's rough to disassemble some of that stuff with needle nose pliers.
Lastly, after I posted my last review a Hope representative sent me a note indicating that for easy parts availability you can just call their 800 number or 909.769.1654 and order them yourself. Never had a vendor respond to me directly before, another plus.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Frost
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington, MA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Superb modulation, very consistent across a wide range of conditions, very reliable, easy to maintain
Weaknesses:
Expensive, parts hard to come by in the US
Similar Products Used:
Hayes hydraulic, Avid mechanical
Bike Setup:
Seven Sola (http://www.frostbytes.com/jimf/biking/seven)
Bottom Line:
This is a re-review after about two years of ownership. At this point I've run a maintenance cycle as well as putting the brakes through all conditions I typically ride, and a few serious workouts.
Basic comments: These brakes have superb modulation, better by far than Hayes or Avid. Ample power for all but extreme DH or trials work although it did take awhile for them to break in to take full advantage of it. I'd probably rate Hayes as having slightly more peak power but it's hard to tell because the character of the brakes is so different. The Avid mechanicals aren't even close (although I do prefer them to Vs).
Long-term issues: I've found that these brakes withstand the test of time very well. Rotors are still in superb shape after two years of riding through whatever mother nature threw at me. They've developed small amounts of rust near the hub, but not enough to be concerned about. I can't see or feel any warping. The front brake recently got to the point where it was almost bottoming with the adjuster all the way in. It just needed a fluid top-off. The rear still doesn't need it. I'm not sure why it needed more fluid, there was no apparent leak in the system, although the bleed valve bolt did need some teflon tape to prevent leakage during bleeding so perhaps the loss was in that area. Rear brake return got weak from dirt in the piston area (though never to the point of inducing rub). Removing the pads and cleaning the pistons up restored performance. I lost the front bleed valve cover at some point.
Bad conditions: I experienced no deterioration beyond a single rotation even when very wet or dirty, and it has to be really wet or dirty (think "hurricane" and "mudfest") to notice any deterioration at all. I never had any problems with icing. In poor conditions these are so much better than rim brakes (even ceramic sidewalls) that there is no fair comparison.
Heat issues: It's true that pump-up occurs with these brakes, but it turned out to be much less of a problem than I anticipated. Doing 3-5,000 foot descents down Brian Head I found the need to rotate the adjusters by about 1/4 turn to adjust for heat-up. I was never in danger of lock-up. The rotors get plenty hot and can burn to the touch. The stock brake pads develop a squeal when hot. I experience more variation in cold conditions than while doing DH; if it's below freezing the trip to the trails on top of my car results in noticable fluid contraction. In any case adjustment is no more than a 2 second affair and can easily be done while riding.
Maintenance pluses: DOT 5.1 fluid is cheap and easy to get. Since the bleed valve is compatible with automotive and motorcycling valves your typical "one man" auto bleed kit, available all over the place for a few bucks, works like a charm. Tools needed for typical maintenance are an 8mm spanner for the bleed valve, a mid-size adjustable wrench for the fluid reservoir, and needle nose pliers for the pad cotter pins. Pad changes are a matter of a couple of minutes: Just remove the cotter pins, slide out the old pads, slide in new ones, and replace the pins. Dreamy; even easier than cartridge Vs and so easy that rotating between different pad types as conditions change is no problem. Aside from the cotter pins wearing out from too much bending you could do it intra-ride on a regular basis if you wanted to. Rotor and pad cleaning is a snap with rubbing alcohol. The whole system is terrifically simple, elegantly designed, very easy to work on.
Maintenance minuses: DOT 5.1 fluid is mildly corrosive and it's likely you'll do some dripping or a little spraying, particularly when you remove the drain tube. It didn't seem to do anything to the paint on my fork, despite warnings that it could, but YMMV. I'd wear eye protection but I had no problems with the stuff on bare hands, I just washed them afterward. Fluid contact with brake pads destroys them so remove the pads and place them well out of the way. Clean everything with alcohol prior to replacing the pads.
In my previous review I knocked a chili off for the parts being a little hard to get. In this long-term review I give it back because you need parts so seldom and maintenance is so easy. I literally rode these things two years straight before I did anything to them beyond swabbing the rotors with alcohol after particularly muddy rides. Admittedly it was mostly weekend riding, plus a week of long descents in the Rockies, but I do lots of wet conditions riding that burns up V pads and rims and clogs cables. Going two years without needing any maintenance is an astounding accomplishment matched previously only by my Marzocchi Z.2 forks.
Summary: Superb function and reliability, remarkably infrequent and easy maintenance. Strongly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
omer ahmed
a Racer
from bristol. england Date Reviewed: December 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
UNI
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
BIKE SHED, SCOTLAND.
Strengths:
PARTS AVAILABILITY IS THE BEST OF ANY KNOWN DISC BRAKE. PERIOD. THINK SHIMANO, THINK HOPE PART AVAILABILTY IN THE U.K. LOOK NEARLY AS BEAUTIFUL AS PAGE 3 MODELS.
Weaknesses:
NONE. I PROMISE!
Similar Products Used:
NONE. DID NOT FEEL THE NEED 2. THE HYPE SURROUNDING THESE BABIES WAS ENOUGH. PEOPLE RAVE ON ABOUT THESE. HAYES HAVE A VERY BAD REP ON PARTS AND SET UP. THEY R A NITEMARE 2 SET UP.
Bike Setup:
ORANGE EVO 2 2001 MODEL. HOPE 195 DISC AT FRONT. AND 165 AT REAR. MY FORKS REQUIRE 195 ROTOR. NOTE NOT 185.
Bottom Line:
HAVE U HEARD OF BREMBO BREAKS. THE ARE IN FORMULA 1.IF HOPE ENTERED FORMULA 1, SCHMACHER WOULD DEMAND TO USE HOPES INSTEAD, THAT IS HOW GOOD THEY R. THE R SIMPLY BREATH TAKING. THE WAY THEY SLOW U DOWN FROM VELOCITY IS A LESSON IN LINEARITY. I REMEMBER DOING 35MPH / 48KMP ON DRY TARMAC. I MANAGED 2 LIFT THE REAR WHEEL FROM 30 MPH, AND KEEP IT IN THE AIR, YET SLOWING DOWN AT THE SAME TIME. THIS WAS IN THE FIRST 2 DAYS. THIS TELLS 2 THINGS 1) HOW POWERFUL THESE R 2) THAT THEY R RELLY CONTROLABLE. IF A ABSOLUTE NOVICE CAN BALANCE THE REAR WHEELS THEN WAT CAN A INTERMIDIATE RIDER DO. THIS WAS ON STANDARD PADS. AS FAR AS HEAT BUILD UP, WAT THE CRAP. IT IS HARDLY ANY. U ADJUST THEM BEFORE UR RIDE, AND FORGET.IF I COULD GIVE 10 CHILIS I WOOD.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric
a Cross Country Rider
from smoke'm if ya gott'm Date Reviewed: December 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
smooth lever feel.
Weaknesses:
they don't stop you. they leak. they pretty much suck.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, avid mech. lots o' v-brakes
Bike Setup:
Sacarcen Team DH (UK) Stratos fork, xtr shifter/deraillur, other dh stuff
Bottom Line:
these brakes were on a dh bike a borrowed from my local shop to go urban ridding the other night. they are an xc brake, so i guess they shouldn't have been as good at haouling the 55lb dh bike down, as say, hayes dh brakes, but here's the thing, they didn't work at all. the way the system is designed, if any air gets in the hose, the brakes are done. this happened while attempting a 30 mph manual over a large down hill. it ended up sucking. bottom line hope brakes = "hope you stop"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hv
a
from uk Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
power consistency ease of setup everything
Weaknesses:
none
Bottom Line:
superb power and performance. The guy below who couldn't brake in the wet must have a problem, what pads are you using? halfords own or something? I used these brakes at the dragon race at metabeif, that was so wet i was marshalled off the course and racing was postponed for a few hours. The brakes worked perfectly.
If mine can work in race conditions, down a world cup standard DH course in that weather (and the pads were a season old), and yours can't cope down the trails, i think your units may have some problems or you need to learn how to break properly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justen
a Cross Country Rider
from Dayton Oh Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very powerful. butter smooth. all around beautiful
Weaknesses:
not acessable locally for me
Similar Products Used:
everything
Bike Setup:
Rockey moantain frame. Hope pro's brakes and hubs, Race face lp cranks, xtr 9 sp shifters/derailers/cassette, Kore elite stem + post, Chris King headset
Bottom Line:
i ordered them online and had a little trouble with the company getting my order right, but when i called Hope they were scarily friendly and helpful. Outstanding customer care, which speaks well for the whole product. I've finally found a brand that i will hold onto for my mt. biking career. highly recomended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris m
a
from kiddeminster,worcestershire,englang Date Reviewed: May 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
bewdley jumps
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Halfords Bikehut
Strengths:
Good power, modulation. good spares back up. Can get personalized rotors (discs).Easy to bleed, backwards or properly (backwards quicker).reassuringly expensive isshhh!
Weaknesses:
play develops in lever. (i flip the brass washer under the circlip over to stop this about once a month)
Similar Products Used:
hayes hydro, avid cable, o2, xc4, dh4, shimano xt deore cable, system 1 grimeca, lots of crappy cable systems on the bikes at work. Bikehut!
Bike Setup:
bsx frame. psylo sl's, RF cranks and BB (isis). hope on d321. tioga, continental, fsa, xt/xtr and snafu (saddle and pedals)
Bottom Line:
the best ever period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bülent
a Weekend Warrior
from Holland Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mountains of Turkey
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
incredible stopping power,easy to adjust,no weather efects on the brakes, one finger touch
Weaknesses:
could not finde
Similar Products Used:
these are myn first disc brakes
Bike Setup:
vrx-400,pace rc37,xt ,xtr drive train,hope pro disc,chris king headset and disco tech hubs,race face parts,only the good thins in life.
Bottom Line:
after one jear of xt-v brakes I changed to hope pro disc. in front 185mm and in the back 165mm. whole new world opened,now i have brakes when i need them they are always there . these brakes are worth every cent i paid,
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Baker
a Downhiller
from Surrey, UK Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Cycle City
Strengths:
Absolutley the best stopping power in the dry, watch them in the wet. they look supreme. The best disc brake in the world in terms of performance
Weaknesses:
Mine have leaked twice, they are so easy to refill it wasnt a problem, stock pads arent the best, Watch out you dont round the bolts off on the hub.Braided hose can cause paint work damage if you dont know what you are doing. Hope are English!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Avid v's were quite good, Shimano deore, Hayes hydraulic are so wooden and rubbish
Bike Setup:
Top spec jumping hardtail ( as you may guess by the top notch brakes)
Bottom Line:
Great brakes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Withers
a Downhiller
from Gosport England Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Nawtmoore
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
chain reaction
Strengths:
They work very well in the dry for trials and almost everything else, they r easy to maintain and install
Weaknesses:
The pads dont last very long and stop working in the wet completly if used for more than 5 minutes when wet
Similar Products Used:
V's, magura hs33, Xc4 ,DH4
Bike Setup:
DMR sidekick , tricked out and for sale :O)
Bottom Line:
These brakes are good stoppers, but forget them for trials in the wet, they just cant lock the wheel. They would still be good for XC and lite DH use in this condition, but personally I would purchase a DH4 or XC4 if I wanted to do XC or DH! If u only intend on riding in the dry then go for them they r excellent value for money. But if ur serious then get a specific competion standard braking system.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank Nijs
a Downhiller
from kuringen, Belgium Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Da Locos
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Bike support Holland
Strengths:
great Looks, easy to mount, almost no problems !
Weaknesses:
Heat build up on long technical downhills.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes (Sold after one week !! )
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer & Uzzi SL & Yeti Arc are built up with xtr, chris king and all with Hope Pro's
Bottom Line:
After using these brakes every day on every bike, I can only say this of these brakes : they are simply the best. The only problem I had with them was on Long Technical DH's were there was a lot of heat built up in the rear brake. I had to adjust the brake constantly. I now ordered a 185mm rear brake and special caliper. This may take care of the heat built up. But for the rest I had no problems at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mister man
a Downhiller
from midlands-United States of England Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
erm, malvern hills, or anything that kicks ass
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Merlin Cycles
Strengths:
they look cool
Weaknesses:
they are x pensive
Similar Products Used:
maguras, v's, feet, trees and arm
Bike Setup:
gt lobo dh/trixxy'a, xtr, raceface, xlite etc
Bottom Line:
these brakes kick ass!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Palmer
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Seven Words
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Modulation, lever feel, power, asethetically gorgeous
Weaknesses:
I personally have not experienced a weakness though the caliper is a bit wide for some wheel setup's.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, Coda Experts, Magura Louise, Hope DH4
Bike Setup:
Chuck CR-FS, Stratos FR-5, Hope C2 Pro's 185mm/165mm, RF, XTR, etc.. yadda yadda
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up review from the one I posted almost two years ago when I first got my Hope Pro's. After 2 years these brakes still amaze me. While the industry and even Hope is headed in a direction where all brakes will likely be open based I can not help but hope that these brakes or some version of them are still available. The design has been so perfected by Hope that I have NEVER experienced any of the negatives people sometimes associate with closed designs (brake fade to heat induced fluid expansion, etc..). This is likely due to the insulation of the caliper from the heat of the rotor, just an example of Hope's refinement of this brake. The ability to control the pad to rotor clearance and thus the feel of the brake is an entirely under-rated thing too, and only available on closed brake system. I love being able to tools free adjust my brakes within 2 seconds. Then there is the modulation. Allow me to state this as plainly as possible: THERE IS NO COMPETITION. Period. The modulation offered by these brakes are incredible. Add to it the power you need and you are given brake bliss; the ability to slow down super fast without endangering yourself by overpowering the brake (endo's are bad).
This brake is fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone getting disc's!
Chris
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Veero
a Downhiller
from Southampton, England Date Reviewed: December 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt Vic (Wellington, New Zealand)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
GA Cycles Southampton
Strengths:
Best bloody disc brakes on the market Superb modulation Amazing control and power Nuf said
Weaknesses:
None Oh get the braided cables, stronger + looks the dogs bolox
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT lame lame lame Hayes something or others Formula Cables (someone made a mistake there didn't they?)
Bike Setup:
2001 Kona Stab Hopes, Marzocchi Super T pro QR 20s Raceface cranks etc etc
Bottom Line:
These brakes are amazing. I run a wavy disc on the front and the stopping power is definitely better than the standard disc. Hope-fully (geddit) the new pads won't wear out too quick. Only had to replace them once in the year. Easy to set up (unless you're a muppet or something) and they are unsurpassed in the braking world. Later...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sarn Eedee
a Racer
from Auckland New Zealand Date Reviewed: December 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tokoroa
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Modulation / Control Engineering, these brakes are not built on the cheap.
Weaknesses:
Being fully pedantic... One of the heavier hydraulics Not as powerful as some Stock EBC pads wear real quick in mud.
Bike Setup:
Stock Y2K XTC Team - SRAM 9, RACE FACE, SIDs
Bottom Line:
Excellent brakes, the modulation is superior to V's. Riding in bad conditions could see the quick demise of brake pads. No maintenance issues in 9 months apart from pads.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Harrison
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gooseberry Mesa
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Pack N Pedal
Strengths:
Awesome Stopping power! Great modulation and an allround impressive break, go with the one finger levers they rock!
Weaknesses:
None apart from when its cold and you have to tweek them when they heat up..
Similar Products Used:
Hayes
Bike Setup:
Marin Attk Trail
Bottom Line:
Bloody Good brake, easy to bleed (3-5 mins max) and great modulation, I have read reviews saying they dont stop aswell as others, but if you can lock the wheels at 40ks I reckon its a crock! They rock!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Spencer
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: September 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
City Park, Rocky Hill Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat Bicycles
Strengths:
These brakes are wonderful. The adjustment knobs are great and requires minimal maintenance. The feel of these brakes is wonderful too, it has a linear ramp of power. I would suggest these to anyone.
Weaknesses:
I had some problems with setting mine up and realized that UPS had damaged one. When I got that fixed they were great. Be careful with the brake fluid, it will corrode your shifters completely if you aren't careful.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Hydraulic, avid mechanical
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight, Zoke Z1, Float RC, Xtr pods, shifters, cassete, Race Face Next Cranks, Mavic 317CD laced to King Disco Techs, Monkey lite riser, Thomson post, selle flite gel.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are great, super strong for XC free riding and some DH. Not full out down hill brakes. The feel is better than the Hayes or any mechanical I've ridden. If you want great brakes and can afford them, go for it. The weight is not a problem! Five chilis all around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Spencer
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: September 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
City Park, Rocky Hill Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat Bicycles
Strengths:
These brakes are wonderful. The adjustment knobs are great and requires minimal maintenance. The feel of these brakes is wonderful too, it has a linear ramp of power. I would suggest these to anyone.
Weaknesses:
I had some problems with setting mine up and realized that UPS had damaged one. When I got that fixed they were great. Be careful with the brake fluid, it will corrode your shifters completely if you aren't careful.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Hydraulic, avid mechanical
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight, Zoke Z1, Float RC, Xtr pods, shifters, cassete, Race Face Next Cranks, Mavic 317CD laced to King Disco Techs, Monkey lite riser, Thomson post, selle flite gel.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are great, super strong for XC free riding and some DH. Not full out down hill brakes. The feel is better than the Hayes or any mechanical I've ridden. If you want great brakes and can afford them, go for it. The weight is not a problem! Five chilis all around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellevue, WA Date Reviewed: September 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
gravity fed trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Airbomb.com
Strengths:
Fit & Finish of construction are top notch. Adjustment shims are easy and handy to use. Lever feel, adjustibility and modulation are excellent
Weaknesses:
Slightly heavier than other discs out there.
Similar Products Used:
First Discs. used Magura Hydraulics a long time ago
In comparison to the Hayes I know that I have given up some overall power, but I gained an absolute advantage in terms of modulation and lever feel. The lever feel is always great, grab a little brake or grab alot!! the lever pump is not like MBA and the others try to suggest, that being if you breath heavy on them they will pump up, explode, and kill you!! But then again, Hayes does spend alot on advertising know doesn't it?
If you live on the North Shore then go for the Hayes where stopping power is obviously the most important thing...plus, those Vancouver shops, Cove, Steed, on-top, Dizzy etc etc, know how to set them up and make them feel pretty good overall. Professional set up is key to any disc set up-a good set up means good times on the trail!!
I went with Bob, review is posted further down, to Lillooet this year in BC, did a heli-tour that was around 7000ft total drop, at around 3hrs to decend..I found that in 95% of the time the hopes were fantastic, two times that I can remember I would have liked a little more brake power though...they did have lever pump up but it wasn't so bad, on the fly adjustment took care of that, I just turned the pads out a bit and that took care of drag, and brought back the feel, plus they cool down very quick. Hope's have very large rotors as stock so they modulate and stay consistent for a long ride.
In short, you have to decide what your priorites are, straight out power, or feel, modulation and pretty strong power. The closed system I would buy again in a second without hesitation!!
The fit and finish, machining is sooooo beautiful to look at...and they can take a good hit too, the heavier rotors are more resistant to heat warp and small bouncing rock hits too.
I found Hope tech dept to be tough to get a hold of, but very helpfull once I did get through...very polite and professional... Bevan at airbomb.com has also been a good help in times of questions!!
In the Seattle area, have Downhill Zone do the set up for your particular bike.... they are way fast, very knowledgable, and very helpful, plus it's kinda nice to see a Vancouver style shop around here!!
Please email me if you have any questions. Thanks for taking the time to read my rant!
Craig
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bret simpson
a Racer
from ohio Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything fast and down
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
?
Strengths:
These are as good as braking get's
Weaknesses:
No choice of colour, When can we get the discs venting cut to order?
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, XT, Avid on a trial basis...all crap
Bike Setup:
XTR, Race Face, Hope, Mavic D321, Azonic, Tioga.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are as good as it gets, I have used these for ages now and after trying some of the competition I have no intention of changing from Hope to ANYTHING else. I am a DH/DS rider on a 13" Marin Quake 9.0 built from scratch. These Hope Pro C2 discs are great for anybody who wants there brakes to stop them under any conditions, Fantastic with the on the fly dial. They will not be any good for anyone who wants brakes that do not work. BUY THEM NOW or forever be second best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike sierra
a Weekend Warrior
from manila, philippines Date Reviewed: August 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything in front of me
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
hong kong
Strengths:
robust construction, fast break-in period, really strong braking power (can lock rear wheel with little pressure from levers), useful shims provided, easy setup and installation
Weaknesses:
utilitarian looking design - unlike shimano's xt but i have grown to like it, maybe brake fluid (can ruin paint finish)
Similar Products Used:
shimano xt, formula disc, hayes mechanical & hydraulics, RST mechanical disc (the worst of the lot)
Bike Setup:
marzocchi jr t, xtr drivetrain, an intense rip-off from taiwan(4-bar link suspension, chris king headset, tioga factory dh, xt disc hubs, azonic handle & stem
Bottom Line:
I can honestly say that these are the best disc system anyone can buy at the moment. People who complain about brake fluid lock up should get the open system. Stopping power depends on the following factors; brake pad material and size, rotor diameter (the larger the better), contact area size between rotor and pads, hydraulic pressure rating. Hopes have got everything covered. Hayes discs system can break at the caliper mounting arms (i have a few 'north shore riding and jumping' friends who had this problem, until hayes has not addressed this, hope still gets my vote). Construction of hopes are cnc'd, comes with everything you really need, I used shimano xt disc hubs with 6 bolt pattern. I have bled these and with a bit of experience it's easy to do. Hope has been manufacturing disc brakes for a long time, 10 years???, and they have perfected the art of disc brakes on bikes. The only thing funny about this company is they print their instruction manual on mimeograph /xerox.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Moj
a
from UK Date Reviewed: August 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
they install easily, they really really work well, they look fantastic and its nice to be able put a little bit of quality engineering on your bike.
Weaknesses:
heavier than Vs (like I care) expensive (less than they were), wide caliper won't fit every hub,
Similar Products Used:
sidepulls, cantis, U brakes, rollercams, v brakes, feet, epidermis
Bike Setup:
Orange Evo2, Manitou, LX XT, hope sport hubs with 6 bolt mount, C2 brakes, 165mm rotors, pro levers, braided hose.
Bottom Line:
Just brilliant, they took a day of riding to bed in and now they really pull you to a halt. The control is very gradual so you can hold the braking level at the point just before the tyres skid, just check your speed on a long downhill or lock up the wheels if you need to. Installation was a case of bolting on and lining up the calipers, I had to buy a 74mm post mount caliper for the front and international for the rear and both fitted on easily. Routing the hose needed a few cable ties on the fork and I filed out the slot on the toptube guides so the cable snaps in neatly and put small lengths of 5mm polyethylene tube (from the hardware shop) on parts where the hose rubs the frame. Discs are the present never mind the future, I'm actually looking forward to the winter grit and gloop now these things are fitted.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from England Date Reviewed: July 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Plenty of stopping power Superb modulation Excellent customer support -one of Hope's technical experts are just a phone call away. Two piece lever clamp Choice of replacement pad types Ease of fitting Ease of maintenance (not that any is needed) Ease of changing pads Choice of caliper and lever combinations Excellent hubs to go with the brakes. Warranty backup second to none Prices cheaper than they were a year or two ago.
Weaknesses:
Not everyone in the world can get them. Makes other disc brakes look and like overpriced tatt (there's some other good disc brakes out there, just that Hope are the best)
Similar Products Used:
Formula -the one I tried was unreliable and unremarkable in performance.
Bike Setup:
Specilized FSR with Bomber Z1s
Bottom Line:
The best mountain bike brakes money can buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Frost
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, MA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bow Ridge, Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Power, modulation, and consistency.
Weaknesses:
Pricey. Closed system needs adjustment during heavy braking. Parts availability sucks.
Similar Products Used:
Various cantis and Vs, Hayes hydraulic discs.
Bike Setup:
Seven Sola (http://jimf.ne.mediaone.net/~jimf/biking/seven)
Bottom Line:
I tried both the Hayes and the Hopes side-by-side before I decided on the Hopes. Hope beats Hayes hands down in terms of modulation. One of the bike mags claims Hayes has better power; I don't agree. They seem about the same to me, but Hayes is like an on-off switch while Hope is quite controllable. I prefer smoother onset of power, so I went with Hope.
I've been on the things for 4 months now, through the spring mud season. Aside from ice riding these things have done just about everything I typically do. So....
I get tingling noises from pad rub on occasion; I almost never notice it on the trail, but above 14mph on the road it comes and goes. No apparent drag, just the noise. It can be distracting, both to myself and to people around me.
If you submerge the things you'll get some squeeling as they dry out. There is very little degredation of braking however, and the squeeling is less than I typically got from cantis or Vs in similar conditions. I got the rotors muddy a few times (DEEP mud :-) and they scraped a bit but the brakes still kept pulling.
In long DH situations the system heats up and you'll have to open up the pad spacing a little bit. This is a 2-second job with the knob on the lever, not a big deal, but enough that I wouldn't recommend this as a DH brake. In typical east-coast XC situations I never have to touch it.
The modulation ability of these things is terrific. (I can't reiterate that enough.) They're REALLY easy to control, and there is tons of power on tap. I found myself doing technical descents that I had never had the guts to do before -- I just did them without even thinking about it. (Some of that may be the new bike; it fits way better than the old one.) The consistency is way better than any rim brake I've ever used, too; ride through a water crossing and they still work about the same even if you've totally submerged them.
I was worried about the complexity of the hydraulics, but after using them for a few months I'll take hydraulics over cables any day. I wish I could convert my transmission to hydraulic. No matter what kind of crud you go through they just keep working smoothly.
The levers are really ergonomic; very comfortable, with good reach adjustment. The Shimano XTR shifter body has a little tab that conflicts with the lever mounts; my LBS had to do a little filing down of the shifter body to get them to fit well.
If you're looking for a downside, it'd have to be parts availability. Nobody stocks the parts, and there are so many different variations that you better know exactly what you've got before you start ordering. My LBS says that getting through to Hope to order parts is hard -- their phone is busy a LOT. This is the reason they only get four chilis in "overall value."
Because of the parts availability problem I suggest springing for spares up-front: pads in particular, rotors if you think you might trash one. I can't really justify the added expense of a spare lever or caliper, but it seems to be fairly easy to buy a complete system if you trash the system that bad.
These things are really expensive, but damn do they work well. Despite the high cost I can't do anything but give them five chilis for value. They work, they work well, they're consistent in all kinds of conditions, and they keep working even when abused.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roric
a Cross Country Rider
from Effingen, Switzerland Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Delsberg-Trial-Krete
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
No Maintainance, perfect braking dosage
Weaknesses:
expansion of brake fluid especially with the gold brake pads brake lever bearing has to be greased and adjusted bantling of brake lever piston ages and gets crumbly
Similar Products Used:
Magura Rim-brake line, XT V-Brakes
Bike Setup:
Hope only in Front with a Marz. Z2 Atom Bomb '00
Bottom Line:
I have never felt so confident in braking!!!! I hade to change back to V-Brakes for a week due to a broken spoke. Whee is this uncomfortable with the V-Brakes. You don't know how much thee wheels brake actually. And i even had to ride in rain with the V's. It is like hell!! The V-Brake behaved like digital brakes: no braking or full braking. In comparation with the Pro you always know how much you are braking, modulation is so easy. And you can even make a nose wheelie with one finger. braking power in rain is slightly lower, but no problem. I think i'm really spoiled since I have the Pro's. Another thing I recognized when i changed back to the V-Brakes: You brake muche more with the front brake if you have the Pro's, even under slippery or tricky conditions since you exactly know the power applied to the wheel. This is the main advantage of good disc brakes: the better braking when you just have to apply a minor amount of brake power!!! disc brakes are huge fun on mountainbikes - five chillies!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Riley
a
from Hull, England Date Reviewed: June 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Silent, smooth and progressive yet incredibly powerful operation in any conditions.
Weaknesses:
Don't touch the rim after use!!!
Similar Products Used:
A range of V-brakes, Avis Arch Rival being the best of them, cheap-crap cable discs (can't remember/don't vare what type they were) ans the soles of my shoes(last resort).
Bike Setup:
Marin Alpine Trail, all standard except for LX rear mech and Hope at front only (on Novatec hub)
Bottom Line:
I ride mainly X-C and so these brakes may seem a strange option for me. However, the came with my bike for GB£1 on a special offer so I thought hell, they're nearly free so I'll get them anyway. And boy am I glad that I did. When travelling at high speed on a downward slope they allow fast, confident braking because you can really feel them smoothly biting the disc - you never think they're gonna snatch and throw you over the handlebars like V-brakes sometimes do. And when it's wet, you still have the confidnence of knowing their performance is there where as rim brakes someties 'fade' in the wet. Downsides? Well at their normal price they are expensive (but then quality costs) and when I touched the rim after stopping from 60km/h to see if they got hot I burned my hand (D'oh!). But for a quid, I couldn't go worng anyway (value for my price would receive about 40 flamin chillis), and even at full whack they are a worthwhile investment for anybody who likes going fast then suddenly needs to stop. A final note on bedding them in - when I got my bike, I rode home from the shop (about 6km) with the front brake applied very lightly all the way, then stopped with increasing speed from about 30km/h 10 times down my street. After this, they worked absolutely perfectly so try this method of braking them in if you get a pair.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Fall City, WA Date Reviewed: June 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
minnow ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
great looks, great performance
Weaknesses:
a little heavy, lever pump
Similar Products Used:
v-brakes and Magura rim hydraulics
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Marzocchi Z-1 X-Fly, King hubs, XTR pods and derailleurs, RaceFace cranks and bottom bracket
Bottom Line:
Really sweet brakes. The control and modulation are great. I was like a lot of people in that I wanted the performance of disc, but didn't want the weight penalty. Let me tell you, screw the weight. These things are great. My confidence level is much higher with the Hopes. The only negative that I have is that there is some lever pump after long use of the brake. It's not a big deal, but it is there. A good friend of mine has Hayes on his rig and as far as I'm concerned, there is no comparison. Both bikes were set up by Chris at Speedgoat and both are Santa Cruz (one Heckler, one Superlight), but the feel and performance of the Hope are far superior to the Hayes. The Hayes have drag that doesn't want to disappear no matter what you do and the rotors on the Hayes seem thinner and warp easier. In another month I'm going to do a heli-biking trip with over 6000' of vertical drop, so I'll report on the performance after that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Machesney Park Date Reviewed: May 30, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
everything imaginable
Weaknesses:
none found yet
Similar Products Used:
tried most of the disk brakes on the market
Bike Setup:
2000 Giant MCM Team
Bottom Line:
Brakes work great the dial on the levers for pad wear are the best design i have ever seen!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Stourbridge, UK Date Reviewed: May 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Awesome power, modulation and looks, need I say more...
Weaknesses:
Tricky setup, but you only need to do it once. Price, but then the best always costs...
Similar Products Used:
XTR, XT and LX V's, Maguras.
Bike Setup:
Full XT, Orange Evo2 frame, Pace EvoII fork, Hope Ti + X317CD
Bottom Line:
One of the best products I have ever used, it just gets on with stopping me, and hasn't needed touching since fitting (apart from below).
Hopes customer service is amongst the best I have ever come across (at least in the UK), having managed to get free calliper half’s free of charge after I managed to shear off the bleed nipple after is seized in on one brake and somehow blew the back out of the other after squeezing the lever to hard pulling an endo....
Since these mishaps, things have been rosy the only thing being that they can be a bit noisy if they get wet, but that soon passes.
After using these I will NEVER EVER go back to rim brakes, despite the price difference. 5 flamin' chillies!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P.D. Nick
a Downhiller
from Formulah8er, CO, USA Date Reviewed: April 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Logger's Way
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything, great power, no leakage, impresses people a lot, AWESOME!!!!
Weaknesses:
Lever is hard to adjust
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Hyd., XT, XTR
Bike Setup:
Mountain Cycle DHS, White Brothers UD150DH, XT/XTR/Race Face HOPE PRO!!!!
Bottom Line:
Awesome brake for a cost less than Hayes Hyds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spike
a Cross Country Rider
from austin, tx Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
city park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
awesome stopping power superb modulation NO drag ever not too difficult to set up reasonably light
Weaknesses:
sort of difficult to set up cable routing a little less elegant than V-brakes
Similar Products Used:
avid and xtr v-brakes
Bike Setup:
K2 razorback, full xtr, easton carbon bar/post, king disc-go-tech hubs with bontrager valiant rims
Bottom Line:
I am somewhat of a weight weenie and have deferred trying discs because of the weight penalty. What was I thinking? For the 280 grams or so of weight penalty, the extraordinary stopping power and modulation alone are worth it. Add the wet performance and it's a no brainer. If you're delaying going for discs, the technology has definately matured to the point that it is superior to v-brakes. The Hopes appear to be well designed and I have had no problems since I set them up. Also, I paid $185 for each set so the price is not outrageous, at least to me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JASON
a
from AUGUSTA GA Date Reviewed: March 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
tower trails in modoc/north augusta sc
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
superoior braking power, good modulation.
Weaknesses:
a pain to set up(once you get the right brake)
Similar Products Used:
hayes(tried) owned many different v-brakes and levers
Bike Setup:
trek vrx-300, marzocchi z.1 fork, hope pro closed-2 front and rear
Bottom Line:
well all i have to say about the hopes is that they rule, once you get them set up correctly. i had a problem with rear drag so i put a 7/16" washer inbetween the rear hub and the frame. that fixed the problem. other than a little problem with hope/adrenaline sending me the right brake for my fork i think the product is great. once notified of the problem hope quickly sent me a new brake that fit my fork. PLEASE NOTE IF YOU OWN A MARZOCCHI FORK THAT REQUIRES A HAYES 8" ROTOR HOPE MAKES A BRAKE TO FIT WITHOUT ADAPTERS(totally cool). so before you buy make sure you measure your fork mounts older model marzocchi are 48mm apart not the international standard 51mm so make sure you shop sends you the part you order. otherwise you will be waiting and spending more money in postage. but once again hope, is great. i like the fact that you can call and actually talk to someone, hayes never even returned my e-mail(i waited 2 months). so that fact alone is well worth looking into the hopes.... the brits make a great product, and i would recomend it to anyone... HANDS DOWN
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Franklin
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester, England Date Reviewed: January 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
North Downs
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lots of Power Great Modulation Mud clearance
Weaknesses:
Fiddly to setup Squeal when wet
Similar Products Used:
XT/XTR Vs
Bike Setup:
Orange evO2, '97 Pace forks, Hope XC hubs/Mavic 317s
Bottom Line:
The power I get from them in wet, muddy conditions never ceases to amaze me. They have worked faultlessly despite being ridden throughout the winter. The feel on the levers is amazing (especially compared to Vs).
Setup was a bit fiddly (adjusting spacers and tweaking slightly warped rotor) but I haven't needed to touch them since. Most of my local downhills are short and sweet so I haven't managed to over heat them. They do squeal a bit when wet but they dry quite quickly when you're using them.
They may be expensive compared to Vs but they are well worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, England Date Reviewed: December 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
The weights listed on the review below are incorrect. Disc & spider weighs 198grams Caliper & lever weighs 334gramsSorry about that.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nikolas Ojala
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampere, Finland Date Reviewed: December 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
+ Power + Modulation + Reliable + Easy to install + Easy to use + Beautiful + Light enough
Weaknesses:
- Price maybe?
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX V-brakes
Bike Setup:
Dynamics aluminium hardtail, Marzocchi Bomber Z-2 Bam, HOPE Pro front disc brake with 185mm disc, HOPE Big'un front hub, DT Champion 2mm spokes, Mavic X-317 front rim Shimano V-brake rear, other Shimano stuff, etc.
Bottom Line:
Ok, winter arrived. Ice and snow everywhere. I really don't like this climate, but I ride my bike daily anyway. This is the first winter that I have full power available in my brakes, at least front brake, because last summer I bought this nice HOPE disc. It is so plain funky brake that I'll never switch back to any kind of rim brakes. Also the HOPE Big'un hub is great. Need I say more? I guess I don't.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, England Date Reviewed: November 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Superb modulation. Incredible power, in all weather conditions. Beds in quickly. Easy to install, then no further maintenance. Pads last far longer than V's.
Weaknesses:
Price, but it is justified by the quality.
Similar Products Used:
Cheap V's XT V's XTR V's
Bike Setup:
Coyote HT3, Z3 Light. 185mm '99 Hope Pro, Bulb / Mavic 517CD XTR V at rear
Bottom Line:
Well worth the money and small amount of extra weight. Makes a quiet squeal when the disc is coated in mud (it does not sound anywhere near as bad as V's when wet/muddy). In about 6 months I went through 3 sets of front and rear V pads. I bought a front '99 Pro disc and XTR V for the rear 7 months ago and have not had to change any pads yet. I have started to rely more on the disc for stopping than a combination of front & rear, this has resulted in having pads that look like new 7 months on.185mm disc weighs 198grams Lever & caliper weighs 180grams Bulb / Mavic 517CD (+disc locking ring) weighs 858grams(Just in case anybody wants weights)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ant
a Downhiller
from Haywards Heath West Sussex Date Reviewed: October 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
PORC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stupidly powerful Stupidly modulaterble Stupidly sorted Took 2 days of an afternoon's riding to bed in.
Weaknesses:
Lack of anodised colours available. (That's all i could think of)
Similar Products Used:
Hope sports Hayes Racelines XTR V's Louise
Bike Setup:
Zaskar with '99 Z1 Bams (5in travel)
Bottom Line:
Sorted, they stopped me from 20mph in 2 feet on a wet night, and catch everyones eye (yes i am a poser)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from RI Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999
I had these set up on my bike for about 7 mos. and I cannot complain about them one bit. Very good stoppers around the single tracks in Arcadia State Park. Going to try the Open 04s when I get a M1 in about 6mos.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MadMax
a Downhiller
from Netherlands Date Reviewed: August 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
They brake realy good,,, Weight Nice look, big wires.
Weaknesses:
High Price You often need to replace the pads.
Similar Products Used:
Cantis Avid V-brakes Magura HS33
Bike Setup:
Trek y3, XT/XTR, Jr.T, etc.
Bottom Line:
These brake cost a lot, but in return you get the best there are, I think. For the rear they have a nice feature, in case you don't have a disc mount (look at www.hopetech.com for more info).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cambridge UK Date Reviewed: August 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Easy to set up, marvellous power and modulation gives great confidence. Very good tech support.
Weaknesses:
The adjuster caps can get knocked round by accident while riding hard. Documentation is poor.
Similar Products Used:
Formula, Hayes
Bottom Line:
Had the same squeal in the wet problem as previous poster - solved by Hope tech support - caused by getting oil/wax contamination of the discs and pads. Wasn't sure before I bought that they would be worth it but now totally sold
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gary
a Cross-Country Rider
from horwich england Date Reviewed: July 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
edale valley
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
fade free stopping power, even in the wet
Weaknesses:
my brake squeals like a demented pig every time it gets wet
Similar Products Used:
hayes disc
Bike Setup:
marin frs, marzocchi bombers
Bottom Line:
a powerful brake that is spoiled by the squeal when wet, is it just mine??
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Pomphret
a Cross-Country Rider
from Warrington, UK Date Reviewed: July 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Grizedale Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
They work all the time , every time. No matter what the riding conditions.
Weaknesses:
Still a bit expensive ( should drop when big 'S' starts to sell theirs). Bedding in takes an age.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes
Bike Setup:
Klein Mantra Comp., Pace Pro-Class forks.
Bottom Line:
Once their bedded in they work fantastically no matter the terain or weather. Before I had to hang on to the brakes to get the bike to stop, now I have to hang on to the bike 'cos it HAS stoppped. Only problem in stopping is the (lack) of tyre grip. Brake 'feel' is very good, lots of modulation. Whatever you do, if fitting to PACE carbon-fiber forks don't let the bike shop OVER tighten the mounts! My LBS did and it took ages to replace the split lower leg..... BEWARE! ( Hope have a great customer service dept.)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scot
a Racer
from Westchester, New York Date Reviewed: July 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Canaan, West Virginia
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Excellent reliable product
Weaknesses:
Could be a tad lighter for us cross country riders
Similar Products Used:
Hayes & Formula
Bike Setup:
99 Intense Tracer W/Z2 BAM
Bottom Line:
Except no imitations....this is the formost best, well researched product of it's kind on the market today. Stop being a cheapo and spent a few extra dollars....it's worth it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bainbridge Island, WA Date Reviewed: June 30, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great modulation, easy setup, power, quality Hope hubs.
Weaknesses:
Manual, or lack there of.
Similar Products Used:
Magura Louise, Hayes
Bike Setup:
Psycle Werks Wild Hare, Z2 BAM
Bottom Line:
Very nice brakes. Met my expectations for performance and exceeded them for ease of setup. Awesome modulation and consistent stops in wet and dry.Special thanks to Bret at Kalo for his modification of the Hope Hayes adaptor to make it work great on my Hare.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC Date Reviewed: June 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
the Dump
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
These brakes are UNREAL. They are the best functioning part on my bike. Pure works design.
Weaknesses:
hmmmm....think hard...uhhh. Oh here's one you can allways complain about in the bike industry-pirce! Well they are a little more than the competition but rightly so for the best braking product available.
Similar Products Used:
formula, coda, AMP, Hayes
Bike Setup:
Uzzi SL, Z1 bam, HOPE pro 185mm disk in the front and Hayes in the rear.
Bottom Line:
Hope's brakes just work. They took 15minutes to install and that's the last time I touched them! The Hayes in the rear pump in comparison on longer downhills but not so for the HOPE. This is impressive seeing that the HOPE is taking a greater load in the front than the Hayes in the rear. BOTTOM LINE: these disks put all others to shame. And on another note, the HIP rule!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: May 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The strenghts of a disc brake in general is obvious as it moves the braking surface about 10 inches in from the rim which means that it will not be as affected by the elements as rim brakes. The Hope's offer a closed hydraulic braking system that offer excellent modualtion with the power that may be required. While most people think disc brakes are just on off these are not as it allows for excellent two finger modulation to allow to to lightly feather the brake to just plain stop fast. Very nice. Furthermore the hope system uses springs to retract the pads and calipers which means that it is a drag free set-up. I always thought this was just marketing but its not, it is completely drag free. The srping set-up is also excellent as Hayes disc brakes, for example, use seals and the hydraulic fluid to retract the pads, but seals lose resilency after a while and your drag-free set-up may be compromised. This will not happen with the Hope's as the spring always retracts the pads. The resevoir on the lever is also incredible. It allows you to completely adjust the pad clearance on the brake within a second which therefore affects how the brake feels./ So if you want it to be snappy and powerful, just turn the know clockwise. If you want more modulation just turn it counter-clockwise. This is even better because the resevoir can be positioned where you like and can easily be adjusted with one finger while riding - if ever needed. Plus everything is CNC machined so the entire setup is incredibly gorgeous. No cheap plastic levers, no modlded sections, just beautiful CNC machined aluminum. Plus their custoemer service is great. I needed some shims for my front brake, called them up and within a week my shims arrived, for free. Very nice. This brakes best attributes, summed up, are power, modulation, drag-free, completely adjustable on the fly and beautiful looks.
Weaknesses:
When going from extreme temperature changes (like a warm 20C apartment to outside at 0C) the brake fluid will constrict cause the pads to retract farther from the rotor then originally setup (in the partment). While this only takes a half second to fix (just turn the resevoir adjuster clockwise) it was something I noticed. They are also expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes discs, CODA, and Rock Shox cable.
Bike Setup:
Chuck CR-FS, dual Hope Pro's, Z1
Bottom Line:
These brakes are excellent. I have noticed zero brake pump or brake fade even on some harry downhills. They are still drag-free and just as adjustable. Excellent brakes and despite the price they are worth every penny. They are just a good, well designed disc brake that has every feature a disc brake has been advertised to do. Incredible brakes.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Lazenby
a Downhiller
from Yorkshire Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Carlton bank
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
KICK ASS BRAKES WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN
Weaknesses:
ARRR DO NOT KNOW
Similar Products Used:
Hope sport disks
Bike Setup:
Saracen Addiction
Bottom Line:
Buy em if you have the money.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stuart Haysom
a Downhiller
from West Sussex Date Reviewed: May 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
P.O.R.C.S
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Real powerfull yet incredibly predictable,just like a well sorted motor bike brake
Weaknesses:
Took a little while to bed in.Longer than i thought it would
Similar Products Used:
No disc's just magura race line D's
Bike Setup:
I ride Proflex Animal I built up myself with Junior T's and all the right bits
Bottom Line:
The only brake,s you will ever need!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CHRIS
a Weekend Warrior
from BLIGHTY Date Reviewed: April 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
LADYBOWER
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
QUALITY, STRENGTH NEW DESIGN (LIGHTER AND MORE STOPPING POWER)
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
HOPE SPORT, MAGURA, V BRAKES
Bike Setup:
MARIN-DH-FRS, SUPER STARS ETC
Bottom Line:
THE BEST STOPPERS JUST GOT BETTER THEY ARE ALOT EASIER TO PUT ON THE BARS NOW LOOK BETTER AND WORK BETTER AND TO TOP IT ALL OF THEY COST MORE!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BIG AL
a Downhiller
from Newcastle, UK Date Reviewed: April 23, 1999
A very good brake set - up but maybe a little on the pricey side.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Smith
a Cross-Country Rider
from Co Durham - UK Date Reviewed: April 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Great Ayton
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
These brakes are just the dogs. Standard features you get from Hope are ; Modulation, adjustment, power, no drag, easy wheel removal, great hubs, great support from Hope and dealer, need I go on !
Weaknesses:
Pads must be bedded in ie 1/2 doz rides. I have had a seal leak on one of the levers so loss of power occured.
Similar Products Used:
I hired a Marin with discs that was worse than even my old cantis !
Bike Setup:
SBC FSR XC Comp witted with stock Manitou SX
Bottom Line:
They might seem pricy but the grin factor was worth every penny. A very serious piece of stopping kit.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross-Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: April 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Switchback single track in the Alps above Chamonix
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lighter weight than the Sport. Neater lever design -takes less space up on bars. Superb power. Progressive action. No problems in crappy conditions, unlike Vs. Two minute pad replacement.
Weaknesses:
Trashes tyres! Expansion of brake fluid after half an hour of technical descent (although winding the adjuster all the way off at the start solves the problem)
Similar Products Used:
Hope Sport discs. Formula Hydraulic (good but not as good as the Hope)
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR with Marzocchi Bomber Z1s
Bottom Line:
The best brakes in the world were never going to be cheap.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil Acourt
a Cross-Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: April 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Baildon Moor
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Modulation ,Ultimate stopping power, Quasi-industrial CNC 'd styling, ease of adjustment +maintenance.Plus they work in the gloop of your average Yorkshire trail.
Weaknesses:
None whatsoever... My frame needed an adapter kit..simple answer , buy a new frame !
Similar Products Used:
Haynes Disk system but it was too grabby and lets face it ..a bit Brown
Bike Setup:
Merlin hardtail with SIDs
Bottom Line:
Intelligent design
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stu
a Downhiller
from England Date Reviewed: April 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Power - Unbelievable Modulation - The Best Maintaince - So Simple Looks - Cool
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hayes (Gayes) disks Magura Disks
Bike Setup:
Sintesi Bazooka with Pace Monsters
Bottom Line:
The best disk brake currently available - in my opinion. Takes 2 mins max to change pads. No drag from pads. Easy to bleed up. Need I say More?
Overall Rating:
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