Fully hydraulic disc brake system with a single piston, fixed brake caliper featuring direct manual pad wear adjustment. Slotted stainless steel 160mm diameter rotors for both front and rear. Composite brake lever assembly (master cylinder) with expansion chamber and grippy 2-finger cold forged aluminium lever blade.
Submitted by
Danny Robertson
a Weekend Warrior
from Townsville, Australia Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Top brand
Strengths:
Great power, good in the wet
Weaknesses:
not indestructible
Similar Products Used:
Hayes hydro, avid mechanical(tested only)
Bike Setup:
Trek bruiser one stock except discs
Bottom Line:
In their intended role these brakes are fine. Sure they don't have the power of an eight inch rotor but they are more powerful than any v that I have tested. They do need careful setting up and a take a fair bit of bedding in but once they do they are great. I mostly use them for urban and trail/ dirtjumping so I guess I don't test them on extended downhills but they are perfectly capable of throwing me over the bars with one finger. A top brake at a price that makes them unbeatable for the trail rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tad
a
from Greenville Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$79.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
EASE of set-up
Weaknesses:
all the bad reviews
Similar Products Used:
canti's and V's
Bike Setup:
X-Fly, XT, hard tail
Bottom Line:
I really can't wait to begin having problems with these as I have not had a single issue yet. It took less than 10 minutes to install and have worked perfectly since. They may give me problems later but I have been thrashing the heck out of them and cannot wait to ditch my rear V's. My main delima is if I should have the bosses welded onto my seat stays or part with the frame I love....The brake therapy things freaks me out for some reason. I cannto give full on chilli's since I have not redden that long but I will be back for an update in time!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Hall
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester, UK Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Doctors Gate
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes
Strengths:
Stopping power even when wet, no rim wear.
Weaknesses:
Flimsy handle design, slight flexing in the housing under heavy breaking
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, Hope and XT
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F700sx with lefty front fork Killer V 3000 Hayes Unit equiped and modified
Bottom Line:
Everyone moans about these brakes but from my experience very few seem to have spent the time to set up the brakes correctly. I ride in the Peak District in Derbyshire UK and this is well known for the coarse grit stone that chews bike components to pieces. I have destroyed brakes by all the major manufacturers both plastic and metal. After 18 months I have to date had only one handle failure. Better the lever than whole unit breaking (as has been my experience with metal units when the alloy lever doesn't deform but the reservoir does!), don't people carry spares anymore? True, they feel a bit mushy and this leads people to over adjust the lever setting to try to get a firmer feel which means that when they pull the levers hard they snap! This is also why the housing warps slightly. Get used to the slightly spongy feel though and they work effectively at hauling you up comfortably. I know of no brake system that at the end of 35 miles and 2000 feet of climbing and downhill through grit stone that works as effectively as at the start of a ride. So I always carry a trusty hex key! Those people who believe there is a v brake that works better than any disk need their head examining as pads are always going to be cheaper than rims. A reasonable effort especially at the prices I have seen quoted. Aimed at people who have only used v brakes before and are on a budget but be prepared to spend time with the book getting them set up correctly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Bracbridge Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Radical
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
Modulate well, powerfull
Weaknesses:
Never work properly...for very long!
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, Avid
Bike Setup:
Jekyll 2000 stock with a few upgrades
Bottom Line:
Garbage. These brakes have been sent back to Magura 3 times, and have been either replaced with new Claras or fixed. I have never used them for more than a month without having to have them bled. They work okay, but are completely unreliable. Magura should not be allowed to sell such crap.
These brakes don't even deserve 1 chili!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Fernie BC Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Too many to list
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
200.00 cdn
Strengths:
Easy to set up. Pretty good braking power.
Weaknesses:
Handles weak, break easily
Similar Products Used:
Magura Julie, Hayes Hydraulic
Bike Setup:
mounted on Kona Stinky
Bottom Line:
A good bang for the buck. Nice easy lever pull, sufficient braking power for the kind of riding I do. Very easy to set up. I don't know why all these guys are saying they have to dick with them every time they ride, probably because they never set them up properly in the first place. I'll admit they don't have the braking power of Hayes, but they're also about a third of the price. The handles bite, the first decent crash I had I broke one.
If your the type who rides the chairlift all day and only rides downhill you'ld be better off with Hayes. But if you ride up as much as down I think you'll find the Magura to be pretty decent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris K
a Weekend Warrior
from College Station, TX Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
Great power, unmatched modulation, great wet performance.
Weaknesses:
Plastic- doesn't belong on any brake system.
Similar Products Used:
XTR V-brakes for 2 years
Bike Setup:
`01 Bianchi Superbee - stock
Bottom Line:
These brakes are awesome so far. The rear rotor occasionally rubs making a hum, but only when i am walking with the bike. The crappy thing is BE VERY CAREFUL BLEEDING THESE BRAKES. TAKE THE PADS OUT BEFORE YOU DO!!! Use a piece of wine cork to keep the pistons from squeezing in when bleeding. Like a dumbass I got oil on my front pads and am still waiting for new ones in the mail. So basically I am using only a rear brake right now and I still have more power than my old bike with XTR V's. Good brakes, but I don't like the plastic housings. Also to all those who say they have to 'pump' the levers to make them work, you still have air in your lines. Bleed them properly or get your LBS to do it for you. It only took me ~10min per caliper to get them bled perfectly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fluffy
a Cross Country Rider
from Belgium Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
Van Eyck
Strengths:
Cheap!!! Works great!
Weaknesses:
Plastic...
Similar Products Used:
Lot's of V's and Cantis Coda Expert discs (crap)
Bottom Line:
These are good brakes for the money. The plastic doesn't look like it would survive a crash, but I don't crash that often. I wouldn't use them on a DH bike for this reason. The stopping power is good, modulation is okay... I have them on 2 of my bikes, which means I'm happy with them. There are better brakes out there, but not at this price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug D.
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: March 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bruce Trail, any single track
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Better than any V-brake that I have ever used.
Weaknesses:
Where do I start. Need constant adjustments. Pads are always rubbing the rotor. Rotors were slightly bent when I bought them. Have broken two levers on very minor wipe-outs. Squeal like hell.
Similar Products Used:
Only other V-brakes. I will be switching to a new hydra disk system. Probably Shimano XT or Hayes.
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Instinct. Clara brakes came on the bike.
Bottom Line:
Don't get these brakes!! I constantly have to bleed the lines to get air out. Have to adjust them before every ride (often during a ride as well). Pads are always rubbing because the pistons do not retract enough, or evenly after applying the brake. At times, these even squeal when I am not applying the brakes because they are rubbing. I get constant brake fade on downhills, and I live in Ontario, I would hate to use these brake in the Rockies - better have an anchor to throw out. I have tried friend's bikes with Shimano XT or Hayes hydra disks and they work much better than my Claras. Plus, they are not adjusting every day like I am.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from London, England Date Reviewed: February 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction
Strengths:
The Fact that its a Disc, modulation, 5 year leak proof waranty (you need it). Only $85 each, thats about half the price of any other hydraulic disc.
Weaknesses:
Power, dependability, adjustement.
Similar Products Used:
Hope
Bike Setup:
A motley crew of parts. Cove Handjob, SPDs, MXC airs, 321 DH wheelset, single front ring with bashguard and chain decvice, DMR jumping stuff + raceface prodigy, shimano, all the usuall mid range suspects.
Bottom Line:
If you can get it set up perfectly it will work extremely well. However, this is not possibe a) because all the rotors are bent out the box, and thats come from a magura employee and b) because of the rapid pad wear. You do genuinly have to stop and set it up again at the bottom of every hill if you want it working perfectly and certainly after every wet ride. They leak. I've had them leak from where the tubing enters the lever, the master cyclender itself, and the caliper. I've just got a new caliper and its completely warped to you have to use twice as many spacers at the top than at the bottom to make the rotor go in straight. Having said that, I have em front and rear and its only the front that has had these problems, the rear works faultlessly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slayer
a Downhiller
from Levittown, PA Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lamb's Gap in PA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came on bike...
Strengths:
Work well in normal XC conditions. Small and light. Use mineral oil.
Weaknesses:
Plastic parts suck. I ripped one lever body off my bar in a wreck. The next time I ripped the housing out of the lever body. Both times you have to replace the whole thing, which is about $70 for the part alone. No reach adjustment or pad adjustment.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes
Bike Setup:
2001 RM Slayer
Bottom Line:
I'm getting rid of these and getting Gustavs. The power of them is OK, but not enough for me. I can't afford having such cheap ones either...well, because they're not cheap to maintain. Just think about what you want them for and if they're going to take any abuse...I'd stay away from these. The do work OK though, and are an OK upgrade from V brakes...just hate that plastic. Just like SRAM.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Birdman
a Weekend Warrior
from MA Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Nothing I would call a strenght. They seem adequate. Power is about par with the vee's I had but modulation is better and face it they work better in bad conditions and with a warped rim
Weaknesses:
Cheap Cheap Cheap plastic. My last bike went through hell and back and the levers never broke. The rear brake housing (master cyclinder and attachement to handlebar part) snapped (not the lever). Cheap Cheap Cheap.
Similar Products Used:
None - only vee brakes
Bike Setup:
RM Slayer
Bottom Line:
They are adequate stoppers. Maybe I fault RM for putting such flimsy brakes on a bike that is made for more than an xc jaunt. As many of you know it is no fun when a back brake snaps. Cheap I say. Give me the extra few grams and some strength and I'll gladly lose a little weight to make up the difference.
Magura will warranty and I paid to upgrade to Louise which are at least aluminim. Just annoys me that I have to buy a bleed kit, tear off my grips and then fix something that shouldn't have broken so easily. A hard crash and I would understand but that's not the case. I liked the brakes they just can't handle normal abuse. I'll put the LOUISE cyclinders on and post a review in the future if they prove to be better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Smith
a
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
I don't really see any strengths, these breaks suck ass.
Weaknesses:
-Pads wear quickly -Pads are dumb expensive -I've broken 5 levers since i've owned them -I had to bleed them daily so they would feel good. -They made me not want to ride my bike anymore with those breaks. -Breaks constently faided. -I fixed the problem by buying some Hayes.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, and I like Hayes way more.
Bike Setup:
Came stock on my 2001 Devinci Kingpin
Bottom Line:
Magura did a good job making a break that felt wicked during a test ride and then stoped working when i got it home. These things don't even classify as breaks, someone will get hurt from this crap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guillaume
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
worked for 2 months
Weaknesses:
Yells all the time, no brake after 3 months, brake lever is leaking.
Similar Products Used:
avid cable disk brake system
Bike Setup:
spec. Rockhopper Pro
Bottom Line:
Magura clara disk brake system is far away from avid Killing cable system.
At least, the germans did replace my leaking lever, but wouldn't change pads and calipers (destroyed by curved disk).
Avid is powerful, priceless, and LEAKLESSS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
hartwood acres
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
mtbr marketplace
Strengths:
Worked great for about 2 months, relatively inexpensive.
Weaknesses:
Really weak lever, frequent adjustments, no reach adjustment.
Similar Products Used:
None, just v-brakes.
Bike Setup:
Barracuda frame, Z-1's, On-one 3 piece cranks and single chainring, xt rear derailleur, magura front disc.
Bottom Line:
These were great to begin with. Then I ran into a tree, this broke the lever where it meets the handlebar. It's now duct tapes together and hasn't worked quite right since. I'm trying to get a replacement lever, the metal one. I would recommend getting the louise for freeriding etc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KitKat
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: August 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
- Stops when it wants to - Adequate stopping power - Looks good
Weaknesses:
Everything else basically . . . specifically:
- Price of replacement pads - Fast wear of pads - Constant tinkering needed - adjustment is time-consuming - Brakes wear down too quickly in the wet - you need to stop & get multi-tool out & adjust almost all the time - THAT annoying screeching noise in the wet - Can't get ANY spare parts due to incompetent Australian distributor - Rotor is easily run out of true - Stopping power not great - Flimsy brake lever - Needs bleeding too often - Didn't last long
Similar Products Used:
none - though the Clara is making way for a v-brake
Bike Setup:
Cannondale 2000 F700 - Maggies came standard
Bottom Line:
For the price this brake simply does not live up to standard. Sure, when it works the brakes are pretty good- can pull you up quickly enough, but the stopping power isn't spectacular. Yes, there's good modulation, but none that isn't available in a good v-brake.
Wet riding is impossible because the screeching will drive you crazy, and the fact that the brake pads are too expensive to waste in the wet, and that you have to stop every so often and adjust the damn thing so you can stop!!!
The plastic lever is flimsy and doesn't have anywhere near the feel of a good lever.
It also needed to be adjusted often, & it's a time-consuming process. Bleeding is also needed far too often too. Replacement brake pads are about twice what you pay for v-brake pads, and last not quite as long as v-brake pads anyway.
In 18 months of ownership I've already had 2 bent rear disc rotors - when I haven't whacked anything it's strange to happen. & of course they're f***ing expensive to replace.
And the front brake is already dead after 18 months - something is clearly wrong with the system (don't know where) and I can't even get a replacement in Australia (the local distributor doesn't have any, and doesn't care). And so I'm not going to even bother with these any more, on goes a set of good v-brakes. Not quite so good as discs, but at least they are reliable. Bye bye hydraulics.
It'll be a while before I buy from Magura again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ash
a Cross Country Rider
from Nottingham, UK Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
London
Strengths:
Very Powerful
Weaknesses:
B@stard to set up, plastic levers are brittle but may be swapped for alloy ones
Most of the problem on this product are down to incorrect setup of either rotors, pads, calipers etc. The workshop manual doesn't go into enough detail try looking at http://www.execulink.com/~dtierney/wmc/Magura/top.html to get them set up correctly. This should solve most problems associated with them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trail Boss
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa, Florida Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
They are hydraulic and Disc. Nuff said.
Weaknesses:
No adjustments.
Similar Products Used:
V Brakes
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Instinct. (Love It)
Bottom Line:
DRAG - DRAG - DRAG!!! After using these brakes for just a few weeks one side piston started dragging. So for every 3 miles of riding, it was like riding 5 miles by the end of the day. I tried every adjustment I could think of. Bike shop rebuilt the first one and then ordered another. Wrong color came in (sigh). New one did the same. Problem is they just do not center properly. One piston always backs off less than the other which means contact, Drag, and NOISE.
Mushy stopping power on the front brake!!!
I love the idea of disc's but I think I will try cable and pray.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike T.
a Racer
from Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Simple effective brake at a good price.
Weaknesses:
Lack of lever blade reach adjustment. 4-bolt reservoir. Special wrench for reservoir cap bolts.
Similar Products Used:
1999 and 2001 Magura Louise. 2001 Magura Julie. Magura HS-33
Bike Setup:
Ti Seven, Rond-Magura fork.
Bottom Line:
An excellent product from Magura. This brake does what it's supposed to do for a good price. Out of the box it was dead quiet (noooo squeal) and was powerful after a short break-in period.
It's a totally drag free brake too - those who have any drag just don't have the slave cylinders shimmed properly. Can't you see equal gaps down each side of the pads?? How the #ell can you have drag if you have daylight showing?
The power and modulation are great - this brake bugs my eyes out on a full-out stop from 43mph dirt road downhill. *I* decide when and if the wheels lock.
I need lever blade reach adjustment and I assume it was left off these brakes to keep costs down. Minus one flamin' chili for this omission.
Great brake for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
c
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver CO Date Reviewed: May 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
Just a follow up to my post dated 5/16...
Couldn't be any happier with these Clara's. I mentioned in the previous post that I noticed changing pressure point. But after the break-in period and bleeding the system, the problem totally disappeared. Man, these brakes rocks. Setting up is critical though.
Gef H, I suggest bleeding your system and let it break-in more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gef H
a
from Melbourne, VIC, Australia Date Reviewed: May 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with Cdale Jeckyll
Strengths:
Nice feel for first 30 seconds after full service. Easy adjustment.
Weaknesses:
Massive brake fade after sustained use (10 minutes plus on a good downhill). My brakes failed completely after my third run on a gritty downhill run. The pressure of the brakes varies greatly depending on how you apply the brake. It responds well to short sharp stabs (full wheel lock), but will lose pressure if gradually applied - extremely distracting when you're in the middle of a down hill and you're not sure where the take up point of the brake is. Hard to diagnose and fix the problems as these brakes will regain pressure after being left alone over night, so the problem seems to disappear until you are next on the trail again. Incredibly inconsistent and unreliable. Not good enough to be on the market.
Similar Products Used:
Coda, Hayes
Bike Setup:
Cdale Jeckyll 2001
Bottom Line:
I have toiled with these brakes and given them every possible chance to perform, but sadly they have failed. Brakes are for slowing and stopping your bike. They need to be consistent to allow you to ride to your limit safely. Second guessing your brakes on every ride is a real drag. Brakes are too important to muck around with. One taste of a Hayes disc brake and the Maguras look like the sorry piece of crap they really are.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
C
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: April 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
light weight predictable stopping power effortless braking modulation (similar to XT disc) look (alloy levers/calipers)
Weaknesses:
adjustibility unstable oil pressure
Similar Products Used:
none, but demo'd hayes (which is either 100% on or off.. very dangerous) & shimano xt (the perfect disc brake, but at a price)
the clara came stock with the bike. still in the break-in period, had no problems so far. i've been very happy with it. i have the 2001 clara & it has alloy levers & caliper/piston assembly. i take that as a great improvement.
massive braking power but lack adjustability. oil pressure seem to fluctuate, sometime the pad has slight drag on the rotor, other times the lever will touch the grips.
will post more comments when I get more mileage on these thing. to be continued.. happy riding
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zeke
a Weekend Warrior
from Leadville Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the one going down
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Yeah, right.
Weaknesses:
Weak product top to bottom.
Similar Products Used:
Avid, Hope, Hayes
Bike Setup:
C'dale
Bottom Line:
If you want discs that work then go with something proven - Avid, Hayes, Hope. If you just want discs then these pieces of crap or any of the other 95% will do, but odds are you'll fool with them endlessly and they'll still suck. Watch out for the 4 bolt rotors or you'll be changing hubs to get out of these. If you've got a Lefty, The Hayes is 300.00 per wheel. Rating: One flaming headache.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ingoball
a Cross Country Rider
from Norway Date Reviewed: March 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Sport Extreme
Strengths:
its a disc brake, it worked when i wrecked my frontrim....
Weaknesses:
it dosnt work, its not possible to get right. it drags and squeals like hell. i had to change the disk, it was wobbeling after 3 months of riding. i dont like it and am looking for a new brakesystem
Bike Setup:
cannondale F700+
Bottom Line:
if you want i discbrake, dont buy this one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Rappahannock County, Virginia Date Reviewed: February 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bike Shop
Strengths:
Looks nice
Weaknesses:
Squeals like a stuck pig. Constant drag on disc.
Similar Products Used:
First set of discs
Bike Setup:
2001 Rocky Mountain Instinct
Bottom Line:
Claras came on the bike. Brakes had drag from the beginning, just when spinning the wheels without even being on the bike. This was supposed to "loosen up" after riding. On first ride brakes would start to squeal even when not being applied. Pumping levers would get it to stop, but then would start again, especially when standing up. Would also squeal when applied. Too embarassing to be seen on. Took bike back to shop where I bought it; they couldn't do anything so they sent the brakes back and Magura sent a set of Julies, which I have not yet had time to ride with, but on spinning the wheels they have little to no drag. Will report on these after I have ridden them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Dutton-Taylor
a Weekend Warrior
from Yorkshire, England Date Reviewed: January 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
Cheap, Light
Weaknesses:
See below
Similar Products Used:
hayes
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyll
Bottom Line:
The worst brakes I have ever used. They came fitted to my 2001 Cannondale, first couple of rides there was no major problem. Then, every ride, I was adjusting the pads, 4-5 times a ride, no mean feat considering you have to do them manually each side. I was finding that during a downhill (not long ones!) they would fade so badly that the lever would come to the bars and would need pumping to get any response. I contacted my dealer who contacted the importer who said that there was a solution although there was not actually a problem!? New levers (alloy) and pistons were fitted and they were much improved. However, I still never got the front brake to work properly, if you adjusted it 'till the levere felt right, the wheel wouldn't go round, if you backed it off, it was really sloppy. The last straw came when I turned the bike upside down one day and tah efluid appered to have leaked out of the system. By the time I got to my ride star and got the bike out of the car, there was no pressure! Quite a scary brake. Personally I would like to know at the bottom of a hill that my brakes will work. If you have got late 2000/early 2001, check with your dealer if it needs an upgrade. Even then they are poor. Me, Im off to the shops to buy some Hopes! Beware!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grassman
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: November 29, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good stopping power. Clean design. Lightweight.
Weaknesses:
Flimsy levers Squealing. Not too bad though Have had brakes bled twice allready. Local bike shop says its stretching that occurs in non-braided hose.He says it will go away after you expand it.( Then have it bled again to fill up the cylinder.)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano V's
Bike Setup:
2000 Cannondale F700
Bottom Line:
Good Brake. Not great but good. Lever upgrades are probably in the not to distant future. Also may consider new Shimano XT disc brake setup. I'll wait for the reviews and the tax return $$ Overall I am pretty happy with the brakes. Nice for the Price
!!!PEACE!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shockee
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC Date Reviewed: November 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ladies' in North Van
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Rider's Cycle - std to bike
Strengths:
Hydro+disc = wet power and reliability travel adjustment a superb amenity (not available on Hayes)
Weaknesses:
doubtful integrity of the composite lever housing (2001 models have alloy levers - a good improvement) Not as solid overall as Hayes (my previous brake), but some find that the modulation is better. I get a little drag trying to set mine up to feel like Hayes, however (low travel setting)
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, RockShox
Bike Setup:
2001 RM Slayer, Clara's F&R
Bottom Line:
Great brake for the money. Now that the levers are alloy, less reason to spend the little bit more for Louises, except that the Louise comes with lever reach adjustment as well (needed for many people with smaller hands).
I've owned them for but a short period and they are working up to expectations. I guess I should order some spare parts just in case, however.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a Weekend Warrior
from Annandale,NJ- USA! Date Reviewed: November 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Not sure yet, when they work, they have very good stopping power
Weaknesses:
Composite levers- requires constant adjustment- system has failed 2 times in 3 months
Bike Setup:
2001 C-Dale F700
Bottom Line:
My bike shop has been easy to deal with, thats good news because the brakes had to be bled within one month and then the front brake failed while riding in the rain (not fun)its in the shop now, evidently C-Dale has been having problems. Lets see how they do in the next couple of weeks. Bottom -Line go for the shimanos or Avids- skip these pieces of crap!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sammy
a Downhiller
from seattle, wa Date Reviewed: October 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
upper oil can, north shore
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
good stopping power, easy to set up and adjust, price, etc, etc
Weaknesses:
well the only problem I have is, those damn levers. Easy fix problem, just get the Louise levers and all is good
Similar Products Used:
Hayes, Grimeca, Shimano disk brakes, Magura rim brakes, XTR rim brakes.
Bike Setup:
2000 Santa Cruz Bullit... need I say more
Bottom Line:
Probably not the best brake for full on downhill, but for freeriding it is money. If you take your time setting it up right you will have no problems or screeches, but those damn levers. Great for the money. Try em you'll like em.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Bosman
a Weekend Warrior
from Blue Mountains, Australia Date Reviewed: October 4, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Panther Cycles.
Strengths:
Stopping Power, low maintainence, simple, great backup from Magura.
Weaknesses:
Composite levers and master cylinder too flexy, pad adjustment critical and difficult to achieve
Similar Products Used:
Formula cable, Hayes hydraulic
Bike Setup:
2001 Cannondale Jekyll 700 standard except for Easton Monkey riser bar.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are great in all conditions. Once bedded in they have plenty of stopping power. I had many problems with these brakes when I bought my bike. Firstly I blew a hydraulic line on my first ride. Got that one fixed. Next I had a leaking master cylinder on my second ride. Got that one fixed!!! (they replaced whole assembly) Now no more problems. Local bike shop, Cannondale and Magura where all fantastic. All bent over backwards to help me. Cannondale even gave me a shirt for me troubles. The pad adjustment on these brakes is critical. Too close and they drag, Too far and you pull the lever to the grips. The difference between these two situations is very very small. A 5mm Allen wrench has become my best friend!!!! The composite levers and cylinders are rubbish. They have way too much flex and this is half the problem with having to keep the pads so perfectly adjusted. It is not only the lever that flexes, the whole master cylinder flexes towards the grip if you apply enough pressure. I think Magura stuffed up with these composite assemblies. Magura won't admit it but the proof is on their web site. ( the 2001 model range has no composite rubbish at all!!!!) When I have enough money I will replace lever assemblies with Louise Alloy ones.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Tromp
a Cross Country Rider
from Apeldoorn, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: October 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Everything around het Leesten
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Hoekman Tweewielers Apeldoorn
Strengths:
Light and cheap for hydro discs (there are a lot of bargains around, just search for them), lots of power. Looks good. Good modulation
Weaknesses:
Lack abit of feel, not a very progressive build up of power but there's nothing wrong with working the lever a bit.
Similar Products Used:
Formula MD-1 mechanical discs
Bike Setup:
2000 Giant XtC DS-3, RaceFace Prodigy crank, Shimano PDM 545s, Roox S4 seatpost, Fi:zi'k Nisene saddle, ACOR CrowBar and ACOR bar ends, the rest is still the original set up. Front brake is now Clara, rear still Formula MD 1 but that will make place for a Clara by the end of october.
Bottom Line:
Everyody please forget my good review on the Formula MD 1s I posted earlier this year. Besides form seeing what a Clara can do, I managed to break the central axle by just putting it back together after changing pads. So Magura Clara came in at the front. I had a swap to Magura Claras front and rear planned for the end of october, but as you see the front had to come earlier. Anyway, I installed the thing myself. had to use all of the twelve 0.2 mm spacers on the front wheel that were meant for both front and rear (my bike shop had to order a front and rear set, so I got all the fitting materials with it already). That means 1.2 mm of spacing on each bolt. That means the SR Suntour fork is a bit out. But it's fitted alright now. It doesn't feel that much heavier than the Formula MD 1 system. It might be a crap system, but it is very light. The hydraulic line sure is lighter than the bowden cable. That's an advantage especially when you get the longer line for the rear brake.
Setting up is a bit difficult. I went to bedding in the system right away and was making stoppies already after 12 times braking. Couldn't do this with the formulas so it convinced me of being powerful enouh right away. Altough there is enough power, you wouldn't say it really bites on first contact. This is probably due to not being a rim brake that has the advantage of 26 inch diameter brake service it can bite on. But if you squeeze hard enough the thing will stop you hard enough. Power is not a problem. Lever modulation is. The primary contact point you feel in the lever is determined by pad to disc distance. I couldn'set this up right for me (really early contact point in the lever) without the disc touching the pads. When I went back to the bikeshop to get the thing checked for correct fitting, the lever came back to the bars and I it didn't even lock on full squeeze, but even than it had the power to make the forks dive more than they ever did on the Formulas. My rear never skidded on full brake easily and now it did it every time. The bikeshop set up the brake to my liking with an early contact point in the lever without any contact between disc and pads. This was how I wanted my disc brakes to be. Altough it did increase the lack of feel a bit (reaching full brake power now came down to squeezing the lever really hard) this turned out to be down to the system still not being bedded in fully. During the ride afterwards the brake got better anyway. I've only done 35 km on them and I expect them only to get better. I'll probably be used to the different feeling in no time. Stoppies aren't a problem. They don't come up unexpected, but do occur easily when you want them to happen. Just sit at the front of your saddle and lift about an inch of the saddle and squeeze that lever, your rear wheel is now of the floor. When the rear Clara comes in by the end of the month there won't be much around here that will prevent me form stopping when I want.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michiel van Dorsser
a Racer
from Best, Brabant, Netherlands Date Reviewed: September 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Local 13km training trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Esman Rijwielen Best
Strengths:
Very good brake power. Nice feel to it. modulates very good. A lot off brake for the buck.
Weaknesses:
It needs adjustments almost every time you go riding if you want the optimum brake set-up. Otherwise you just have to set-up the brakes a bit lose to prevent it from making contact between the disk and the brake pads all the time. But this means the brake handels wil feel very soft and will actually tough the handle bars when braking hard. (To bad you cant adjust the main cylinders) It also makes the sreeching sound when you ride trough some water or mud.
Similar Products Used:
previously I used magura hydrolic block brakes. V-brakes and standard shimano cantilivers
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX870 2000 season with some modifications. Shimano XTR shifters instead of Sram esp 7.0 Magura Clara instead of Giant MPH Hydrolic disk system (the clara's where on the bike when I bought it.) standard on bike are: Judy XC Hydracoil front suspension, Rigida Taurus rims, Michelin Wildgripper tires
Bottom Line:
These are by far the best brakes I have ever had on any of my bikes. Massive stopping power. The rear locks up with just one finger on the brakehandle. And that works with all fingers. Even the little thingy all the way opposid of the thumb. (pink) And on every terrain. (asfalt, cobble, rock, sand,mud,etc,etc,etc) The rear tire comes off the pavement with just a brisk/firm pull of an index finger on the front brake. Even when I stay put on the saddle. impressive
Downside is still that it does require some special care and maintaince.
If you like mud maybe you shoud try something else because it makes a lot of noise when it gets mud on the disks. In the dry its perfect. rain and water is ok.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Nice modulation.
Weaknesses:
Annoyingly long break-in. Only adequate braking strength.
Similar Products Used:
Various v-brakes.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F700. Fairly stock.
Bottom Line:
Unimpressive brakes. Cannondale should probably switch to Avid mechanical discs. Should provide easier adjustments and greater braking power.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Superlite
a Weekend Warrior
from Belgium Date Reviewed: August 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
erm...
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good modulation, very low maintenance, good braking power, relatively light compared to other discs. Wheel removal takes no time. Pad setup is a breeze on the trail if you need to make adjustments. Ride in mud and you won't see the difference.
Weaknesses:
Minor problems with the piston not returning back to the lever, had to make a couple of runs to the bike store, and I still have the prob with the front brake lever, slighty annoying but doesn't diminish braking power, the lever seems to float around, a couple of pumps take care of that, but it's not normal at all... So next week i'll go and say hi to the bike store! People tend to "diss" you when trying the levers at rest (The famous parking lot test...). But they don't understand that oil expands when hot and adds fermness to the lever during the ride...
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
clara's front and rear
Bottom Line:
There are maybe better brakes out there (XT disc, drool...)But Clara's are very good brakes for the price (almost identical to the Louise), low profile they won't make everybody go "OOOOH" and "AAHHH", but they work really well and that's the bottom line for me. As for the squeal when wet, it dissapears as soon as the brakes get hot again and water has evaporated from the heat. These brakes really shine on long rides when you can exploit and discover all their possibilities and they just get better with time!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wim Kees Woltering
a Cross Country Rider
from Dieren, Netherlands Date Reviewed: July 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Veluwezoom
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Powerfull brakes
Weaknesses:
In wet conditions a hell of noise The brakes need a lot of maintenance
Similar Products Used:
V-brakes
Bike Setup:
Scott Team Racing
Bottom Line:
When you like to ride in wet conditions think about buying this brake system. In those wet conditions the brakes do their job perfect but the noise of the brakes sounds terrible even when you don't use them. I have asked Magura by e-mail what to do. Within two hours they have given me an answer (perfect service). They acknowledge this problem but they don't have a sufficient solution.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ralph van der Hulst
a Weekend Warrior
from Voorhout, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: July 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Technical
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good braking power Good modulation
Weaknesses:
No adjustable reach Not self centering
Similar Products Used:
Cantilever an V-brakes
Bike Setup:
Be One Weblite
Bottom Line:
The brakes came with the bike and I am happy with it. After a good set up you will never hear them. (only in the rain you'll hear the discs sing when your blocks are to close to the disc)It suprised me how well you can modulate these brakes. They only bite if you'll really hit them. When you buy them separately as an upgade they are rather expensive, but fully hydraulic. If you like bikestuff they are worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cullan
a Cross Country Rider
from anchorage alaska Date Reviewed: June 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anyhting with roots
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
it kicks-it has the best lever ergonomically speaking than any other brake. it has great modulation thatnks to the composite levers
Weaknesses:
not self centering
Similar Products Used:
any v-brake you can name(they suck compared to discs)
Bike Setup:
stock F700 with small upgrades
Bottom Line:
this brake is great thanks to the composite levers the brake has great modulation. And in response to cadel(?)(down) its not a hassle to remove and replace the front wheel because all you do iscarry a small long 5 that has been cut down, (you should carry it anyway), overall great im thinking of getting another for the rear because even the hs11 is crappy compared to the disc.and another thing they're cheap as hell you can get them for 129$
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ozzierider
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: June 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
gooseberry mesa
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light, powerfull stopping, modulation
Weaknesses:
not adjustable reach and actuation Manual adjustment of pads Heats up and fades on really steep terrain (mind you I am 220lbs)
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shock's disk, Hayes
Bike Setup:
Raven
Bottom Line:
The front Clara came stock on the Raven and I purchased the rear separatly to have disk front and rear. Set up is critical to have it working well: the stationary pad (closer to hub) has to be almost touching the rotor- back it of just slightly- There is some minimal drag on the rear, I presume to frame flex while cranking, but much less noticeable then a V-brake on my hardtail. The brakes are very strong stoppers with little effort at the brake lever. BTW the non stock brake that I purchased for the rear came with alluminum lever blade. The rotor/caliper assembly is same as Louise, the difference is in the lever/reservoiur at the handlebars, the Louise being alluminum and adjastable reach. I am considering getting a second setup for the second bike. Brake feel is the same dry or wet, so that is a certain bonus there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cadel Evans :-p
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: June 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ummmmmmmmmm . . .
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
- Good braking power - "Light" weight - Works so so well in the wet - Excellent modulation - Magura's excellent technical support - "Cheap" & works! - Looks good!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
- The ever-present SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH in the mud or on a dirty trail - Those cheap plastic levers which are extremely flexy - It's hard to learn how to set-up - Still too expensive.
Similar Products Used:
none - can't compare cheap cable v-brake to a hydro disc
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F700
Bottom Line:
Good brake. Not great.
Plastic levers suck, so flexy . . .
It took me quite a while to realise how precise the set-up has to be on one of these discs . . . that's the difficult thing. Also, if you take your wheel on & off often it's a hassle because a slight movement in the way you put your wheel back on will result in another pad adjustment!
The screech in the mud/wet will drive you crazy.
Great stopping power though, one-finger is all it takes to stop the bike down from huge speeds. & great modulation too.
It also looks great - but be prepared for the inevitable, "How much does it cost???" & "Is it better than v-brakes???" questions every time you show up in public.
The bottom line, is, that if this didn't come standard on my Cannondale I'd never have bought it. But I'm not gonna swap them for anything else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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