Submitted by
Betarad
a Cross Country Rider
from Lahaina, Maui Date Reviewed: November 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
F16
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Competitive Cyclist
Strengths:
Quiet, light, effective, easy set-up.
Weaknesses:
Expensive (but worth it)
Similar Products Used:
Hayes 9, Hayes El Camino
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5 built light. 180 rotors front and rear.
Bottom Line:
When I built the 5.5 a few years back I went for top shelf stuff. As a devoted Hayes fan, the El camino was their flagship brake at the time. I've since spent the last 2 years with poorly designed brakes that squeal when wet or hot, fade badly on long descents, and constantly move the lever throw adjusting screws out of whack on bumpy terrain (the poor design part).
I finally could take no more, and I researched the quietest brakes out there. The Marta SL scored high in this category, so I ordered 'em. So far they've more than lived up to their high rating. All is quiet in the rainforest once again. And the feel is nothing short of superb. Not a hint of brake fade on the same descents that would get the better of the EC's.
I have to say the Ec's seemed a bit more powerful at raw stopping ability, but the Martas exhibit better all-around power and modulation.
While some reviewers clearly experienced some difficulty with set up and bleeding, to say I was pleasantly surprised with my installation and set up would be an understatement. Both of my brake lines required shortening, something I prepared for by ordering the bleed kit with my brakes. I followed the instructions for hose shortening religiously, even shortening one hose twice. Squeezed the levers on completion .... perfection! No bleeding required! Both brakes had exactly the same feel and lever throw. Prior to this experience, if you told me this happened to you, I wouldn't believe you. Didn't think it possible. All I can say is: follow the instructions - it worked for me. The rest of the set up was equally effortless - no shimming, no misalignment issues.
Bottom line: these are clearly high quality brakes. They're smooth, they're quiet, and they're user-friendly. I highly recommend 'em.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CraigE
a Racer
from Orange County, California Date Reviewed: October 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
All of 'em.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Amazing stopping power and modulation.
Weaknesses:
Bleeding is not intuitive.
Similar Products Used:
Hope, Shimano, Formula
Bike Setup:
Niner WFO
Bottom Line:
Built the bike with Shimano Saint 4 piston calipers and 203mm rotors. Could not get the rear brake to stop squealing and over heating. Finally removed the Saints and installed the Magura Marta SLs. Life is good now. I'm running a 203mm rotor up front and 180 in back. These brakes are amazing. I tried some Maguras about 7 years ago and wasn't happy with them at all. Now they seem to have focused on the mountain bike brake thing and have gotten it right. I'm so over the Shimano brake setup, their galling and squealing has gotten to me for the last time.
Installation was straight forward but you will need their bleed kit to do it right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nixgame22
a Cross Country Rider
from parker co usa Date Reviewed: October 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Curt Gowdy
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
craigslist
Strengths:
Strong brake, great modulation. Beautiful color, carbon lever. Light.
Weaknesses:
Tough to get setup correctly. Slim rotor clearance. Have to remove grips to remove lever.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing "similar" used. Upgraded from Hayes 9 carbons.
Bike Setup:
Spec FSR XC, and now use them on my Yeti DJ.
Bottom Line:
I did buy these used off of Craigslist, as a "new take off" set. Weather that's legit or not, I'm not sure. After 10 miles, the rear caliper was leaking fluid. Magura customer service was great, and sent me a replacement no questions asked. I did go through a local shop though if that helps.
I really like these brakes. My only qualms though would be the initial set-up. They're tough to get everything aligned correctly. The bleeding process is a headache. But once they're dialed in, they're amazing. Plenty of stopping power that seems to get better the more I ride. I just wish they would make the lever clamp seperate to they would be easier to remove when needed.
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Submitted by
GarySimp
a Racer
from Texas Date Reviewed: September 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Flat Rock Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Sage Cycles
Strengths:
There's no friction after a period of heavy braking. Very light. Even brake distribution.
Weaknesses:
Have not found any yet.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT Disc
Avid Elixr
Bike Setup:
Full Suspension
Bottom Line:
The best brakes I have ever used. I highly recommend these brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Berkeley Mike
a Racer
from Richmond, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Single Tingle
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
Cyclemonkey
Strengths:
They stop real good. Light and smart.
Weaknesses:
Lever linkage pivot screw fell out with pivot pin
Similar Products Used:
Avid Mech, Juicy 5.
Bike Setup:
Specialized M2, full XT, Magura SL front brake, King Hubs and Cyclemonkey wheels, Syntace stem, Thompson post, Monkeylite carbon bars. Built for racing.
Bottom Line:
Why that screw fell out is a mystery and we were lucky to find the parts in the dirt. We were also lucky that it didn't happen during a race and have been keeping an eye out. I am wary but otherwise think these are a remarkable product. That said I feel the same about my own bike builds; we never lean on them until they are fully tested.
I've learned a lot about the advantages of hydraulic brakes from these as they are supple, require very little force, and have shown no fade. They are very light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
buellrider
a Cross Country Rider
from Gelderland, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: March 31, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Any...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
These are light, look absolutely stunning and really do the job. Takes a ride or 2 to get used to. After that you're hooked. Friend of mine has XT discs and when we switched bikes, he immediately flipped over and I missed the turn completely...
Weaknesses:
None!!!
Unless you count that it takes some effort align them properly but that's only once, right?
Similar Products Used:
HS-33's and before that several V's and even cantelivers
Bike Setup:
Viper hardtail, Reba team, Mavic 819 tubeless on Hope Pro2's, XO rear, XT front, XO twisters, XT crankset, Ritchey WCS bar & stem, NC17 seatpost, Fizik Tundra
Bottom Line:
For years I was reluctant to buy discs because my HS-33's worked so well. Further more, I was annoyed by the discs my buddies use; lots of sticky piston noise in muddy conditions and loud sqeals when breaking hard.
When I had to buy a new set of wheels I decided to take the plunge but stick with Magura.
Boy, was I right!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geraldo Souza Jr
a Cross Country Rider
from São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil Date Reviewed: February 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
XC Riding
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
eBay Store
Strengths:
Powerful, very light, Easy Set Up, Beautiful Piece!
Weaknesses:
Low Modulation
Similar Products Used:
Formula Oro Puro, New Formula R1, Avid Juicy Ultimate
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC Team, Fox F-100 RLC, Mavic CrossMax SL, Shimano XT Crankset, Selle Italia SLR kit carbonio Saddle.
Bottom Line:
I bought it for my Giant XTC Team bike and changed my XTR V-Brake for this one. It's powerful, very nice to cross country rides. I have a Canyon XC 9.0 (full) with Formula Oro Puro and i noticed that the Magura Marta is better than the other set. Easy to change brake pads i did it once, and very nice to centralize if you have to change the wheels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
El Mojone
a Weekend Warrior
from Cameron Park Date Reviewed: January 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anywhereoutthefrontdoor.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$480.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Looks, power, feel, ease of set up.
Weaknesses:
Nothing yet.
Similar Products Used:
08 Magura Marta SL, Avid Juicy7 and Ultimate.
Bike Setup:
08 Specialized Enduro S-Works.
Bottom Line:
I put the 09's on my 08 Enduro. They set up easy, also was a breeze to shorten the lines. They have twice the power of the Avid brakes. Don't know what else to say, they are awesome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sprintit
a Weekend Warrior
from London Date Reviewed: January 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Various Cumbria
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
n/a
Strengths:
Efficient, great in all weather, fantrastic control
Weaknesses:
levers can become lose, a known issue.
Similar Products Used:
Avid 7's.
Bike Setup:
185mm front, 160mm rear.
Bottom Line:
Fitted as part of the bike setup i bought, these brakes rock, and look good too (the red magnesium ones). I LOVE these brakes and and fine they work well in both general XC and downhilling. Only gripe is the levers can come loose and rattle about, this is a known issue and I read somewhere what you need to do to fix it, I think it's a return to LBS job - google it / check out magure web site as that's where i would have found it. Also the lever travel gets quite long, I believe this can be adjusted but never looked into it as was happy with the way it was. All on in all fab performance and look great. Sounds like most peoples neg recs are more to do with fitting / poor LBS capabilities and not the gear itself. Note the warranty is ONLY valid if you use Magura pads. no idea why as Fibrax rock in general, so watch out for this little bit of detail ! Magura pads are pretty good so this isn't really an issue. 4 chilli's due to lever issue (the rattle is annoying after a while !). These are performance disk brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zzzman20
a Cross Country Rider
from Blacksburg VA USA Date Reviewed: January 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Beauty
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
Super light, powerful, good modulation, cool looking, adjustable reach, not thaaat hard to bleed...
Weaknesses:
Expensive... but worth it
Similar Products Used:
Avid BB7, juicy
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575, xtr, magura thor fork(also sweet)
Bottom Line:
Any of these reviews that dont like these brakes, are actually complaining about getting the wrong product (dude with the 90 degree fitting), having a crappy bike shop working on your bike (mr turtell- you are completely insane dude what are you even talking about? what does anything have to do with the BRAKES?), not following directions well (magura has great how to guides on their website and setting these up correctly isnt that hard- guy with the sticking pads- look at the guide on "how to free stuck pads") etc. If you have any mechanical ability just follow the directions to bleed them correctly or get a good bike shop to do it (not a crappy shop then put the blame on the brakes). peligro- good guide on bleeding, but the reach is adjustable, its a tiny allen screw at the front of the lever by the pivot
Once the brakes are set up correctly, they stay set up, and you dont need to worry about them again. These things are awesome! I can endo my bike with one finger! They have great modulation, but it starts with a feather touch up to a firm pull rather than starting at a firm pull and going up to a deathgrip like some other brakes... Love these brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zachariah
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, California USA Date Reviewed: December 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hurkey Creek Park(24Hrs/Adrenalin Course)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Feather-light; Sharp appearance; Powerful stopping; Quiet; High resale value.
Weaknesses:
Caliper alignment is very time-consuming; Could use more modulation; Carbon levers only retract 99%, when pulled- really not a huge issue, because braking power is not affected.
Similar Products Used:
*Avid Juicy Ultimate- only strong point was modulation
*Hayes Stroker Carbon- Noisy, and not very powerful. Beautiful lever action, though
*Hope Mini Mono Pro- The closest competitor, and even lighter. I do not like the excessive machining of the Hopes. Personal preference only.
*Formula Oro Puro- Another close competitor. Great modulation, but felt slight braking vibration.
I was very averse to using hydros, but after a year of reliable Avid BB7 use- I decided to finally give the Magura Marta SL a try. All I can say is.............WOW!!!
These brakes stop with complete authority, and does it without a sound. These are true ONE-FINGER brakes! All it takes is just a light, slow pull- and everything comes to a smooth, silent halt. Like most high-performance bike parts, proper installation is KEY. Once dialed-in, they are as dependable as any cable-actuated brake system.
My only gripe was the caliper alignment. Ditch the factory shims, and get the open-ended "C" shims, with the tiny handles, from your LBS. This way- adding/removing shims does not require constant mounting bolt removal, which is a time-consuming PITA. At over $400 per side new- these professional-grade stoppers are not cheap. However, if you take your riding seriously, and want uncompromising quality from your brakes- the Magura Marta SL has the same exact German quality, as a Porsche automobile. It's really hard to believe something so light, can stop SO FAST.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RIfreeDE
a Cross Country Rider
from Cave Creek, AZ Date Reviewed: November 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
McDowell Mountain Ranch Trail (Sanctuary)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came with Titus
Strengths:
Brake has given me no problems
Weaknesses:
If you're going downhill and haven't warmed these puppies up better get down there with a blow dryer before decenting!
Similar Products Used:
Hayes
Bike Setup:
Titus Carbon X
Bottom Line:
Great brakes, obviously super light and they still stop on a dime. I would not trade these for anything. Might try different pads on these as the stock one's really require a lot of heat to work properly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
orthorex
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Gatos, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$480.00
Strengths:
Power, Modulation, Weight.
Weaknesses:
Reach is a bit far even dialed all the way in.
Similar Products Used:
Formula Puro, '07 Marta SL
Bike Setup:
Titus Motolite
Bottom Line:
Huge improvement over the previous generation Marta SL. Power in spades and fantastic modulation. Set-up was very easy and drag free from the start. They are very quiet even after very long descents that would cook my Puros's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
smmcpherron
a Cross Country Rider
from Sandy, utah, USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Several Wasatch trails linked together
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Very light with a great feel. Nice modulation and control. Very QUITE. They are beautiful. I have Marta SL's on 2 bikes, and one set is an incredible red.
Weaknesses:
Expensive, but what else is this light and still so powerful. Does anyone stock pads for Marta?
Similar Products Used:
XTR's. Nevr could get them to retract, and I hate brake drag.
Bike Setup:
IBIS MOJO with Crossmax SL's and Fox 32 Talas Suspension.
Titus El Guapo w/Easton AM Havoc, Fox 36 Talas Suspension.
Bottom Line:
I read some other reviews whining about set-up, but, both my bikes were easy and straightforward to set-up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eryag
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, MT, Gallatin Date Reviewed: June 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sypes Canyon
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
When it works, its amazing. I've used them to XC and downhill.
Weaknesses:
Challenging to setup. LBS was unprepared to install and adjust these. Spent 1 year (the free warranty period) letting them try to "tweak" these brakes in. I had a squishy action (air bubbles), drag, etc.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Scalpel 2000 w/ lefty
Bottom Line:
Finally I called the Magura service and they were great. Emailed tips sheet and sent a bleed kit w/ extra fittings to help FOC. Been 4 years w/o a bleed and been through 5 sets of pads and still working like day 1. Takes time and patience to set these up, but definitely worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SdlC
a Cross Country Rider
from Noord Holland, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: June 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$341.00
Purchased At:
12gotrading.nl
Strengths:
light, strong and not very unimported, it Brakes!!!
Weaknesses:
The set-up! Took me 2 months an a trip to my LBS
Similar Products Used:
Magura HS 33
Bike Setup:
Cube LTD comp 2008 frame, RedMetal , Larssen UST tires, Magura Marta LS 180/160, Selle Italia Max Flight Gel saddle, Rock Shox Recon 80 mm, Use1 seatpost
Bottom Line:
I had some problems getting these brakes operational. Constant drag of the pads. But a couple of months later and some nice trips in the south of the Netherlands the work perfect. It was soaking wet and muddy, but the Marta SL kept on braking. I really love them. And the color is cool.
At first i had the wrong disc, IS instead of CL. The internet shop chanced them without cost for a pair Shimanos because they had no Cl from Magura instore. But they did not give me the right feeling. I kept on feeling a drag. Now i put on the new VentDisc. And after a short work-in period they work perfect now. No other brakes for me on the moment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Odawg. Bike shop manager
a Cross Country Rider
from Granite Bay, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Solstice
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
direct from Speciali
Strengths:
Lite
Weaknesses:
Fragile, no modulation, terrible customer service and warranty department. They do not support their products.
Similar Products Used:
Avid Juicy 7, Shimano XT, Formula K24
Bike Setup:
08 Specialized SJ FSR Pro Carbon.!
Bottom Line:
When I first got my bike the one glaring weakness was the brakes.I found that the Marta SL brakes offered very little modulation. They are an on or off brake. I have stuck with them though as I am a Specialized dealer trying to sell complete bikes. My biggest problems came when while riding down the trail my rear lever began flopping back and forth offering no braking whatsoever. The reach adjust screw and receptacal had fallin out. I was out of town at the time but a dealer in the area happened to have the spare parts which they sold me for $2.00. It happened again leaving me at the top of a mtn. with only a front brake. I called magura on monday to get warranty parts but was told it was my fault and I would be charged. DONT BUY MAGURA...THEY SUCK!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
peligro
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: June 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Backbone
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Included with used b
Strengths:
Light weight, no squeaking, plenty of stopping power for XC riding, reliable, look awesome
Weaknesses:
Hard to set up, no reach/throw adjustment.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes HFX9 - STAY AWAY!!!
Bike Setup:
Blur XC with all the goodies
Bottom Line:
As others have said, these brakes can be a chore to set up properly. Bleeding them is kinda involved and the broken-english instructions don't help. Having bled them a few times, here's my technique for a perfect bleed:
*Take the brake completely OFF the bike. Yes this is a pain in the ass. Of course you won't believe me at first and will leave it on the bike. After a few crappy bleeds you'll try this and be amazed.
*Mount the brake lever to something at shoulder height. I use a wood dowel clamped in a workstand. The reservoir should be level with the ground and the hose hanging straight down.
*Remove the pads and put in the spacer. You must have something in there. I lost the spacer and use four quarters wrapped with electrical tape.
*Fill the syringe with the bleed fitting completely with fluid, take care to push out any bubbles. Make sure there's no air in the tip. A tiny bit of oil should be oozing out the top.
*Hold the caliper up high with the bleed port facing up, remove the bleed plug and screw in the syringe.
*Unscrew and remove the reservoir cover.
*Use the other syringe to draw out the fluid in the reservoir. Then push the syringe and the reservoir will fill. Drain it again and repeat, tapping the caliper, hose, and lever as you work in order to dislodge air bubbles. You really have to keep at it, you'll be amazed that even after completely flushing the fluid, little air bubbles will still come out. There's a lot of places for air to hide and you need to be patient.
*Once you've pushed through about half the contents of the syringe, fill the reservoir again then pump the lever. They syringe plunger should get pushed firmly back out. Pump back and forth a few times with the lever and plunger. Make sure the hole at the bottom of the reservoir is covered in oil at all times. You don't want to force in air from the top.
*Top off the reservoir, make sure there are no bubbles, then reinstall the cover.
*Push the syringe plunger to top off the fluid. You should only be able to push it in maybe 1mm. Fluid may ooze from the reservoir cover. If so, this is an indication that the reservoir isn't well sealed.
*Raise up the caliper above the lever, bleed hole up. Remove the fitting, and quickly install the plug without dripping out fluid.
*Pump the lever. The pistons should extend against the spacer and feel very firm.
*Clean the brake with alcohol, reinstall and go ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jrocket44
a Cross Country Rider
from Pullman, WA, USA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2008
2008 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Sworks...stock but swapped out Sram shifters and rear der for Shimano XTR
Bottom Line:
I too use MTBR's reviews often when chosing new parts and (unfortunately) I only post a review when a product is really good or really bad. This one is REALLY GOOD! I have ridden several brands and models of disc brakes and the one thing that all ought to agree with is that brakes (disc or rim) are the highest maintenance parts on a bike. Also, when it comes to brakes, there seems to be so many variables (mainly setup). What works perfectly for one is a nightmare for another. For example, I had several warranty replacements of my original XTRs due to the dreaded sticky piston issue. I have known others that never encountered the issue at all. I have about 100 miles on the Martas and MINE kill everything else I have ridden. My 7s are grabby and SQUEAKY, my Juicy Ultimates were tossed after their lack of power almost killed me multiple times, my XTRs (975s) are good...However, I did not realize how good XC brakes could be until the Martas. Best one finger braking yet, BEST modulation yet, no fade (yet)...close to perfect! True, Specialized specs a 203mm front and 180mm rear rotor...that has to help. I will post back in a couple hundred more miles if anything changes measurably.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Less
a Weekend Warrior
from Hamburg, N.Y, USA Date Reviewed: May 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sprague Brook Park so far
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Hammer Head Bikes
Strengths:
Light weight, nice looking, nice feel
Weaknesses:
Not easily aligned like Avid Juicy's. Need to use shim washers. My wife's Avid Juicy's took 2 minutes to align. These I had to make up more shim washers (why dosen't Magura supply more). Not a good thing considering the price. Rear brake line fitting came with a 90 degree fitting, should have been a straight fitting.
Similar Products Used:
Not many, Wife's Juicy 3's
Bike Setup:
Ibis Mojo SL, XO, XTR,I-9, etc, etc. Spared no expense on build.
Bottom Line:
I use these reviews and forums on everything I buy and feel it is very accurate for most items. Therefore I felt I needed to share this with peolpe that may be interested in purchasing Marta SL's. The rear caliper comes with a 90 degree fitting on the end of the brake line. The proper setup should use a straight compression fitting. I contacted Magura about this, they replied it is the way they are coming from Germany (last 4 months). To fix this it will cost me $30 bucks for a bleed kit and another $56 for a new brake line.
Very poor service on their part since it is the fault of Magura Germany for installing a 90 degree fitting in the first place.
For anyone interested in this rear caliper you will have to loop your line to allow it to travel up your seat stay or however you run it back to the lever. I'm very particular about my bike builds and this loop/bend in the line is not very attractive looking and can get snagged on something on the trail.
Quite possibly the Japanese Engineers do a better job at designing mountain bike parts.
Just my $.02
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
erik lobeck
a Cross Country Rider
from seattle Date Reviewed: May 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
oem
Strengths:
work well for a day.....
Weaknesses:
high maintenance, finicky, crummy warranty dept.
Similar Products Used:
shimano xt
Bike Setup:
specialized carbon stumjumper
Bottom Line:
had to warranty rear caliper after one week of riding. Persistent problems with sticky pistons and lever not returning. No good in wet/damp conditions. Don't they have that in Germany? they claim a five year warranty-but that doesn't matter if the product is fundamentally busy sucking. Lives up to german quality the same way a vw does-fundamentally good idea but poor execution.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Torrance, CA Date Reviewed: April 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Weight, decent stopping power, looks
Weaknesses:
Price, finicky to set up, balloons during long decents
Similar Products Used:
Avid , Formula, Shimano, Hope
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5, Uzzi. Upgraded the stock lines to Goodridge steel braided lines.
Bottom Line:
If you are XC kind of guy, these are fine. If you don't do lots of long, steep or technical trails where you need to constantly brake, these aren't for you. If you aren't technically proficient to set these up, these aren't for you. It took me a while to get them to bleed just right.
My main problem is that the lines/mineral oil balloons up during a long/medium descent. I go from one finger braking to two. I even upgraded to Goodridge steel braided lines, and didn't make any difference. I must have bleeded these brakes dozens of times over the last 2 years, and didn't make a difference.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J H
a
from South Florida Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Big Wheel Cycle
Strengths:
Awesome brakes. Mine were pre bled. Aside from a little time aligning the brake and rotor these brakes were plug and play.
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
Avid Junky (Juicy) 5's & 7's
Bike Setup:
07 Stumpy Comp with XT set up.
Bottom Line:
I upgraded the Juicy 5 & 7's on my 07 Stumpjumper. I spent a fortune replacing, repairing and trying to get the Juicys to function. I was so frustrated I finally yanked them off the bike, tossed them in the trash and went out and bought the Maguras. Best thing I ever did. I weigh 190lbs on a large framed bike and these brakes are great stoppers with 160mm rotors front and rear.
The Avids had a 208mm front and a 180mm rear rotor that couldn't not bring the bike to a safe stop. I ride XC on some pretty technical trails and the Maguras are awesome.
The set up took a little time to get right, but it was not difficult.
Note to anyone listening. Avid Juicys are junk. Just about every problem you could have with a brake I had with them. From fluid gushing through seals to having zero stopping power. I mean zero. Over half a dozen bike shop trips could not repair them. And the bike down time was killing me.
I am sure there are other good brakes on the market, but the Maguras are tops. Thumbs up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM, USA Date Reviewed: September 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any Cedro Peak or Los Alamos trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$369.00
Purchased At:
onlinecycle on ebay
Strengths:
Great all around cross country brake. Bought the 2007 model in late 2006, still the lightest brake on the market. ZERO MAINTENCE! Great Modulation. I have the Red martas, and they look very sexy with my jet black cannondale frame.
Weaknesses:
They took more shims than supplied (not big deal, go to a hardware store and buy some more!) for the rear wheel. Which means instead of taking half an hour to install they take an hour + whatever time you spend in the hardware store.
Similar Products Used:
Magura Louise (an old pair, awesome braking, but single piston caliper, so I had to adjust them before almost every ride).
Bike Setup:
Cannondale CAAD4, FSA XC-300, Salsa stainless steel skewers (DO NOT USE TITANIUM SKEWERS WITH THESE BRAKES! RTFM!!! (read the f'ing manual))
Bottom Line:
These brakes are amazingly light. I've been on a bike with the Formula Oro, and these feel better (IMHO)! They're a tiny bit harder to setup, but if you read the manual and you take your time you don't have to mess with them again (at least until you replace the pads). They only lock up when you want them to lock up (i.e., when you're messing around waiting for your friends to finish getting ready), so they stop on a dime and don't tear up the trails. They work fine on downhills (I wouldn't trust them on a DH bike, but I've been on Guaje ridge in Los Almos, which is an insane 9 mile non-stop downhill and the brakes worked like a charm). And, for those who are using mechanical disc brakes and are considering hydraulic discs, I have 3 words for you. ONE FINGER BRAKING! I imagine these brakes could be overkill, if you're not a serious XC rider or racer. But if you don't mind dropping ~$300-400 on a pair of brakes and you want to drop every gram you can (and want some sexy looking brakes), these are the brakes for you! Oh yeah, I recommend buying the 180mm front disc/caliper, the added stopping power is definately worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Novato, CA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Pogonip
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$336.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Good modulation, power, very light weight, mineral oil hydro.
Weaknesses:
Expensive lever replacement cost (>$150!), unknown durability of lever, bar clamp should be two-piece at this price, not as easy to set up as Avid discs.
These came with a slightly used bike I picked up on eBay.
These are my first hydros; before that I had the Avid BB7. These weigh less, mostly due to the carbon levers and additional removed rotor material, and have better modulation (very linear response to lever displacement) and power. I don't have to adjust the pad distances regularly, unlike the cable-actuated brakes.
I'm using Shimano RT97 XTR centerlock rotors, since the wheelset (XTR M965 hubs) had that interface. They work just fine together.
I've heard stories of warped wavy SL rotors - the Shimano rotors have a beefier spider, which should be more warp-resistant. The superior stiffness also should increase pad life (so says Shimano). I haven't evaluated mud-clearing performance yet, which Magura claims is very good with the wavy rotors. The weight is comparable.
The bar clamp is wider than others I've dealt with, and has exacted a space premium on my low-rise 31.8 mm bars with Grip Shift. I compensated by cutting my ESI grips a little shorter (down to 3.125" ea.).
I haven't had to service them yet, but the mineral oil fluid shouldn't need to be replaced as often as other petro-based fluids, due to its hydrophobic properties.
You can put this on the short list with the Formula Oros for the price-is-little-object builds. For XC applications, I'd generally recommend the BB7s, and spend the extra $300 elsewhere (like on the wheelset or frame).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance Stephenson
a Racer
from Cape Town South Africa Date Reviewed: June 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Grabouw
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Super light, sexy organic looks, simple design. Great power, very good quality of product build and materials. Fantastic rotors excellent pad life.
Weaknesses:
to build light , they've not used the universal adjusters that are ugly and cause brake squeal. So you have to face your frame and fork tabs. THESE ARE NOT NEGATIVES! you should face your frame to get the best possible performance from your brakes anyway, some people find this extra work, but building bikes is A ZEN THING! my brakes work flawlessly for over 2 years still and the spacing is perfect, because i've faced the frame to space the calipre over the rotor!
these brakes are no bull, they are light and beautiful. People give the brake a bad name because their LBS is to lazy to prep their bikes properly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D
a
from Ny Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Brickwell cycling
Strengths:
They are light easy to use and maintain ... only bled the brakes once in 3 years ... pads wear slower than hayes ... rotorsw are thicker and stay true ... little noise
Weaknesses:
price and modulation ... more modulatation needed ... however once they fade over riding up and own for an half an hour ... the modulation is trick ...
Similar Products Used:
all hayes all avid all shimano ... hope is crapolla ... hope you stop ... and formula... has been soso
Bike Setup:
1fg and ferrous with these babies ..
Bottom Line:
they cost a lot ... but they work ... if you have setup issues ... check your disc tabs and or take to a shop that knows or has someone who can setup brakes properly ... They stop better than anything in it's weight range ... they are worry free ... maintenance free qand just simply beautiful works of art ... like chris king headsets ... once properly installed you'll have years of success!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mr turtell
a Weekend Warrior
from tazmania australia Date Reviewed: May 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
original equipment
Strengths:
light weight
Weaknesses:
leaked before i got the bike home(in the car)
Similar Products Used:
magura julie juicy 7s
Bike Setup:
07 stumpjumper pro
Bottom Line:
it is a good thing they came with a 5 year warranty since they didn't last 5 minuites. sent them back to "TOTAL RU(bbis)H and after only a month they were came back. the only problem was they had a rear calliper connected to a front lever and hose, which i would have had to mount the lever to the seat post to work. when i sent then back again i was told that they took them off a new bike so i wouldn't have to wait so long(sic) to ride my $6000 aus new bike. when i asked them what bike they took them off (maybe a clowns bike from the circus), i was screamed at saying "you calling me a liar" repeatedly although i tried to reassure her that it was easy to make a mistake especially at christmas time. when i talked to the manager he told me there was nothing wrong with them some people run them euro not moto. i explained that the hose wouldn't reach the bars whether you ran them left or right side, upsidedown or rightside up i was told "you want to be careful mate or i'll take the warranty off you". when i laughed and said how are you gonna do that i was told that i would get a black mark against my name and no-one would deal with me(presumably $6000 in cash couldn't sway the "black mark" system). the bottom line is i have no faith in the ability of a mech to bleed a brake if they don't know which way they go. this is more a criticism of TOTAL RUbbisH in RICHMOND MELBOURNE than the brakes, which are very light (70g per end lighter than juicy 7s and without the tazzie devil with its bollocks in the spokes noise of the juicy sevens)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: January 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hydrocut or Puslinch Lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Braun's
Strengths:
Light Sexy Good stopping power Good modulation
Weaknesses:
Setup.
Bike Setup:
ETS-X Team/Tune hubs/DT Rims/Sapim CX Ray spokes That's all that really matters for this review
Bottom Line:
Great brakes once set up. For some reason the caliper was a huge pain to get centered over the rotor. I needed to use numerous shims. If I had to buy new brakes I would probably get Formula or Avid, just because I don't want to take 2 hours setting them up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hito
a Weekend Warrior
from Detroit, MI Date Reviewed: December 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Excellent modulation and lever feel. No vibrations when braking. Easy set up.
Weaknesses:
Squeaks a little bit, but I don't know any brand that is absolutely quiet.
Similar Products Used:
Avid Juicy 5
Bike Setup:
Titus RX
Bottom Line:
These are an excellent upgrade from the juicy 5 brakes. Marta SL is lighter, has better feel, less noise, and better modulation. So far I am happy with these. I didn't shorten the hose yet, but I think that there is no need to, as I don't feel that it is cumbersome yet.
I just got the standard silver ones, (as opposed to the bling gold and red ones) and I couldn't be more happier.
They do squeak a bit, but so does every other brakes on the market. (It is quieter than my juicy 5)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vaughn
a Weekend Warrior
from Oroville, CA Date Reviewed: November 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light weight, low profile
Weaknesses:
Stupid caliper bleed screw placement
Similar Products Used:
Avid Juicy 7, Shimano XTR Dual Control hydraulic
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Epiphany
Bottom Line:
Swapped out the front 160mm rotor for a 180mm inch. Handles rolling fast paced singletrack just fine. Stays nice and quiet without any rotor squeal, stays self centered. Pads are easy to swap out. The carbon brake levers have a nice wide paddle that are easy and comfortable to grab. I do feel a little underpowered if it gets steep, or with high speed emergency stops. Dropped off the top of Bootleg out side of Las Vegas a week ago and found them to fade a little toward the bottom of some of those black diamond runs. That is a reasonable trade off for me since a minority of my time and effort are put into those kind of fun, white knuckle descents anymore. Although a little overmatched for the big downs, it is wicked sweet for the climbing rolling grind around the backside up to the Lake Meade overlook.
The rear brake lost pressure after a couple months, so spent a painful hour trying to bleed the thing. Magura's website has a downloadable bleed instruction for which I am thankful. I had purchased the Magura bleed kit which includes a hollow bleed screw. The most annoying aspect is having to unscrew the entire caliper from the frame and let it hang by gravity. After squeezing the mineral oil in there and watching it overspill the reservoir at the handle, it was a pain in the behind to remove that bleed screw and reinsert the solid screw in it's place without losing oil all over. After several trial and error attempts my solution at that point was to elevate the back end of the bike and lift the rear caliper and that bleed hole to the highest point. It seemed to work. I prefer the other systems that have a bleed screw in place that simply requires a quarter turn with a bleed hose attached and that can be quickly and smoothly shut without the extra manipulation. Once set though it has played nice for several months. After six months, it is still what I would prefer and shop for if I were out looking again for another disc setup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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