[IAmtnbikr]

First I'll say yes... I know it's not the 'proper' method to shorten up the hoses. But... I've done this before with my old Formula Evo's which have a split-style olive and it worked fine. Didn't have any issues and also didn't have to bleed when done; brakes were solid. I just mounted up a nice used set of Magura SL's and the hoses are waaaaay too long. So... anyone done this? I may go ahead and try, and if worse comes to worse I'll just order the parts and wait a week or so until they arrive. I appreciate any real-world feedback though.

 

[MaguraNM]

Hello- Please use new olives and high-pressure fittings!! Please give us a call and we get you taken care of.
Thanks!

 

[IAmtnbikr]

Hello- Please use new olives and high-pressure fittings!! Please give us a call and we get you taken care of.
Thanks!

Will do; I just found some locally! Looking at the brakes they're a little different... they don't have the larger 'nut' at the lever end on the hose. Looks like just a smaller fitting that threads into the lever housing, and I presume the insert/olive under that. They came from a female Magura-sponsored rider and are in superb shape. I believe they're the '07 ones or at least that was the information she sent with them. Nice to drop some weight off replacing my 10-yr old Formula Evo's. I appreciate the reply.

 

[29ERCAT]

This kind of C.S. speaks volumes for Magura in my book....

 

[MaguraNM]

You can download the shop manual on our site www.magura.com click on service / downloads and follow the directions… model year etc…

Enjoy your brakes

 

[IAmtnbikr]

This kind of C.S. speaks volumes for Magura in my book....

Absolutely! :thumbsup:

 

[IAmtnbikr]

Finished shortening them up. Simple as can be to do. Didn't even need to bleed or add fluid when done and lever feel is fine. Thanks again to the Magura tech who posted here for the kind offer. Those brakes are eager to get a workout on my bike!

(photos taken with Magura rotors installed for now)

 

[Cayenne_Pepa]

Are those silver or a light blue? I finally took the plunge myself, and got a used set 2007 Marta SL, for $200USD. I cannot wait!

 

[IAmtnbikr]

Are those silver or a light blue? I finally took the plunge myself, and got a used set 2007 Marta SL, for $200USD. I cannot wait!

Silver. I believe the '07 and '08 models are identical. Very easy to shorten the hoses up if needed. Also very easy to change pads. From the reading I've done it appears that the best pads are the actual Magura's. Here's a photo of the rear brake taken after I got the new chain and rotors mounted up (should braking not be superb with these rotors that are roughly 12g less each then I'll put the Marta's back on):

 

[mtbnozpikr]

Just out of curiosity, what is wrong with reusing the olives and seals?

 

[006_007]

Just out of curiosity, what is wrong with reusing the olives and seals?

Once used, the olive gets compressed - good chance that re-use will result in it not sealing properly and causing a leak.

 

[Cayenne_Pepa]

Silver. I believe the '07 and '08 models are identical. Very easy to shorten the hoses up if needed. Also very easy to change pads. From the reading I've done it appears that the best pads are the actual Magura's. Here's a photo of the rear brake taken after I got the new chain and rotors mounted up (should braking not be superb with these rotors that are roughly 12g less each then I'll put the Marta's back on):

Question- Did you have to shim the Marta calipers, or did they line-up w/ the rotor?

 

[IAmtnbikr]

Just out of curiosity, what is wrong with reusing the olives and seals?

My Formula's used a split olive made of brass. I was able to reuse it with no problems. The Magura appears to be made of aluminum and isn't split. Thus... once compressed around the hose there's no way to get it off to reuse. The hose end that pushes in CAN be reused though. The trick is to barely grind through the olive so it can be peeled away. Once this is done you can slice the hose and remove the end. Looking at things I believe even if you were to lightly nick the hose end it will still seal against the olive? I was able to save one hose end and have a spare new olive just in case I need parts sometime.

 

[IAmtnbikr]

Question- Did you have to shim the Marta calipers, or did they line-up w/ the rotor?

Yes, I did have to shim both of them slightly. One trick: if you don't have the proper shims or washers to use... take some eyelet style wire terminal crimp-on connectors and cut the eyelets off. Then file the area where you cut the crimp portion off to make it a smooth circle on the outer diameter. They make fine spacers in a pinch. I figured this out some years ago at the racetrack. The alcohol funny car I drove had an injector nozzle plug up and we had one cylinder go lean right at the finish line. When it did the cylinder temp shot up and it hurt the exhaust valve. The valve head tuliped slightly. Enough to where I couldn't get any valve lash on that one even with the adjuster backed all the way into the rocker arm (aftermarket Jesel shaft system). So after a little thought I figured out that making some spacers that would fit/bend to follow the contour between the rocker arm shaft and stand that it bolted to would move the shaft/arms up on that cylinder and allow for me to have some valve lash. Cut up 3 ends to fit the 1 bolt on each side and 1 between the pair of arms on that cylinder and all was fine. Got my valve lash, made the last qualifying run... and ended up winning the race and season championship.

 

[Cayenne_Pepa]

Yes, I did have to shim both of them slightly. One trick: if you don't have the proper shims or washers to use... take some eyelet style wire terminal crimp-on connectors and cut the eyelets off. Then file the area where you cut the crimp portion off to make it a smooth circle on the outer diameter. They make fine spacers in a pinch. I figured this out some years ago at the racetrack. The alcohol funny car I drove had an injector nozzle plug up and we had one cylinder go lean right at the finish line. When it did the cylinder temp shot up and it hurt the exhaust valve. The valve head tuliped slightly. Enough to where I couldn't get any valve lash on that one even with the adjuster backed all the way into the rocker arm (aftermarket Jesel shaft system). So after a little thought I figured out that making some spacers that would fit/bend to follow the contour between the rocker arm shaft and stand that it bolted to would move the shaft/arms up on that cylinder and allow for me to have some valve lash. Cut up 3 ends to fit the 1 bolt on each side and 1 between the pair of arms on that cylinder and all was fine. Got my valve lash, made the last qualifying run... and ended up winning the race and season championship.

Thanx. Where did you get the ti bolt kit? I used to race Porsches......love biking MUCH better!!!

 

[IAmtnbikr]

Thanx. Where did you get the ti bolt kit? I used to race Porsches......love biking MUCH better!!!

I went to eBay for the ti bolts. There are a few sellers on there. I hope to be back out racing again maybe in '09 with my own dragster that's been collecting dust for years. I have the engine/trans done but need to do some chassis updates. But I'll stick to local tracks as I have no desire to get back out every single summer weekend and travel across the country. I had that fun years ago and don't need it anymore!