[wyatt]

The review was positive but said two things I don't understand.
1) That they didn't come with oval washers and thus were not adjustable for centering.
2) That their design requires that they be farther inside the grip on the bar.

The first is in direct contradiction to what Formula told me on the phone, not specifically that there were oval spacers but that they were adjustable. If it is only a matter of spacers, clearly that can be remedied, even if it might be a hassle.

The second part I know nothing about having not seen them up close. I am using Shimano Rapidfire mounted on the inside of the lever, of course, as opposed to SRAM twist shifters

Any owners have observations about the lever being farther inside the bar than other brakes? Formula forks were at the Norba nationals today and not available for comment. Thanks alot.

 

[misctwo]

The review was positive but said two things I don't understand.
1) That they didn't come with oval washers and thus were not adjustable for centering.

the slave cylinder is designed with post mounts on both front and rear; you won't need washers once you use the formula post mount adapters(unless it's a very rare case). trust them.

2) That their design requires that they be farther inside the grip on the bar.

that's practically the only way they will work. i'm running SRAM rockets and i prefer running the shifters on the OUTSIDE, but it's a very poor fit. when I run the shifters INSIDE, the fit is fine. this is probably my only gripe about Formula's, but i'm already figuring out a possible clean solution to it.. :thumbsup:

 

[zkampyman]

Dirt is dirt

I read the review and it was curious. I'm not sure why you would need oval washers for anything.

I'm running the brakes with 952 XTR rapid fire shifters.There is no issue with Shimano rapid fire triggers. If you run SRAM XO shifters the position of the levers is acceptable, but there is less adjustability with the current clamp bracket. There is an optional clamp bracket in the works for the XO crowd. I'm not sure if the Formula crew are ready to release it for prime time yet. I have used the brakes with XO shifters and the position felt fine in my hands. Frankly, the shifting is better on XO than 952 XTR (the former gold standard). But, I have a backup rear derailleur and a right shifter in reserve that I'll use before I consider changing, because the 952 stuff works almost as good. Who knows what the 970 shifters will be like when they go into production.

If I'm not confusing this review the guy said that the pad adjustment lever does not do much. I beg to disagree. There is a lot of variablity in the contact feel from one end of the lever adjustment to the other. I think this switch is really to counter the effect of the longer hose on the rear brake, but I would be just as happy with the power and modulation of the K18's. Let's just say that compared to the Juicy red knob, the Formula levers works a lot better, it is unlikely to get broken off in a crash. the Juicy knob spins around at least seven or eight times from one end to the other. The Formula has about 160 degrees of swing and you can adjust the thing while your riding. But, once it is set, you don't have to ever play with it again.

Cheers,

Kane

 

[wyatt]

Thanks alot, that was really informative.

Off topic, have you compared the XO to the X.9? I imagine there is much written about that already, but I had to ask...Wait! I have the XTR and the x.9 so I guess I have my answer. XTR is better, lighter, smoother, faster. To me, but then i am writing.

 

[Guest]

The review was positive but said two things I don't understand.
1) That they didn't come with oval washers and thus were not adjustable for centering.
2) That their design requires that they be farther inside the grip on the bar.

The first is in direct contradiction to what Formula told me on the phone, not specifically that there were oval spacers but that they were adjustable. If it is only a matter of spacers, clearly that can be remedied, even if it might be a hassle.

The second part I know nothing about having not seen them up close. I am using Shimano Rapidfire mounted on the inside of the lever, of course, as opposed to SRAM twist shifters

Any owners have observations about the lever being farther inside the bar than other brakes? Formula forks were at the Norba nationals today and not available for comment. Thanks alot.

Hey Wyatt -

To answer your first question, I believe he was referring to our brakes not using spherical washers between the caliper and the post mount adapter (ala Avid). Primarily we don't think it's necessary, but even if we did, SRAM has a patent on these washers in this application , so no other post mount brake can use this "feature". Our calipers are slotted for the post mount screws, giving you the ability to dial in lateral positioning on the caliper.

As far as being farther in on the bars, I haven't done a side by side comparison with other brands, but our lever should be positioned as with any other brake. This ordinarly doesn't problem with Shimano shifter positioning. With XO, you can't rotate the shifter right up next to the brake lever because the top of the shifter interferes with the MC, but as mentioned, we have a bracket that gives another option for mounting an XO shifter. (The Mixmaster - Now available!)

Best regards,
Greg

 

[Porchsong]

A++ for the Oro Puro's

have a pair of Oro Puro's on my Nomad and I could not be any happier!! The Oro's are just plain old great; I don't have a single complaint. I've had excellent pad lifetime, even with the organic pads, the bleed kit and process are excellent, and even the directions are easy! I've bashed my bars repeatedly and the levers are still in great shape, so far. Knock on wood. One finger power all day long, I'm sure the mix of modulation and power has saved my a$$ more times then I know. I set them up and haven't had to mess with them ever, they just work flawlessly. What more can you ask for? Now it is true that the master cylinder may make your perfect "nesting" set-up difficult, but I'm running the X9 triggers and haven't had any trouble, just had to re-program my brain a bit. It's a non-issue for me.

I would say that if you're in the market for a high end brake, then you should take a long hard look at the Puro's. It's worth the investment IMPO. My Grandpa use to say "It's not the speed that will kill ya, it's the stopping" So in my mind, my brakes are the most important component on my frame.

oh, my only comment for the Formula crew is to consider shipping your kits with the required star nut allen keys. It took me longer to find those little allens at the hardware store than it did for me to set them up!.........geez, If that's my only piece of constructive criticism...that makes me a very happy consumer.

Porch
Boulder, CO

 

[akazan]

[email protected]:new Formula Blanco

Hey Greg,

I checked the Formula website and they have a new disc brake, Formula Blanco and it looks sweet. Will you give us an update...weight and cost? And also, when will it appear on the public market? i"m guessing that Formula will have it for the Interbike this coming September.

 

[Guest]

Hey Greg,

I checked the Formula website and they have a new disc brake, Formula Blanco and it looks sweet. Will you give us an update...weight and cost? And also, when will it appear on the public market? i"m guessing that Formula will have it for the Interbike this coming September.

Hey Akazan -

The brake is actually the bianco, as in Italian for "white".

The brake is aimed to be a bit more downhill specific version of the Oro. The weight is basically the same as the K24, since it shares the same castings and hardware. It comes with a one-finger DH lever that was developed for Minnaar and the Honda G-cross team, sintered metallic pads stock, and a high polish finish.

Pricing will be available soon, perhaps a bit earlier than Interbike. We had the brake out at the Cougar Mountain Classic, so if you happened to stop by you could have drooled on it in person!

Best regards,
Greg

 

[akazan]

[email protected]:Formula Bianco

Hey Greg,

Thanks for the update on the new disc brake, Formula Bianco. Very nice cutomer service on your part to let the MTB world more aware of your products. Thanks again.

Akazan