[scoon]

I know that Hope makes vented rotors that are specifically meant for the V4 caliper. Is this the only rotor that should be used? Hope says that the V4 can use a variety of different rotors which I assume to mean regular 1.8 this rotors. I've reached out to them and am waiting a response. I know with magura, you can run a thinner rotor, but you shouldn't.

My question is if people are running 1.8 rotors with the V4 caliper and is that the thing to do?

 

[dubthang]

I run Hopes on most of my bikes. My Mondraker Foxy has V4's with Hope floating rotors. I have smoked out my rear brake before while doing dh runs. It was so hot that it was popping and crackling. I think the vented rotors would be a nice upgrade, but they may only be needed based on what type of riding you are doing. I've never had an issue with trail riding.

That said, the thicker rotor may lead to more pad rub. One of the problems I routinely encounter is pad rub due to the pistons not retracting. This is due to the crap conditions that I encounter in New England, and me not doing as much maintenance as I should. A little alcohol clean and brake fluid lube gets them back to normal.

 

[scoon]

Thank you for the input! I'm in PA and these will be used on my trail bike. It sounds like I can stick with the 1.8 rotors I have. If the need ever arises, I will still have the option for heavier rotors.

 

[Jayem]

I have the V4, Hope has said you can run "normal" 1.8 rotors in it. It's meant for the 2.3 or whatever and will run fine with that too. I'm running a Magura 2.0 up front. Hope is a bit down on power compared to other brands, so I go with larger rotors, 220/200, this also gives me a lot more cooling area, vs. if you just run vented or thicker rotors at the same time you'll reduce fade, but not gain any power. Another option is TRP, they have some thicker rotors.

 

[772268]

I have a lot of experience with the V-4 calipers. First off, if anyone is stating that Hope's are 'down on power' compared to other brands, know this : Hope brakes, especially the V-4, offer far superior performance IF you use steel-braided-brake lines. It is night and day difference in power. I used to run the V-4 both front and rear, both with the vented rotors, which are fantastic and stay cool. However, over time, I changed the rear to the E-3 caliper with a 180mm rotor for the back, which is fine now. I would not consider using the V-4 with the non-vented rotor, as it works best with the thicker vented rotor. Even so, you CAN certainly use the thinner rotor with the V-4, but 'why' would you do this...??? You can find the vented rotor for the V-4 on ebay sometimes for half price usually in 'black', so long as you are good a finding / searching for the deals. I tried the non vented rotor on the V-4 and did not like the feel OR the power, and switched back tot he vented rotor immediatly. But that is just me, and I do ride a lot and I also DO break quite hard, and, I tend to 'ride the brakes' more than others maybe due to my motorcycle racing habits. You will have to try the two setups for yourself to see if your manner of riding benefits from the V-4 vented rotors. But keep in mind that IF---you are looking for the super smooth, very progressive and powerful feel that the Hope V-4 is capable of, you WILL need to employ the steel braided lines. For whatever reason, the steel braided lines make a noticable difference on the Hope calipers, and this is true for ALL of the Hope calipers...as they simply do--not--flex under Power....AT ALL.

 

[scoon]

I have a lot of experience with the V-4 calipers. First off, if anyone is stating that Hope's are 'down on power' compared to other brands, know this : Hope brakes, especially the V-4, offer far superior performance IF you use steel-braided-brake lines. It is night and day difference in power. I used to run the V-4 both front and rear, both with the vented rotors, which are fantastic and stay cool. However, over time, I changed the rear to the E-3 caliper with a 180mm rotor for the back, which is fine now. I would not consider using the V-4 with the non-vented rotor, as it works best with the thicker vented rotor. Even so, you CAN certainly use the thinner rotor with the V-4, but 'why' would you do this...??? You can find the vented rotor for the V-4 on ebay sometimes for half price usually in 'black', so long as you are good a finding / searching for the deals. I tried the non vented rotor on the V-4 and did not like the feel OR the power, and switched back tot he vented rotor immediatly. But that is just me, and I do ride a lot and I also DO break quite hard, and, I tend to 'ride the brakes' more than others maybe due to my motorcycle racing habits. You will have to try the two setups for yourself to see if your manner of riding benefits from the V-4 vented rotors. But keep in mind that IF---you are looking for the super smooth, very progressive and powerful feel that the Hope V-4 is capable of, you WILL need to employ the steel braided lines. For whatever reason, the steel braided lines make a noticable difference on the Hope calipers, and this is true for ALL of the Hope calipers...as they simply do--not--flex under Power....AT ALL.

Also very informative, thank you! So the question is - are the V4 pistons longer so that anywhere from 1.8 to 2.3 rotors can be run? Magura pistons are designed so that 1.8 is when it is time to replace their 2.0 rotor.

 

[Jayem]

The reason hopes are down on power is less hydraulic advantage due to MC and piston size. Yes, I have steel braided lines. Can you even get them without?

Just based on your comment above, it’s proof they are down on power, if you “have to” use steel braided lines to get good power and make up for the lack of hydraulic mechanical advantage. Other brakes are supplying enough power (hydraulic and mech advantage) that losses due to line flex isn't an issue. Not bad brakes, just not the most powerful by a good margin. Their quality is better than most, if not all. Bigger diameter rotors go a long way to address this AND provide better cooling due to surface area and there are thicker options available (not from Hope) now too. A relatively small difference in diameter results in a relatively large increase in material and surface area due to pie (mmm). Hope seems to be missing the boat by not offering their vented rotors in a 225 or 220 configuration. Either that or figure out proper hydraulic advantage and not "one lever for all brakes". Hope levers are a little longer than most, which helps with the mechanical advantage, but shimano for instance uses the servo wave to dramatically boost this. Their reliability is poor over the long run IME, but for both mechanical and hydraulic advantage, they are hands down better. So much so that you really need to consider brake cooling with shimano a lot more than power (rotor) for real steep stuff.

 

[772268]

I still wouldn't say that they are 'down on power'. They have PLENTY of power. Hope places modulation and a very smooth progressive type response high and above 'instananeous-bite', which, for some, is described as having 'more power'. But again, Hope has ample Power, but ZERO 'instant-bite'. Thus in any type of 'panick' mode, you are not going to have an 'instant-bite' / over-the-bars scenario with Hope brakes....which I HAVE in fact experienced with Magura and, as well, with Formula brakes. So I guess it would depend on whether or not you are looking for an 'instant bite' type brake, or a more smooth, more truly progressive type brake. I myself MUCH prefer having a brake that has zero 'instant-bite' tendency. But we are all different, and I ride very fast on my Evil Wreckoning and instant-bite type brakes would already have been the death of me many times over by now. But if you are a cross country type rider then maybe you would not have issues with a brake that bites instantly and such. Hope is not lacking in power. If you squeeze them full on they slow you down very efficiently, but minus the chance of the harsher more instantly delivered 'grab' that other brakes may offer. I would never ride any other brake than Hope ever again in my life. The smooth, progressive delivery of power is the safest type of set up for 'me' personally, and there are many times when I have 'oh ****' moments and the Hope brake power delivery has allowed me a margin of safety because of how they insure that the Magura type 'on / off' switch power delivery does--not--occur. With the V-4 I very much doubt that any one would our could say that they 'lack' power, because they require only one finger to access all the stopping power you would ever need in 95% of all situations. I only up to two fingers when encoutering very long, sketchy decents....otherwise...a single finger is all that I ever need...even on my big Wreckoning 29er.

 

[scoon]

I have a lot of experience with the V-4 calipers. First off, if anyone is stating that Hope's are 'down on power' compared to other brands, know this : Hope brakes, especially the V-4, offer far superior performance IF you use steel-braided-brake lines. It is night and day difference in power. I used to run the V-4 both front and rear, both with the vented rotors, which are fantastic and stay cool. However, over time, I changed the rear to the E-3 caliper with a 180mm rotor for the back, which is fine now. I would not consider using the V-4 with the non-vented rotor, as it works best with the thicker vented rotor. Even so, you CAN certainly use the thinner rotor with the V-4, but 'why' would you do this...??? You can find the vented rotor for the V-4 on ebay sometimes for half price usually in 'black', so long as you are good a finding / searching for the deals. I tried the non vented rotor on the V-4 and did not like the feel OR the power, and switched back tot he vented rotor immediatly. But that is just me, and I do ride a lot and I also DO break quite hard, and, I tend to 'ride the brakes' more than others maybe due to my motorcycle racing habits. You will have to try the two setups for yourself to see if your manner of riding benefits from the V-4 vented rotors. But keep in mind that IF---you are looking for the super smooth, very progressive and powerful feel that the Hope V-4 is capable of, you WILL need to employ the steel braided lines. For whatever reason, the steel braided lines make a noticable difference on the Hope calipers, and this is true for ALL of the Hope calipers...as they simply do--not--flex under Power....AT ALL.

@Skrool - another question since you have run the V4s - how do they compare in size to shimano XT 2-pots? What I want to do is fit them on my hardtail. My frame has the brake mount inside the rear triangle instead of outside like a chromag. For reference, this is the bike: Hayduke. I suspect that the caliper will fit just fine, but can't see one in person and am buying these "blind".

 

[Jayem]

@Skrool - another question since you have run the V4s - how do they compare in size to shimano XT 2-pots? What I want to do is fit them on my hardtail. My frame has the brake mount inside the rear triangle instead of outside like a chromag. For reference, this is the bike: Hayduke. I suspect that the caliper will fit just fine, but can't see one in person and am buying these "blind".

For the same rotor size, less stopping power. That's what I "upgraded" from. Read between the lines "you have to use steel braided hoses"

 

[scoon]

For the same rotor size, less stopping power. That's what I "upgraded" from. Read between the lines "you have to use steel braided hoses"

@Jayem - thanks for the reply but my question is - How does the size of the V4 caliper compare with a shimano? Originally I asked about xt 2-pots but I meant 4-pots.

 

[Jayem]

@Jayem - thanks for the reply but my question is - How does the size of the V4 caliper compare with a shimano? Originally I asked about xt 2-pots but I meant 4-pots.

Oh, thought you said power comparison directly between the two. I don't have the 4 pot shimanos, so I can't compare. On some bikes people get rotor issues with the thick aluminum carrier pinned hope rotors rubbing frame/fork parts, that's the most common clearance issue with hope, although it's still rare. The V4 is pretty chunky, definitely bigger than 8000, mainly longer, still bound by the mounting holes. I also have E4s and the V4 is very slightly larger with more fins.

 

[scoon]

Oh, thought you said power comparison directly between the two. I don't have the 4 pot shimanos, so I can't compare. On some bikes people get rotor issues with the thick aluminum carrier pinned hope rotors rubbing frame/fork parts, that's the most common clearance issue with hope, although it's still rare. The V4 is pretty chunky, definitely bigger than 8000, mainly longer, still bound by the mounting holes. I also have E4s and the V4 is very slightly larger with more fins.

@Jayem - Super thank you! What do you mean by fins? My plan is to run the V4s with the rotors I have which are not floating.

 

[Jayem]

V4s have fins CNCed into the caliper. I can’t remember if there are any on the E4, but there are definitely more on the V4. They aren’t huge and look somewhat cosmetic, but it’s more surface are and material for dissipating heat.

The other common clearance issue people run into is using other companies brake adapters, but that’s really for any brake, it might work or it might not, if you have a formula, magura, shimano or other brake adapter.

 

[scoon]

V4s have fins CNCed into the caliper. I can't remember if there are any on the E4, but there are definitely more on the V4. They aren't huge and look somewhat cosmetic, but it's more surface are and material for dissipating heat.

The other common clearance issue people run into is using other companies brake adapters, but that's really for any brake, it might work or it might not, if you have a formula, magura, shimano or other brake adapter.

Super, thank you!

 

[dubthang]

As someone who has V4's, M4's, and E4's, here is some extra info. They will all fit with the proper adapter as long as you have a 'normal' bike. Use a Hope adapter for Hope rotors, or add spacers to them for the extra 3mm. Use non-Hope adapters for non-Hope rotors. You may find that some calipers fit better than others due to the routing of the hoses. For example, I prefer the Evo M4/E4 routing over the V4.
They all have plenty of power, and even better modulation than most other brakes on the market. They are the easiest to bleed, but they probably require more maintenance than some other brands. Do not buy ss hoses if you have internal routing. They are thicker and may not fit. There really isn't a difference between the two hose types as far as power goes. It is a perceived difference because the ss hoses have less flex, but the actual power is the same (the lever may be slightly less firm).
You can easily swap calipers between levers and lever types. Most of mine have the newer Tech 3 levers, but I actually prefer the feel of the older Tech Evo levers.

Latest purchase:

 

[scoon]

As someone who has V4's, M4's, and E4's, here is some extra info. They will all fit with the proper adapter as long as you have a 'normal' bike. Use a Hope adapter for Hope rotors, or add spacers to them for the extra 3mm. Use non-Hope adapters for non-Hope rotors. You may find that some calipers fit better than others due to the routing of the hoses. For example, I prefer the Evo M4/E4 routing over the V4.
They all have plenty of power, and even better modulation than most other brakes on the market. They are the easiest to bleed, but they probably require more maintenance than some other brands. Do not buy ss hoses if you have internal routing. They are thicker and may not fit. There really isn't a difference between the two hose types as far as power goes. It is a perceived difference because the ss hoses have less flex, but the actual power is the same (the lever may be slightly less firm).
You can easily swap calipers between levers and lever types. Most of mine have the newer Tech 3 levers, but I actually prefer the feel of the older Tech Evo levers.

Latest purchase:
View attachment 1919245

Very good info, thank you. Out of curiosity, where did you get your hopes? I have had no luck finding a set of e4s.

 

[alpinerider38]

The reason hopes are down on power is less hydraulic advantage due to MC and piston size. Yes, I have steel braided lines. Can you even get them without?

Just based on your comment above, it's proof they are down on power, if you "have to" use steel braided lines to get good power and make up for the lack of hydraulic mechanical advantage. Other brakes are supplying enough power (hydraulic and mech advantage) that losses due to line flex isn't an issue. Not bad brakes, just not the most powerful by a good margin. Their quality is better than most, if not all. Bigger diameter rotors go a long way to address this AND provide better cooling due to surface area and there are thicker options available (not from Hope) now too. A relatively small difference in diameter results in a relatively large increase in material and surface area due to pie (mmm). Hope seems to be missing the boat by not offering their vented rotors in a 225 or 220 configuration. Either that or figure out proper hydraulic advantage and not "one lever for all brakes". Hope levers are a little longer than most, which helps with the mechanical advantage, but shimano for instance uses the servo wave to dramatically boost this. Their reliability is poor over the long run IME, but for both mechanical and hydraulic advantage, they are hands down better. So much so that you really need to consider brake cooling with shimano a lot more than power (rotor) for real steep stuff.

Totally agree, have run hope moto v2s with 203 vented rotors, while they were awesome brakes im now using Saints with galfer 2mm by 203mm rotors and pads and that have so much power and zero brake fade! Living in the alpes I've got some pretty steep long decents and they've been amazing! I know people have had reliability issues with shimano but mine have been faultless!

 

[dubthang]

Very good info, thank you. Out of curiosity, where did you get your hopes? I have had no luck finding a set of e4s.

These came from The Lost. It was the only complete set I could find for US online dealers. This is why they are red. I wasn't picky about color since I just wanted new brakes.

There is a guy on Pinkbike from New Jersey that advertises as a stocking dealer. It appears that he has some stuff in stock.

 

[scoon]

These came from The Lost. It was the only complete set I could find for US online dealers. This is why they are red. I wasn't picky about color since I just wanted new brakes.

There is a guy on Pinkbike from New Jersey that advertises as a stocking dealer. It appears that he has some stuff in stock.

Darn, they seem to have complete sets of V4s. The V4 is why I started this thread. I was trying to figure out if I can run 1.8 rotors with the v4. I think I'll wait and see if stock changes.