Anyone used the Chinese E4/M4 4 pot (Clarks) brakes....

https://www.merlincycles.com/clarks-m4-hydraulic-front-rear-disc-brake-set-with-rotors-261300.html

Original Clarks for much the same price*?

*Not sure about taxes so not sure if it would be the same price.

Are the (real) Clarks pretty decent? I need a new set of brakes for my pottering round the local woods bike, don't really want to spend too much... Looking at the M3s.

Not sure the AliExpress ones linked are anything to do with Clarks?

These are the new clarks and look very very similar to the Aliexpress specials. The cynic in me would think they came from the same factory? https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/components/brakes/disc-brake-systems/clarks-crs-4-brakes

I used Clarks clout brakes for the past few years, they were dirt cheap and to be honest I can't fault them. Used for trail and enduro type riding, and to be honest I can't imagine wanting to stop any quicker than they stopped me! I'm sure they have weaknesses but they did the job.

Now using Clarks CRS4, which I think we're £150 from Halfords. Again not entirely sure what a more expensive brake would offer me, but I'm definitely not pro!

can't comment on the M4s but Clarks Clout (?) brakes on my youngest's hardtail and on my jump bike are spot on. REALLY good for the money...

Oh yeah! I'd not seen them, they do look similar.

Worth bearing in mind you'll probably have to switch the levers with the AliExpress ones, they're set up front/left.

These are the new clarks and look very very similar to the Aliexpress specials. The cynic in me would think they came from the same factory?

Absolutely, think it's fairly clear they come out of the same factory.

Alt seller and brand, slightly cheaper:-

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006075368535.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.0.0.25234967DjOEgW&mp=1

Also check out this seller for the discs, which look to be identical to the Clarks branded ones

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005299641376.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.623c38da8hLmeQ&mp=1

Is the pad the same as a Hope E4 / M4 or just the name?

I have a Shimano 4 pot Deore on the front and a 4 pot Meroca ( same as Clarks etc) and there is very little between them, plus they take the same pad. My only worry is that the Meroca has no bleed nipple so might be a complex bleed procedure.

I’ve got some Clark’s M4s on my pump track bike. They were going to go on my kid’s 20” wheeled bike but the hoses were really long and I couldn’t be bothered to shorten them at the time. They seem to work and we’re about £30 for a pair from CRc,  no idea about longevity as I just either potter around easy trails with my 5 year old or am on a pump track. They stop my 100kg lump with old 160 rotors but not tried them on anything super steep and fast.

Is the pad the same as a Hope E4 / M4 or just the name?

These use Shimano 4 pot pads

Whenever folks start talking about chines copy brakes, it reminds me of the "Budget/Baller" series that Pinkbike did a while back.

Episode Seven

It's an extreme version of it, and most of us aren't doing the sorts of trails that they're testing this stuff on, but still...Brakes would be the last place I'd want to try to save a few quid.

Given China's reputation I think we need to avoid buying anything Chinese* when we can...

* not easy I admit but at least make some sort of effort

They are almost certainly from the same factory. But unless the price is significantly lower I personally would stick with the branded version from a UK supplier.

I've had mixed issues with AliExpress. Most recently was a set of cranks that were so badly made the chain grated on everything. Annoyingly I missed the return period (it's pretty short) so got stuck with them. In the same order I had a load of coloured cable ends. The colours were well off. Not a major issue, but again annoying as I was trying to match stuff.

Also check the final price carefully. By the time you hit all the extra costs it's rarely as good of a deal

I had a set of the 2 pot versions, which I didn't really like, but the 4 pots are said to be much more powerful.

I got mine fro Aliexpress, a few weeks to ship, VAT paid at the time of purchase and no import or additional costs. I think they were about £80 the pair.

came with the rear lever separate from the rear caliper, so an easy swap of levers and no bleeding needed.

bolts are made of chinese cheese though.I can't imagine the clarks are any different.

The M4 meroca/clarks are good, a bit less bling looking, but functionally much better.

the M3 clarks is rubbish, just lacks power, and the M2 is wooden, works OK, and very cheap.

Shimano 4 pot front £40

https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-acera-mt401-mt420-front-disc-brake-288747.html

Shimano 2 pot rear £25

https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-mt401-mt410-rear-disc-brake-282130.html

Free postage as they are over £60

Have a look at the Tektro Gemini SLs from Merlin. 4 pot brakes inc rotors for £59!

Functionally they're as good as the TRP Slate Evos on another bike. 2.3mm rotors, and the OE pads are excellent.

You will need to swap over the hoses, as they're set-up euro style. Also front hose was a little short (might be ok for you though) - luckily I had some Shimano hose and olives which work fine with Tektro/TRP stuff.

So good I might buy another set as spares!

Thanks for all of the options! Lots to look at.

I bought a set of onriii brand brakes last year at £70 and they have been awesome - there is a little bit of flex in the lever but apart from that they are powerful and have not let me down. I bought some 'zrace' brand a few weeks ago and fitted them to my e-bike and these are the same design but slightly different - the lever clamp is a better design and there are 2 bleed nipples on the caliper. These feel more 'solid' and quite a bit more powerful than the originals and cost me just £56 delivered.

Do you have a link to those brakes @jonk?