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As above, i'm tempted to buy some magura mt brakes, but i really font know much about them. I just feel like trying something different to the shimano's ive been running for the last 8 years.
So how have people found them?
Not tried the new MT range, but I've had some Marta SL's for a couple of years and they've been brilliant.
I have been running Marta SLs for the past 5 or 6 years. I love them. Only drawback seems to be that few shops around me (USA) carry spare pads or have experience working on them. Not a big problem for me as I do most of my own bike maintenance and always keep at least a set of spare pads on hand from a mail order supplier.
No experience with the new MT series, though I drool at the MT8s...
Running some MT8's on my Niner. I admit I bought them soley for the red and black to match the frame.
However, I couldn't find a bad review on them, and via Merlin they weren't far off what I was thinking of spending on other makes.
Considering they came with 160mm rotors, I've never felt the need for more power. Pads have held up better than I expected, have survived a Solo of Mayhem and various rides since and as Superstar do pads its all good.
I've no issues with them and actually really like them. Only thing I would say is the levers are a little flexy under heavy braking, but they are also stupidly light, so its a small price to pay.
I've had a pair of old julies on my hard tail/commuter for about 8 years, they've been battered, and still work fine. The rear master cylinder exploded when i took the lever out once and i was told that you can't reasemble them i needed to buy a new one. I put it back together and re bled it and it works fine.
These were very cheap when i bought them and very basic but work fine for normal trail riding, so i reckon the more exspensive ones would be great.
They used to make the brakes for BMW motorbikes apparently, so they have a decent pedigree, not sure if they still do though.
I've been using Magura brakes since about 2003 and still use the same set of Martas (been on many different frames), never been serviced and still work flawlessly.
I bought a set of Louise FR in 2005. Only thing I have done is put in new pads. No servicing and no bleeding, still work the same as day 1.
So impressed with Magura that I changed the brakes on my second bike in 2009 to the updated Louise brakes. Same story with the second set, just had to replace pads.
I've always found them pretty good too
Another vote for Marta`s. They are light, well engineered and work very well. Plus they tell you how to bed your pads properly (but that is another story and is bound to cause debate)
Bleeding is a bit of a pain and if you invert the bike they say you should lock the levers on, which is again a bit of a pain.
I have just bought another set second hand for my 2nd bike.
I've also had Magura Louises in the past. Great brakes.
Only word of warning, do not fit Goodridge hoses. If you want braided, only go for Magura (if they even do a set). I fitted Goodridge hoses, had a soft spongey brake (although still with decent power) and when I contacted Magura UK regards a service and bleed, they informed me that the Goodridge/most braided hoses have a different bore which was causing the issues.
But, ignoring that 1 issue, Maguras in general work very well, are powerful and pretty maintenance free.
I've used both Julie & Louise for a few years on different bikes. Do the job well and easy to live with.
I've been using the MT6s since February and I love them. Absolutely no issues so far... I bled them once after initial setup, which I've found very straightforward (bottle of Royal Blood mineral oil & two syringes).
At the moment there don't seem to be any braided hoses available for the MT range.
Got a set of mt4 and I love them really nice lever feel and loads of modulation, they're a lot like the old Shimano but look a lot better.
Oh and bleeding is a pleasure, unlike my mates avids, they are a nightmare
I'm surprised at the praise on here, although a lot of it's for older models. I've heard terrible things about the MT range, especially the higher end stuff.
I have a set of brand new MT4's if you're interested? No rotors or adaptors though. See my posting history for pics and email address.