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The tech 3s are approximately £50 an end cheaper.
So do I save my pennines or is the extra 50 worth it.
Usage: not Enduro or downhill. But plenty of bikepacking and general every day real riding xc with no trail centres.
Bike is a solarismax.
Ive just given my tech 3s hell for the last week in the Alps and never felt under braked. A couple of the lads were running 4s and said they felt the power more. But if you arnt doing massive gravity rides or your not a massive portly chap the 3s are just great. I dont think I will be changing any time soon.
I've put Tech4 levers and cams on my Tech3 master cylinders. Some mods are needed to make this work... Drill out the pivot hole to 5mm, file some material of the back of the lever, drill and tap a whole for the pivot pin grub screw
There's about 7-10mm more lever length on the tech 4 and it's a nicer shape. This makes it feel lighter and there's more mechanical advantage. The proper tech 4 also has bearings for the pivot. Possibly also a lighter piston spring.
There's also the new pistons in the caliper and the new pads.
I'd go tech 4 V4 if I had the cash.
I had Tech 3 with X2 calipers and had the bite point set so there was minimal throw from the levers. I liked the feeling of instant power from the brakes. Recently built up a new Nukeproof Scout with Tech 4 and E4 callipers, set the up the same as the Tech 3s and on my first ride out the braking power was incredible and I almost got thrown over the bars a couple of times! Can't say how much was down the the master cylinder as I went from 2 pot to 4 pot. Backed off the bite point in the Tech 4s now so don't get thrown over the bars and have great modulation.
Tech 3s were great though, I had them on a Scott Spark and never felt like I didn't have enough braking power, even with X2s. I am not a heavy rider (147lbs) and did a bit of XC, trail centres (black/red) and some local natural trails, nothing too 'enduro' but not mellow. No wondering bite point like on the Shimano brakes I've used.
One more point. Tech 4 levers are longer than Tech 3 so have to be clamped further inboard. If you use matchmakers or are going to use handlebar bags etc. it may be something to consider.
I'd save your pennies😁
I'm running an E4/original tech leaver frankenbrake and find they've plenty of power for my needs.
I am fairly portly and enjoy throwing myself down steep enduro trails.
My 16 year old (who has Tech3-E4) tried my bike with Tech4-X2 and reckoned my brakes were more powerful.
Could be the green pads, but that’s my impression too.
However, do I need more powerful? The Tech3-E4 was fine for me I the Alps at 100kg (I’m lighter now).
PS - careful initial set up seems to make a noticeable difference to Hope brake power.
I wish they'd just bring back the Race Evo levers. More comfortable, better feel, and literally nobody needs tool free reach adjust except MAYBE a bike rental service.
No idea what the justification is - you're saying the length of your fingers changes half way through a ride and it's so sudden that you can't get out an allen key to compensate? It's like a road rider using a dropper because their legs might change length!
I now have XCR's on my race bike (lovely), but would swap the Tech 3 levers on my big bike for race evo's if you could only get the matchmakers to fit iSpec levers.
I've just swapped from tech 3 e4 to tech 4 e4. Nothing overly wrong with the tech 3 just a hope fan boy and couldn't resist trying some. Most of my riding is either trail centre stuff, stuff in peaks and Wales and longer xc stuff closer to home. The tech 4 seems to have alot more power and it's taken abit of getting used to after using tech 3 for years. For what your doing tech 3 sounds fine
Thx all, tech 3 I think it will be.
I just need to finance the change now.