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What're they like? Worthwhile upgrade?
Yes, what specifically do you need to know? Upgrade from what??
I'm currently testing a pair, mated to SRAM Force levers for grit.cx. So far, I'm really impressed. They are noticeably more powerful, and I reckon there is a smidge more clearance at the rotor... I like the SRAM caliper, but my one criticism of it was it tended to suffer from a lot of scrubbing in muddy conditions.
I guess the flipside is, does that performance improvement translate to a significantly better experience on the bike? Maybe not... largely because the original calipers were completely adequate anyway. I'd not felt like I needed more power etc beforehand. Reduced noise is lovely, but I don't think I'd pay just for that.
If you like the look of them (I do) and want them and can afford them, then get 'em. You won't be disappointed, but equally, I don't think you'll miss out too much if you spend the money elsewhere.
I suppose I was wondering if they were functionally as good as the Shimano (R785) and worth the increase in price?
I have some on my Genesis CDF they replaced the standard Shimano R785 calipers after the 2nd rear caliper spread oil all over the rear disc. They were a pain to fit according to the LBS as the Hope don't do IS to post mount adapters for them but managed to make it work for me. I have had them for a few months and they are really good. They have lots of power and good modulation and have performed faultlessly.
Given the level of problems I have had with various Shimano brakes and seals I would spend the extra on them, just make sure they will fit your bike without problems.
If I had Shimano calipers already I wouldn't be in a rush to swap, but if there was something wrong with them, then I'd happily swap them out.
I have 2 sets on Force levers, but I never had the SRAM calipers to compare with.
"Reduced noise is lovely"
Reduced noise you say?
Noise is the only bugbear I have with my discs at the moment so am always interested in claims of less noise!
Are they quieter in the wet? My disc brake bike is unrideable in the wet and I'm constantly looking for ways to improve it...
Are you using resin or sintered pads? My sintered pads were god awful in the wet.
Have tried both, different rotors (see my other thread...) and different brakes. Currently on Uberbike kevlar pads which are pretty good, but going to try Swisstop Organic which seem to have a rep for being extremely quiet. Have also bedded in relatively well so am sure it's not that.
I still think it's a fundamental problem with road disc brakes (I rarely get mine warm due to where/when/how I ride) so I'm basically trying to brake on a cold wet rotor.
Anyway, don't want to hijack thread, just wondered if RX4s were recognised for being less noisy.
Ta
Does anyone know where I might buy them, and if they use the standard shimano Hardware?
Ive got the hope's on my CX which I used for winter road duties. LOADS of power and really good in comparison with cable operated spyre's I had previously... but I guess that should be expected. Im alot more confident in the wet now.
You can order them from any Hope seller. Â I'm pretty sure you need to swap to the included hardware to be compatible.
Did anyone on here have an issue with mounting the front caliper with a post mount adaptor? I have a Shimano adaptor, but there is a clash with the caliper stopping it from sitting correctly. Anyone found one that works?