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Everyone loves a brake topic, so as there hasn’t been one for 5 mins....
What’s the most powerful 2 pot brake with good modulation and rotor clearance for minimal faff? I’d assume Formula Cura apart from the clearance and faff points. Anyone?
Why only 2 pot - there are some good and quite light 4 pots these days?
I have formula cura for 2 years. Good modulation, no brake rub and not had to bleed yet. Very powerful for 2 pots.
It’s not the weight if the brakes, more the faff that seems to be involved with some 4 pots.
@Hopk1ns what discs and mounts are you using?
XTR, i have ridden some real steep stuff on mine with no problems.
Hope V2 Vented would seem to be a logical suggestion?
2 pot does seem an arbitrary specification.
I've some XT 2 pots that have been fine on some steep long descents that would have seen a lot of brakes fade significantly, but I wouldn't claim they were the most powerful in the world. There must be some test data!
(Also, do you need power as in sensitivity, or resistance to fade? Since trying the ice tec pads I'm pretty impressed even on smallish discs how well they do at dissipating the heat, might buy into the rotors too once my current set wear out).
My V2s were amazing. I suspect better than my V4s. Certainly more reliable.
Deore two pots are pretty powerful and reliable, especially if you use big rotors.
The four pots bring a bit more power but the main thing is more modulation, in Shimano anyway.
My V2s were amazing.
Mine too, if anything too powerful though.
I've had Curas since August. They've provided enough power, although the local terrain isn't too steep, and are a joy to use due to the easy modulation. Formulas new Monolithic rotors (180/160) and
Formula adapters.
They are also remarkably silent with the stock semi-metallic pads. They give a squall after riding through a brook or a big puddle, but are silent on the next pull.
Edit: No faff on mine either. Bled them after cutting the hoses, and they've been perfect ever since. Setting up required about half an hour, which included truing both of the (new) rotors.
Hope V2
Why only 2 pot – there are some good and quite light 4 pots these days?
4 pots are more of a faff to setup and maintain, lazy pistons etc.
I've gone from hope E4's to Cura's, ultimate power there is no difference, but easier to setup, slightly better modulation, lever shape is better for me (personal preference).
I still find my ancient Hope C2's are phenomenally powerful, easily adjustable and haven't needed any faffing around with for over a decade now, not even needed bleeding.
Mind you I haven't actually ridden the bike they'er on for about 12 months, but the occasional squeeze shows they still appear to be working fine
🙂
4 pots are more of a faff to setup and maintain, lazy pistons etc
I've had a lot more hassle with 2-pot Shimano and SRAM.
Currently we have Deore, XT and MT5 in 4-pot flavour. I've not touched any of them in a year beyond pad replacement and cleaning.
The MT5 absolutely knocks spots off anything else for out and out power.
Deores are amazing considering the £100 I paid for them and I'm 14st...
After spending a lot of time to get my guides set up nicely I accidentally squeezed the lever whilst the wheels were out, queue more faff. My M8000 2 pots are easy to look after, minimal fuss and push back the pistons with a lever if I stuff them up. I do have so Zees from the recent PSA ready to go on but after witnessing the pain for my mate with the setup of his new codes I'm having second thoughts....
4 pots are more of a faff to setup and maintain, lazy pistons etc.
2005 called. It'd like it's preconceptions back.
Preconceptions or experience?
@jsync they are running sram 203 front ans 180 rear discs.
2 pots are plenty powerful enough. I mean if Loic Bruni can win the Junior World Champs on Cura 2 pots in 2017, they are probably powerful enough for most riders.
Still loving my 2010 Formula The Ones tbh.
2005 called. It’d like it’s preconceptions back.
Based on experience....
Two sets of hope 4 pots, both needed frequent fettling to keep everything line up. Calipers rebuilt, the pistons would still wander and you'd end up with pistons out of alignment.
For what and where I ride, brakes need to be perfect, if you are bimbling round a trail centre, most wouldn't notice a brake thats not quite right.
@Hopk1ns - thanks
@Sir HC So you're riding Cura? What disks and adapters do you have?
Hmm, how do you tag names with spaces?
Using the formula monolithic rotors and whichever shimano/hope adapter I had in the box.
Cheers
I still find my ancient Hope C2’s are phenomenally powerful, easily adjustable and haven’t needed any faffing around with for over a decade now, not even needed bleeding.
Least useful post ever!
Deore seem to be loved by everyone right now. Ridden them on a demo bike - felt good, no idea on maintenance, longevity etc.
I am a hope fanboi though. Got X2 on the xc bike (29er, 180mmF, 160mm R) and E4 on the trail bike (650b, 180mm F and R). Trail bike has done morzine, etc.
The X2 are not much of a step down IMO. Paired with bigger discs (say 200F 180R), especially on a 650b bike and I'd happily do alpine riding on them.
Cura's 4thd.
Very quiet, powerful and great modulation. Not a bad price either.