Details Revealed for Hope's New Tech 4 Levers

Jan 17, 2022
by Ed Spratt  
photo

It looks like Hope are set to launch its new Tech 4 brakes very soon with biketart.com suggesting a Spring 2022 release.

Some Hope riders have been running new looking levers for a while but now we have a decent confirmation that Hope will be launching an overhauled braking range with the updated Tech 4. From the product pages on biketart.com, it sounds like the V4, E4 and X2 brakes will receive a claimed 30% increase in power over Hope's current Tech 3 offerings.

The new levers will also feature a light lever action for reduced fatigue and increased feel, reduced friction internal sealing, ball bearing pivot and bite point and reach adjustment without the need for tools. Interesting while the levers will be receiving an update the calipers look to remain the same as the ones used in the current Tech 3 lineup.

In terms of pricing there looks to be a £20 increase for the E4 and X2 brakes with a cost of £195 and £175 respectively for a single brake. The Downhill orientated V4 brakes only see a £10 increase and cost £210 each.


Tech 4 V4
photo

bigquotes- Latest version of the glorious Hope Tech mountain bike brake range
- Superb craftmanship and outstanding performance make the Hope brakes a contender for the best MTB brakes you can buy
- Designed and made in the UK
- V4 is the 4-piston Enduro/Downhill/Race brake - the strongest made by Hope and perfect for the most aggressive riders and e-MTB's that want to go hit the hardest lines.
- Fantastic colour options to match your bike - use with Hope floating rotors for an awesome look!
- LH and RH both come with 1700mm hose (trim to fit front or rear, olives and inserts included)
- 30% power increase from Tech 3
- Genuine bite point and reach adjustment without tools
- Direct shifter mounts available for Sram and Shimano EV
- 5 Axis precision machined from aluminium forged billet
- Hinged clamp for easy installation
- Reduced friction internal sealing
- Ball bearing pivot
- Light lever action for reduced fatigue and increased feel
- PRE-ORDER ITEM - expected spring 2022 (contact support@biketart.com for details)—biketart.com


Tech 4 E4
photo

bigquotes- Latest version of the glorious Hope Tech mountain bike brake range
- Superb craftmanship and outstanding performance make the Hope brakes a contender for the best MTB brakes you can buy
- Designed and made in the UK
- E4 is the 4-piston Enduro/Trail brake - strong controllable power that is not overly aggressive
- Fantastic colour options to match your bike - use with Hope floating rotors for an awesome look!
- LH and RH both come with 1700mm hose (trim to fit front or rear, olives and inserts included)
- 30% power increase from Tech 3
- Genuine bite point and reach adjustment without tools
- Direct shifter mounts available for Sram and Shimano EV
- 5 Axis precision machined from aluminium forged billet
- Hinged clamp for easy installation
- Reduced friction internal sealing
- Ball bearing pivot
- Light lever action for reduced fatigue and increased feel
- PRE-ORDER ITEM - expected spring 2022 (contact support@biketart.com for details)—biketart.com


Tech 4 X2
photo

bigquotes- Latest version of the glorious Hope Tech mountain bike brake range
- Superb craftmanship and outstanding performance make the Hope brakes a contender for the best MTB brakes you can buy
- Designed and made in the UK
- X2 is the 2-piston XC/Trail option - Still incredibly strong though lighter and less aggressive than the 4-piston models, ideal for rapid XC bikes, nimble trail bikes or used on the rear and paired with a Tech 4 E4 up front for a great balanced trail set-up.
- Fantastic colour options to match your bike - use with Hope floating rotors for an awesome look!
- LH and RH both come with 1700mm hose (trim to fit front or rear, olives and inserts included)
- 30% power increase from Tech 3
- Genuine bite point and reach adjustment without tools
- Direct shifter mounts available for Sram and Shimano EV
- 5 Axis precision machined from aluminium forged billet
- Hinged clamp for easy installation
- Reduced friction internal sealing
- Ball bearing pivot
- Light lever action for reduced fatigue and increased feel
- PRE-ORDER ITEM - expected spring 2022 (contact support@biketart.com for details)—biketart.com


We have reached out to Hope for comment and will update this story when we know more.

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Spotted Brakes Hope Hope Tech 4


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267 Comments
  • 383 1
 X2 = XC
E4 = Enduro
V4 = Vownhill

Got it.
  • 10 65
flag 4thflowkage (Jan 17, 2022 at 8:07) (Below Threshold)
 And with the current generation it's really e4 = trail, like sram guide. Then v4 is the equivalent of codes.
  • 47 16
 @4thflowkage: E4's are nowhere near comparable to guides
  • 11 42
flag SterlingArcher (Jan 17, 2022 at 8:37) (Below Threshold)
 @labrinsky: maybe the guide RE the lowest end one.
  • 35 2
 @SterlingArcher: who hurt you?
  • 6 0
 @SterlingArcher: the guide re is the guide lever with the older code calliper. It's more expensive to buy than a guide r. Guide r is the lowest end one.
  • 23 9
 @inked-up-metalhead: Yeah the Guide RE is actually a really powerful and reliable brake.
  • 93 20
 I would sooner have 15 year old Hope's than any of the latest sram or shimano formula brake
  • 3 5
 @jaame: yup. If I wanted sram brakes they would be my first choice, not that I would buy sram brakes, shimano or magura would be my go to if I had a budget, if not I'd be on the waiting list for some trickstuff maximas.
  • 11 2
 @nojzilla: I really like my Code RSCs. Not that reliable (the reach adjust is a bit sticky, the anodising on the levers is garbage, the clamps are not very well made) but they work really well. I would have Guide REs or Guide RSCs again too. I would not have Shimano again until the wandering bite point issue was in the past... which it is not.

The new Hope levers, I'm not keen. They look like someone took them off a TY80 and bought a pimp-spec tip cap and adjusters.
  • 5 0
 @jaame: I don't really look after my Guide REs, only bleed them when I feel I ought to rather than when there's a problem. And they just carry on working. If I'm being picky I'd like a little more power. Trickstuff power pads temporarily fixed that, but they dissolved in the rain...
  • 6 0
 @labrinsky: are you saying way more powerful or way weaker? cause the e4 is strong, but nowhere near on the level of codes or mt5s.
  • 7 0
 I Hope they don’t have supply chain issues making these unavailable till 2023
  • 49 9
 I have Hope E4’s.
They are shit. My previous XTs were way more grunty.
Lever pull is hard work and they just don't hold me back.
I can only dream of an endo.
However. They are blue and frankly thats better than stopping power.
  • 7 2
 @4thflowkage: I'm saying that E4's are way more powerful than Guides
  • 4 7
 @nojzilla: Tell me you haven't used the latest brakes without explicitly telling me.
  • 1 1
 @nickfranko: Yeah I love having to choose between not being able to stop or have to guess where my brakes will contact.
  • 11 2
 @ilovedust: This is a joke I'm not getting right man? Cause seriously... I have them as well and they'll throw me out the front door even at bike parks easily if pulled hard. Endos are effortless.
  • 2 3
 @labrinsky: they’re pretty much identical power wise except guides have a way nicer lever and a nice progressive light lever pull so they feel like they have more power. The old hope levers are very linear all the power comes late and they’re quite a firm lever pull so you have to pull the levers harder giving the impression they don’t have as much power.
  • 2 0
 @ilovedust: have V4s, the old ones before they changed the leaver. They are unreal.
  • 4 5
 @DavidLex: Sadly not. At 100kg on a 34lb bike they just scare me how bad they are. Tried three different pad types and still no luck. Running 203 rotors as well.
The comedy of this is that most of my riding is trail riding….
But like I said, they match my hubs
  • 3 2
 @ilovedust: Don't be confusing a more progressive lever feel with more power... I have XTs and V4s and while the XTs seem like they have more power up front because of their progressive lever design, they actually don't have more power when you go beyond that point... The Hope's have a very linear lever pull design which means pulling further for more power, which does initially feel like less power if you are not used to it.

Ps. Using slightly thicker rotors can also help if you prefer that instant bite kind of brake setup.
  • 5 1
 @jaame: Mate, if you ever go shimano, flush out the standard mineral oil and replace with Putoline HPX R 2.5wt suspension fluid. Wandering bite point gone!
  • 4 0
 @benno92: Are you sure that suspension oil is rated to the temperatures achieved by braking systems, even in mtb ? The datasheet of the HPX R specifies a lightning point of 82°C.
  • 1 0
 @Spooky-Asparagus: Been using it in my brakes for a while now. All good.
  • 1 0
 @Spooky-Asparagus: No idea mate but my XTs have been a lot better since swapping!
  • 1 0
 @nickfranko: I agree. I don’t get the Guide hate. They’ve got plenty of power for me, and have never given me any problems.
  • 1 1
 I Hope they work
  • 1 0
 @ilovedust: Sounds like you need a professional to set your brakes up for you. If E4's on 203 rotors wont stop you then you have done something wrong setting them up. If pretty much any 4 piston caliper on the market wont stop you, then you have done something wrong setting them up.
  • 2 0
 @Spooky-Asparagus: Flashpoint is 160C. Meaning if you heated you caliper up to 160, opened the bleed port, squeezed some fluid out and then held a flame to it, it might *think* about catching fire. Unless this is something you regularly do I wouldn't worry.

For context, the flash point of shimano mineral oil is 130C
  • 127 0
 When's the last time PB did a brake shootout with the major contenders ?
Maybe its time.
Nothing get the community going like a good ol fashioned brakefight !
  • 12 2
 Been suggesting that for years. Brake test bench shootout with same rotors and pad compound will make the comment section go wild.
  • 17 0
 Check out EnduroMags great brake shootout they did about a year or two back. Really great selection, and the magazine's signature brutal honesty style shines through giving good information on brakes.
  • 3 0
 @WE-NEED-MORE-ROOST: are you refering to ze germanz? Enduro-mtb . De / com ? Or something else? If else, pls link
  • 7 0
 @GZMS: Ja, vas trying to revfere to ze Germanez. For some reason I always think it's Enduromag, not it's actual name, Enduro-mtb.
  • 3 0
 Will only be worthwhile watching if there is actual data rather than just "what feels better", or which company paid the most lol.
  • 3 0
 @Vvltom: If you read it it looks like they use actual data, given their lab testing results generally reflect the order of the brake success in the opinion section (i.e. higer power generally matches with higher score). If they're being paid, they've got me fooled. Even still, I doubt brake ratings mean much given people's personal preferences (i.e. Code RSC at #1 probably won't convince a shimano fanboy to go to sram).
  • 7 0
 I'd like to see how the Dominion A4 stacks up in a comparison. Very positive reviews and I am seeing them a lot of well thought out builds. Without having squeezed a lever myself, that seems like it could be the current winner
  • 2 0
 @AndrewHornor: been on Stroker Aces for years. Although they weren’t as ergonomically comfy as the latest Shimanos and Srams, they were quite nice, felt OK, had enough power for a dh bike ridden by someone who has the odd superpower of burning brakes, and looked different and more interesting than the bunch of previously mentioned alternatices. Now i’m on a set of Dominions - haven’t tested them as thouroughly as i want yet (cause i’m not able to ride as much as i want - f*cking times we live in), but they are a huge improvement in every way possible over the Aces. And i haven’t even started with tinkering on them yet (like 220 rotors, different more racey pads, RBF racing fluid, metal hoses).
  • 2 0
 @SickEdit: Live stream it.
  • 2 0
 @SickEdit: who in this earth don't match caliper with discs???would prefer with brand's disc.
  • 1 0
 @AndrewHornor: had A4s, now on V4s, everything about these brakes is an upgrade over the a4, power, control, ease of servicing and if course build quality and customization
  • 1 0
 @WE-NEED-MORE-ROOST: that and vital for reviews, PB for reading the comments section
  • 1 1
 @romlerom: Comparison would be better, because rotors and bed-in play such a big role. The enduromag test results vary greatly from what pure mechanical specs would suggest. If you look at the brake torque they found out that XTs are stronger than Zees, Guide ultimate are stronger than Code RSC and didn't question the results.
  • 1 1
 @SickEdit: it makes more sense to use the same rotors. Why would you not test a product in the way that manufacturers intend it be used? Also, they note that torque isn't everything, and that "30-15 km/h deceleration time is very representative of ‘high-speed’ riding, and is far more informative a result than the power (torque) figures alone.", so your point about them not questioning their own results is not sound.
  • 2 1
 @WE-NEED-MORE-ROOST: quite similar in the 30-15 category, Level beats Code, Deore beats XT. That's scattering that shouldn't be there with 30 samples per brake model. I would love to see such a test redone with a proper scientific approach, testing stuff with friction is hard to do and that's probably the reason we don't have more of them.
  • 2 0
 @AndrewHornor: The hype is real on the A4's. Use them in all conditions, my Rascal goes everywhere, pedaly and flat Florida, general trail in the Appalachians and CO and bike parks (Winter Park and Crested Butte). My brakes are the last thing I have to worry about. The lever pull is so light when doing long descents it really helps keep the hands feeling good. It has the special sauce.
  • 96 0
 Look like four finger levers.
  • 163 1
 that's how they got 30% more power
  • 29 0
 @NicolaZesty314: 10% per finger?
  • 63 0
 @noapathy: indeed and the remaining 10% is pure hope
  • 5 0
 Its quite similar in looks to the old moto levers that the moto v2 and mono6ti brake used. which is handy as im looking to replace my old moto levers Big Grin
  • 2 0
 Looks arent better compared to Tech 3 with this ugly lever
  • 73 1
 We need to do more empirical testing with brakes otherwise it doesn't mean much. An example of this is enduro-mtbs test in 2018. They made a rig that pushed on the levers with a given force (40nm) then had a load cell at the caliper to measure the force. They also performed braking performance tests from 30-15km/hr deceleration and a 45-0 full stop test. From the actual data you can see that there really isnt a power difference between V4 and E4 and E4 performed better in both the 30-15 and the 45-0. Other thing you can clearly see is that the e4 and v4 are both already more powerful than any SRAM brake in the test and about equal in power to a ZEE. The stand out in this test were the trickstuffs as expected and with the data you can see they are head and shoulders above other options and have the price to reflect that. Empirical data > qualitative >anecdotal evidence and I find that most reviewers stick to the latter
  • 5 0
 Agree 100%. I think an explaination from the unexpected results should have been discussed though. Why would a v4 be less powerful than an E4. This doesnt make sense to me unless the V4's were running a different brake pad compound. Holding the brake paad compound static would have been better. This is seen in the Saint vs Zee.... they are the same brake in terms of hydraulic assistance.... with the only difference being the stock brake pad type.
  • 5 0
 @maestroman21: The mentioned test basically showed that the variance in bed-in procedures has a huge impact. Something went wrong there that you can't really draw any conclusion.
  • 2 7
flag ctd07 (Jan 17, 2022 at 13:14) (Below Threshold)
 @maestroman21: sick of hearing that, zee and saint aren't the same brake at all, different brake lever altogether and caliper is also slightly different, zee's are much more grabby and on/off than saints... yes I've owned both
  • 10 0
 @ctd07: yea but the saint has an 18mm longer gold banjo bolt that should make at least 3x the power right??
  • 3 0
 @maestroman21: I think with those two it came down to the e4 ships with "standard" pads and the v4 ships with "sintered" so that might be what the difference was there. Not 100% on that tho
  • 5 0
 @westcoastbikeguy: not really any noticeable difference in outright power, I ran both with sintered pads, but definately 30% more steeze with the gold trim
  • 1 0
 @ctd07: They genuinely aren't they are the exact same caliper mould... but ships without the finned pads... and the lever is the exact same without the reach adjust and dimples in the lever. I laso own both... they are the same. Shimano does this with most of their lineup. The servowave on Saint vs Zee is teh same, and the piston size on the Zee is the same, both with ceramic pistons.
  • 1 2
 @maestroman21: have a closer look, you are straight up wrong
  • 1 0
 Empirical testing is interesting, but I don't ride my bike in a lab, so anecdotal trail feel is arguably more relevant than lab data to my experience on the trail. Lab data is useful and interesting, but it also doesn't tell the entire story.
  • 1 0
 @mtb-thetown: So the best brake in their lab testing by a large margin was the Trickstuff do you honestly thing that if you were able to try these on the trails you wouldnt like them? I am not sure I understand the logic here. If we showed in lab testing that 26 inch wheeled road bikes were empirically slower than 700c would you still try racing on 26s because you anecdotally think they are faster? I understand many people have personal preferences but lets be honest if they were available and affordable we would all be on Trickstuffs
  • 1 0
 @ctd07: @ctd07: Just did. It turned out that the conslusion is still the same.
  • 1 0
 @westcoastbikeguy: I'm sure Trickstuff is the best, but not just because of lab tests, because that power also results in the best results on trail. Motorcycle brakes have more power in a lab, but that doesn't mean they are (necessarily) the best for MTB.

I want a pair of Trickstuff, but can't justify the cost or the wait. But that isn't just because of lab tests, but also because every one who has ridden them say they are provide a clear advantage on trail. Lab testing can capture some aspects of riding and help inform choice, but not everything.
  • 1 0
 @maestroman21: A quick and easy google search and you can easily see the differences between the levers, the internet really is chock full of idiocy, but hey, keep believing the earth is flat while you're at it too.
  • 1 0
 @ctd07: Nah, I think it's more of a pineapple shape. The evidence sure is there though, can't disagree with you there.
  • 26 2
 I'm likely on my own here, as there are lots of die hard advocates for either Sram or Shimano...but I love the feel of my Code RSC modulation but not a fan of their big levers. But then love the look and feel of my Shimano XT levers, but not a fan of the on-off. 1st world problems.
  • 7 0
 I’m the same. Love the modulation on codes but the physical lever feel on Shimano or magura’s are much better.
  • 41 2
 check out hayes dominion. best of both worlds
  • 12 10
 tbh the only good sram brake is the code rsc, anything below that is pure crap imo, although, i find maguras better in every way, power, modulation ( depending on the lever you choice ), feel.
  • 7 4
 @ltharris: I had the original Hayes way back in the mid-90s (yes I'm in my 40's). Modern brakes are way better than those back then. However, I've hear really good things about the new Hayes to Dominion brakes
  • 5 0
 Choose the brake that minimises the chances of you flying off the trail into the bushes while riding
  • 3 1
 @ltharris: second this!
  • 16 0
 @NicolaZesty314: shame the lever build quality is terrible with Magura... rattly levers, wood-screws, poorly finished clamps, dodgy tolerances, cheap materials. Callipers are ok though...
  • 12 0
 I wear XL gloves and the tiny levers on Shimano make my hands cramp. I know a few mot guys that feel the same way. The code rscs have the best ergonomics and modulation I've eve used. The wandering bite point and on off of shimano is insane to me.
  • 9 0
 @cogsci: You would likely benefit from an upgrade to Dominions also, then - lovely ergonomics, best modulation available and rock-solid bite-point with massive power. Amazing brakes.
  • 4 0
 @hungrymonkey: Shigura, it's lived up to the hype for me so far. Magura modulation and power with Shimano lever durability and ease of bleeding.

Wandering bite point disappeared too. Pad clearance is tighter, however.
  • 12 0
 @NicolaZesty314: the Formula Cura 4 have a pretty good reputation as well. I only tried the 2 pistons version and they were both powerful and modulable (+ mineral oil simplicity)
  • 10 0
 @ltharris: Hayes dominion are awesome. I'm hoping they release a 220 mm rotor this year.

Have both Dominion and Shimano zee and much prefer the Dominion
  • 1 1
 @hungrymonkey: lever feels amazing, that spring that breaks every now and then is pure crap, i agree on that, that being said i had no other issues and neither did my friends
  • 2 0
 @danstonQ: i tried the cura 4, great brake, easy to modulate, quite powerful, honest brake, like Zee and saint have been for years - the wandering bite point
  • 7 4
 Trickstuff, end of. Best of all worlds
  • 27 1
 I personally enjoy my Shimano XT’s for the excitement. That randomized delay between lever action and brake engagement really gets the adrenaline pumping.

The Codes on my other bike are downright boring in comparison. I squeeze and immediately stop. Gets kinda dull after a while.
  • 3 1
 @endorium: yes, order now, receive 2024…
  • 4 0
 @bman33: i just fully resrored a pair of old hayes mags completely and i find them pretty amazing for 20 year old brakes! Maybe not as good as modern offerings but nothing to scoff at.
  • 1 0
 @bocomtb: pure f*ckin gold. Thank you.
  • 4 0
 Then there is me, loving the feel of Shimano's. Hating the feel of Sram's.
  • 4 1
 @cogsci: Ditto. I was a Shimano guy until about 3 years ago I tried out Code RSC's, never looked back!
  • 1 0
 @endorium: dentistworld
  • 2 1
 @Compositepro: have you tried them? Make any other brake seem average. Amazing at the parks
  • 3 1
 @endorium: @endorium: agreed. Long time Hope brakes rider (years of trouble free performance for me), got a surprise bonus, bought a pair of Direttissimas and blown away at the quality and performance.
  • 2 0
 Magura with Shimano levers is best
  • 26 4
 They are an absolute bargain compared to the other boutique brands like trickstuff and the insanely priced callipers from cascade.

If they genuinely have a 30% increase in power I am in.
  • 16 13
 i mean... are you seriously comparing Trickstuff with Hope? 50% braking power, 50% price, it's fair
  • 8 8
 Hope has nothing to do with trickstuff
  • 18 6
 I run trickstuff maxima. Hopes are not even in the same galaxy. Power is a huge and modulation is amazing. Plus they just work and never need bleeding. A mate set fire to his hopes in the alps
  • 19 0
 @endorium: I set fire to my dreams in Snowdonia.
  • 13 20
flag rich-2000 (Jan 17, 2022 at 9:54) (Below Threshold)
 We call them ‘no hope’ brakes in our group of riders. Ie no hope of stopping.
  • 22 3
 @rich-2000: Then your group of riders must not know how to set up brakes. Anyone with even a basic understanding of how an allen key works can tell you that there really isn't any significant difference in braking power between any of the 4 pot brakes on the market. If your brakes aren't stopping you, then you set them up badly, simple as that...
  • 12 0
 @gabriel-mission9: Just use some wd40 to prevent rust on the rotors. That's the best!
  • 2 3
 @gabriel-mission9: i'm sorry, what? How can you even claim that? Hydraulics arent magic, you can calculate a brakes power.
  • 1 0
 @endorium: Fabulous, I hopped on the waitlist a couple months ago, every one of my bike has Hopes...
  • 3 0
 @gabriel-mission9: Absolutely bang on mate.
  • 1 0
 Brakes are a zero sum game. You cant change one aspect without changing the others.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal%27s_law
  • 1 0
 @endoplasmicreticulum: nope, you can keep increasing the mechanical and hydraulic advantage, i.e. more and more leverage. The tradeoff would be flex and a spongy feel, unless you can also increase the stiffness of the system. So as long as stiffness increases proportionately to leverage, you can keep gaining power while maintaining feel.
  • 1 2
 @gabriel-mission9: duh. Its a joke left over from the days when hope brakes were utter rubbish.
  • 21 3
 After 2 sets of hope brakes having caliper pistons pushing out unevenly, multiple shimano brakes with wandering bite points, & multiple guide/code brake levers get stuck closed in cold weather, I took advice from a few with good experiences with new Hayes dominion with short finger levers. Bleed process was a bit tricky, but once done correctly I’ve been highly impressed with power, bite point, & modulation. Just wish they used mineral oil vice dot fluid.
  • 2 0
 hayes brakes (and products in general) are awesome, i just wish theyd release the dominoin brake tech in a lighter, higher-end package.
  • 13 0
 "Morning

We are looking to launch the brake early next year, we don’t have a definite date but at the moment it is looking to be March.

Keep and eye on our social media pages for more info


Cheers,

Hannah.

Hope Technology
(e) hannah@hopetech.com"
  • 15 1
 30% power increase from Tech 3 so... finally a decent amount of power? Noice!
  • 7 1
 May try them then.
  • 9 2
 Yeah maybe they will be usable now
Power before was seriously lacking. Bummer that 30% increase is only playing catch up. Hope they feel as good as advertised…
  • 2 1
 @stormracing: according to enduro-mtb.com/en/best-mtb-disc-brake-can-buy a 30% increase would make them more powerful than codes rcs and saints, still less than mt7 and trickstuff of course
  • 5 0
 @NicolaZesty314: According to those numbers the hopes were already more powerful than any of the SRAM brakes from 2018. The G2 calipers from SRAM may be a bit more powerful but weren't out yet.

SRAM Code RSC € 270 566 g 70.6 Nm

Hope T3 E4 € 215 488 g 73.1 Nm
Hope T3 V4 € 235 490 g 74.8 Nm
  • 5 2
 @westcoastbikeguy: Bleeding skill is definitely an issue, prefered feel is a factor. But in my experience of few last years SRAMs power went down. I don’t recognize Codes anymore and G2 are really weak. It has its pros in very slippery conditions of course. Having said that I tried Hope E4 and av4 in prime state and wasn’t impressed. I am back on Shimano, accepting wandering point. Will try Putoline mod though
  • 4 0
 @calmWAKI: Putoline made a massive difference on my old xtr m9020. No wandering bitepoint and improved modulation. I will never go back to shimanos mineral oil.
  • 3 0
 @NicolaZesty314: check out those slow down times though… although it the technical power is there… the usable power was not and the times were considerably higher than others. Also it’s just weird to me that V4s are worse than E4s by that much too…
  • 2 0
 @westcoastbikeguy: check those slow down times though… how usable the power actually is, is a different story
  • 1 0
 @westcoastbikeguy: That's a truly interesting measurement. I wonder about all those other brakes available. How can I get those stats?
  • 3 0
 @Notmeatall: enduro-mtb.com/en/best-mtb-disc-brake-can-buy
  • 1 0
 @lazymtber: which model putoline did you use? Thanks
  • 1 0
 @Notmeatall: doesn’t really mean much except how good a brake stops a motor. Your very rarely going flat out to a grinding halt most of the time your just scrubbing speed.
  • 2 0
 @dicky1080: Putoline HPX R 2.5
  • 16 2
 They should release them for spring brake!
  • 14 1
 Galfers gone wild.
  • 3 3
 Hope the COVID don't put a brake on them!
  • 9 0
 I have run Hope brakes for the last seven years. I am a full time guide in the Alps. I put them on at the start of the season and usually don't touch them again except for pad changes. A few things I have noticed over the years. If your Hope brake do not feel great. A bleed usually sorts it out. Watch the videos on the Hope website on how to do this properly. There is a couple of stages to get all the air out of the system that not many seem to do, even bike shop mechanics. If your pistons are sticking, lube with silicon gel. This works better than mineral oil. Run genuine Hope pads, red organic provide the most power. Sintered or aftermarket don't cut it. I run a 220mm rotor on the front and weigh 75kg using an Orange Stage Six. Not the lightest set up. Our trails are some of the steepest anywhere and never felt I did not have enough power. A world Cup mechanic recently told me there is no reliable brakes at the moment. Not true these brakes are, I refuse to run anything else. I see so many issues with clients brakes on all the big brands.
  • 1 0
 Stock pads? Idk idk. I tried sintered and ebike specific and they howl and scream louder than anything i have ever heard..
Also struggling to setup them with low freethrow, any tips?
  • 9 1
 I'm a bit shocked someone would say Hope's aren't powerful. There must be a problem with your system. All of my V4 sets are fantastic. It is one of the first things I change on a new bike.
  • 4 0
 That's a good news because HOPE brakes are until now very reliable, good looking, affordable but the braking power was just not enough for me, by a huge amount. I have more power with my Trickstuff and a 180mm rotor than with the Hope tech 3 E4 and a 220mm rotor.
  • 1 0
 Seems like they traded power for looks. It shouldn't matter but that new lever is downright hideous, especially since Hope brakes have always been lookers. Now it looks like the caliper came from a boutique in europe, and the lever came from alibaba.
  • 6 3
 @nojzilla: Formula Cura 4 more reliable and powerful than all of them , zero issues in a year of use ,
no bleeds , no squealing , no fading ,superb power and trouble free .
I ran 2 sets of E4 brakes for 5 years and they never worked 100% , even after frequent bleeds and piston re lubing they were never as they should have been .
  • 2 1
 And no pads/kits/parts to get anywhere
  • 1 0
 The Cura 4s do look like great brakes and value, but parts do appear to be a bitch.
  • 8 1
 Oh snap.. not even a season on tech3 v4 and my brakes are already outdated
  • 2 0
 Same here lol, I just bought some literally 3 months ago.
  • 3 1
 Who cares. The 3’s look way cooler than the new 4’s. And plenty of power.
  • 3 0
 Same here just bought some for Christmas but the old tech 3 look so much better if I’m being honest
  • 6 0
 Never expected to get some emotional support in PB comments section
  • 5 1
 1700 hose length left and right adds a little bit of hose waste but must save so much packing and work compared to two different brake sets, well done hope!
  • 4 0
 And also saves on riders having to buy a new hose line or lines
  • 3 0
 Magura does the same thing, it's quite nice.
  • 1 0
 1700 is probably too short for my S5 Enduro
  • 2 0
 saves making euro specific lengths for left and right.
  • 5 2
 The only thing better is flip-flop levers
  • 3 0
 The genius is though you can shorten the hose without having to bleed the brake and it actually works. I've seen people claim to be able to do it on other make but I've never managed it successfully without a tiny bubble getting in.

The upside for me at least was during lockdown most shops were out of stock of all Hopes, Merlin had Euro/US Rh rear brakes in, so I got that for my UK bike and had the hose shortened in minutes.

Been 13 years since having Hopes, glad I've gone back they really are brilliant and the parts are works of engineering art unlike the mass produced SRimano stuff.
  • 5 1
 Tech Evo M4 still the best hope brakes I have ridden. I now have Tech 3's they are okay, but nothing feels like the Tech Evo,
  • 3 0
 I have been using a set of EVO m4's since 2010..... have had to bleed them once (I know I should have more but didnt need to). I have had to relegate them to my hardtail/fatbike though as they simply arent powerful enough for my liking on my Enduro. (threw on some Saints) a 30% increase in power paired with a 220mm rotor may challenge the Saints though.
  • 2 0
 @maestroman21: i'm 140 lbs so they seem sufficiently powerful. Had my share of XT brakes and several leaky master cylinders and inconsistent bite. I am over shimano
  • 1 0
 @BoneDog: Totally get it... when I got them they were plenty powerful.... but I have since added a few.

The XT M785 were particularly bad for the leaky masters. I've also had to warranty 2 sets of Saints for cracked pistons...

With this new lever design I might just switch over entirely.... if reviews of claimed power are good.
  • 3 1
 Does anybody know whether there is any factor than seal type/ material that influences the braking system design for use with either Mineral Oil or DOT? Could companies make “mineral variants” of their brakes?
  • 1 0
 or aftermarket conversion seal kits. I always thought it was just the seals as well but could be wrong. Differences in fluid performance could affect lever return/performance - would be interesting to swap the seals out and see what happens!
  • 3 0
 Considering that Hope's RX4+ caliper (for the roadies) is available in both DOT and mineral oil versions, and the only visible difference is the marking on the bore cap, I'm inclined to think that the seals are the only difference. But I'd love to hear from somebody who's actually taken them both apart.
  • 3 0
 Only seals as far as i know, there might be port size differences for different viscosity of fluids
  • 1 0
 Seals only. Swap out ALL the seals in your brake system for ones that are suitable for your fluid of choice, and they will work. The hard part will be finding the bespoke seal designs often used in master cylinders, in the material you want.
  • 2 3
 @barp: Actually, the DOT variant has much smaller pots (11mm and 14mm) compared to the mineral version (14mm and16mm) (exact measurements as far as I remember). Thats why the DOT caliper hasn´t got that much brake power. But for DOT one can use all the other calipers (its just strange that they make a tuning part for sram, that is probably not as strong as the original part.) But it is shiny :-D

The mineral version is much better, but still not as big as the E4 (16mm and 16mm) and V4 (18mm and 16mm). In Germany there is someone who sells kits for the E4 and V4. If you want power.
  • 2 0
 @tkrug: I was considering this on a older set of brakes from magura, then I learnt that the lever piston was broken/bent. The bin it went.
  • 1 0
 @NinjaskinShinguards: Do you maybe have a link?
  • 3 0
 @NinjaskinShinguards: According to the exploded parts diagrams for the dot and mineral RX4 you're incorrect they both use the same sized pistons, same bodies too.
Just different seals for DOT/Mineral.

www.hopetech.com/_repository/1/documents/RX4Exploded_View_2021.pdf
  • 1 1
 @Jammers91:
Thanks for the link. We are both right :-)
If you compare your link with this picture you can see a big difference.
live.staticflickr.com/7884/46453796085_c1a740a839_b.jpg

I "was" correct, but according to these drawings they may have changed it (my caliper too doesn´t have the cooling fins and is smaller) so they must have noticed the lack in braking power.

Here you can see the smaller one in the background is the (maybe old) DOT version.
bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/63cac885-2958-42b8-b093-fe523e8c90f4l0001.jpg

And yes, the size difference is (or was) extrem.
  • 1 0
 @chuxxo: www.mtb-news.de/forum/t/hope-bremssattel-auf-mineraloel-umgebaut-mehr-power-durch-andere-geber.904998/page-4#post-17590337

Search for DZ-Suspension he sells them
  • 5 0
 I love hope brakes. Run em on all my bikes. They’re just well made.
  • 4 0
 I don't think they realize what the E is 4 these days.
  • 5 4
 30% more power... That'll be a bigger master cylinder diameter then, i do hope they still have plenty modulation.

Ive never found power to be lacking when running sintered pads and a 220 rotor Big Grin
  • 2 0
 Smaller diameter piston in the caliper plus Higher mechanical advantage I guess.
  • 1 0
 ...in the master cylinder of course..
  • 2 1
 Smaller master as it seems that calipers remain the same. Could also be the longer lever blade for added mechanical leverage. Instead of BS statement it would be great to have actual data so we can have an idea of the BS level of this statement. A move to a 9mm master cylinder would make me consider these, otherwise they can keep them.
  • 5 0
 That's backwards. Smaller master cylinder diameter or a larger diameter caliper piston = more power.
  • 1 0
 @jomacba: My bad i meant smaller master, yes the calipers are the same, so must be a smaller master and maybe a different lever pivot location.
  • 1 0
 @DG370: Could be. Maybe they are employing a similar design to Sram. I'm definitely intrigued. They look goodm
  • 2 0
 @jomacba: Yeh looks like the have a QR split clamp like Shimano too.
I’ll def be interested in a pair of new levers on my V4 calipers
  • 1 0
 @DG370: I've got a set of trickstuff maxima or order, bit to be honest, I'm tempted to get the Cascade calipers for my codes. #1 reason is availability of parts. Not sure how the availability of hope is where your from, but breaking shit on a race weekend can be challenging when you need to find parts. These do look good though.
  • 1 0
 Also you can put the longer Hope Duo lever on the Tech3 master cylinder and increase power a lot. At the expense of the worst looks, however.
  • 2 0
 @DG370: calipers will be different, I have e-mailed them this morning:

"Hi Nick

Slight caliper changes, we will be releasing more info soon"
  • 1 0
 @ndelic: Id be suprised if its anything drastic at all, they look to have coloured banjos instead of SS only, i dont see why they would fix something that isnt broke, watch this space i suppose!
  • 4 0
 How f*cking long are those levers?
  • 19 0
 30% longer than the previous generation?
  • 4 0
 @Bobadeebob: lol
  • 1 0
 @Bobadeebob: brilliant. Best answer ever!
  • 2 0
 Finally hope realizes they need longer lever blades. Did this to my tech 3 v4s and they are some of the best brakes out there.
  • 2 0
 As I once did a critic on the white markings that are not always really need/good looking, I gotta say on these tech 4 levers it looks much better.
  • 3 0
 when's the new 6 pistons coming out ?
  • 4 0
 I hope they’re good
  • 2 1
 These look great. I like the lever blade get over the tech3. If the reduced friction is true, these will make hope be perfect for me...
  • 3 0
 Are these the ones with the parking brake function?
  • 1 0
 hey, those levers were awesome damnit..... ....back in '85
  • 3 0
 Cool, now can you please get some more distributers in the states?
  • 1 0
 Well you ALL want to know what the strongest brakes are? Magura MT7s with 220mm rotors and the HC3 levers, they are awesome!!!
  • 3 0
 Actually probably some trickstuff maxima with Galfer 246 rotors…
  • 1 1
 Stunning looking, user serviceable, UK made and 30% increase in power? Great. Now can you just design brakes that didn’t persistently chirp and squeal constantly no matter what the conditions?
  • 1 0
 I moved to trickstuff pads. They give me hope that squeeling will stop.. but not bedded in yet, so too early to tell fo sure.
  • 1 0
 Hey Duir, did you ever find a solution for the squeal?
Have the same problem, just don't understand why the squeal....
  • 1 0
 @GZMS: how are the trickstuff pads going?
  • 1 0
 @Buzz20: havent had too much time tbh.. but so far so good.. squeeling and screeching is gone.. there is a prrrrrrr sound under heavy braking (kinda like a ratchet, or two gears meshing) , but to be fair my shimanos also had such sound with organic pads
  • 1 0
 did you ever find a solution for the squeal?
Have the same problem, just don't understand why the squeal...
  • 1 1
 Glad to see Hope sorting out their levers, they were really behind the market in terms of power vs everyone else. If the callipers are sharpened up a bit, these could become some awesome brakes again
  • 1 0
 Look awesome! My fingers got tired before max power came on. Great for low speed stuff.
  • 2 0
 Carbon lever blades please! It helps my fingers in cold weather.
  • 2 0
 They used to do this, I had some old X2's w/ carbon blades.
  • 2 1
 So hopefully just be able to upgrade the levers, rather than buying calipers too?

Nice
  • 2 1
 This is what I'm Hoping for, already have calipers, just want the levers
  • 4 1
 uhh... bike tart
  • 4 2
 I'm squealing with delight
  • 2 0
 Can you pair the new levers with the previous gen calipers?
  • 1 0
 Yes
  • 1 0
 30% power increase! well by now we should be sitting at a power level of 1200%
  • 1 0
 E4s calipers sit in the shed, running V2 calipers on a tech 3 lever, if I can get a tech 4 lever it'll be even better.
  • 1 0
 enduro-mtb.com/en/best-mtb-disc-brake-can-buy
  • 4 0
 half way down it states deceleration is more important than power, i would argue hitting a pine tree is the most instant deceleration out there
  • 3 1
 @Compositepro: while I would agree a lot of that comes down to the pads used. It also stated in the test that they tried some trickstuff pads on the SRAMs and they were much better. Power produced doesn't change in this respect. Currently I have Galfer Pros in my brakes and noticeable increase in deceleration no difference on caliper power.

The main article that I am also responding with is about a 30% power increase.
  • 1 0
 @westcoastbikeguy: try some MTX Gold, I’m an even bigger fan of those than Galfers pros. Highly recommend
  • 2 1
 Holes in lever = Cheese grater.
  • 19 0
 Cheese graters are grippy as f**k though.
  • 2 1
 Basically like a trick stuff brake, having tried these they are amazing.
  • 1 0
 30% increased power just for new lever? for sure?
  • 1 0
 30% longer lever Smile
  • 1 0
 And thankfully they got rid of the dated laser etching on the tech 3’s.
  • 1 2
 Enjoyed my previous gen E4s quite a bit...wish they had more power. Will take an amazing brake to make me switch from my Cura's.
  • 3 5
 Hope brakes..... You get a hard on for the looks and then you go droopy when you pull the lever. Whenever I've ridden them it's been the ultimate anti climax. No need to pull out!
  • 1 1
 Oh look something else to buy that won't make a difference in your riding. Cool... if is the right color though.... lol
  • 1 1
 Still expensive (now even more)
Still not my taste Frown
Still won't be available (fckng ruined world economy)
  • 1 0
 So why bother?
  • 1 3
 New levers are a bit of dick move. The Tech 3 would be much better with slightly different lever which from the beginning had a bad design. I know because I CNCed better levers. No need to change everything.
  • 1 0
 What's bad about the lever blade?
  • 1 0
 glorious. a thousand times, glorious!
  • 1 0
 Stoked
  • 2 4
 i love hope but they don't mill the mating surfaces of their calipers evenly. and the calipers dont ship with bleed blocks. they cut corners.
  • 5 0
 What mating surfaces? The calipers are 1 piece...
Unless you mean the tabs for mounting the caliper to the postmounts? In which case, I have never come across a set that were out of line. It'd actually be fairly difficult to make them not line up. You would have to specifically program the machine to do that...
  • 1 1
 @gabriel-mission9: the mounting tabs are not lapped flat. There are tool marks on the post mounting surface
  • 1 0
 @mm732: Oh I see what you mean. That doesn't matter in the slightest from a performance perspective. If you are into the aesthetics then I guess maybe it matters? But it will have no effect on set up or braking performance.
  • 1 1
 lol @comments

but I lev hopes
  • 1 1
 cool brakes, but the tech 4 graphic is uncomfortable.
  • 1 0
 Saints for the win.
  • 1 2
 Really Hope they actually work nowadays...
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