Formula R1 (2012) -...
 

[Closed] Formula R1 (2012) - any good?

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Looking to build up a lightweight Cotic Soul. Anyone got these brakes fitted? Performance, maintenance etc...?


 
Posted : 02/02/2013 10:57 pm
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Got 2 pairs of 2010 R1s.
Excellent. Very reliable and plenty of stopping power (for a lightweight XC racer) and some to spare, never had any fade. Use them for 24hr races, perfect for that. Nice an light too. Not sure how easy they are to bleed, never had to do it.
Definately recomended.
Also have a set of RXs and a set of The Ones.
.
Downsides? Floating rotor isn't very good, soon ends up flating a bit too much, running mine with Hope rotors. Also, if you ever need spares it would involve dealing with Silverfish, who are a bunch of useless **** but parts easily available on line from elsewhere, bought a lever clamp from France, absolute doddle.


 
Posted : 02/02/2013 11:09 pm
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I have the R1 Limited edition with Ti bolts/ FCS Adjustment with AL Carrier/Disc on my Hummer, fantastic brakes in my opinion and rolling stoppies from any speed with one finger control, fantastic modulation on the trail but if you wish to smack your face off the ground then all it needs is a quick dab and your wish will be granted. Maintenance is non existent, performance is better than hopes in my opinion (i'm ashamed to say so as i love hope hubs and will only use them and nothing else, same with headsets, for my sins i work in a bike shop and should really know better).


 
Posted : 02/02/2013 11:15 pm
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I've got RX, which are a lower versions and they are great.

I've also got Exlir Rs, Juicy 7s and Hope mini m4s. The Formulas are my favourites [s]easily as much if not [/s]more power than my Hopes. They're much 'bitier' than the others but you soon get used to the way they feel.

They seem very well built, maybe not as serviceable as Hopes. But if I had the cash I'd fit them on all my bikes. Not sure about bleeding though (not had to do that yet), but they can't be as tricky as Avids.


 
Posted : 02/02/2013 11:17 pm
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Got "the one-s" on my '13 spicy. Been through 2sets of pads already. Think that pad clearance is an issue...


 
Posted : 02/02/2013 11:22 pm
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I've had mine running original pads (still loads of life left) since i built up my Hummer in October and it's been ridden regardless of the weather conditions, but unlike many folk i tend to bed my pads in with 7 or 8 1/2 mile long descents on the road whilst dragging the brakes till they get hot enough to smell a bit.

When i ran Hopes on my SS i was lucky to get through 3 sets of pads a year and i was doing at least 300-400 miles a week as i quit my shite job to play on my bike for a few years, if you bed them in correctly and use good quality pads then you will get a decent lifespan out of them.


 
Posted : 02/02/2013 11:31 pm
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Thanks guys, all reviews I've read are pretty good. I've found a set for under £200 which seems a good deal.


 
Posted : 02/02/2013 11:34 pm
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I've not used R1s but The Ones are fantastic brakes- got them on a 24lb ti hardtail and on a downhill bike and they make perfect sense on both. Pads last as well as anything else tbh. Got a set of R1Xs on the way- R1 m/cs on Rx calipers, seems like a good lower budget combo.


 
Posted : 02/02/2013 11:37 pm
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I've found a set for under £200 which seems a good deal.
Bargain.
My first set were a pre-production pair and were nearly £500! (more than the car I was driving at the time...) The other set were cheaper, £300ish and the RXs and The Ones both came from Fleabay for cheap.
Loads on German fleaby ebay.de there that is quite difficult to find here. Got a dropper post from there too.


 
Posted : 02/02/2013 11:39 pm
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Silverfish, who are a bunch of useless ****

That's a touch unfair, I think. Especially that you can pick up every spare part you'll need for a Formula brake from http://www.silverfish-uk.com/
Granted, you've got your own issues with Silverfish, but I fail to see how that has any bearing on the OP's question.


 
Posted : 03/02/2013 12:15 pm
 Moda
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I have used them for over 5 years now. At one time all 3 bikes had them. They have never let me down and i cover a fair bit of off road mileage a year and the odd 12 hr race. I use their normal rotors and have never emcountered any brake fade. The pad clearance is tight and they can be a bit of a pig to set up. Re bleeding i take mine to my shop to sort out usually every 1000 miles or so..

You cant compare The Ones to R1s, i had both, the ones have a lot more power and yes THe Ones do eat pads..


 
Posted : 03/02/2013 12:27 pm
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I run the 2010 R1 limited edition, fantastic brake. Had Hope mono mini before. Four pot front two pot rear. The R1's are light years ahead . With the right pads no squealing , one finger stoppies with so much feel you can't believe. Run them with Hope floating sawtooth discs . Brilliant and cheap at a certain Major online resource


 
Posted : 03/02/2013 4:59 pm
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Brilliant and cheap at a certain Major online resource

Do tell?


 
Posted : 03/02/2013 9:00 pm
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Well I ordered a set from CRC, who were selling pairs for £196 including rotors. Back up to £300 now though. The item description was non existent as was the photo, so I'm still not sure what's going to turn up!


 
Posted : 06/02/2013 9:25 pm
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nammynake, you might have to budget for some new pads. Think all Formula come with organic pads as standard,mine did. Ok for dry summer use. They squeal like crazy when wet. Can recommend Aztec sintered, little or no noise, predictable wet or dry and they last ok. See how the standard pads are. 8) If you need any help or advice let me know


 
Posted : 07/02/2013 2:11 pm