Hope GR4 brakes - i...
 

Hope GR4 brakes - issues with pistons?

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I’m planning to upgrade the brakes on a new bike, and trying to decide between Maven Silvers and Hope GR4’s.

The Hopes are my preferred option (because of the better modulation) but I was chatting to a mechanic who mentioned problems with power/modulation inconsistencies, which he thinks are being caused by some of the pistons sticking then suddenly releasing. The brakes are on his own bike, and it sounded like he was having to do quite a bit of maintenance on them.

Does anyone on here have experience of the GR4’s, and if so, how are you finding them? Any issues with them?

TIA

 


 
Posted : 28/11/2025 10:43 am
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Not tried the Hope, but a few people in a forum for a high-end brake we're having similar issues.

The advice there was to give them a proper workout and get them hot. Most people seemed to agree that this worked. Might be worth a try.


 
Posted : 28/11/2025 10:53 am
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OK, ta.


 
Posted : 28/11/2025 3:18 pm
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This put me off the idea of buying Mavens....

 


 
Posted : 29/11/2025 5:08 pm
bowglie reacted
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Thanks for posting that alpin. My current e-bike came with Maven Bronzes and they’ve been really good. The lever on the front started to pull a bit too close to the bars, but as it’s still under warranty, the guys at Alpine Bikes did a piston clean/reset and bleed, and they’re now fantastic - still huge power but far better modulation. I’m tempted to switch them over to the new bike, but as both are e-bikes, it’s a proper faff!


 
Posted : 29/11/2025 5:35 pm
 jsm
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Have a read of the hope brake book and silicon lube. I'm a big fan of hope brakes. Really durable, just look after them (as you should with any brake)

been running e4s and v4s since they came out. Probably try gr4 soon. 


 
Posted : 01/12/2025 8:47 pm
kelvin reacted
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I’m running GR4s and I’m chuffed with them. 
no issues excellent useable power. 
just order the bleed adapter when you buy them. 


 
Posted : 02/12/2025 1:21 pm
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Howdy,

My Hope E4's are a little older but also cause me troubles. The rear was rebuilt by myself last year, then sent to Hope for another service (£63) this year. Front was surviving better, but is now binding. The pots just don't slide back in easily enough. I thought it was because I keep my bikes in a damp shed.  But my neighbour's garaged Hope's do the same, he got them both rebuilt.


 
Posted : 02/12/2025 8:58 pm