So I've got a AM9 sat there just waiting on brakes and the Hope E4's from Whinstanlys don't look like they are gonna appear any time soon. I've also got a Focus Jam2 NINE on order coming in September that comes with the Shimano BR-MT520 4 pots that I was planning to upgrade the brakes on anyway. So my question is would a set of XT M8120s be good enough for the ebike and/or is there anything better than the XTs with rotors for £250 right now?
I'd much rather a set of Cura 2s over XTs that may have inconsistent levers. Easy to bleed, great power and modulation. The only issue I've had with mine in two years use (+4 weeks in Morzine FWIW) is a bleed screw seal going. Getting them drag free can be a hassle but not something you have to do often. Excellent wear from the stock pads too. I believe there's an ebike specific version but not sure of what difference it actually has other than colour.
Dunno if you can get Cura 4s for that money but they're by all accounts very good too and proper powerful.
I’d look round and try to pick up some Codes. I’ve got the R’s and picked up a pair that had been taken off a new bike (to be replaced with Hope bling) for around £100. So far they’ve needed no bleeding, modulate well and are just really powerful and reliable. They’ve descended Snowdon down the ranger path, an uplift day at BPW, a full day on the blacks at CYB and lots of general riding. Best brakes I’ve ever used.
I’d look round and try to pick up some Codes. I’ve got the R’s and picked up a pair that had been taken off a new bike (to be replaced with Hope bling) for around £100. So far they’ve needed no bleeding, modulate well and are just really powerful and reliable. They’ve descended Snowdon down the ranger path, an uplift day at BPW, a full day on the blacks at CYB and lots of general riding. Best brakes I’ve ever used.
I had codes on my Capra and likes them. Seem to be around £200 on facebook etc but bikediscount have them for £185 but not in stock for another 2 weeks.
The Formula Cura 4s look interesting!
Formula Cura 2's, more than enough stopping power, 4's would be overkill and cost more.
Have them on all three of my bikes, they just work, very good modulation, great lever shape.
You can get them from Mojo Rising in the UK, although I bought mine before they had them, so for me it was Lordgun/Mantel.
Magura, MT trail, 5 and 7 are superb.
Formula Cura 2’s, more than enough stopping power, 4’s would be overkill and cost more.
Have them on all three of my bikes, they just work, very good modulation, great lever shape.
You can get them from Mojo Rising in the UK, although I bought mine before they had them, so for me it was Lordgun/Mantel.
Mantle seem to be really fast when I've used them. I think because I'm gonna put them on an ebike I might go with the 4s!
What disks do you run with the Formula brakes?
Having moved from XT to Cura 2s, I find them far better.
Better modulation, more consistent feel (no moving bite point), less noisy and cope better with heat.
The only way I could see someone preferring the XTs is if they like a more on/off feel.
What disks do you run with the Formula brakes?
Also do you need specific mounts for 203 rotors?
It looks like there are several pairs on eBay from Germany for just under £250 delivered or cheaper there are some separate single ones I can see if the hoses are long enough for your AM9.
I'm running the Formula disks. Think the mounts are universal.
Lots of love for the formulas! I love mine too, great brakes and have never felt under powered on cura 2's.
If it’s to upgrade because you want some fancier brakes then fair enough but if it’s because you think the 520’s will be rubbish it might be worth trying them.
I have just got a pair and they are plenty powerful enough, have more modulation than the two pots and have a much more consistent feel at the lever than the XT that I had on for two rides
I’m running the Formula disks. Think the mounts are universal.
Where did you get them?
If it’s to upgrade because you want some fancier brakes then fair enough but if it’s because you think the 520’s will be rubbish it might be worth trying them.
I have just got a pair and they are plenty powerful enough, have more modulation than the two pots and have a much more consistent feel at the lever than the XT that I had on for two rides
I was thinking about doing it anyway but the fact these hopes aren't gonna turn up anytime soon means I need some brakes.
CRC have black, blue and orange E4s in stock but they are full price.
I think that’s where my money would go mainly because you can get spares and they are easy to work on.
I wouldn’t get Shimano brakes with the free stroke adjust. I had a pair of zees for years which were spot on. Likewise a simple set of Deore 2 pots.
XT m8000 came on my new bike, first time I used it in anger the bite point was all over the place. I got a good bleed on them and it was exactly the same the next time and I’m still waiting for the warranty on them (can’t complain mind with what’s been going on).
Maybe slx 4pots?
Had a pair of guide re for a couple of years too which have been good. Just starting to get sticky pistons but they feel brilliant. Heaps of modulation with power in reserve.
So maybe codes as well?
With the formula curas do you need to buy a bleed kit and their mineral oil to shorten the hoses? Suddenly starting to get expensive when you add that on.
With the formula curas do you need to buy a bleed kit and their mineral oil to shorten the hoses? Suddenly starting to get expensive when you add that on.
Also how hard is the bleed process?
What disks do you run with the Formula brakes?
I've run the original formula rotors and the new 'monolithic' ones. The originals went out of true quite easily would stick with the new ones.
Also do you need specific mounts for 203 rotors?
Not 100%, think some brands don't gel well. I just went for the Formula ones at the same time as was going from 180-203mm. Unless you mean 200 vs 203? They also do 220s which could be an option on a bike wheel bike if your fork allows.
Where did you get them?
Original rotors came with the brakes and adapters from KW570 on eBay (Italian bike shop, had great service). Newer ones from Lordgun.
With the formula curas do you need to buy a bleed kit and their mineral oil to shorten the hoses? Suddenly starting to get expensive when you add that on.
You could use a universal kit with them (keep it for mineral oil only!). I personally ran them for about 6 months without trimming, wasn't that long and the factory bleed was epic. I'm sure Shimano etc oil would be fine but Formula say not, and I flushed mine when a bike shop used the wrong stuff just in case.
I’ve run the original formula rotors and the new ‘monolithic’ ones. The originals went out of true quite easily would stick with the new ones.
You got a link to the newer ones? Is it the c1 rotors?
I personally ran them for about 6 months without trimming
I would do that but both front and rear will come with the same length hose.
Think I’ll order the brakes from Mantel because they are dead reliable and then get the rest from Lordgun. Star bike have them a bit cheaper but I’ve got no idea if they are any good.
C2 are the new ones. https://www.lordgunbicycles.co.uk/formula-c2-disc-rotor
Ah, mine came at different lengths as part of a set.
Plus one that the deore 4 pots are actually very good. At least I've just had a new pair and I really rate them so far and a bargain to boot.
Dear Formula Cura owners, do you get spare olives and inserts included? Or do you need to buy separately.
I have a pair of brakes and bleed kit in the shopping cart not sure whether to get spare olives too.
Also am I correct in thinking the levers can be run either way ie front or back? You just flip it over?
Curve ball but I grabbed a set of sram g2 rsc from lordgun, 120 an end on offer. Code calipers plus contact point adjustment on the lever. Came in 3 days so shout out to lordgun for good service.
G2 RSC don’t have Code calipers normally - are they a random combination of parts that you’ve bought?
Just got some Magura MT Trail Sports from Merlin. They seem pretty handy.
jairaj - Silverfish were UK distributors for Formula and are now clearing their remaining stock at 30% discount; you can either trawl through this
https://www.silverfish-uk.com/products/kw/formula
or call them to ask about your two queries above ^^^.
Dear Formula Cura owners, do you get spare olives and inserts included?
Yes, in my case came with barbs, olives bolts cone washers etc etc. And about 30 stickers for some reason.
Also am I correct in thinking the levers can be run either way ie front or back? You just flip it over?
Yes
Awesome thank you Frank & lewzz10