best hydo brakes bar none

rd350lc
rd350lc Posts: 84
edited January 2009 in MTB buying advice
Guys I am quite a lump at 17stone and im not finding my brakes ( formula k18 ) much good.

What would be the ultimate brake set up for me,im not worried about cost but I do want the best.

Thanks
Richard

Comments

  • Mattmanic
    Mattmanic Posts: 234
    Quick browse through the reviews and these look like some of the most powerful brakes you cen get. http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... v-m--31078

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Magur ... 360015080/

    £320 for a pair though. You say you're not worried about money, but you could get another bike for what these cost.

    I'd see what other people suggest. What sort of riding do you do?
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  • hitchen92
    hitchen92 Posts: 264
    Hope Mono M4, or the M6
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    No easy answer. We all like different things with brakes - one that is very powerful may have no modulation or fine control.
  • rd350lc
    rd350lc Posts: 84
    Thanks for that .....

    The formula "the one" look at a glance, no different then the oro 18 , I know they have pad adjust etc but are they really that good ??? That much better ???.

    As I said I have the formula oro 18 and im not that impressed really,went out today in the snow and from start to finish both brakes were giving off an awful sound every time I used them.

    All I want is a set of brakes that will do the job stopping a fatty and not sound like the world is about to end every time I use them.

    I have a few motorbikes and have had loads over the years and have never had a problem with any of them so I dont understand why MTB brakes are a constant struggle as they are only scaled down Motorcycle brakes ..... grrrrrr.

    Thanks Rich
  • grumsta
    grumsta Posts: 994
    I weigh 16 stone and am fine with my juicy 3s - they do have 203 and 185 mm rotors though.
  • maximus69
    maximus69 Posts: 347
    i was just about to say upgrade the rotor if forks allow and try different pads.

    do your 203mm lock up too easy or are they ok?
    "My life is like a porno-movie, without the sex".
  • Are you sure they're running at their best? 10 minutes giving the pads a bit of a rub down and some rotor cleaner on the rotors, followed by some heavy braking to bed everything back in ALWAYS improves my brakes performance after a few grimey rides
  • rd350lc
    rd350lc Posts: 84
    Yes they are tip top,even sent them back to formula to bleed and check over ..... maybe i need to go on a diet ???.

    Must go wife is shouting roast pork is on the table,with all the trimmings .... will start diet tomorrow.

    Rich
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    so what size are the rotors?

    and what riding do you do?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
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  • rd350lc
    rd350lc Posts: 84
    Hi Nick,

    The rotors are 180/160 and ! am using Formula standard pads at the moment.
    I am mainly cross country riding in wet conditions but with some very steep downhill built into the ride.

    Do you think 220 rotors and ebc pads is the answer ???

    Thanks
    Richard
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    i would go up to 203 on the front and fit the 180 on the rear.

    I am 100ish KG and use Oro K 24 203/203 on the FR lite dual sus and K 24 160/160 on the XC fully.

    and on the DH bike the Ones 203/203.

    I dont think you need to go to 220 or 203 both ends i also dont think you need to change the brakes.

    But i know of some people that have just not got on with the Oros and the Ones why I do not know as i feel they are some of the best brakes i have used.

    Pads are personal. EBC golds are worth a go.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • i've used juicy 3's..ok. hope mono mini rear/m4 front with 180/205 rotors...ok but not very powerful...currently on hayes stroker carbon with 160 front /rear, these things are mega powerful, and i mean awesome stopping power, but they do lack a little modulation. one finger braking, two at most is all you need. but the best i've ever used were on a friends bike, magura marta sl...absolutely perfect blend of power and feel, but they do cost.
  • Splasher
    Splasher Posts: 1,528
    LMAO. Assuming your nickname is a reference to a certain cult Yamaha, you should be used to crap brakes.

    Joking aside, K18s are 1st rate, get the bigger rotors on as per Nick's post above.
    "Internet Forums - an amazing world where outright falsehoods become cyber-facts with a few witty key taps and a carefully placed emoticon."
  • rd350lc
    rd350lc Posts: 84
    LMAO. Assuming your nickname is a reference to a certain cult Yamaha, you should be used to crap brakes.

    Yes I have a minter Yamaha Rd350lc which is my pride and joy and after fitting ISR 6 pot calipers to her with a GSXR 1000 master cylinder running the show she stops beautifully thank you. lol .

    Ok so yes bigger rotors is the way to go I think.

    The bike is a Cube Reaction with Rockshox Reba Race U-Turn forks fitted so can you boffins out there tell me exactly what to buy, For example can I put the front disc on the back and use the caliper mount from the front for the back ??? what disc and what mount will I have to buy.

    Thank you
    Richard
  • rd350lc
    rd350lc Posts: 84
    Nick i see formula also do a 220 disc .... is this an option or am i asking for trouble ????

    Thanks
  • BlackSpur
    BlackSpur Posts: 4,228
    Your fork is only reccomended for forks up to 210mm - any more any you void warranty.
    "Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling." ~James E. Starrs