Formulas or Hopes

doctorholguin · 2 Weeks Ago

Hello Everyone,

I am doing some research trying to pick the right set of disc brakes. I own a set of Juicy 7s, but they are pretty close to kick the bucket. I was pretty set on Hopes Mini X2 pro. As you can tell, I do XC. The hopes are rather light, and they come ready to set up since they are sold as a package, and they are fairly lighter than some Formulas. My budget is right at $400. I see that some people like the formulas a bit better from the ratings the brakes receive here on MTBR. Therefore, I am wondering whether I should get something like the K24 or Oro puro and search for lighter rotors, or should I get the Hopes. I read a thread where a fellow rider came up with a set of K24/Oro puro (I believe) at around $300. Can you give me a hand, and perhaps give me some links to compare or give me your personal experience? I am thinking about going 160mm on the front and 140mm, but I have no experience on what kind of braking power I will get. Will I be better of with the lighter Hopes or with the Formulas at rather a small weight penalty. I have no clue, so I am open to read any input you experts can provide and learn from y´all. I weigh 180 btw.

Thanks,

Doc

tiSS'er · 2 Weeks Ago

I have owned 2 sets of Formula Ones and 1 set of K24s. I am now on 1 set of Hope M4s and 1 set of Hope V2s, with the Tech levers.

I really liked my Formulas, though they all had a few quirky issues I just couldn't get past. First the modulation of a formula is as good as it gets. But I found the performance and lever feel to be inconsistent. One lever pull would feel great, then next would have a shorter level pull. Wierd. I sent them into Formula as the diagnosis was a bad bleed. When the brakes came back, they still had the inconsistency. It was just plain annoying to me.

The Hopes on the other hand are very consistent. I know exactly where the pads will contact. The leverl adjustments an BPC actually work. The lever is as good as I have ever felt. My only real complaint with the Hopes was the noise. I spent hours setting up the brakes and still had noise. I recently changed to sintered pads from the stock pads, and so far the brakes are completely silent. Fingers crossed.

I much prefer the bleeding on the Hopes as I can be confident they are air free. The formula syringe method is great, but I slways seemed to have air trapped behind the caliper. You really need to take the brakes off the bleed them.

The Hope floating rotors are lighter, and so far seem to be more resistant to bending, not warping but bending. I can't explain why, but normally I bend rotors regularly, but not with the Hopes, coincidence I am sure.

Either way, both brakes are solid.

FoShizzle · 2 Weeks Ago

2 best brakes out there IMHO

i dont ride the gnar, or even half the gnar that tiSS'er does but i can say that i have been 100% satisfied with either. I have however noticed that right now, in several placed, you can get new complete Hope Tech M4 brakeset for about $460 which is outstanding

barrows · 2 Weeks Ago

Hope Mono Mini Pros (pre x2 caliper). the brake has been trouble free, is superlight, modulates great, and is a very well made product. I am now sold on Hope brakes. The Mono Mini Pro is not the most powerful brake around, but you said XC, so I would go for it. The Mono Mini X2 is now on sale everywhere in anticipation of the new Hope Race, so you can get a good deal on them as well. Go with 160-160 though, the 140 rear rotors make little sense to me, as the rear brake often has to dissipate a lot of heat on long downhills.

doctorholguin · 2 Weeks Ago

Thanks fella´s,

I was able to find the Mini X2 is on sale for $213.99 at universalcycles.com, and I believe I saw the brakes down to $204.99 somewhere online. Your opinions are inclining me towards the Hopes. I think I just want to get the whole brakeset together and don´t have to worry about picking the right rotor. So a 140mm rotor will be hassle on the rear in terms of heat dissipation. How does this affect the brake´s performance? I tend to train pretty hardcore, but I am rather careful with my equipment. I am actually worried about my brakes fading when in most need.

I race every now and then as school permits. I ride on the Sonoran desert, and we do have some gnar and short but fast downhill, but I would not say that it is that bad. However, we have killer uphill sections. With such comments, I am not stating that I am inclined for the 140mm rotor, but I just wish to learn more and more about the effects of whatever I can throw into my bikes. Once, I was thinking about putting a 180mm rotor on the front, but I think I can get by with my 160s. My juicies have been excelent, but they have to go now. Sorry for all my questions and comments, but bikes have become my addiction hehehe....

Thanks,

Doc

bigdrunk · 2 Weeks Ago

keep your eyes peeled on flea-bay for the good deals. I have seen the x-2's for about $340 or so a set complete with rotors. I need to jump on the next set I see.

Renovatio · 2 Weeks Ago

A set of K24s can be had for about $250
http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Formula-Oro-K24-Hydraulic-Disc-Brake-Set-Brakeset_W0QQitemZ170403260639QQcmdZViewItemQQptZC ycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item27acd368df

I'm a HUGE fan of Formula, but when it comes down to Hope vs Formula, it'd be a toss up for me. I love Hope products and I love Formula brakes, I don't think you can go wrong. Go for which ever is blingier or cheaper.

FoShizzle · 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renovatio

A set of K24s can be had for about $250
http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Formula-Oro-K24-Hydraulic-Disc-Brake-Set-Brakeset_W0QQitemZ170403260639QQcmdZViewItemQQptZC ycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item27acd368df

I'm a HUGE fan of Formula, but when it comes down to Hope vs Formula, it'd be a toss up for me. I love Hope products and I love Formula brakes, I don't think you can go wrong. Go for which ever is blingier or cheaper.

well said...both are rad for sure. bling edge has to go to hope though, no doubt

Nickbee · 2 Weeks Ago

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=570577

zkampyman · 1 Week Ago

Both are excellent brakes. But, the current Formula 'R' series is stronger and lighter weight
(for what ever that is worth). Finish on both brakes is the best on the market.
Performance of the new r series is astounding.
Service by Formula USA sets the industry standard. If you live in USA this is the deal breaker (or braked as the case may be).
For the high end brands, most problems listed are due to abuse and weak skills
of the home and occassionally the shop mechanics. Most people can't follow written directions and their skills are weak at best (especially me). Having said that, my Formulas have been easy to set up and they don't have that whiny Hope squeal for which I am deeply grateful.
Having said that friction is noisy, I've seen a noisy Formula brake on a friend's bike. The cure was a rotor change and the reward is silence.
Both companies along with Marta have excellent products, bit For
Ila USA service sets the industry standard.

Cheers,

Kane