FORMULA’S OVAL-PISTON RO brake has been an outstanding lightweight performer for those with plenty of cash for a while, and the Racing version takes performance and price to new extremes.
Despite the big calliper and the largevolume reservoir for the pull (not push) piston design, weight is lower than on a lot of XC race brakes. The deeply-crooked lever and pair of large oval pistons exert serious bite on the rotor though, producing significantly more power than all but the 100g heavier Magura and Zee brakes. Modulation of that power is precise and controllable too.
Although reach is adjustable the lever bites very early in its stroke, which won’t suit riders who only like to start stopping with the blade almost touching their grips. Limited pad retraction means careful set-up is crucial to stop irritating scuffing noises and even then the RO Racing still gets noisy sooner than other brakes in dirty conditions.
Bleeding requires patience too, but the titanium bolts that save the final few grams are a lot tougher than the tiny alloy bolts of previous Formula brakes. Exotic materials mean an exotic price but if you like the lever feel and you’re after genuine DH power at an XC weight there’s no other brake that comes close.
Weight: 364g
Price 435$
