IN A WORLD of mass produced brakes, Hope’s meticulously machined anchors are a standout feature on any bike. Their performance – particularly in the longer term – is equally outstanding too.
The E4 calliper comes attached to one of two levers – the Tech 3 or minimalist Race. For 40g more (some of that is due to titanium bolts) the Tech 3 adds separate reach and bite point dials on the curved and drilled-for-grip lever. Unlike the bite point adjustment on practically every other brake, Hope’s actually works, allowing you to even up the contact point of the pads on your front and rear brakes.
While the Hope brake isn’t as rich and squeezable in modulation as the ‘warmest’ feeling stoppers here, the precision lever pivots and one-piece machined calliper with four equaldiameter pistons give a really clean feel. Power is comparable with the Shimano and SRAM competition (the Tech 3 V4 offers 20 per cent more for an extra 60g) but it’s the durability and reliability of Hope’s brakes that really stands out. Samples that we’ve been hammering for several years still feel brand new and their factory direct back-up is brilliant if you do ever have a problem. Pad life is good, and braided hose and anodised colour options are the electro icing on an excellent long-term investment.
Weight: 469g
Price 315$
