Skip to main content

Hope Tech 3 E4 brakes


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$






Labels

Popular posts from this blog

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

READ MORE >>

Nukeproof Vector AM Comp Cro-Mo saddle

The Vector AM is pretty race focused, with minimal padding. There’s a deep (if narrow) pressurerelief channel to keep the blood flowing where it’s meant to. Used with bib shorts, we found it pretty comfortable for shorter rides and suffered no pain or discomfort in the central region. On steep climbs the slightly downturned nose provides a reasonable forward perch, while the svelte profile and smooth edges make it particularly unobtrusive when moving about on the descents. It’s quite stiff though, and can feel harsh on long rides or bumpy ground. We definitely wouldn’t want to spend much time on it without a chamois. It’s heavier than we’d expect for such a lightly padded perch too. There’s a lighter Pro version with titanium rails for $105, but at 241g it’s only 10g lighter. Weight 251g Price $67

READ MORE >>

GT Zaskar Evolution

While some bike models last just a couple of years, others change with the times to stay at the top of riders’ wishlists. In the second part of this series looking at the evolution of bikes that enjoy enduring popularity with UK riders, we turn to the GT Zaskar – a bike that was at the forefront of our sport for a long time and still has plenty of appeal today.

READ MORE >>

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

READ MORE >>

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

READ MORE >>