BRAKE TESTING - Let's Go Racing Season 2, Episode 3

[@Andrew.Drennan]

y'all are killing this series keep it going.

[@chadsugden411]

Legit one of the best things they have put out IMO

[@nomad-ridesmtb270]

Really liking this series. Keep up the good work Shigura's for the win

[@matthogan4905]

Very knowledgeable with no fluff, nice! Finally getting some insight as to why my Code RSCs start feeling a little weird after a while

[@jaymastah218]

Mt7 with trickstuff pads and rotors 👌🏻

[@ianfurqueron5850]

Interesting... about 20 years ago I took a DH course with Shaums March and the first thing we went over was the setup of my bike. The big one was brake setup. He convinced me to try a totally different brake lever setup than I was used to with the lever really far in so I could only just grab the end of the lever with my index finger and then setting the grab point really close to the grip (a lot closer than this video shows). His reasoning was to reduce arm pump. It took some time to get used to, but he was right and arm pump has been greatly reduced ever since I started running the levers like that.

[@iluvorganictrails]

yeah i dont understand people who ride with levers far out. the only issue is when your brakes are squishy and just go to the bars instead of stopping

[@Grifterbiden]

I've been running the TRP DHR EVO brakes for close to two years now and they have been very consistent, powerful, and I have only needed to bleed them once. Shimano has fallen to second place for me and I have never liked SRAM Code RSC.

[@Alanvictoryoung]

Great reflection on these 3 brakes. I have been a Code user, mainly because of economics: they came on my bikes! I do enjoy them, but on long steep runs at full speed i get forearm pump. Its the arm pump that limits my bike control and confidence. I have even run the 220mm rotors and wished they were even bigger! Running one resin and one metallic helps a little initially by increasing the cold pad performance, but when things heat up so does the lever pull requirements. I have also a variety of 4 piston shimano brakes in my fleet of bikes, and I too notice in steep long situations the brake fade still gives me arm pump, but less than the codes. I am intrigued by your deep dive into brakes, and because I don't ride on the edge all the time and race, I haven't pursued this more. But, If I have to change brakes in the future, I might give the TRPs a go! Thanks for the awesome vid.

[@thruxt0677]

That was a dope review. Never at any point did it feel like you were trying to sell me Sram or Shimano. I want my front brake to bite hard at 10mm of compression but like to have some modulation on a long decent. Hopefully the code rsc was good investment.

[@Gnougatt]

Tried Codes and XTs and didn't like the lever feel for exactly the reasons you stated. Tried Hopes and found the levers felt too heavy as well. Then tried Hayes A4s with semi metallic pads and they're absolutely perfect. Super light and smooth lever feel, great ergonomics, power and modulation. Got so spoilt by them, I had to put them on both bikes. Just make sure you keep a stash of spares!

[@balazsvillanyi3567]

shimano and sram got a bit left behind I feel. Hayes, TRP, and especially Magura are making very good brakes at the moment.

[@obi-wankenobi9871]

Magura? Are you sure? They are usually known for rubbing, incostistent bite points and breaking. They did a Q&A on MTB News and go absolutely roasted for their shit products.

[@balazsvillanyi3567]

@@obi-wankenobi9871 interesting. I had no problems with my MT5s, except they have to be aligned perfectly, otherwise I got vibration under very hard braking.

[@thruxt0677]

It would be good to see some reviews were they focus on the other brands ay. My mid range HT came with trps and they are equally as good if not better than sram guide t that are a higher price point.

[@kenai_the_asian8106]

i ran the magura mt7s and they were the worse brakes ever. My friends $30 shimano brakes are better

[@Rocket-t7v]

⁠@@kenai_the_asian8106sorry for your badluck, mine working well for 3 years now… it requires more patience at bleeding process to make sure all air going up. Rotor wear a bit fast from 2.3 to 1.8, i ran 8p pad and i change normal lever to Loic Bruni hc-w lever.

[@86309]

Great in depth review, well done. Just the kind of detailed explanations I love. Keep it up, mention the type of pad you run for each would help. rotor thickness as well. thank you.

[@balazsgalambos4458]

Class video as always. Hayes dominion here,love them to bits

[@charlestelesco1567]

you have to try galfer green pads and rotors, totally transforms any brake into very touchy and strong

[@deeoh2679]

Agree with the Galfr pads. I bought them last year as they were only ones available in supply chain stodge and was really blown away with how good my SRAM Codes felt

[@RC-fp1tl]

4:43 AYO That’s Stonewall/Rocky! Nice

[@thezachinator11]

Bummed you didn't get time to try the Dominions. I just got them this season and they're amazing. The lever feel/pull is so light and smooth. Powerful and look good too. Only downside so far has been dialing in the bite point. I need to add some fluid to hit the sensitivity I want.

[@lukasa1026]

I love this series, can’t wait for the next vid!

[@peterlang5047]

I recently switched from a 31.8 to a 35 bar and I have noticeably more arm pump. I was going to get some codes, but after this video I will be considering trps or Hayes more. Thanks for the quality content and information for us privateers!

[@reubs91]

Arm pump is the byproduct of a lack of ride fitness. Arm pump is something I suffered from when holding onto a 110kg enduro bike in a 5hr race, not by holding onto a 15kg mountain bike going downhill for 10min.

[@peterlang5047]

@@reubs91 yep I’m just weak. Sounds about right

[@peterlang5047]

@@sloops4398 some specialized bars that come stock on stumpjumpers

[@peterlang5047]

@@sloops4398 alloy. I don’t trust carbon. Especially One-up carbon. I’ve seen too many break for me to trust them

[@mangoshake]

35mm aluminum bars are very stiff. When it comes to alloy, 31.8mm is the way to go. Even the 2014 alloy PNW Range bars (which are famous for being the most muted aluminum bars on the market) vibrate harshly if it's 35mm thick.

[@evilrides2298]

you should have tested hayes, magura and shigura, loving the serie keep it up !

[@evanblackwell3920]

I also struggle with arm pump with my Code RSCs. I've gone up to a 223 rotor, but I still find I have issues with overheating and having to pull too hard on the lever (which as you mentioned, exacerbates arm pump). Good to know the TRPs are a better option!

[@stoyankostanev2264]

Change the stock DOT 5.1 to RBF, that helps a lot.

[@nikolavrckovic1588]

give a try to Trickstuff 840 POWER pads.

[@Snakebitey]

@@stoyankostanev2264RBF 600 or 660? I've got 220 mm rotors, uberbike race matrix vented pads, still feel like the brakes have a little more to give and RBF fluid might do the trick!

[@stoyankostanev2264]

@@Snakebitey check the one with the highest boiling temperature and thats it.

[@cfox109]

Love my TRPs especially for long sustained steep DH. Honestly have not dealt with arm pump like I did on my codes.

[@jibberist]

good to hear some unaffected opinion. I only had bad experience with Sram that‘s why I ride Shimano for 8 years and I still love them since day one

[@TanCoyote1]

Nice video! I have similar thoughts with the Code RSC's. Think thinner bleed block is something additional I need to try.

[@trentdale]

I second everything you said, with the addition that Shimano's newer brakes (9120, 8120, 7120) all suffer from inconsistent bleeds (in my experience as a mechanic) and the wandering bite point that is SUPER sketchy on the trail. It's a huge bummer, as I used to LOVE Shimano brakes, I think their quality just went down for whatever reason. I'm personally running the TRP's now and I can only imagine the Hayes A4's could be a contender against them, the TRP's are just sublime.

[@cs4385]

Never experienced the "wandering bite point". Run both xt and saint.

[@StepXX]

The interesting thing is that mbr co uk said that cheaper Deore 6100 version didn't have that issue (and they are made in Malaysia, not in Japan), while having the same power with proper sintered pads.

[@woals72]

Wandering bite point = shitty bleeding

[@someonesuperrandom4194]

I’ve heard the bleed valve location was changed so it leaves a lot of air in the caliper.

[@lamefart]

Used Deore, SLX, and XT but I've never experienced wandering bite points if I bled them correctly but in a rush I did experience it once but remedied by a simple bleed...🤷‍♂️ My friend had that issue on his XT M8100 though no matter what we tried, he just bought a new lever and it was solved.

[@DZHIBRAIL]

Hayes Dominion A4 is the best brakes i have ever used

[@stefanmoreyne2197]

+1

[@briancahal]

Yeah I’ve heard really good things from a lot of riders. Would have loved to test them out.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

For sram brakes after bleeding them with the push-pull procedure you just get the pads in and settled, brake a couple of times then open the lever bleed port and insert 1/2 full syringe, pull a bit to create a vacuum and repressurise just a bit don't push tp hard, then close system. This would help with the feel...

[@captaintraction4024]

Bl m8120 lever with the older generation br m8020 caliper (effectively the Saint caliper). Love that setup

[@wellstanner3216]

Any of the newer shimano levers with a saint caliper = no fade, more power, and less maintenance. And with a gold banjo hose

[@Spencer_Bikes]

Great stuff man

[@BRISTOLKETTLEBELLS]

I can only compare sram to TRP but it’s the latter all day long! Excellent brakes!

[@josephsohler3791]

Great video series, keep it going :) Little recommendation: try shigura…it’s the best brake I’ve ever ridden and I’m so happy with it!

[@jakebruggman8720]

great video this eries is great, i wouldlve loved to see magura up here

[@bike_somm]

Dominions we’re sick too, great vid

[@steveklimes568]

Ya , great review, appreciate it

[@7dragongames]

Loving this series!

[@iluvorganictrails]

It sounds like what you complained about in the video was the servo wave were the lever kind of snaps to the bite point from open. I set my bite a little closer to the bars then parallel (the blades) and then ride with the levers at parallel. This means I only deal with the initial bump once at the start of the descent. This may not be something people with codes do since whatevers in those pistons really fights to get back to where they are without your hands on the bike. ai also pull at like the second joint in my finger not the third which might be more ergonomic if you pull off there or somewhere else along your finger

[@janhagen2960]

please try the trickstuff power brake pads. you will love them!

[@marclyes546]

Know exactly what you mean with the Code RSC, I have to fettle them every other ride to keep them feeling sharp and solid, but they do feel get when you get them right

[@patrikkovacs3216]

You really need to take a look at Formula, especially Cura 4's! They really sit between Shimano and Sram, amazingly light lever feel, a good bite point and tons of power :D

[@ChezzyDirt]

Did you use sintered metallic on all the test setups? Pad variance could be why you felt some of the power loss and inconsistencies.

[@youling1997]

I think swinglink has a low leverage ratio at the beginning to move the pads quickly and then increase the ratio for power.

[@brokenspokesMTB]

Just here to add to the Hayes Dominion fan fare. I swapped to A2’s on my small bike because of how awesome my A4’s are.

[@KoenGriess]

Please test the Magura MT7 pro’s!

[@Seangalusha]

I’ve always wanted to try hope brakes. They seems so industrial

[@T-rick]

Got the E4 on a new bike back in January. No problems so far and they look great. Nice modulation too

[@Deebo1985]

The new Tech 4s are top notch

[@munch7676]

Dominion man! Try the Dominion!

[@thegibbonisreal]

Super interesting.....thanks guys.

[@DakicSlobodan]

Good thing Ben Askren fully recovered from taking that nasty flying knee. Nice career transition. _chuckle_

[@austinsmith1689]

Did you mess around with rotator and pad combos? Mtx pads on my code rsc made them way touchyer closer to shimanos bite. But still not close to the power I get from the saints

[@sammiejdesuperman1]

wouldn't you wanna run Magura's mt7? super soft lever and modulation + short lever throw

[@jurgentrockenbau9321]

Try the Hayes Dominion A4 or Lewis LH4 or LHT.😏☝🏻😎

[@pinned91]

Hayes.

[@METEORA_47]

how about Hope tech3?i mean 4 piston model.is it ok?

[@patrickwoods2165]

I've been running Hope Tech 3's on my enduro bike over a year now and love them. My opinion: Compared to Shimano XT's, they're just as powerful, have better lever feel, and are less maintenance (been 11 months since my last bleed and they're fine). Compared to Code RSC's they're not quite as powerful, but feel way better. I haven't had a chance to try TRP brakes yet.

[@METEORA_47]

@@patrickwoods2165 thanks for that.i hope my choice is right because i just changed my bike with Hope Tech3 🫡

[@seville6900]

What's brakes are Best for learning wheelie, not sharp, smootest

[@PFOxide421]

*Bleeds brake out of factory spec* "This brake gives me the most arm pump and I have to squeeze it the hardest" Yep, makes sense

[@jessewilliams9575]

Butthurt4what

[@ameraldas3641]

hayes dominion and Formula Cura 4 are some other ones, that should be tested.

[@Shakshuka69]

Great way to get rid of arm pump is some arm pump. Hit the gym! (Arnold voice)

[@josemorenoporras7506]

For pads and rotors?cos I think it is even more to compare in that area. SRAM pads&disc are not very good IMO,those brakes would perform best with another non stock setup.

[@briancahal]

I tried organic and metallic with the codes. Metallic felt good, lasted a long time but would overheat and glaze. Organics felt a lot better and handled heat better but wore out so fast. Couldn't find a good balance with either. TRP was resign pad and I believe XT was too, whatever came stock.

[@josemorenoporras7506]

@@briancahal for code I use Galfer rotors and green pads. For shimano never had a problem,metallic or organic. Ton of people hate code brakes cos stock disc&pad combo...

[@Snakebitey]

@@briancahalI changed to some 220 mm Magura MDR-P rotors and vented Uberbike Race Matrix pads and it made a world of difference. I'll also try RBF 660 fluid next as another commenter suggested.

[@jonassimon4756]

Why no maguras?

[@searchanddescent]

Just got Mt7s pretty excited to upgrade from my crap tektro

[@METEORA_47]

magura have an issue.its master pump is easily broken.

[@searchanddescent]

@@METEORA_47 well then I won't crash 👍

[@METEORA_47]

@@searchanddescent mt7 has great modulation when breaking.

[@searchanddescent]

@@METEORA_47 I'm super excited to get them set up

[@peterlang5047]

@@searchanddescent if you don’t crash, then the mt7s are the best brake ever. You’ll love them

[@j.albertogratacos2076]

I recently purchased the latest Shimano Saint 4p and after riding XT 4p for a year, found the Saint to be more powerful with lots of modulation. I would love to see your take on them.

[@naitsabes0010]

Shimano Saints with lots of modulation? That's something new hahaha I run Saints and XTRs on my bikes and man those Saints have terrible modulation, lots of power though...

[@MUTP-zq1oc]

Gwin loves trp. So should you. 😊

[@1BastiSeba]

I run code RSC since 2020 At the beginning I was in love with my brakes, but now I am going faster I feel they are not enough powerful and the maintenance to keep them in the right spot is boring me I would like to try magura, hope or Hayes(read good stuff of Hayes)

[@Serial-hobbyist]

Are you using the same pad compound across all tests?

[@briancahal]

I had run metallic and organic for the code. Metallic felt good, lasted a long time but would overheat and glaze. Organics felt a lot better and handled heat better but wore out so fast. Couldn't find a good balance with either. TRP was resign pad and XT was too. The Shimano pad lasts pretty well, the TRP resigns wear a little quicker.

[@antrace92]

Aw man I just bought a pair of saint yesterday

[@PauloRodrigues-lq9lv]

Honestly…nowadays I wouldn’t use SRAM nor Shimano. I run Hope brakes on my bike, with galfer rotors and pads. It’s a really reliable setup. I would like to try the Neko Mullaly setup, TRP, with galfer pads and rotors and shimano hoses. I also hear really nice things about magura and Hayes and would like to try them too. So, in summary, everything but SRAM and Shimano lol

[@ryzonnitro3074]

Try magura mt 7

[@kylemcconnell606]

Rotor size?

[@briancahal]

200mm for all brakes.

[@raheemgahelable]

Shimano Saint with 203 icetech rotors front and back and never look back

[@Calispeedboi]

but what about hopes

[@VikingRasbornStrong]

Wow....I only trust MAGURA MT5 and MTX PADS.

[@jankaskyevitchjellbet7293]

That's it I am selling m for codes! Can't afford trp!

[@hamishlickley799]

second

[@AntonisMoutsios]

First

[@andresdavila4500]

Magura is the way…

[@shailoism]

Forearm training sounds like it would benefit this guy. If arm pump is such an issue I'd look for solutions within the body.

[@kutlay1988]

I am a rock climber and have above average forearm strength. I get an arm pump with my Code R brakes on long descents. It was not such a big deal with other brakes.

[@shailoism]

@@kutlay1988 I recently bought a bike with G2R's and I now understand the problem. Crazy arm pump with 0 braking power.

[@kutlay1988]

@@shailoism my code R's power is enough for me. The problem is as the brakes get warmer, lever goes deeper in it's travel and there it feels feel like I have to push harder. When the brakes are cold, they work pretty well

[@Igai99]

Please dont sponsor this man! Just give him some money!

[@mo.ibrahim1953]

My man looks like ben askren

[@reubs91]

What I like about KTM’s and Husqvarna enduro bikes, is that the brakes are the same across the range. Being new into mountain biking it seems madness there is so many types of brakes from so many manufacturers. Your all getting sucked into the hype and sales.

[@jackm2257]

Shigura better

[@godtux]

This video needs some Metal music :-)

[@godtux]

And it would be interesting to know wich brake pads you used, as they can change feeling quite a lote.

[@reubs91]

This video is a lot of rubbish to be honest. It’s like he’s talking about; because it’s red it goes faster.

[@pheonixfps9248]

Sram has better modulation then the new TRP DH EVO's........LOOOOOOLLLLL, talk about biased review.

[@patrickschneider1968]

Try the XT with Galfer rotors and pads🔥👌🏻🤌🏼🔥