Magura MT5 and MT7 Brake Review at Fanatikbike.com

The Magura MT5 and MT7 have proven to be worthy successors to the legendary Gustav hydraulic mountain bike brake. Sporting a powerful and well modulated four piston caliper, carbotexture levers, and magnetiXchange technology, Magura has covered all the bases with these two brake options.

[@sarahxsays]

From my experience you can absolutely run Shimano mineral oil with absolutely no issues. I run a Shigura setup with Shimano mineral oil and I’ve had zero problems so far.

[@timsouthmtb92]

Rt76 rotors work a treat with mt5s best combo I've found yet.

[@rossbagley9015]

Any rotor will work just fine. In my experience, my MT5e's work much better with non-Magura rotors. Lots of noise and vibration when using the Magura rotor in back that disappeared when I swapped in Shimano rotors. No change in power and no difference in reliability from the brakes on the slightly thinner rotors. Various people have speculated that the pistons might fall out from the extra 0.3mm (0.15mm per side). You can check this and it's nonsense.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Thanks for the feedback and insight! Cheers, Dan at Fanatik

[@shutupdog11]

Ross Bagley thanx , this will be my first Mt5 setup and im keeping my same rotor setup . I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts....

[@cepsvzla]

Thanks for the info, I'm building a scout and was gonna buy the MT800 brakes and decided to go with these instead but I already bought SLX rotors woops :').

[@quithollerin7276]

I'm running the MT5s on my Knolly. G2s on my Devinci... 2 years for the Maguras and I'm still loving them. If you like the on-off feel, then you'll like the MTs. The Devinci will likely be getting a set next season.

[@ladicius]

I've been using Audi/VW hydraulic fluid in my MT5s. Much cheaper than the Magura blood, and it's 100% compatible.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Good to know, thank you Ladicius Hobbs! Word of warning though, this will void the warranty, so for those of you who have brakes that are still under Magura's great 5 year warranty and are looking to keep that active, sticking with the branded stuff is the way to go. Thanks for watching Ladicius, Dan at Fanatik

[@Kershank2098]

Available through your local O'Reilly Auto Parts!

[@Hunter_Bidens_Crackpipe_]

Oil is oil. The thickness does vary, nothing is gonna ruin the lines, bleeding it might get slower.

[@andreykobesp]

HLM+ hydraulic fluid work fine

[@Coolcmsc]

@@Hunter_Bidens_Crackpipe_ Try that concept in your car motor....‼️ The heat thing is important in motor pistons and MTB brake pistons for the same reasons - I do agree that damage to the cables is the same for the DOT (Dept of Transport) 4.5 and 5.5 and the same for the mineral oils (like the Magyar blue stuff).

[@_gummikko_]

I was wondering whats the difference between these two bcause the price is almost double on mt7

[@redskull8432]

i used shimano brake lever with the mt7 and it work well

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Huh, that's an interesting idea, I do personally like the feel of shimano's levers a bit better. Best, Dan at Fanatik

[@gmottadh]

show us please!!!

[@alimantado373]

Much better than Magura levers more modulation and they dont touch the handlebars when you brake, Ive tried everything but they feel like fucking Spongebob

[@thelongestnameinthecomment9677]

I hate shimano levers personally so i will be keeping the original levers

[@Coolcmsc]

You can now buy the full range of levers for the MT5 and MT7 as an upgrade.

[@jgellert]

I had both mt5 and mt7 brakes on my bike.So far mt 7 build quality is noticeably better than the mt5.Mt 5 does not use the carbotechture with carbon fiber ,it uses some plastic with fiberglass .The calipers looks the same but the mt7 is more machined than the mt5 ,i guess this applies also for the internal finishings of the calipers which could lead to a better fluid dynamics. The levers on the mt7 feels way more solid then on the mt5 .

[@quithollerin7276]

Magura website states Carbotecture. SL being short lever. Like Shimano... and unlike Sram, There is no performance difference between the affordable model and the upgrade. Material is the same. You sacrifice tunability and lever design.

[@thelongestnameinthecomment9677]

The mt7 has a stronger lever material if anyone was wondering

[@fatboynip]

What’s it feel like compared to a typical metal lever?

[@thelongestnameinthecomment9677]

@@fatboynip it's not too bad, only really a problem in a bad crash if the lever is too tight, im thinking about trying shigura just to see what it's like tho

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Best brakes....super easy to bleed as well. We did a video on a really easy way to bleed them at the lever. Love them!

[@gualberto921]

perfect for what we needed it for

[@dmytrocrawford7860]

I had the MT5. When he says the master cylinder is cheap, it is. I snapped it on my first run when I overcooked a corner. They were good but that's my only complaint. Initiation is very effortless and very strong. Stronger than my new TRP's to be honest.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Dang, that's no fun. Interesting to hear about the TRP brakes. I wouldn't have guessed that (haven't tried TRP yet).

[@dmytrocrawford7860]

@@FanatikBikeCo So I purchased a set of Slate T4, a brake very comparable to the MT5. And although the construction is absolutely superb compared to even the Sram RSC, the amount of pressure necessary to brake is much more than that of the MT5. I'm building up a second trail rig, so I will reinstall the MT5's and give a comprehensive comparison between both.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Heck yea, I'll look forward to it. Cheers, Dan at Fanatik

[@aoyama9513]

Inform us back. Can't decide between a Magura MT5 and TRP G-Spec Quadiem, I'm currently running a sram db5 which led me to a handful of crashes.

[@thelongestnameinthecomment9677]

The magura mt5 lever body is made from nylon so it has less strength then the mt7

[@noureddineelaroussi7680]

I'm using Shimano mineral oil with my MT5 with 0 issues, for no reason other than I had a whole jug of it just sitting on the shelf.

[@DavidLaburglier]

yeah, I always assumed you could use any mineral oil, despite what they say. Why not mix and go for purple?

[@jonienglish3231]

i have the mt2 very good !!!!!!!!!$120 usd was using the shimano xt 2014 chrome reservoir cover also just picked up used magura mt6 USED $100 bucks

[@francismarigomen6593]

Can you use sram rotors for these ?

[@LukeMTB]

Do you know what the weight comparison looks like between these vs. the Guide Ultimate? Any reason to choose the M7 over the Guide Ultimate? Thanks, these reviews are helpful.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

We actually weigh every single product in house, and list it on the product page. It says est. weight because it can vary from product to product, but we weighed the MT7 at 271 grams for (on sale) $279 (www.fanatikbike.com/products/magura-mt7-next-disc-brake) and the Guide Ultimate at 253 grams for $288 (www.fanatikbike.com/products/sram-guide-ultimate-disc-brake). As far as choosing one vs the other, that'd really boil down to personal preference. They are both high performance brakes that work very well. Best regards, and thanks for watching, Dan at Fanatik

[@aussietrail-rider1492]

I have heard so many problems with sram guide brakes, i would stay clear of them and go for magura brakes if i had the money.

[@Coolcmsc]

@@aussietrail-rider1492 Yup, I’ve heard the same and experienced the same (CodeRc). Even when new, initially need bleeding from ride to ride until about 500 miles. Pistons sticky needing brake fluid lube and repositioning most rides. And, worst, lever going ‘hard’ so it cannot be squeezed closed at all, initially without calliper binding and then with calliper binding - 20 miles out on trail, this is something you’ll only allow happening once. It’s due to some internal item in the lever busting then swelling and needing replacement apparently (not sure about that, as mine - front then back 🙄 was fixed by bleeding and bleeding and leaving and bleeding and bleeding 😳🤬).

[@konaking22]

Hi my bike is running Magura calipers but shimano levers but find the brakes too sort, anybody had this issue…bled them so many times

[@jackbeames7643]

So can you mount a brake on right or left no specific side

[@michael18284]

yes, they're the same

[@06mkmartin]

I have heard people using the Shimano fluid with no issues ...?

[@lexusstefan927]

You can use any mineral fluid, however in the case of a warranty issue Magura might decide to deny you warranty if they discover another brand fluid was used

[@michaelnikolaev1300]

I'm going to buy MT5 for my street/dirt bike. Already bought a suuuper nice looking Storm SL rotor. Can you tell me please - can I shorten travel of the lever by adding extra fluid in the system? I like short-traveled brake levers, but all my Avids were tried to keep their "native" travel no matter what I do with them... As I know adjusting travel with fluid level is possible only with "closed" systems without extension tank.

[@Yo12327]

Its better to use the MDR rotor , the cheaper storm sucks

[@skyoti5471]

hi, if i buy a magura mt5 can i put same lever to right or left?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Yes, the levers are symmetrical!

[@qualitycertifiedbass]

It looks more like advertisement then review...

[@That.red.seat1]

My magura mt5 have a piece that broke off a few days ago and I was wondering wether it will increase the likely hood of my brakes leaking, in the scene where you show the part of the brake that holds the fluid reservoir you can see the area I mean . Where it says “magura” down the right of the lever just below there on the corner a piece is missing , is this area simply for looks or actually an integral piece, does anyone know what it is , thank you

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hi Lewis. I think I know the area you're talking about, but it's hard to know for sure without seeing a photo. Feel free to send us one at [e-mail]. You could also swing by your local shop, if they are knowledgeable about hydraulic brakes. My best suggestion for the time being would be to just make sure that there is no fluid leaking out of the lever, and to make sure your brakes function before going out for any ride. Best, Dan at Fanatik

[@That.red.seat1]

Fanatik Bike Co. thank you Dan, I will go into a local bike store to see what to do. Thank you for your help and quick reply

[@alensmolic8885]

Only magura disc is compatible? And are they have much more power then guide r?

[@bikingweasel6267]

The guide r is piss weak and is quite unreliable in my experience, I ended up with 8 stitches in my shin as the brake over heated and was then shown to be faulty I’m never riding sram brakes again but I have Shimano xt brakes and there pretty good

[@alimantado373]

Thats BS shimano rotoprs are better than Maguras , and dont Taco

[@MrTeskio75]

Good job man, but i do not understand if you have tested the MT7 and what differences did you feel! (did you see the new suuuuper disk?)

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hi Mr. Me. The MT7 has the HC1 lever blade, which has a slightly different feel. It also has a tool-less reach adjust. Power is the same. I have not seen the new disc, but will check it out! Best, Dan at Fanatik

[@Coolcmsc]

My LBS (UK National award winning 18 Bikes who also build their own frames and are not affiliated with anyone) tell me they’ve tested the MT5 and MT7 and Hope V4 on their bikes. They recommend one of these three to customers with e-bikes, to those who are overweight and those doing knarly stuff (Enduro/DH). The MT7 - they say - is a bit more powerful than the other two. The MT5 is the most cost effective. The V4 looks best, is most easily user serviced and noisy!

[@powhana6019]

Yeah dude, hella cool

[@hodl4lambo455]

Shimano for life homies!

[@thelongestnameinthecomment9677]

Yeah! 3/4 deadstroke and BAM all the power at once with no space to control

[@coryschlegel5705]

I'm tending not to agree that the royal blood is required. My lines are filled with normal clear mineral oil at factory new. You know this also. 😏

[@DEISE01able]

Does back wheel have quick release?

[@R1pp3d]

How useful is the bite point adjust on the MT7? I have MT5s and my only issue is that I have to add a little fluid as the pads wear down in order to keep the bite nice and sharp (I hate long throw and squishyness). Do you think it would be worth upgrading to MT7 levers?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

The bite point does work, which you can't necessarily say about shimano's brakes for example. That being said, upgrading levers is a bit of a chore, not to mention expense, I'd just consider how often you have to end up doing that and decide if it'll be worth your while. Cheers, Dan at Fanatik

[@R1pp3d]

Thanks for the response :) replacing brake levers is a pain, having my index fingers seize up from pulling the lever in too far is a pain, adding fluid to the brakes every month is a pain, life is suffering! I might just replace the front one sometime since the rear pads don't wear so fast

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Hey Brian, are you still rocking the MT5s? The all plastic lever kind of freaks me out, and I envision super flexy.... I'm thinking about replacing my SLX 7000s due to their ever changing bite point that Shimano can't figure out on their current designs. .

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hey Thunderstruck, I have moved on from the MT5's but if your looking to try a new brake these are a great option for sure. A ton of guys at the shop have used them on bikes here and there and I haven't seen any issues with the composite lever except for once in which case any lever would have been destroyed. If you are going to go with them I would suggest doing the lever upgrade to the shorter lever, it feels almost the same as the Shimano lever (which I love), and I would go with the Storm HC rotor instead of the SL. Hope that helps! ~Brian at Fanatik

[@thelongestnameinthecomment9677]

The lever isn't flexy at all, the mt7 lever body is stronger then the mt5 though so the mt5 is easier to break

[@juancaicedo2007]

How can you compare those brakes with the Hope tech 3 vr2

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Lighter, but as a result of the composite body. It is a 4 piston brake vs the Hope tech 3 X2 (which is what I think you are asking about, correct me if I'm wrong), so it will have more stopping power. Best, Dan at Fanatik

[@juancaicedo2007]

Fanatik Bike Co. no you were correct it was my mistake... ok thank you for the info I will think about it... I just like the brand... never hear from them but it sounds different

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Magura is pretty cool, they've been around for a long time. I remember in the early 2000s having an Iron Horse Sunday DH bikewith Magura Gustav brakes, which were these huge, two piston, floating caliper disc brakes. Both the pistons were on the same side, with the other side fixed, and the whole caliper could move laterally on rails. Quite funky, very heavy. MTB disc brakes have come a long way since then. Danny Macaskill rides Magura brakes, they just did a little video together. Cheers, Dan at Fanatik

[@auurrisssssssssss]

Juan Caicedo ĄiEuuUDDHDDhĹAAQslzll Ĺlalalmmmaamyyqnppqqqą

[@nathanaelmoxon4996]

How can you talk so. Much without telling us a thing about performance?!

[@gogovitch66]

I can tell you, as I've tried both. First, you gotta know, I have never used the composite lever on the 5, but replaced them by the HC aluminum one. Then you won't feel any difference in stopping power oder fading (there is none).

[@cedconspiracy]

Can I use Hope Floating Rotors with MT5?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hope rotors are tough, the rivets contact several non-hope calipers. I don't know for sure, but magura rotors are a little thicker than other rotors. Best practice would be to run Magura rotors, but I'll have to look into it more to know if Hope will work. Anyone have any experience trying that?

[@cedconspiracy]

Waiting for it bro, thanks!

[@thfjacksandison2658]

Cedric Mateo you can I’ve done it

[@michael18284]

haha i hope so, because i have the rotors and am waiting on the brakes lol

[@michael18284]

i just went a looked at my rotors, the 220mm hope floating rotors, it looks like a good inch between the top of the rivet and the top of the disk and at least 3/8 from the bottom of the contact area of the disk to the top of the rivet. based on looking at the caliper, i think it'll work..

[@vitus9420]

Hey i have a question I have a Shymano XT Brake and i want to uprade to a MT7 is it working when i only Buy The MT7 Saddle and juse it wit my XT lever?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

If I am understanding your question, you want to put a Shimano lever with a Magura caliper? This will not work, the two systems are not compatible. There is a certain amount of oil that gets pushed through your brake line to actuate the brakes and every system is different. Also, as per manufacturer regulation, you are supposed use different types of mineral oil in these two brakes. Thanks for watching, Brian

[@R1pp3d]

Actually I heard of some people doing this, not really sure what the benefit is supposed to be but I think it's possible. As long as the fluid volumes aren't drastically different you're unlikely to blow anything up.

[@GrimYak]

Dont listen to Brian, this will work. People have been running XT M8000 levers with Magura MT5 calipers. works even better than the Saints in terms of modulation. Alsom mineral oil is mineral oil. The color is just coloring. Of course magura will say no so sales will be on them.

[@alimantado373]

Yes and ita a better setup than the carbo plastic lever and more modulation

[@gavinwilliams9091]

Looking at doing the shigura set up, is there any difference between the mt5 and mt7 calipers?

[@manuelabella8748]

so mt5 & 7 share same caliper? Im plannning to get mt7 levers and hook them up on my mt5 caliper. i just realized that i need that bite adjustment on mt7 coz i run my lever really close to my finger and i can't do that on mt5 levers.

[@Coolcmsc]

Calliper design/shape/mechanism identical. The material used for calliper is different - Magura say it’s more solid on the MT7 leading to better braking. But I can’t find any reliable reviews that assess that.....

[@dragos2978]

@@Coolcmsc Also interested about this

[@KAST403]

how do I adjust them my back leaver I can pull it and it goes right to my handle bar I don't like this can you tell my how I would make it tighter so I don't have to pull the leaver right down to the handle bar ????? and tips guys I'd like to do it myself instead of taking to to my lbs I'm sure it's a minor adjustment ?????

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hi Aaron, Does the lever seem to catch at a slightly different spot each time you pull it in, or is it just pulling to the bar and catching in the same spot each time? -Brian at Fanatik

[@KAST403]

Fanatik Bike Co. actually it catches but when I pull the leaver it's not breaking like It needs to be tighter like I have to pull the leaver all the way to the handle bar in order for it to grip to the disc how do I make it tighter so I don't have to pull the leaver all the way down to the bar just for it to slow me down a little if that makes sense

[@FanatikBikeCo]

If you have the MT5's to adjust the lever reach you use a t-25 torx wrench to turn the dial on the front of your lever. The MT7's have a tool free reach adjust dial on the front of the lever that replaces the t-25 bolt head. -Brian at Fanatik

[@KAST403]

OK so that's right under the leaver? Like in your video it's located right under the leaver yeah they must be mt5's I'm at work right now I'll have to take a look when I get home a t-25 torx wrench yeah the screws look like a special tool they look like little stars the screws on them so I just tighten that and this will make the leaver tighter ???? So I'm not pulling it all the way down hoping to all hell I stop before taking a bail

[@FanatikBikeCo]

I believe you actually turn it counter-clockwise and that will move the lever further away from the bar which will make the lever catch before it gets to the bar. If you are still having problems after adjusting this, then it may mean your brakes need a bleed. If this is the case I would take it in to your LBS to have it further diagnosed. Let us know if we can do anything else for you. Thanks, Brian at Fanatik

[@jedelbertmilan9047]

The hc3 lever blade can use in mt5?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Unfortunately no, it starts at the MT6. Best, Dan at Fanatik

[@lar2028]

Can they be used in any size of rotor?

[@HypnoToad248]

This dude sounds bored af. Rather be riding hahaha

[@nicoofner85]

I'm almost 100% sure you can use the shimano oil

[@FanatikBikeCo]

I can't speak to whether or not the Shimano oil works in the new brakes. I have used it with some of the older Magura brakes and not ran into any issues. However, if you ever have an issue with the brake and have to send them in, having Shimano fluid in them will void the warranty. ~Brian at Fanatik

[@GrimYak]

MIneral oil is mineral oil, it is colorless, the coloring between Shimano and Magura are either additives or just plain coloring. You can even use just pure mineral oil in these.

[@Coolcmsc]

The 5 yr warranty is void - period. That’s their call and in the small print. Mineral oil is variable and NOT controlled. A good reputable supplier can be trusted not to sell rubbish, but it might perform differently at different temperatures compared to another equally reputable brand). That’s unlike DOT which is controlled to the same standard worldwide (DOT refers to Dept Of Transport and is one of two specific standards, 4.5 and 5.5).

[@Coolcmsc]

Some people bleed out the non-Magura fluid and replace with the blue stuff before making a warranty claim. I won’t do that for two reasons: 1. I may not be able to bleed the brake if it needs a warranty repair..... 2. The whole point of avoiding the blue stuff is rubbished by the need to buy it to maintain the warranty - bonkers logic. Some may be so well off they can afford that penny pinching risk. Most of us don’t have enough cash to risk voiding a great 5 year warranty 🤓

[@gtam6]

are the mt5 really lighter then mt7?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

According to our scale, they are four grams heavier :D Cheers, Dan at Fanatik

[@mariabrati7202]

Nice looking bike but poor quality control or poor transport.Rear wheel has major issues right out of the box. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Rear axle is bent! Derailleur is misaligned.Since the rear wheel comes assembled I would have expected better.Assembly instructions poorly written, but that was not unexpected...just annoying.I just had the bike checked at a shop and was told that I should contact the seller about getting a whole rear wheel assembly with cartridge. (The bike shop could not do anything to help me).Not a good experience with this bike, so lesson learned.Added 3 stars for excellent customer serviceUpdate Sept 8 2020Just received a complete replacement wheel for free. Great service and an otherwise fine bike.