MTB PRODUCT OF THE YEAR - Hope Tech 4 E4 Disc Brakes

After a year of testing the best and the rest, one product really stood out to us: Hope's all-new Tech 4 brake. It combines awesome power with fantastic modulation and a new, lighter lever feel that makes it the worthy recipient of our Product of the Year award for 2022. Well done Hope!
You can check out our full review on our site: www.vitalmtb.com/product/guid..., or skim through the synopsis below for more info.
2022 saw Hope introduce the inconspicuously named Tech 4. Hope sought to provide a lighter lever feel and increase the braking power, and in doing so, they have set the new gold standard as far as we are concerned.
Hope claims to have increased the power of the Tech 4 by 30% compared to the Tech 3. The most common complaint levied against the Tech 3 was probably a perceived lack of power compared to some other brakes on the market, so this point definitely caught our attention when we skimmed through the brochure. By using roller bearings for the lever blade pivot points and reducing internal friction, Hope was also able to use lighter master cylinder return springs which translates to a lighter lever action. On the caliper side they’ve moved to stainless steel pistons with phenolic inserts, which they claim will call for less maintenance while still being able to manage the extreme heat generated on long and steep descents.
Mechanically, the Tech 4 lever retains the same, tool-free bite point and reach adjustments as the Tech 3. This is good news as this system provides a great range of adjustments and is very consistent and easy to use. All the adjustments are external to the master cylinder piston area which is good for reliability and system longevity. Shifter integration has also been improved on the Tech 4, with better angles and a sleeker look on offer.
When you give the new brake the first squeeze of the lever, you’ll be surprised. It feels quite different to the Tech 3, with a MUCH lighter lever action and more “flex” in the lever after the bite point. With that we mean that the Tech 4 almost feels spongy compared to a Tech 3 - but that’s only in the workshop. The minute you hit the trail, you come to realize that the 30% increase in power touted by Hope is well and truly present and accounted for - these things will slow you down in a hurry with just minimal pressure on the lever. It doesn’t matter how steep the trail gets, you’ll never run out of power and that is without having to use much force at the lever blade.
It is a lot easier to engage the lever on the Tech 4 compared to the Tech 3, it starts moving with minimal finger pressure and it’s very easy to feel the bite point. But rather than being grabby, the Tech 4 just builds power in a very deliberate yet somehow linear way. Think Shimano feel without any initial grabbiness, and you’re on your way to picturing how the Tech 4 behaves. As for the stopping power we previously alluded to, it’s nothing short of impressive and that bears repeating here. Just squeeze the lever a bit, and you’re dropping anchor with a purpose. It only took our testers a couple of rides to become very familiar with the Tech 4, to the point where they were able to handle them completely intuitively and with perfect control even in very loose conditions. It is this combination of power and control that puts this new brake in a league of its own - several competitors get close, but none tick ALL the boxes in the way that the Tech 4 does.
We’ve had 3 pairs of the new Tech 4 running for well over half the year now, and all 3 are performing flawlessly. That is hardly surprising as Hope brakes have an excellent track record when it comes to reliability - they are also easy to work on and fully rebuildable. One important improvement to note regarding the Tech 4 is the move to stainless steel pistons with phenolic inserts. Hope’s goal here was to combat the “lazy piston” syndrome that could sometimes affect the Tech 3. That issue was generally easy to keep on top of by regularly cleaning the caliper pistons, but the new brake looks to increase the service interval in this respect and that’s great news.
In summary, the Tech 4 takes everything that was good about the Tech 3 and brings it to a new dimension, with significantly more power available and less input required at the lever. The result is a brake that saves rider energy while providing all the control needed to navigate demanding terrain - an intoxicating mix that presents a serious challenge to the rest of the brake market now. A fantastic new product and a worthy POTY winner!
#mtb #mountainbike #bike

[@justing6614]

Im running the tech4 V4 hope brakes they are excellent loads of power with light lever action

[@djjmann]

I have the new Tech 4 V4 on 3 bikes. After I saw this last year I had to try them. One bike got them, then all the bikes got them. They are quite light, but extremely durable. They are the quietest, most powerful and best modulated brakes I've ever run. And i've ran them all practically over the years (Zee, Saint, XT, XTR, Code, Guide, G2 and Hayes). I've had to bleed them a few times when setting up and trimming hose down, easy peasy with the new bleed kit. I have no clue how these "professional" mechanics are fucking up a bleed on a Hope brake so much, but they were super easy. Easy as Sram's bleeding edge? Nope, but its old-school easy. The lever feel on these brakes is so good. So smooth, and so so powerful. Use their rotors, as the pad compound works best with their alloy blend of the friction disc. And I have to say, their brake caliper mounting adapters are gorgeously sculpted and look quite nice on a frame unlike Shimano's or Srams faded black ones.

[@paullenihan]

I have been running these for about three weeks now and I am very impressed so far, they have loads power and great modulation. I had been using 9120 XTR's and these were fantastic brakes but the hope's seems to have bit more power compared to the xtr's and it initial bite isn't as sever which is nice when popping manuals and screwing around. I had rode a couple of bikes with the older v3 versions and I was never impressed by them. The v3's seemed just under powered and not much bite. But my local bike shop recommended the V4's when I was building up my new bike and so far they seem to be the ticket and I am very happy with them. Plus each brake comes with three sets of brake pads in different compounds. This was a very nice touch so I won't need spares anything soon.

[@laurynasjagelo5075]

I dunno, Im running tech3/v4's after many years of shimano, and while they are not that grabby for sure, they can be setup to be grabby-er. I don't think they have that much less power than xt 4pots; maybe the power comes later and need to squeeze a bit harder, but easier to control the input amount when riding steeps / sloppy tracks. Horses for courses maybe?

[@Frorideism]

For the love of God VITAL! I have a pair of fully functional Tech 3's, and I love them. And all I can see everywhere is how good the 4's are, and i know some people don't like the look of them but BRUH! I actually think they look dope. Why can't you just say that they are absolute shite, so I can save my money for food and rent?

[@benconnelly5246]

Yeah I can confirm they're amazing tbh haven't had that much time on them yet but really pleased so far

[@hardmtnbiker]

Hope brakes and all the Hope parts are really underrated in USA. The machined craftsmanship, the detailed design and the quality are really above what you would expect for the price.

[@MrBirdshell666]

i want to brake, not some fancy low-tech machining. and the lever even doesnt have any protection, the same garbage design flaw as shimano's

[@rondech2920]

Yes, underrated in the USA. Once I bought them and used them, I bought ‘em with every bike since. They have the best modulation and inspire confidence. I’m aged, and now looking into an eMTB and they’ll be on that too.

[@rewind9536]

V3 has never failed me. Tech 3 is a very gradual lever. Looking forward to upgrade my levers.

[@rhettcorbett3346]

Ordered a a Gold & Silver pair for my 2019 V10 as soon as they were available. Love the easy adjustments of BPC & LR. And the feel of the lever & modulation. I only use 1 finger for brakes. Put them on went for a ride & used brakes like I did with Tec 3s. Pulled on front brakes almost went OTB. This is with old disks as well. Only had to touch them and was getting thrown forward. Those new Green pads are amazing. Still can't pull them on like I use to , to this day. And have had them for ages. They are amazing.👍👍👍

[@knott4me561]

They don't do gold

[@rhettcorbett3346]

@@knott4me561 Sorry. Mango.

[@TurboLevoSam]

Got these on my Turbo levo comp 2022, massive upgrade from the Sram code.

[@pdpcycling248]

Let's hope that this new Hope is actually better than the previous version. Tech 3 E4 in Thailand almost always has this brake pads rubbing issue if not completely locked up the rotor when you ride anything more than 5 minutes DH. My mates and I went for a MTB holiday in Chiangmai recently, and we had one guy who had Tech 3 which got his brake pads rubbing & spongy lever all the way down. It was his worst nightmare...including us. The trip was ruined.

[@qualm43]

Didn't know these were out! I've been using my Hope PRO4 hubs since 2018 and haven't had to do anything to them except ride HARD. They simply have zero issues.

[@ferdiemendoza2278]

same on mine

[@Adam-vm8kp]

This is why things fail. You’ve had them for ~5 years and haven’t serviced them at all. Waiting for performance to drop before you take a look at them is silly. Most of the problems surrounding dot brakes is due to this attitude.

[@qualm43]

@@Adam-vm8kp Nah, I live in the desert. They're fine. Never seen water.

[@spenceranderson4864]

@@qualm43 Sand. SAAAAND. No seals will keep out all sand, its probably a good idea to at least give a good clean and regrease.

[@qualm43]

@@spenceranderson4864 I have no idea how to do that. everything I see on youtube requires a bunch of tools that NOBODY has.

[@deedontworry]

I've just ordered these in purple! 💜 Can't wait shred my Vitus Sommet! 🤘

[@buckroger6456]

Purple crew 💪 I also got them in purple

[@deedontworry]

@@buckroger6456 Come on! ✊🤘

[@METEORA_47]

im hope tech3 e4 user and for me this brake is awesome and best modulation

[@FatboyAussie]

I have a set of Tech 4 V4 on my yeti and love them. Way better then the Code RSC that was on it.

[@fe9523]

How about the regular maintenance needed?, do you feel that it is as low as needed for the TRPs or as high as needed in the codes?

[@9MileRoar]

I have been using these brakes for four months on my heavy stealth bomber e-bike, they are extremely good. Me and the bike weigh about 420 lbs and they stop on the dot, covered about 500 miles and only need to change the rear purple pads. Best money I ever spent.

[@JubeProductions]

I just ordered a set of E4s and im hoping i like the lever feel. If the lever is to light it might feel strange.

[@sk8ingrocks10]

I’m about 220 pounds do you think the E4 would be enough for me or should I get the V4?

[@RobbisTV]

I Hope for a set

Swap tham for Shimano XT and I am bit disapointed. After 450km fell spongy and bite point is not so agressive. I didnt say they are really bad, but didnt match my expectations.

[@vlbz]

Magura MT5s cost around 250 euros, and last time I checked they were the 2nd most powerful (mt7 1st). Can't beat those.

[@TurboLevoSam]

I had Mt7 on my turbo levo for 2 months, the Hope tech4 is much much better, no loss in power or modulation after a long hard decent, the Mt7 fades if hit hard on and off constantly.

[@Adam-vm8kp]

The absolute opposite was true for me. I tried hard to love my e4’s but they would need so much faffing to get the pistons to work evenly and stay that way. From someone working full time in a bike shop I service hopes a lot, more seal kits and pistons than any other brake we get in by far. My mt7’s are consistently eye watering powerful even on an ebike, I bleed every ~3m and they are perfect every time.

[@vlbz]

@@TurboLevoSam never had fading. I got problems with wondering bite point, but that was just a bad bleed probably.

[@petedivine]

I have Magura MT7s. They make a lot of banging around noises on the trail. And lately my front brakes have been making squeaking sounds. It's so irritating. I love the power but will dump these expensive brakes if I can't solve the noise issues.

[@vlbz]

@@petedivine if you have the one-piece pads, those are garbage. It's worth giving a try with the separate ones with the bolts (4 small pads per caliper). I also found that I needed a near perfect alignment with the caliper, otherwise they're noisy.

[@grskier]

Tried buying these for 2.5+ months without being able to find them. So… I guess if you can get them. I already bought other 4 pot brakes as I need those things to actually ride lol😂

[@JuDgeDreGg]

Ive got some issues with my Tech 4 V4 sadly... The pistons doesnt move back far enough. Though, my brakes are brand new. I bled them and they are still not moving back far enough. Did anyone had such problems? And what should i do?

[@ALPHARAND]

where do you buy these in the US?

[@cendaracing]

The best brakes for biketrial. Tech 3 and Tech 4 + trial zone, there is nothing better.

[@IADMTB]

How would you compare these to the TRP DHR Evo’s? I feel everything is perfect on the DHR Evo’s (power, modulation, consistency, maintenance, etc) EXCEPT the levers. If I could get E4 levers on the DHR Evo’s it’d be the perfect brakes.

[@vitalmtb]

We have yet to test the EVOs...

[@21armyn]

i have tested both of them at windrock.. TRP's are better but hope looks better.. the TRP is like shimano saint and sram code rsc had a baby.. power wise TRP has more and adjustment and looks hope V4 wins it, maintenance TRP is a winner and consistency TRP again! TRP's felt the same all the way down.

[@IADMTB]

@@21armyn I love my EVO’s. Just the levers are too far out. I know there’s a company called Freedom Coast that sells levers for the EVO’s. I may try it out.

[@21armyn]

@@IADMTB i have the freedom coast levers on my trp's for almost 5 months now.

[@IADMTB]

@@21armyn How do you like the levers? Worthy upgrade?

[@Sylvainfreriks]

Hii vital how would you compare them to magura mt7?

[@vitalmtb]

The Maguras deliver great power as well. The Tech 4 delivers the power in a smoother yet stronger way, if that makes any sense, and it offers better/more sensitive modulation. The Maguras are also a bit more finicky when it comes to bleeding, they don't like any air in the lever reservoir at all and need a perfect bleed to be good.

[@paulmerzweiler5117]

Magura mt7 wit oak components root lever is just soo good

[@SuperTramp4223]

Guys, if those are the brakes of the year, what about V4s? 😀😀😀

[@peterlang5047]

Has anyone had experience with these brakes and Hayes dominions?

[@vitalmtb]

yes. we do. similar light lever action, similar power with a slight edge to the Tech 4. The Tech 4 also has the edge in terms of modulation, the way this brake engages the pads is "softer" than others, yet with more power throughout the lever stroke.

[@peterlang5047]

@@vitalmtb thanks

[@jack5488]

🇬🇧

[@xaccix]

What about the Trickstuff Direttissima and Maxima??? Hope is not the Gold Standard ;-)

[@HeretiCflow]

Tis is not an honest review. It's an ad. ;)

[@vitalmtb]

@@HeretiCflow silly comment. Hope is not even an advertiser on our site.

[@RidetheWild]

Trickstuff cost a hell of a lot more than what Tech 4s cost. Tech 4s are cheaper than Shimano XT and Code RSC, and substantially better in build quality as well as performance. The build quality and lever feel is right up there with Trickstuff, they’re a huge improvement on the Tech 3.

[@ROSE-by5su]

@@HeretiCflow Bro just get bad experience and went out rant online lmao what a immature Guy here. If you dont like it just get other brands. Brakes are preference and still many people will use Hope brakes just like me

[@LongbranchOlivetti]

They're a fantastic brake for sure, I just can't be dealing with the nonsense bleed process. SRAM and Shimano are just easier to maintain.

[@jed7939]

The bleeding isn't the problem, its maintaining the the pistons. Even with the 3d printed piston service tool I find it hard getting all the pistons to extend evenly.

[@downhilljedi]

​@@jed7939that's odd. I have had 2 sets of hope brakes for over 8years and never had a problem.

[@laurynasjagelo5075]

@@jed7939 I agree. I also had them come with sticky pistons right after the factory. Once setup is mint, but I deffo had to faff with the pistons for a while to get them just right.

[@dimager_r]

What is the difference between tech 4 v4 and tech 4 e4?

[@thomasjameson5761]

I was also wondering this, their website only lists the v4 not the e4

[@Adam-vm8kp]

E4 has four normal sized pistons in each caliper and the v4 has two of these plus 2 larger ones in each , generating more stopping power.

[@rezenclowd3]

@@thomasjameson5761 As @Adam states, V4 uses larger 16/18mm calipers. This will mean longer lever throw (also softer), but more power and modulation.

[@sstrain874]

God I wish they were cheaper

[@downhilljedi]

I wish everything was cheaper

[@ROSE-by5su]

They are cheap you just dont have money (I also dont have money but they are actually cheap based on engineering and manufacturing)

[@sstrain874]

@@ROSE-by5su Silly argument, that's like saying Ferrari and Rolex are cheap because of the engineering. They cost more money than the competition (bar trickstuff) which means they are expensive

[@ROSE-by5su]

@@sstrain874 lmao I aint saying they are like literally cheap. But they are reasonable on what you pay for you cant find features and quality of that Product on that price. Trickstuff are they said “expensive” but in my perspective if that brakes are so good like the best of the best it deserves to price like that and if they sell it like imagine its the lowest Rolex model and it was made with perfectionist then its a steal and its a cheap Product

[@ROSE-by5su]

@@sstrain874 if you have Mechanical Engineering,Industrial Design,Entrepreneurship perspective I would respect your opinions.

[@nothinglessness]

They got everything right except the damn noise, so noisy.

[@surfingmoose]

Mine aren't noisy once I started using MTX ceramic brake pads (reds not gold). Yes the sintered brake pads were noisy especially in the rain. Organics where quiet and only noisy initially when wet, sound like a goose honking.

[@paulhope3401]

These had better be good... they are using my surname. 😊

[@krsnitv]

Just get the Formula Cura 4 and thank me later.

[@ninjazzrhythm400]

Aliexpress have the same caliper. I think ztto and pro 4 was the brand

[@ROSE-by5su]

BUY THEM IF YOU WANT TO DIE

[@johnykryll]

Always skeptical with these so called 'reviews'. The fact they don't mention any cons is a sure fire way to know HOPE paid Vital for a product add

[@pl4free]

huh... when have you ever needed to use "force" in order to break with hydraulic breaks?! I have the cheap Shimano ones and can easily break with my pinky to a full stop no problem whatsoever

[@vitalmtb]

Shimano brakes are well-known for their power delivery. Some other brands require significantly more force at the lever to provide the same stopping power.

[@HeretiCflow]

The Hope Tech 3 has been one of the prettiest but also the worst brake on the market. That's not personal opinion, it's a fact. The mechanical and hydraulic leverage provides significantly less stopping power to its next competitors (up to 50% if you compare it to the strongest brakes in the segment). It can only get better from there but I'm not holding my breath. To speak of "gold standard" here seems a bit premature.

[@vitalmtb]

The only way to know, is to try them... ;-)

[@HeretiCflow]

@@vitalmtb if I told you what I currently use, you'd probably withdraw that recommendation. ;) But thanks anyways.

[@calebryland5354]

@@HeretiCflow what do you use?

[@vitalmtb]

@@HeretiCflow pleas don't

[@Montblanc1986]

This is true, I hope that (no pun intended) they got their shit together and these are good.

[@lukenukem1164]

Yeah, please don't buy them just from this. They may be a lot better but my experience with hope brakes isn't great

[@ROSE-by5su]

Idk mixed reviews online. One mechanic said its the best and went out trashed his other brakes like Sram.

[@Mediarahan003]

I've been working on bikes professionally for almost 10 years and Hope brakes have got to be one of the most anxiety inducing things to come through the door. When I see Hope I can't help but worry they're going to rub relentlessly, and feel spongy even after doing their messy, fiddly bleed for more time than the bleed makes us money. I'll never understand why someone would drop basically $700 after tax (when purchased with rotors) and labor to have a set of these installed when they could buy some Guide RE's for $140 a piece and they'll be better in every way. Maybe just won't impress the neighbors.

[@vitalmtb]

Hope caliper pistons can get finicky with time for sure (which is why it was nice to see them address that point with changes to the piston material on the Tech 4), but it's fairly easy to keep on top of with regular maintenance. The bleed process is a bit messy but we have also been bleeding Hope brakes for a number of years and we always get good results. Of course, you can get good results with a variety of brakes on the market. To say that the Guide RE is "better in every way" than the Tech 4 is more of an inflammatory comment than helpful input though. C'mon. The Tech 4 is so far ahead in terms of power delivery and feel that it plays in a different league entirely.

[@mikes.8305]

I have never tried hope brakes, but I have tried guide brakes. Never again is the phrase I remember thinking last time I owned a set. Code RSC is the only sram brakes I would purchase at this point and they aren’t super cheap. Guide RSC? Maybe on a hard tail? No never-mind.

[@WilsonV4FCV]

If you've been a mechanic for 10 years and cant bleed hope brakes you're not a very good mechanic.

[@downhilljedi]

Comparing Sram brakes to Hope brakes is laughable. It's like comparing a KIA to a Ferrari. SRAM=garbage

[@Mediarahan003]

@@WilsonV4FCV I own a set and have bled them. They work fine I guess. My 45 dollar 2 pot shimano is a better experience.

[@Zetler]

Following the link to their review told me everything I need to know about this break without reading a single word. It’s shit. Why? Because none of their massive page of sponsors carry a single one. I don’t care if this break uses transcendent alien technology. If I can’t find parts for it then it’s useless.

[@vitalmtb]

*brake

[@stevecabrera6718]

Haha all hopes are total trash

[@kingflynxi9420]

I have a faulty one and I don't have this bad of an opinion on them, what's your issue lol

[@stevecabrera6718]

@@kingflynxi9420 maintenance power feel price. Haha try hayes dominions. Theyll change your life

[@kingflynxi9420]

@@stevecabrera6718 I've got hopes now I cba to buy even more brakes

[@SourPatchPuss]

DOT fluid is a huge turn off for me. I cant stop putting Shiguras on everything.

[@paulmerzweiler5117]

Want to see a Test on Pleney or Champery Traks because i don't ride in a flat dry desert 🏜️😉😏🙃 shure Vinny t rides steeps but he is sponsert and hasend riden oter brake in 6 years