EBC Hope 4 Piston XC-4 CROSS COUNTRY Disc Brake Pads

Advantages: Cheap,Sturdy,Powerfull
Disadvantages: Brake fluid pump up on long downhills

...This is Hope`s entry level disk brake and is one hell of a brake for light DH to XC,its just so versatile.Coming from Hope,this brake is built to last and even if your brake does go wrong(Whether Lever,Caliper,Hose or Disk)parts are readily avaliable.This is one of the best brakes that you can buy for the money,especially as it now comes with a Pro lever as standard(Which used to cost £20 more!).The brake has a very progressive feel and has bags of power when it is needed,in the wet the brake performs just as well as in the dry and does not seem to squeel too much like other disk brakes.The only problem that i can see with this brake is on vey long downhills where the pads will need to be adjusted to combat the brake fluid pumping up,but this only applies to very long downhill where a lot of braking is needed.If you need a disk for your... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Stops well, works in mud, doesn't fade
Disadvantages: Can be a little trying to get fitted correctly, can be noisy at times

...with the mating call of the Hope Mini at the weekend. This has improved dramatically from the earlier models with the introduction of different brake pads, although it's not gone altogether. Several ways have been suggested to fix the problem, the best one involving smearing the back of the pad with copper grease. This can shut the brake up completely if you're lucky, or the alternative is to just get used to it. Personally, I hardly notice. Judging from the way they yell at me, my friends haven't yet. All in all, apart from the squeeling, an excellent little disc brake which at the end of the day does what it's supposed to, with the minimum of fuss. Many manufacturers are fitting them as original equipment or an option to their bikes now, or the Mini is a worthwhile upgrade to any cross country or trail riding bike.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great for downhill
Disadvantages: suspension no good for road.

...The old Carerra bikes seem to be doing well for themselves of late, Halfords still arent offering them though at a reasonable price. The Carrera is what I would call an entry level bike, the bikes are built in the same factory as Kona so expect the same level of workmanship you would from a top name like Kona. This bike comes with the Tough 4 bar link full suspension 7005 aluminium Bi-axial tubed frame. Suntour XC60 fork, 27spd Shimano Deore transmission, Tektro IO Disc brakes, FSA Alpha drive chain set, Tioga double butted handlebars, Tioga stem and seatpost, Tioga Factory Extreme 2. 1 tyres, Shock comes with adjustable pre-load and rebound damping. This bike is meant really for downhill racing but does well on dirt riding. The gears are Shimano Deore which are a sturdier gearing than the standard Shimano, which is what you will need... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful