So my love affair with my Formula Ones is slowly fading and I'm starting to question what would be good replacements. I noticed on the NYD shuttle some of the SD guys running Hope brakes and was wondering if that might be a way to go. Perhaps the Tech V2s or M4s?

Here's what I like about the Formulas:

•Fantastic modulation and power

•Quiet (for the most part)

Here's what I'm not so keen on:

•Very short pad life and expensive pads

•Inconsistent lever feel

•Levers leaking brake fluid at the bar clamp (was told by Formula this is normal )

 

I've been using a set of Elixirs on my Ventana. They are okay, but they just don't feel as good as the Formulas. I'm also not wild about the levers.

 

Opinions? Thoughts?

 

Skullcrack...

I know, you're just looking for an excuse to try something new...what about the XX brakes?  or Ultimates?  I've run a set of Ultimates for a while and with the right size rotor for the job, they're solid brakes.  I'm still a fan of the Ones.

Auk

I'm still a fan of the Formulas too, but to me they're like an Italian sports car. Amazing when everything is new and perfectly adjusted, but very finicky and requiring a lot of attention. I'm looking for something more like a BMW instead of a Ferrari. That's why I ask about the Hopes. I hear lots of good things, but I don't want to trade a Ferrari for a Jaguar and deal with a new set of problems due to typical British over-engineering.

I've thought about pairing the Juicy Ultimate levers with some Code calipers, since these are for my DH bike. I've got a set of the Elixir CR Mags on the Ventana, and they are okay, but a real bitch to bleed. 

What pads are you using on the Ultimates? The metallic?

if you do decide to dump your forumla or exilars, i'm interested. i'm looking for brakes for my new bike. i got my high end wheels today, crossmax sx!

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a big fan of steep/slidy: still believes its possible to be in control while back tire is locked up.

Hey Skullcrack,

I've been on the same Formulas as you for about 9 months now and I cannot say anything bad about them, except for the bleed process.  I swear that I must've spent two hours trying to chase the bubbles through, and get the rest of them out of the lever side.  It was a true PITA process.   And I've bled plenty of Avids and my wife's Elixirs...

I ran Hope M4's and the Mono Minis from about 2005 through early 2008 They were by far the easiest brake to bleed, the parts are nicely machined, and robust.  The brakes are designed to last.

What I did notice living up here in Northern Cal is that the Formulas are waaaay quieter, and consistent when the conditions get sloppy.   When we were in Kernville last May, I couldn't believe how strong and fade free the Formulas were as we were bookin' down Remington.  There doesn't seem to be any fade with the damn things - maybe I'm just not going fast enough.

Aqua's been on the V2's for a long time and swears by Hopes...

Good luck.

D

 

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Whatever, Buckley has lost all credibility with me!!! (Frame is probably strapped to the back of a burro...dead from exposure somewhere in the Cascade Mountain Range.)

- Winston