07/07/2001
Are Magura MT7 Pro Brakes Worth Your Investment?
In the world of high-performance mountain biking, braking power and control are paramount. When it comes to stopping power that can truly instill confidence, the Magura MT7 Pro brakes consistently emerge as a top contender. But are they truly worth the investment? Let's dive deep into what makes these four-piston marvels stand out, and where they might just test your patience.
Unparalleled Power and a Customisation Dream
There's a lot to love about Magura's four-pot MT7 Pro brakes. Right off the bat, they impress with their lightweight construction and a price point that, while not entry-level, is certainly competitive for the performance they offer. However, where the MT7 Pro truly shines is in its extensive customisation possibilities, making them a compelling option for riders who demand a tailored experience.
Unlike many other brakes that primarily offer aesthetic customisation, the MT7 Pro is a true 'shape-shifter'. With the simple removal of a lever pivot pin, you can swap out the standard lever blade for alternatives like the highly adjustable HC3 lever. This particular lever boasts variable leverage and reach, allowing you to fine-tune the feel to your exact preference. For those chasing every last gram, the sleek HC carbon lever is also an option, shaving precious weight without compromising on performance.
Beyond the lever itself, Magura offers a spectrum of coloured inserts and caliper brackets. While this might seem like a minor detail to some, the ability to perfectly match your brake setup to your bike's aesthetic is a touch that many riders, myself included, find surprisingly satisfying. Furthermore, Magura provides Shimano or SRAM shifter adaptors, ensuring seamless integration with your existing drivetrain hardware, a crucial detail for maintaining a tidy and functional cockpit.
Beyond Looks: Tuning for Your Ride
The customisation options on the MT7 Pro extend far beyond mere aesthetics. These choices allow you to meticulously match the leverage and modulation characteristics to your personal riding style and the demands of the terrain. Coupled with the standard reach and bite point adjusters conveniently located on the lever, tweaking your setup on the fly becomes incredibly simple, ensuring optimal performance and comfort throughout your ride.
One particularly clever design feature is the use of magnetic pads. This ingenious system makes swapping out worn brake pads an absolute doddle. It also negates the need for the small springs that typically push the pads against the pistons in other brake systems. This not only simplifies maintenance but also contributes to a cleaner and more efficient braking mechanism.
Performance That Will Blow You Away
Once fitted and dialled in to my satisfaction, I was utterly blown away by the sheer, unadulterated power of the MT7s. With arm-buckling levels of stopping force available with just a light squeeze of the lever, they easily match and, in most cases, surpass the performance of other four-piston brakes on the market. The bite point is unmistakably positive, delivering a confidence-inspiring initial grab the moment the pads meet the rotor. This characteristic was a common point of praise among other testers as well.
It's worth noting that some riders found the initial bite to be almost too aggressive for their liking, preferring a more subtle, modulated lever feel. However, the majority of users, myself included, found them to be perfectly suited to their purpose. This initial assessment was even with the standard, less aggressive performance pads fitted. Magura also offers the 8R Race pads, which are purported to offer even greater bite, a tantalizing prospect for those seeking the absolute maximum in stopping power.
In summary, if you're in the market for some seriously powerful, stick-in-the-spokes stoppers that provide exceptional control, you really can't go far wrong with the Magura MT7 brake. They are a testament to German engineering and a serious upgrade for any discerning mountain biker.
The Bleeding Conundrum: A Potential Hurdle
While the performance of the MT7 Pro brakes is undeniably impressive, my experience did highlight a potential area of frustration: fitting and bleeding. Following Magura's instructions precisely, I trimmed the hoses and proceeded with the bleed. Initial tests in the car park revealed a perfectly positive action with a firm lever and consistent feel – everything seemed spot on.
However, the honeymoon period was short-lived. After about 15 minutes of hard riding, the brakes began to fade significantly, leaving me with a disconcerting lack of stopping power halfway up a mountain. This necessitated a cautious and rather slow ride back to civilisation, cutting the day's adventure short.
Upon returning to the workshop, a second bleed yielded the same disappointing result out on the trail. Frustratingly, I repeated this process a total of three times before I finally managed to purge what seemed like stubborn air pockets from the system. This repeated bleeding process led me to question whether I was doing something fundamentally wrong. I meticulously reviewed Magura's walkthrough video and bleed instructions, confirming that I had indeed followed them to the letter.
My suspicion is that there may be some hard-to-purge air pockets residing within the caliper body itself. Fortunately, since that third bleed, the brakes have performed flawlessly, delivering consistent power and feel without any hint of fade. This experience, however, underscores the importance of thorough post-bleed testing before venturing far from the safety of the workshop.
A Comparative Look at Top-Tier Brakes
To put the MT7 Pro into perspective, it's useful to see how it stacks up against other leading brakes on the market. In our testing, we mounted ten sets of brakes to our test bikes, utilising a 200mm rotor up front and a 180mm at the rear. We then subjected them to rigorous testing on descents, evaluating power, lever feel, fade resistance, modulation, and overall reliability. Here's a brief overview of some of the other notable contenders:
| Brake System | Key Features | Potential Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Magura MT7 Pro | Exceptional power, highly customisable, lightweight, magnetic pads | Potential bleeding difficulties, aggressive initial bite for some |
| Hope Tech 3 X2 | Superb modulation, excellent build quality, UK-made | Generally less outright power than 4-piston options |
| Hope Tech 3 E4 | Strong power, good modulation, durable | Can be pricier, slightly heavier than some competitors |
| Shimano Deore BR-M6000 | Reliable, good value, easy to use | Less powerful and refined than higher-end options |
| Shimano Deore XT BR-M8020 | Excellent power and modulation, reliable, good value for performance | None significant for its price point |
| SRAM Code RSC | Powerful, excellent modulation, advanced features | Higher price point, lever feel can be subjective |
| Hayes Dominion A4 | Strong power, consistent feel, good modulation | Less widely available, customisation options may be limited |
| Clarks Clout 1 | Affordable, decent stopping power for the price | Build quality and long-term reliability may be a concern |
| SRAM G2 Ultimate | Lightweight, good modulation, refined feel | Can be expensive, power may not match larger 4-piston rivals |
| Formula Cura 4 | Very powerful, good modulation, high-quality finish | Can be pricey, potential for less common parts availability |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are Magura MT7 Pro brakes suitable for downhill riding?
Yes, the MT7 Pro brakes offer exceptional power and modulation, making them an excellent choice for demanding disciplines like downhill and enduro, where consistent and powerful braking is crucial.
Q2: How easy is it to customise the levers on the MT7 Pro?
It's relatively straightforward. By removing a small pivot pin, you can easily swap out the standard lever blade for alternatives like the HC3 or HC carbon levers, allowing for personalised reach and leverage adjustments.
Q3: What is the main advantage of the magnetic brake pads?
The magnetic pads simplify the pad-swapping process significantly and eliminate the need for the small springs that are typically found in other brake systems, contributing to a cleaner design and easier maintenance.
Q4: What should I do if I experience brake fade with the MT7 Pro?
Brake fade can sometimes be an indication of air in the system. It's recommended to re-bleed the brakes carefully, ensuring all air is purged. A thorough post-bleed test ride is essential to confirm a solid and consistent lever feel before undertaking longer rides.
Q5: Who manufactures Magura brakes?
Magura is a German-based company renowned for its high-quality hydraulic brake components for bicycles, alongside other components such as dropper seatposts and suspension forks. Their products are known for their functionality, attention to detail, and are used by professional cyclists worldwide.
The Verdict: A Powerful, Customisable Choice with a Caveat
All in all, the Magura MT7 Pro brakes are a standout option for riders seeking a lightweight, extremely powerful brake with a high-quality finish and unparalleled customisation. They offer a level of performance that can genuinely transform your riding experience, providing the confidence to push your limits on any trail. However, potential buyers should be prepared for the possibility of a slightly more involved bleeding process. Taking the time to ensure a perfect bleed and conducting a thorough post-bleed test ride is crucial. If you can navigate this minor hurdle, the rewards in terms of braking power and customisation are well worth the effort.
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