Hope Tech 4 V4 Brake Hose Guide

Understanding Hope Tech 4 V4 Brake Hoses

Hope's new Tech 4 V4 brake system is a significant advancement in braking technology, offering increased power and improved feel compared to its predecessors. A crucial element in harnessing this power is the brake hose, which carries the hydraulic fluid from the lever to the caliper. This article delves into the specifics of Hope's brake hoses, addressing common questions and providing practical advice for riders, particularly focusing on the initial setup and ongoing maintenance.

Hose Length and Initial Setup

Hope is generous with their hose lengths, with both front and rear Tech 4 V4 brakes typically supplied with 2,000mm hoses. This ample length is designed to accommodate a wide range of bicycle frame sizes and types, including larger downhill rigs. For the majority of riders, however, this will mean that the hoses will need to be trimmed to achieve a neat and efficient setup. It's always better to have a bit too much hose than not enough, allowing for flexibility during the initial fitting process before you commit to cutting.

Cutting Your Hope Brake Hoses

Trimming the brake hoses is a common necessity. To do this effectively and maintain the integrity of the system, you will need a sharp hose cutter or a very fine-toothed blade. Avoid using standard pliers or cutters, as these can crush the hose, leading to leaks or poor performance. Ensure you cut the hose cleanly and squarely. After cutting, you will need to install new olives and barb fittings before re-connecting them to the levers and calipers. Hope provides these fittings, but it's essential to use the correct ones to ensure a secure seal.

Bleeding Your Hope Brakes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bleeding the brakes is a vital maintenance task, especially after cutting and re-installing hoses. Hope has made this process relatively straightforward, though it can be a little messy if you're not careful. The Tech 4 V4 features a dedicated reservoir top cap and a bleed pot, which simplifies the procedure.

What You'll Need:

• Hope Bleed Kit (containing syringes, specific fittings, and bleed pot)
• Hope DOT 5.1 fluid (or equivalent compatible fluid)
• Torx wrenches (for lever clamp and caliper bleed nipples)
• Rags and brake cleaner
• A bike stand

The Bleeding Process:

1. Prepare the System: Ensure your brake levers are mounted to the handlebars and the calipers are attached to the frame and fork. If you've cut the hoses, fit new barbs and olives to both ends.
2. Attach the Bleed Pot: Screw the bleed pot onto the reservoir cap on the brake lever.
3. Open the Caliper Nipple: Place a syringe filled with fresh brake fluid onto the bleed nipple on the caliper. Attach the other end of the hose from the syringe to the bleed pot. Open the bleed nipple slightly (usually a quarter to half a turn).
4. Push Fluid Through: Gently push fluid from the caliper syringe up into the reservoir. You'll see old fluid and air bubbles passing into the bleed pot. Continue until no more air bubbles are visible.
5. Close the Caliper Nipple: Close the bleed nipple on the caliper while the syringe is still attached.
6. Flush the Lever: Now, attach a syringe with fresh fluid to the caliper bleed nipple. Remove the bleed pot from the lever reservoir and attach the syringe to the reservoir opening.
7. Pull Fluid Through: Gently pull the fluid from the caliper syringe, drawing it up through the system and into the lever reservoir. This will remove any remaining air in the lever internals.
8. Top Up and Close: Once you have a solid stream of fluid with no air bubbles, close the caliper bleed nipple. Top up the lever reservoir if necessary, ensuring it's filled to the correct level. Replace the reservoir cap.
9. Test the Brakes: Pump the brake lever several times. It should feel firm and progressive. Check for any leaks around the hose connections and bleed nipples.

While using the dedicated bleed pot is the cleanest method, it is possible to top up the reservoir directly as you bleed. However, this can be a messier process.

Lever Feel and Adjustability

The Tech 4 lever represents a significant overhaul from the older Tech 3. Hope has incorporated new lever geometry and updated internal components. These revisions are designed to reduce internal friction and enhance the overall feel. A key feature is the longer lever blade, which Hope claims increases braking pressure by up to 30%. The lever itself has a relatively flat profile with a subtle dimple at the end to keep your fingers securely in place.

Adjustability is excellent on the Tech 4. Both the lever reach and the bite point can be easily tuned using small, external dials. This allows riders to fine-tune the lever position and feel to their exact preferences. The lever pivots on smooth roller bearings, and redesigned internal seals further contribute to reduced friction and a lighter lever action, aided by a weaker lever return spring.

MatchMaker Compatibility

The lever body attaches to the handlebar via a simple, hinged clamp. For those looking to tidy up their cockpit, Hope offers MatchMaker clamps that allow for the integration of Shimano and SRAM shifters, as well as dropper seatpost levers. These clamps have also been updated to provide a broader range of adjustment, ensuring optimal positioning for all controls.

Calipers and Pad Options

The Tech 4 V4 caliper is a one-piece, CNC-machined unit housing four pistons. It comes equipped with a pair of long brake pads. The standard pads supplied are the green 'Racing Compound' pads, known for their quick bed-in time and moderately powerful initial bite. These offer a more immediate response than previous Hope brake models, without being overly grabby.

Hope offers six different piston cap colours, allowing for customisation. The levers and calipers are available in either black or silver finishes. The brake hose exits the caliper via an adjustable banjo fitting, which is a thoughtful touch that aids in achieving clean and efficient hose routing.

Performance and Power Delivery

Once fitted and properly bled, the Tech 4 V4 brakes deliver Hope's signature feel, but with a noticeable increase in power over the Tech 3 V4. The lever pull is smooth and feels lighter than before, making speed modulation on the trail a simple affair. However, it's worth noting that after the initial power application, there is a discernible amount of lever travel required to reach the upper limits of the brake's stopping capability.

Power delivery is generally progressive and predictable. Some riders may find the lever feel slightly different from what they are accustomed to, particularly concerning the initial bite and the amount of lever travel before maximum power is achieved. This can sometimes make it challenging to set both levers' bite point and reach identically to personal preference. For this reason, a full bleed after cutting the hoses is highly recommended to ensure consistent performance across both brakes.

Potential Refinements

While the overall finish of the Tech 4 V4 brakes is excellent, some riders have noted that the edges of the lever reach and bite point adjustment dials can feel a little sharp. Similar feedback has been received regarding the edges of the dimples on the lever blade itself. These are minor points, but worth considering for those who are particularly sensitive to such details.

Rotor Compatibility and Adaptors

When using larger rotors, such as 200mm or 203mm, you may need specific post-mount adaptors. It's important to be aware that some standard +20mm post-mount adaptors might interfere with the piston architecture within the calipers. To avoid this potential issue, it is advisable to use Hope's own dedicated adaptors, which are designed to work harmoniously with their caliper designs.

Conclusion: A Powerful and Refined Braking System

The Hope Tech 4 V4 brakes represent a substantial upgrade, offering increased power and refined lever feel. The longer lever is the primary driver of this enhanced performance. While the lever feel may not suit every rider's preference, those who appreciate the characteristic feel of Hope or Magura brakes will likely find these new stoppers to be an excellent choice. Despite minor quibbles about the sharpness of some edges, the overall package is impressive. A thorough bleed after installation, especially after hose modification, is key to unlocking the full potential of these powerful and well-engineered brakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use any brake fluid with Hope Tech 4 V4 brakes?

No, Hope strongly recommends using only DOT 5.1 fluid. Using the wrong type of fluid can damage the seals and internal components of the brake system.

Do Hope Tech 4 V4 brakes come with hoses pre-cut?

No, they are supplied with 2,000mm hoses as standard, which usually require cutting to suit individual bike setups.

What tools are needed to bleed Hope brakes?

You will need a Hope bleed kit, Torx wrenches, and DOT 5.1 fluid. A clean rag and brake cleaner are also essential.

How often should I bleed my Hope brakes?

It's recommended to bleed your brakes annually, or whenever you notice a spongy lever feel, reduced stopping power, or after any maintenance that involves opening the hydraulic system (like cutting hoses).

Can I use Shimano or SRAM disc rotors with Hope brakes?

Generally, yes, you can use rotors from other reputable brands, provided they are the correct size and type for your setup. However, for optimal performance and compatibility, using Hope rotors is recommended.

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