Hope EVO: Customisable MTB Brakes

The Dawn of Customisation: Hope's EVO Brake System

In the ever-evolving world of mountain biking, customisation is king. Riders are constantly seeking ways to fine-tune their machines for optimal performance, and braking systems are no exception. Historically, while brake levers and some components might have offered minor adjustments, the core of the brake system has largely remained a pre-set package. That is, until now. Hope, a name synonymous with high-quality British engineering, has unveiled its groundbreaking EVO brake range, a system that truly puts the rider in the driver's seat when it comes to personalisation. This isn't just an upgrade; it's a paradigm shift, allowing riders to select specific components to match their riding style, preferences, and even their anatomy. Let's dive into what makes the Hope EVO system so revolutionary.

Introducing the EVO Brake Family: GR4, TR4, and X2

At the heart of the new EVO range lies a shared, innovative master cylinder, but this commonality belies the distinct personalities of the three new brake callipers designed for specific disciplines. Hope has meticulously crafted each to cater to the demands of modern mountain biking:

• EVO GR4: The Gravity Specialist: Aimed squarely at gravity riders and e-bikers, the GR4 is the powerhouse of the EVO line. It boasts a four-piston design, a stiffer one-piece calliper, and a slimmer profile for improved frame clearance. Hope has increased the piston size in the GR4, with the smaller pistons now measuring 17mm (up from 16mm in the Tech 4), resulting in a claimed 6% increase in power. This extra stopping power is further enhanced by design tweaks that promote freer-moving pistons, contributing to a more responsive feel. Notably, the GR4 is engineered to work without Hope's vented rotors, a deliberate choice to maximise stiffness and thus braking performance.
• EVO TR4: The Trail Versatile: Bridging the gap between aggressive descending and efficient climbing, the TR4 is a four-piston brake designed for trail and all-mountain riding. While still offering substantial power, it provides approximately 8% less than the GR4. Its calliper is smaller, but it still features robust pistons (2x16mm and 2x17mm), delivering a 6.5% increase in braking ratio over the previous E4 system. This makes it a balanced option for riders who need reliable stopping power across varied terrain and riding intensities.
• EVO X2: The XC Precision Tool: For the cross-country rider who prioritises finesse and control, the X2 is the answer. This two-piston brake utilises the established X2 calliper paired with the new EVO master cylinder. Hope states that the X2 is designed for riders who value nuanced lever feel and precise modulation over outright brute force. It's about delivering confidence-inspiring control on demanding XC courses.

The Revolution is in the Lever: Tailoring Your Feel

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the EVO range, and indeed what marks it as the first truly customisable mountain bike brake, is the choice of lever blades. Hope recognises that how a brake lever feels in your hand can significantly impact your confidence and control, especially on rough descents or during long rides. They offer three distinct lever blade options, all designed to improve rider security and reduce finger fatigue:

• Standard Lever: This is the default lever supplied with all EVO brakes. Hope considers it the optimal choice for the majority of riders, offering a well-rounded balance of ergonomics and performance.
• Control Lever: This lever features a more pronounced curve than the Standard option. Crucially, it's designed to allow riders to position it up to 5mm closer to the handlebars. This closer positioning can be a game-changer for riders with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact setup, enhancing comfort and reach.
• Power Lever: In contrast to the Control lever, the Power lever is straighter and longer. This geometry is intended to maximise mechanical advantage, generating more force when you pull the lever. This makes it ideal for gravity applications where maximum stopping power is paramount.

Beyond the shape and length, Hope has made further refinements to the lever design. All new blades feature a more pronounced hooked end compared to the straighter, longer Tech 4 levers. This enhanced hook is designed to prevent your finger from sliding off the end during intense or choppy riding sections, providing an extra layer of security. Furthermore, a new dimple design on the lever surface aims to reduce harshness, addressing feedback some testers experienced with previous Hope lever designs. All lever blades also come equipped with integrated bite point and reach adjustment dials, allowing for precise tuning of the lever's feel and engagement point without the need for tools.

Under the Hood: The New Master Cylinder and Fluid Choice

While the customisable levers steal much of the limelight, the new master cylinder is equally significant. Externally, it might appear similar to previous designs, but Hope has incorporated a new cam mechanism. This cam is engineered to reduce the brake's freestroke – the initial amount of lever movement before the brake pads begin to engage the rotor. This reduction in dead stroke leads to a sharper, more immediate brake feel. The engineers at Hope have achieved this by increasing the hydraulic ratio within the master cylinder, even though the piston size itself remains unchanged. This necessitates the new cam to manage the increased lever travel required for actuation.

An interesting point of contention in the brake fluid debate has been the move towards mineral oil by some manufacturers, such as SRAM with its Maven brakes and Shimano with its XTR M9220. However, Hope has stuck with DOT 5.1 fluid for its EVO range. They cite several advantages for this choice. DOT 5.1 fluid is known for its more consistent performance, particularly in suboptimal conditions like less-than-perfectly bled brakes. It's also considered more tolerant to water contamination, a common issue with brake systems that are exposed to the elements. While the trend might be towards mineral oil, Hope's commitment to DOT 5.1 suggests a belief in its superior overall reliability and performance characteristics for demanding mountain bike applications.

Comparing the Hope EVO Range

To help you make an informed decision, here's a quick comparison of the key features across the EVO range:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What makes the Hope EVO brakes customisable?
A1: The primary customisation comes from the choice of three different lever blade designs (Standard, Control, and Power), each offering different shapes, lengths, and ergonomic properties. Beyond that, riders can also choose their preferred pad material and hose type (standard or braided).

Q2: Which EVO brake is best for downhill riding?
A2: The EVO GR4 is specifically designed for gravity and downhill applications, offering the highest power output and a stiffer calliper design.

Q3: Can I use my old Hope rotors with the new EVO brakes?
A3: While the EVO TR4 and X2 are compatible with standard Hope rotors, the GR4 is not designed to work with Hope's vented rotors. This is a deliberate design choice to maximise stiffness for gravity riding.

Q4: What type of brake fluid do the EVO brakes use?
A4: The Hope EVO brakes use DOT 5.1 brake fluid, chosen for its consistent performance and tolerance to contamination.

Q5: What is the advantage of the new lever designs?
A5: The new lever designs offer improved grip security, reduced finger fatigue, and the option for closer handlebar positioning (Control lever) or increased mechanical force (Power lever), all while retaining bite point and reach adjustment.

Pricing and Availability

The new Hope EVO brake range offers a tiered pricing structure, reflecting the different calliper designs and hose options:

• EVO GR4 with black hose: £240 (€301.50, $314)
• EVO GR4 with braided hose: £250 (€314.00, $327.10)
• EVO TR4 with black hose: £225 (€282.60, $294.40)
• EVO TR4 with braided hose: £235 (€295.20, $307.50)
• EVO X2 with black hose: £205 (€257.50, $268.20)
• EVO X2 with braided hose: £215 (€270.00, $281.30)

These revolutionary brakes were scheduled for availability starting September 1st, promising to redefine customisation in the mountain bike braking market.

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