We’ve seen an influx of new components roll through the Enduro office over the past couple of weeks, perhaps indicating that we may be building something up for you very soon…
Mysteries aside, Shaun @ BikeSportz has kindly sent us a set of the latest XC brakes from UK brand Hope to see how they stack up against the competition. As you’ll likely know, we were mighty impressed with the M785 Shimano Deore XT brakes that we reviewed in the current issue of Enduro, so I’m chomping at the bit to bolt on these stoppers to see how they compare.
The big news for 2012 is that BikeSportz have dropped their pricing considerably to bring the Hope product range to a more accessible price point, whilst also helping local bike shops compete with the overseas online stores. Starting at just under $200 per end, they’re bang on target to compete with the XT and Elixir 7 brakes on price, though putting them side-by-side you can quickly tell there is a considerable amount more time involved in producing the X2′s.
Like a lot of Hope product, the Tech EVO X2 brakes are superbly machined in their UK factory and feature a level of craftmanship and detail that you don’t really see these days. The industrial look may not be for everyone, but you can’t deny the meticulous build quality.
These being the ‘Tech’ versions of the lightweight X2 brakes, they feature additional adjustment in the form of the BPC dial you can see in the photo there. Like Avids Pad Contact Adjuster and Shimano’s Free Stroke, the BPC function allows you to fine tune the point at where the pads hit the rotor during the lever throw. How much adjustment? We’ll be mounting these soon to find out for you.
The caliper is a one-piece affair that theoretically reduces weight and boosts chassis stiffness for improved braking power.
Speaking of weight, Hope claim 340 grams per end, though we’ll be confirming that along with further tech details.
Brake pads are available in both Organic and Sintered, depending on riding conditions.
Matching the brakes build quality is the 2-piece “Saw Disc” rotor that utilises an alloy central carrier with a stainless steel brake track that is riveted to the carrier. While ours are stealthy black, you can get different anodized colours to mix ‘n’ match on your steed.
We’ve been quite spoilt with the Ice Tech rotors from Shimano, so it will be interesting to see how the Hope rotors manage heat when they look so hot! (wow, that was bad)
Price: $199.95 per end ($219.95 for upgrading to the braided hose you see here). Rotors from $74.95 and adapters from $29.95
From: BikeSportz
http://www.bikesportz.com.au/
http://www.hopetech.com/
What happened to Jesse @ Speedshop
Hi David,
I believe Jesse is still doing some Hope product but in fairly small quantities.
BikeSportz have had Hope product for almost 2 years now and they’re certainly managing the brand in a much larger fashion.
Cheers,
Wil