Review

Long-term Test: Formula C1 Brakes Review

29.07.2014
by
Formula C1 Brake Enduro Magazine 2 von 3 810x540


Brakes are an fundamental component on the bike and for this reason much attention is usually given to them. In addition to pure performance brakes also require the qualities of reliability, durability and ergonomics. Our long-term tester Flo now has ridden many miles on his Cube Fritzz 160 HPA Pro and can tell us how the €170 entry Level Formula C1 Brake survived the test.

Fülltext Action
The brake has been tested mainly on the Home Trails of Flo in the Bavarian Alps. Here they had to prove their stability over 1000hm long descents.

The brake is almost completely black, the lever reach can be adjusted with an allen screw to personal needs. The calipers have a PM6 mount, for brake fluid the commercial and widespread DOT 4 is used.

Griff
On the cheap Formula C1 only the lever range can be adapted to the needs of the rider.
Griff
The brake lever is designed for two finger use and fits well in the hand, but the lever stroke is unusually long, this could be a problem for rider with very small hands.
Sattel
Shortly after starting the test, we had to bleed the brake because the pressure point moved on long descents. Since then, this problem has not occurred again.

The Formula C1 requires a relatively long break-in period before the full braking power is available. This is then not as high as on some other competing products but sufficient in all circumstances. With the 203mm brake disc in front and 180mm disc on the rear, the brake can be applied very sensitivly and is significantly less aggressive than other Formula models.

Despite precise adjustment, in the test we had to struggle again and again with noise problems, from a squeaking from the sintered brake pads in the wet, to other grinding noises which can be constantly heard. Here, the brake is similar to an Italian diva.

Fülltext Action
The reliability of the brake is fully in order. Even on long descents fading was not a problem.

Bottom Line:

The favorable Formula C1 brake convinced with solid braking power and good reliability, but the lever ergonomics and the noisy performance dim the otherwise positive view.

For more informations visit: www.forumula-italy.com

Words: Florian Pest | Pictures: Christoph Bayer

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.

You may also like

ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

ENDURO is the leading magazine for mountain bike technology and the modern trail riding lifestyle. We cover high-end bikes, global trends, and technical innovations – in-depth, bold, and always with an eye on the bigger picture. Our editorial approach speaks to everyone who sees mountain biking not just as a sport, but as a way of life. We view bikes as more than just the sum of their parts, evaluating products through the lens of real world riding rather than just on the spec sheet, testing bikes everywhere from alpine adventures to intense bikepark laps.

Since 2011, ENDURO has stood for journalistic quality and transparent reporting in the MTB segment. In our in-depth individual and comparison reviews, our specialist test team brings years of on-trail experience from around the world to deliver well-founded verdicts and real guidance for riders. Our awards are internationally recognized as a benchmark for innovation and quality in the bike industry, offering reliable orientation for readers, retailers, and manufacturers alike.

ENDURO is published in both German and English, reaching an international audience.