The MAGURA MT7 is the flagship model of the German manufacturer and aims to provide powerful deceleration for enduro and downhill bikes. At € 440, it’s one of the most affordable options in this group test. How does this veteran brake hold up against the competition after almost a decade?
Learn more about this comparison test: The best MTB disc brakes – 14 MTB brakes in comparison
German manufacturer MAGURA are known for their brake systems for bicycles and motorbikes. In the cycling sector, they’re regarded as the inventor of hydraulic rim and disc brakes, and have long been an integral part of the bike scene. DH pro riders like Loïc Bruni have already secured numerous races with the MAGURA MT7.
With its four pistons, the MT7 is the most powerful brake in MAGURA’s portfolio and has held this position since 2015. Just below the MT7 model sits the MT5, which has also taken part in this test. The MT5 and MT7 are almost identical, so what justifies the € 200 price difference? The calliper of the MT7 is slightly smaller and made from MAGURA’s Carbotecture SL carbon-reinforced polymer, which is supposed to be lighter and more robust. However, at 542 g, the MT7 is only marginally lighter than its MT5 counterpart, which tips the scales at 538 g. The smaller master piston has a higher transmission ratio, which means that the pads have to be closer to the rotor, thus requiring less finger force to deliver the same braking power.
The MT7 also have a slightly different shape, and both the calliper and levers can be customised with small coloured plastic covers via MAGURA’s #customizeyourbrake page. You can also choose from a variety of different lever blades, which significantly change the brake’s ergonomics. Like with the MT5, the clamp bolts thread directly into the plastic, resulting in a rather vague feel when you’re adjusting your levers, and a constant fear of over-tightening the screws.
The MT7’s pads are easily changed, as they’re split in half – there’s a separate pad for each of the four pistons. This means that you have a total of 4 pads with MAGURA’s four-piston brake. After removing the TX25 retaining bolt, you can simply pull the pads out. When installing them again, they snap back into place magnetically – smart! This prevents you from having to unbolt the calliper every time and, above all, doesn’t mess up the calliper alignment. The brakes use MAGURA’s “Royal Blood” mineral oil, which is less likely to damage your skin or your bike’s paint – but you still have to be careful not to contaminate the brake pads. MAGURA use a standard bleeding system with one syringe on the calliper side and one on the lever.
The MAGURA MT7 on test
On the trail, the MAGURA MT7 ensures powerful deceleration, and has a significantly snappier feel than its more affordable MT5 counterpart. The MT7’s higher ratio of master cylinder to slave piston area is clearly noticeable, and at the same time the deadband is shorter. The tool-free reach adjustment works flawlessly and effortlessly, even when braking with gloves. In the laboratory, the MT7 landed right in the middle of the test field, almost on a par with the Shimano XTs. However, the MAGURA doesn’t have the direct, radical on/off feel of its Japanese competitor. One of the most exciting results in our practical test was the data from our BrakeAce system. With the MT7, the data shows the same number of braking events as with the MT5 and as well as an identical front/rear distribution. However, with the more powerful MT7, the braking events are on average 0.5 seconds shorter, suggesting that it’s significantly more efficient. The MT7 is easy to modulate and not “overly” powerful, meaning that it doesn’t send you flying over the bars at the slightest pressure on the lever. While the MT7 strikes a good balance between deceleration and modulation, it’s no longer one of the powerhouses of the test field – the competition never sleeps! Hayes, Trickstuff and SRAM’s latest innovations deliver noticeably more braking power with the same lever pressure.
Our conclusions about the MAGURA MT7
The MAGURA MT7 ensures plenty of braking torque and excellent modulation. While it might be powerful enough for most riders, the competition takes it up a notch. The weak point is clearly in the clamping system of the Carbotecture lever. On the other hand, the high level of customisation of both looks and lever shape are clear plus points.
Tops
- Good modulation
- Plenty of customisation options
- Plenty of braking power
Flops
- Flimsy handlebar clamp thread
Find more info on magura.com
Find the overview of this comparison test here: The best MTB disc brakes – 14 MTB brakes in comparison
All brakes in test:
Formula Cura 4 | Hayes Dominion T4 | Hope Tech 4 V4 | MAGURA MT5 Pro | MAGURA MT7 | Shimano SLX | Shimano XT | Shimano XTR | SRAM CODE Bronze Stealth | SRAM CODE Ultimate Stealth | SRAM MAVEN Ultimate | Trickstuff MAXIMA | TRP DH-R EVO | TRP Trail EVO |
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.
Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Peter Walker
