So, I'm currently rocking the Hope Mono M4's with floating rotors, black CNC calipers, etc etc. I was thinking about rebuilding them but I'm on the fence as to whether they need it. The front feels a little funny, and a bleed may make them feel great, but basically the real truth is that I'm a gear whore, and I want new brakes. I have considered the cost of swapping them to new levers, new hoses, new seals and fluid and all the tools for the job, and it's about the same as me selling them after a bleed and buying new brakes. So, embracing my gear-whoredness, I am shopping.
I need enough power for DH (I weigh 200lbs w/ gear), so I'm planning on using 8" rotors, and riding Garbanzo on my Nomad. But, I also ride trails a lot with the same bike, so I'd like the setup to be relatively lightweight. I have my Nomad in at 34lbs with UST 2.35 Nevy's, a Fox 40 (7" mode so I don't get flamed), CCDB and other DH-worthy parts that are still light. So what I'm asking is this:
What's the best setup you can think of that will give me enough power and still not be too heavy? The current frontrunners are as follows:
New version of Hope Mono M4's w/ upgrade to Dangerboy Levers
Pros: I know they work, and they're pretty light
Cons: I've never really tried anything else besides the old Shimano XT's, so I might be missing out on something better - my arms do get tired on Garbanzo, so maybe more power is being called for?
Hope Moto VR's
Pros: Most power and modulation on the market (supposedly)
Cons: Weight! These things will add a total of 1 lb to the weight of my bike, which is depressing considering how hard I work to keep it light (but brakes are pretty important)
Formula The One: Good? Bad?
Pros: Supposedly powerful w/ good modulation, lightweight
Cons: Possibly not as reliable or as good-performing as M4's - I don't really know since I don't know anyone who has compared them to Mono M4's. Also, good-feeling aftermarket levers might be hard to find.
I am open to any related input. I want good modulation, good reliability, good power and lightweight. I don't want Hayes, Avids or Shimanos. I am willling to consider Magura. What I would love most is to get some brakes that make it so I can ride Garbanzo more than once without getting massive arm cramp (brake less - go faster, right?). But I only ride Whistler 5 times a year. So, while power is important, it is not the majority of my riding. I'd be willing to swap some weight savings in exchange for power and long-descent performance just so that when I do ride Garby, it is a great experience. I need to lose weight anyway, so a few extra grams on the brakes might help!
Thanks!!
I need enough power for DH (I weigh 200lbs w/ gear), so I'm planning on using 8" rotors, and riding Garbanzo on my Nomad. But, I also ride trails a lot with the same bike, so I'd like the setup to be relatively lightweight. I have my Nomad in at 34lbs with UST 2.35 Nevy's, a Fox 40 (7" mode so I don't get flamed), CCDB and other DH-worthy parts that are still light. So what I'm asking is this:
What's the best setup you can think of that will give me enough power and still not be too heavy? The current frontrunners are as follows:
New version of Hope Mono M4's w/ upgrade to Dangerboy Levers
Pros: I know they work, and they're pretty light
Cons: I've never really tried anything else besides the old Shimano XT's, so I might be missing out on something better - my arms do get tired on Garbanzo, so maybe more power is being called for?
Hope Moto VR's
Pros: Most power and modulation on the market (supposedly)
Cons: Weight! These things will add a total of 1 lb to the weight of my bike, which is depressing considering how hard I work to keep it light (but brakes are pretty important)
Formula The One: Good? Bad?
Pros: Supposedly powerful w/ good modulation, lightweight
Cons: Possibly not as reliable or as good-performing as M4's - I don't really know since I don't know anyone who has compared them to Mono M4's. Also, good-feeling aftermarket levers might be hard to find.
I am open to any related input. I want good modulation, good reliability, good power and lightweight. I don't want Hayes, Avids or Shimanos. I am willling to consider Magura. What I would love most is to get some brakes that make it so I can ride Garbanzo more than once without getting massive arm cramp (brake less - go faster, right?). But I only ride Whistler 5 times a year. So, while power is important, it is not the majority of my riding. I'd be willing to swap some weight savings in exchange for power and long-descent performance just so that when I do ride Garby, it is a great experience. I need to lose weight anyway, so a few extra grams on the brakes might help!

Thanks!!