As with the shifting systems, Sram and Shimano also dominate the brake market. In a few cases, Magura manages to position itself as an original equipment manufacturer. The reason why the product managers at Cube, Specialized and other big players concentrate on brakes from these brands is clear: if you order a drivetrain from one of the two manufacturers, you also configure the right brake to go with it. This saves money and capacity, and there is also little to criticise about the products of the market leaders. Heavy riders occasionally complain about the lack of braking performance of some Sram models, but in general their performance is first class. Our impression is that Shimano has also eliminated the problem of the previous brake generation with a wandering pressure point. The Japanese stoppers are consistently among the most maintenance-friendly and reliable products. And the braking power is decent anyway. What's more, since this year, every brake from the XTR down to the Deore is available with the option of a thick four-piston caliper for enduro riders or heavy bikers. So there is little reason to change the factory-fitted brakes. If it wasn't for a few accessory suppliers who are extremely charming in the niches of the market. Trickstuff is giving the Piccola, already the lightest brake in the world, a carbon lever for 2021. TRP presents its DH-R EVO brake in a gold colour to match the Fox Kashima coating. Magura improves ergonomics for bikers with large hands with various lever options.
The steering centre has a decisive influence on the handling of a bike. In 2021, it is no longer enough to simply combine a wide handlebar with a short stem.
In 2015, some manufacturers tried to establish a new handlebar size on the market. The previously standard 31.8 millimetre thick interface between stem and handlebars was to give way to a 35 millimetre thick handlebar clamp. The 3.2 millimetre thicker diameter should make the handlebars more break-proof and the entire cockpit more precise in steering. Looking at the 2021 innovations, we can say that the attempt has failed! Although the 35-millimetre dimension is still buzzing around the market as an option, it hasn't really caught on. Many bike manufacturers such as Scott, Canyon and Conway are currently going down the route of completely eliminating the clamping surface between the stem and handlebars anyway and equipping their bikes with carbon handlebar-stem combinations ex works. The Americans from Fasstmtb. You are trying to integrate damping into the handlebars with the help of elastomers. Can this really work? It remains to be seen. The topic of ergonomics is becoming increasingly important for handlebars. Models with a backsweep of 7, 9, 12 or even 16 degrees are increasingly finding their way onto bikes. Even Fabio Wibmer relies on appropriate products. SQlab is therefore dedicating an entire range to the superstar. own signature line.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
