Danny's high-tech brake with adjustable HC3 lever

Sebastian Brust

 · 06.12.2016

Danny's high-tech brake with adjustable HC3 leverPhoto: Hersteller
Danny's high-tech brake with adjustable HC3 lever
Magura gives Danny MacAskill his own brake in the legendary neon yellow of the Raceline. The new adjustable HC3 single-finger brake lever allows the lever width and ratio to be adjusted.

The four pistons of the Magura MT7 disc brake have been in place since the first BIKE test for massive braking power and plenty of reserves - even for heavy riders. Only very few bikers therefore need the long two-finger lever. Since Eurobike 2016, the HC 1-finger lever for retrofitting. Now Magura is adding the new HC3 high-tech lever.

  The brake lever of the Magura MT7 Danny MacAskill with the new HC3 1-finger lever in Raceline neon yellow.Photo: Hersteller The brake lever of the Magura MT7 Danny MacAskill with the new HC3 1-finger lever in Raceline neon yellow.

The new Magura MT7, equipped with the new 1-finger lever, is an early Christmas present for Magura rider Danny MacAskill, who wanted the ultimate in brake power adjustability - a case for the HCT department at Magura. The abbreviation "HCT" stands for "Hard Core Technologies" and refers to in-house tuning parts that have been developed for special sporting challenges. HCT products have their origins in motorbike racing.

Grip width adjustment and adjustable braking power

The two-part HC3 1-finger lever for mountain bikes also has a relative in the motorbike sector. The reach can be adjusted on the outer section using a 3-position Allen key (Reach Adjust), while the lever ratio can be changed on the inner lever section using a T25 Torx spanner. Magura calls this option Ratio Adjust, which allows the transmission ratio of the brake to be adjusted by simply changing the position of the lever bearing screw.

  Stepless reach adjustment (left) and the adjustment range for the lever ratio and therefore the braking power (right). The MT7 Danny MacAskill does without the BAT/TPA brake pad adjustment (pressure point position).Photo: Hersteller Stepless reach adjustment (left) and the adjustment range for the lever ratio and therefore the braking power (right). The MT7 Danny MacAskill does without the BAT/TPA brake pad adjustment (pressure point position).

The effect is the same as changing the diameter of the master piston: the hand lever feel (pressure point) becomes softer or harder depending on the setting and the braking force development changes accordingly from bitingly aggressive to rather good-natured. Just right for Danny MacAskill, who is known for his trail descents on rather loose surfaces (e.g. in "Wee Day Out") tends to choose a hard pressure point and softer response behaviour, while his trial tricks (as in "Cascadia") the slightly softer lever feel but ultimate braking power must prevent the rear wheel from slipping.

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The Magura MT7 Danny MacAskill Signature Brake with HC3 lever is now available in a limited edition for 699.90 euros (without discs and adapters) in an aluminium gift box including an additional set of race brake pads, type 8.R, which are designed to provide a particularly powerful grip.

  In addition to the performance pads used (type 8.P), the "Danny MacAskill" special edition is also supplied with particularly aggressive race pads. However, discs and adapters are not included in the scope of delivery.Photo: Hersteller In addition to the performance pads used (type 8.P), the "Danny MacAskill" special edition is also supplied with particularly aggressive race pads. However, discs and adapters are not included in the scope of delivery.

Video: Danny MacAskill in "Yellow Memories"

Even as a child, Danny MacAskill dreamed of the legendary Magura HS33 Raceline in neon yellow. He saved up for a long time for his first pair. In this video, we see Danny today and as a 15-year-old training on the self-built obstacle course in his parents' garden:

The Magura MT7 Danny MacAskill at a glance (manufacturer's specifications)

Sebastian Brust was born in 1979 and was originally socialised on his grandmother's folding bike, but has mainly been riding studded tyres since his fifth birthday. Loves all kinds of bikes - and merging with nature. Believes that disc brakes are much safer today than they were 15 years ago and thinks he has helped with his brake and pad tests. However, the trained vehicle technology engineer very much regrets that the bicycle industry is orientating itself on what he considers to be the wrong ideals of the car industry. At BIKE, he corrects, produces and organises digital content on the website.

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