A complete set of the race brakes in this test weighs just as much as the printed BIKE 6/2014 issue. At just 300 grams per brake, the three models are certainly among the lightest on the market. But even such meagre racing stoppers have to cope with enormous loads: In cross-country or even marathon use, jagged elevation profiles push the material to the limit. So which of the three candidates in our test can best withstand these demands?
Tune Kill Hill with 285 the lightest disc brake on the market
At 285 grams per brake and a price of a hefty 518 euros each, the Kill Hill from Tune, which comes from Brake Force One, sets two records. Only the Formula R1 Racing (Test in BIKE 6/13). The brand new K-Force from FSA is also stingy with weight thanks to its carbon levers and magnesium shifter housing. Although the Italians are breaking new ground when it comes to disc brakes, the K-Force makes a very good first impression. Despite its lightweight construction, both lever width and pressure point can be adjusted without tools. The XTR, which is ten grams heavier, only has a lever width adjustment that requires an Allen key. On the Kill Hill with closed system and brake booster, the pad wear is adjusted manually, which also influences the position of the pressure point. The grip width is also supposed to be adjustable without tools, but could hardly be turned by hand on our test brake.
Shimano XTR brakes: the best in terms of stability and braking power
As weight is not everything, even for a racing brake, the three candidates with 160 mm discs had to prove themselves in practice (cross-country requirements) and in the laboratory with three testers (70-85 kg). The new XTR with Freeza disc proved to be the best in terms of both braking power and stability. In addition, the M987 with ergonomic carbon levers has good modulation. With slightly weaker braking power, but also excellent modulation and ergonomics, FSA took second place. Only our 85-kilo rider got the brake to thread. In the laboratory test, the Kill Hill delivered a very high braking performance even with low hand force, but in the practical test our test brake could not quite keep up with the competition. When braking hard, the Kill Hill was less powerful and somewhat spongier due to the travel-dependent dosage, which made it difficult to decelerate at certain points.
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FSA K-FORCE -
Info www.fullspeedahead.com
Weight/size 306 gram/160 mm
Price not yet known
details Two-piston brake with one-piece caliper, organic pads, mineral oil, lever width and pressure point adjustable without tools
Conclusion The new Italo stoppers impress with their low weight and great function, despite the full range of adjustment options. Sensitivity and ergonomics are among the best straight away. Our 85-kilo rider and the laboratory test revealed slightly lower reserves in terms of stability.
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SHIMANO XTR M987 - Info www.paul-lange.de
Weight/size 316 gram/160 mm
Price 299,90 Euro/piece
details Two-piston brake with two-piece caliper, organic pads, mineral oil, lever width adjustable with tool
Conclusion Even though the new Freeza disc with extra cooling fins weighs a little more, 316 grams is still an impressive weight. The positive side-effect of the new disc: The XTR proved to be the most stable in the practical test and also gripped powerfully.
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TUNE KILL HILL - Info www.tune.de
Weight/size 285 gram/160 mm
Price 518,00 Euro/piece
details Two-piston brake with one-piece caliper, organic pads, mineral oil, lever width adjustable, pad wear manually adjustable
Conclusion At just 285 grams, the Kill Hill is one of the lightest, but also most expensive brakes in the world. Compared to the other two stoppers, our test brake with its travel-dependent modulation was somewhat powerless, which made it difficult to brake hard on steep terrain.
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