Driving report
Editor Stefan Loibl on the new MT8 and MT6.
"I liked the brake lever on the MT8 from the very first time I touched it. The perfect fit literally invites you to pull the stoppers with one or two fingers. On moderately steep terrain, the MT8 is easy to modulate without having to bite off immediately. However, if you really have to get into the irons, the organic pads on the Storm brake disc really come into their own.
In terms of stability, the lightweight MT8 is likely to be on a par with its predecessors Marta, Louise or Gustav. The grip width is adjusted from the front using a Torx T25; the top model does not have a pressure point adjustment for weight reasons. The solid brake calliper with its double-arch design provides the necessary deflection surface and allows a clear view of the pads. This allows wear to be checked quickly and easily. During my test rides around Bad Urach, the MT8 did not squeal despite the wet and mud.
We have also braked with the MT6: The number two of the new brake generation is labelled "The Perfectionist" by Magura. Just like its more expensive brother, the lighter of the two Carbotecture variants is used on the housing. However, the lever and clamp on the "Six" are made of aluminium instead of carbon fibre. This is why the MT6 weighs around 30 grams more.
The braking performance and outstanding ergonomics of the lever are in no way inferior to the MT8. For late adopters and tuning freaks: The elegant carbon lever or the lighter clamp of the MT8 can also be retrofitted without any problems!"
+ The background information +
Completely redesigned brake lever
The newly developed Carboflow process enables massive weight savings on the brake lever through the use of short to medium-length carbon fibres in a thermoplastic matrix. This has also made it possible to create a shape that integrates the reservoir extremely unobtrusively.
Another new feature is the option of mounting the same brake lever on the left or right side of the handlebar. A split handlebar clamp is used, which allows lightning-fast mounting and dismounting. The two optional "Shiftmix" and "Remotemix" clamps can be used to quickly and easily mount the shift trigger or the new Magura remote lever.
The brake is filled cleanly using a T25 EBT screw. All other screws have also been standardised to T25, which allows the brake to be fully assembled and adjusted using a single tool.
Lightweight construction where possible, weight where necessary
Forged from a high-performance aluminium alloy, the one-piece brake calliper offers maximum performance and safety even on long descents thanks to its high heat dissipation, large surface area and open double arch design. Brake pads can be checked for wear from above without removing the wheel and replaced if necessary.
The new MAGURA brakes (MT8, MT6, MT4) are factory-fitted with a swivelling cable outlet on the spoke side to prevent damage and enable clean cable routing on a wide variety of frame designs.
Brake lever
Together with ergonomists and universities, MAGURA has developed a wider, more ergonomic brake lever that is compatible with both large and small hands. The carbon version is manufactured in Carbolay, which allows the fibres to be positioned according to the lines of force within the lever. The result is an extremely light, stiff and safe carbon lever.
Brake discs
All models are supplied with the stable Storm SL or Storm discs in the sizes 200mm, 180mm and 160mm. The Storm SL is optionally available in 140 mm.
+ MAGURA Evolution features +
Anti-Squeal
The combination of a coordinated brake pad compound and brake disc design counteracts noise development during braking.
Anti-Drag
Newly developed sealing rings and an adapted piston design ensure that even when used in sub-zero temperatures or extremely muddy conditions, the pistons always return to their original position and do not rub against the disc.
Anti-Heat
The overall system of the MT brake callipers is designed in such a way that heat is quickly released into the environment and a reduction in performance is prevented.
Royal Blood
MAGURA continues to rely on high-performance mineral oil as a brake fluid. It is completely harmless to health in contact with the skin and, as it does not absorb water over time like DOT, there is no need for annual bleeding.
Guarantee
It goes without saying that MAGURA also offers the familiar 5-year leakproof guarantee for the new brakes.
+ MT family +
MT8, weight: 279g, unit price: 369 euros
MAGURA's top-of-the-line model allows the absolute optimum between weight and stability with the consistent use of the finest materials and massive use of FE calculation. The newly developed Carbotecture SL is used on the brake lever together with carbon on the brake lever and the clamp, which weighs just 2g. The carbon clamp and carbon lever are manufactured using the innovative Carbolay process and thus offer high strength with minimum weight. Aluminium bolts further reduce the overall weight. The open design and large surface area of the brake calliper ensure excellent heat dissipation.
MT6, weight: 310g, unit price: 259
Euro
The design of the brake lever is identical to the MT8. Only an aluminium brake lever and an aluminium clamp are used. Not quite as much weight has been saved on the brake calliper as on the MT8, but it has additional cooling fins.
MT4, weight: 330g, unit price: 179
Euro
The brake lever of the MT4 is made from Carbotecture. The stability and rigidity of the higher models is retained through the use of greater volume and wall thickness. In addition, a tool-free pressure point adjustment is integrated in the brake lever. The brake calliper is identical to the MT6.
MT2, weight: 345 grammes, 119
Euro
Like the MT4, the basic model of the MT family features a brake lever made from Carbotecture. The lever and clamp are made of aluminium. Their two-piece brake calliper enables more cost-effective production. Magura passes this advantage on directly to the end customer. As a basic model, the MT2 is only behind its larger sisters on the scales, as it also offers the same braking power and ideal lever geometry as the higher models. Good value for Swabians and those who want to become one.
Estimated delivery dates
MT8 01.05.
MT6 01.06.
MT4 15.06.
MT2 Eurobike (September)
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