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The Formula Cura 4 carries a prestigious heritage. The Italian manufacturer claims to have developed the first hydraulic mountain bike disc brake. In 1993, Formula transferred its know-how from the motorbike sector to the bicycle for the first time. For a long time, the brakes were a must-have for many bikers. With the rise of industry giants Shimano and Sram, the importance of the Italian stoppers gradually declined. Back in 2017, the Formula Cura 4 in the hands of Loic Bruni won its first Downhill World Championship title. A year later, Formula launched the four-piston version of the Cura, which had been around for some time. The selling points: easy handling thanks to mineral oil and an optional speed-lock clutch, deceleration power thanks to a large contact surface and all made in Italy. However, not all of Formula's small parts come from the land of Vino Rosso and Pasta Fresca. Either way, we were very excited to test the Formula Cura 4.
Formula Cura 4 brake in detail
- Range of use: Downhill / Enduro / All Mountain
- Number of pistons: 4
- Braking medium: Mineral oil
- Material: forged aluminium
- Weight: 379 g (manufacturer's specification, one brake with 85 mm cable length, 160 mm brake disc, pads and mounting hardware)
- Price: 349 euros (set of two brakes including pads, without discs)
- Special features: made in Italy, optional Speed-Lock cable coupling
Adjustable power for the trail
On the brake lever of the Cura 4, Formula relies on a two-part axial master cylinder, which should provide a good feel for the dosage on the finger. The mineral oil in the lines is a proprietary development from the Italians and, in addition to a high boiling point, should score points with strong modulation. In the brake calliper, four pistons with a diameter of 18 millimetres each drive large, thick pads onto the disc. Three years of intensive work went into their development. The brake discs are designed to be particularly stable, quiet and low-wear. The weight of the stoppers is very low for a gravity brake. This is probably also the reason why the Formula Cura 4 occasionally seen on light trail bikes. For a product manufactured in Europe, the price of the set has nothing to hide.
The Formula Cura 4 on the trail
Compared to many other disc brakes, the Formula Cura 4 does not need a long braking time and makes it clear right from the start that the stoppers are not stingy with deceleration performance. The ergonomics of the lever are pleasing and the brake is intuitive to use. The slim Italian is not quite as stiff on the finger, such as the brute hammers from TRP. The pressure point is defined, but slightly softer than, for example, the four-piston brakes from Shimano. This gives the Cura 4 excellent modulation. On steep sections that require precise line selection and sensitive braking manoeuvres, the Formula is in its element. Power and stability are good and give no cause for complaint. In combination with large 203-millimetre discs, the Italo anchor doesn't have any heat problems even on long Alpine descents.
Unfortunately, the Formula Cura 4 did not run through the BIKE test without any problems. After a piston of the brand-new brake repeatedly returned too slowly and caused the disc to ring, we had to clean it. At first, the problem seemed to be solved. However, even in technically perfect condition, the brake lever returns to its starting position somewhat more slowly than with other brakes. This is even more noticeable in hot conditions. In extreme situations on the trail, control can suffer due to the relatively long empty travel of the lever. However, the Formula's slow return behaviour was only rarely relevant.
BIKE conclusion
The Formula Cura 4 is a beautifully designed product from Italy that scores highly in terms of value for money. The consistently high power and very good modulation make it a high-performance companion for technical terrain. Unfortunately, a long lever travel and slow reset left a bland aftertaste in the test. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- Lots of power with top dosing capability
- Lightweight and attractive appearance
- Fair price and partly local production
Contra
- Lever with low stiffness and long free travel
- Piston reset problems in the test
Jan Timmermann
Editor
