6 pistons on a mountain bike - The concept of the Magura MT Trail Carbon is new, but we already know its individual parts from the top models in the MT range. And with the MT8 and the MT7 Magura has two great MTB disc brakes in its range, which deservedly won the test and BIKE tips thanks to their great power and enormous stability. Our criticism that the adjustment range of the brake levers was too small has now been addressed and Magura brakes are now also suitable for smaller hands.
The four pistons of the Magura MT7 brake bachially. The MT8 is fairly light. The target groups for both brakes are therefore clearly defined: Cross-country racers and other bikers who are looking for low weight will go for the lightweight yet powerful MT8 with 2-piston caliper, while the mega powerful but also bulkier 4-piston MT7 brake will appeal to gravity riders and heavy riders.
And this is precisely where Magura saw potential for optimisation. The Swabian brake specialists have identified a supply gap between these two rider camps for trail, all-mountain and enduro bikers and presented the MT Trail Carbon, the brake designed to close this gap.
Lightweight construction and outstanding braking performance: the best of both worlds
To achieve what they believe is the best possible compromise between lightweight construction and outstanding braking performance, the Magura engineers combined the carbon levers and the two pistons of the MT8 on the rear wheel with the 4-piston calliper of the MT7 on the front wheel. The result, the new MT Trail Carbon, is said by the manufacturer to be 15 % lighter than the MT7 and only 5 % heavier than the MT8 - without having to make far-reaching compromises in terms of stability.
"This is my perfect brake," says bike mountaineer Harald Philipp happily. "On my rides, the front brake guarantees 95% safety and the rear brake ensures perfect control." With different brake pads and disc sizes, in future everyone should be able to put together the ideal Magura brake for their area of use, their bike and, of course, their weight. The price for the Magura MT Trail Carbon starts at 579 euros per pair, depending on the disc selection. We will soon determine the exact weights and deliver them together with the first ride report.
Sebastian Brust
Editor
