Magura MT8 for new project emtb - Is it overkill?

[Neeko DeVinchi]

Before people leave comments, I just need three questions answering only

1) Are the calipers that much better than MT7s?
2) How reliable (consistently reliable) are they?
3) Without giving to much away regarding a new project emtb powered by a Bafang M620 ultra motor, could I get away with running a MT8 up front and a MT7/MT5 out back?

 

[Jackware]

Aren't the main differences in the brake levers?
AFAIK the MT5 calipers are the same as the 7s but with 2 pads not 4.

 

[Neeko DeVinchi]

Aren't the main differences in the brake levers?
AFAIK the MT5 calipers are the same as the 7s but with 2 pads not 4.

I'm pretty sure all magura mt levers are compatible but are you saying that the calipers are the same as an MT7?

 

[Jackware]

I'm pretty sure all magura mt levers are compatible but are you saying that the calipers are the same as an MT7?

I think you get more adjustments possible on the higher number levers.
I've always settled for MT5 as better would be wasted for my use but I swap out the pads for the 4 individual pads secured by the 2 screws as it's a straight swap.

 

[MrSimmo]

Before people leave comments, I just need three questions answering only

1) Are the calipers that much better than MT7s?
2) How reliable (consistently reliable) are they?
3) Without giving to much away regarding a new project emtb powered by a Bafang M620 ultra motor, could I get away with running a MT8 up front and a MT7/MT5 out back?

Hi Neeko

1.They’re for different purposes. MT7/MT5 use 4 piston calipers and MT8 use 2 piston. Horses for courses. I run Magura 4 pistons and theyre great for Enduro/DH, 2 pistons would be fine for XC but I suspect would run out of puff on serious steep stuff.

2. The calipers are known to be very reliable. Magura levers are fine too, but they use an plastic type mix rather than alloy and some people who arent too careful can damage the bleed screw which causes leaking. Mine were setup by Berkshire Bikes and I’ve had no issues at all, even after a crash. In terms of brake fade, I get zero, zilch. But I run MDR-P rotors which are 2 piece floating rotors, aimed to increase braking performance longevity.

3. Judging by the motor you’ve chosen, I would steer towards MT5/MT7s. They are slightly heavier but way more power. BUT, modulation is great so you shouldnt feel like you have too much. You can always switch the calipers if you feel (unlikely) that you have too much, and most likely sell the 4 pistons for a good price here.

MT5 and MT7 share the same caliper, the levers are different - 7 has BAT control which the 5 doesn’t. The MT7 calipers have pad retaining bolts but these also fit MT5 calipers, they cost about 70p and are available widely (some pads even come with them).

You can use MT5 pads in MT7s and vice versa but you’ll need the above bolts. MT7 race pads are 4 piece (one per piston) where as all MT5 pads are
2 piece (similar to other manufacturers). I’ve used 2 and 4 and haven’t been able to tell the difference in the real world.

One piece of advice is if you choose a MT series which comes with 2 finger levers on the levers (confusing I know), buy the HC, I believe theyre called, 1 finger lever - theyre fairly cheap and easily replaceable.


Hope that helps

 

[Gyre]

MT8 is basically an MT6 with a fancier lever and different colors. I don't think there's any other difference.

 

[Shjay]

MT5 & MT7 aren’t quite the same caliper
MT8 are 2pot caliper so not as powerful

MAGURA | Bike & Motorcycle Brakes

Shape the future: At MAGURA, we develop innovative brakes for bikes and motorcycles.

www.magura.com

 

[RipGroove]

Before people leave comments, I just need three questions answering only

1) Are the calipers that much better than MT7s?
2) How reliable (consistently reliable) are they?
3) Without giving to much away regarding a new project emtb powered by a Bafang M620 ultra motor, could I get away with running a MT8 up front and a MT7/MT5 out back?

Are the calipers better? Don't think so, MT7 > MT8 because MT7 are 4-piston.

I have MT7's on my Inspired Fourplay with grey pads (mt5 style pads because less pad rock) and 180mm rotors and they are perfect for that, tons of bite and holding power that's perfect for Street Trials and if you are super good at fine finger control then you can just about feather them to save a manual.

I have Magura "MT Fifty" brakes on my Cube eMTB which seem to be some kind of MT5 style caliper with MT5 levers with grey MT5 pads in th rear and green MT5 pads in the front with 200mm rotors and they seem to stop the bike very well with no noise.

The same MT Fifty brakes with green pads wouldn't be at all suitable for the Street Trials bike as they wouldn't have the bite and holding power.

Point is you need to figure out what exactly you need. Personally from my experience I don't think you can go wrong with any 4-piston MT calipers and MT5 or MT7 levers (MT5 levers are cheaper and work just as good as MT7 levers imo), you then just customize the lever blades about want and choose a pad compound.

With all that said my next brakes won't be Magura, the plastic levers just disintegrate when they touch concrete (not such and issue for MTB but street trials bikes are urban creatutes), the master cylinder seals can blow out in a crash if the lever gets pushed in quickly and Magura won't sell you any parts to repair it, you have to buy a whole new level. You can actually buy and fit a new aftermarket seal from an industrial supply and fit it fine and it'll work but Magura will tell you that not even their own engineers could disassemble the lever and rebuild it successfully??!! I'll be buying Hopes next time, more durable and spare parts available.

 

[Neeko DeVinchi]

Are the calipers better? Don't think so, MT7 > MT8 because MT7 are 4-piston.

I have MT7's on my Inspired Fourplay with grey pads (mt5 style pads because less pad rock) and 180mm rotors and they are perfect for that, tons of bite and holding power that's perfect for Street Trials and if you are super good at fine finger control then you can just about feather them to save a manual.

I have Magura "MT Fifty" brakes on my Cube eMTB which seem to be some kind of MT5 style caliper with MT5 levers with grey MT5 pads in th rear and green MT5 pads in the front with 200mm rotors and they seem to stop the bike very well with no noise.

The same MT Fifty brakes with green pads wouldn't be at all suitable for the Street Trials bike as they wouldn't have the bite and holding power.

Point is you need to figure out what exactly you need. Personally from my experience I don't think you can go wrong with any 4-piston MT calipers and MT5 or MT7 levers (MT5 levers are cheaper and work just as good as MT7 levers imo), you then just customize the lever blades about want and choose a pad compound.

With all that said my next brakes won't be Magura, the plastic levers just disintegrate when they touch concrete (not such and issue for MTB but street trials bikes are urban creatutes), the master cylinder seals can blow out in a crash if the lever gets pushed in quickly and Magura won't sell you any parts to repair it, you have to buy a whole new level. You can actually buy and fit a new aftermarket seal from an industrial supply and fit it fine and it'll work but Magura will tell you that not even their own engineers could disassemble the lever and rebuild it successfully??!! I'll be buying Hopes next time, more durable and spare parts available.

Appreciate the feedback @RipGroove.
I ended up going the MT7 route on a emtb build a while back. No complaints as to the performance.
Nowadays, I'm using different brands of brakes (4pot) but on the cheaper side.
So far, I haven't had issues with the calipers after using sintered pads.

Appreciate your feedback anyway

 

[RipGroove]

Appreciate the feedback @RipGroove.
I ended up going the MT7 route on a emtb build a while back. No complaints as to the performance.
Nowadays, I'm using different brands of brakes (4pot) but on the cheaper side.
So far, I haven't had issues with the calipers after using sintered pads.

Appreciate your feedback anyway

Didn't realize someone necro'd this thread yesterday