Formula

“Most of my real world experience with Formula brakes dates back to the late 90s when I had to try and make my brother-in-law’s Formula cable discs work before every ride. That was then – and now Formula’s brakes are some of the most sought after there are. The company is based in Tuscany and 90% of the parts that go into every brake are manufactured in Italy. This R1 lever is used on the top of the line XC brake and the top of the line DH brake. It has a one of a kind forged master cylinder and because the cylinder is perpendicular to the brake lever it can take a beating. The flip flop levers (they work on both sides of your bars) have two bleed holes and in DH trim with 160mm they roll in at 308 grams an end. Christophe told me this makes them the lightest big bike brakes on the market.

And here is the caliper. It’s a thing of beauty and it’s where the power comes from. 24mm pistons support Formula’s claim that this is ‘the most powerful DH brake ever made.’ If you need even more power you can pick up 220mm rotors. Formula also makes brakes for the budget conscious."

Words by Cam McRae. Photo by David Ferguson.