New bikes arrived, warning disc brake content!

[scale29]

New Hope Factory Racing team bikes have arrived, rode them for the 1st time at weekend and all I can say is WOW, Hydro discs are so the the future for cross bikes!

[LardLover]

Was spectating at South Shields yesterday, had a proper nose at the Hope bikes. I know some have criticised Hope's solution of cable operated hydraulic discs; not being neat, bit of a 'bodge' job just to use hydraulic discs etc etc but I have to admit, the unit is seriously sexy.

Not may bikes were using discs at the National Series race however, just the Hope boys.

[the_marsbar]

That's a couple of very nice bikes!

[Rich_W]

Nice... lets see some close ups of the brake systems!

[thisisatest]

hope also makes the stems- they shouldve put the cable/hydro converters in the stems...

[Guy]

What frames are Hope stickering up?

[euan]

Can't tell in black but looking at the fork it could be Kinesis Pro6

[scale29]

Sorry for the vague details and not very good pics before, here's some more of mainly the brake system....

The frames are rebadged Dedacciai Super Cross disc, full carbon 1.5-1.125 steerer, full carbon fork, big clearance and nice handling, I was on Addict CX before and these ride just as nice, headtube is a little short for the size hence the amount of spacers but for MK1 they'll do!

All up weight is 7.9kg, with a bit of fat still to trim. wheels are the std Hope Hoops RS5.0 rims (by Gigantex) 24h on the 6 bolt 24h straight pull mtb hubs from the Hoops wheelset, CX ray spokes.

[Rich_W]

Love the hope race brakes... I have those on my MTB.

I think this forum has an all new CX-pimp-In-chief. Those bikes are Super-Fly squared. Makes me want to paint my Full Tilt Boogies green.

If I we're rockin those rigs, this would be my kit:

[prendrefeu]

Is BB7 really that bad compared to hydro?
I've heard and experienced otherwise: the BB7 level of cable actuated is functionally great and can be made lighter than most hydro setups.

[euan]

Well my experience with BB7s is that the are a PITA to set up and the self centring of hydro would be cool. But power wise hyrdos aren't really needed. BB7s provide light easy braking consistently and after 5 laps of racing through mud and sand sections your braking is still perfect compared to cantis. Where other people were braking earlier and with that horrible noise I could still brake as lap one. You would see marshalls move out of the way thinking I had too much speed and wouldn't be able to slow down to dismount for stairs and running up hills.

[bikewithnoname]

It's clear the ideal cross set up is still not avialable, but I'd suggest it is a hydraulic system for ease of use/centreing, sealed nature but with a 120mm or even 100mm rotor, you really don't needa 140 rotor on a cross bike (unless you're a big fella!)

[prendrefeu]

I agree, the rotor needs for most CX would be 100mm, maybe 120mm.

I still prefer the BB7's vs. the hydro, and I know I'm the rare oddity here. Haven't found the set up or centering an issue either, aside from stock-weight, I don't really see that much of a gain in hydro over cable. Then tune it as any half-assed WW would, and a BB7 set up is lighter than a high end hydro without having to bleed the brakes.

Oh well. Discs for cross, great!

[Rich_W]

A couple of my team mates are running the BB7s with the new disc-ready Gin & Trombones and are loving them. That setup dominated the 35+ elite in Providence this past weekend.

However, the bikes are significantly heavier than the FTBs. Perhaps I will go disc next season on the next gen FTBs.

[allezdude]

sorry what are FTBs?