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Hope X2 Brake (09) | $221.73
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Hope X2 Brakes

BikeRadar verdict

4 out of 5 stars

"Powerful, superb lever ergonomics and proper adjustment, but they have SRAM shifter fit issues and aren’t light"

By Guy Kesteven

As lovely as they looked, Hope’s trail brakes were definitely starting to drop off the pace in terms of performance. The new Tech series puts them right back into the anchor arms race.

The ‘Tech’ name comes from the totally new multi-adjustable levers. These are a lot bulkier than most brakes, with intricate machined detailing of the all-metal construction guided by the latest stress and material modelling computer software.

As we’ve come to expect from Hope, the metal units feature laser-etched detailing including Union Flag reservoir caps. The chunkier looks definitely divide opinion on whether they appear too agricultural or totally moto. But the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and these work better than anything else we've tried – we’re hooked on them already.

The fat knuckled, broad bladed levers with drilled grip section feel superb throughout the stroke and don’t slip even with soaking wet gloves. Broad bearings mean totally rattle-free precision too, giving a boost to modulation and control.

The twin front-of-lever dials for reach and bite point are easy to use. They’re also the first set of bite-adjustable brakes we’ve used with enough range to perfectly match lever feel on either side.

Double sided reservoir caps, with two-bolt clamps, mean easy swapping from left to right and bleeding is nice and simple. Shimano shifters are fine, but SRAM X.0s are a tight fit with the deep lever body. Hope are planning a combination clamp bracket, and Avid’s own Matchmaker clamp fits.

The X2 calliper is totally new with much larger cylinders for more power. You’ll still need a 183mm rotor up front for properly decisive stopping power, but we never felt under-braked like we always did on the old Mini.

The rock solid lever mount gives a positive accuracy to the braking action matching bite point, which is a real bonus when it comes to first-grab control. Internal changes make the brake feel a lot less wooden, with a smooth progressive squeeze that’s more Shimano/Formula in character.

Careful machining means the whole brake isn’t much heavier than the old one, although it’s not light (the old titanium and carbon pimped Pro model continues for cross-country racers).

At 456g for a full brake, 183mm rotor and appropriate mounting adaptor and bolts, it’s on par with similar brakes such as Avid’s new Elixir. £150 is on the money for the performance too, with braided hose and floating rotor upgrade options an extra tenner each.

Chunky looks divide opinion, but they're certainly 'pureposeful': chunky looks divide opinion, but they're certainly 'pureposeful'

Manufacturers description

The Tech X2 replaces the award winning Mini brake - perfect for all XC and light freeride applications, this brake is a perfect blend of power, low weight and adjustability. TECH LEVER: New! Ambidextrous 'flip flop' design, CNC machined from a solid billet of 2014 T6 aircraft spec aluminium alloy - with a split clamp to allow easy set up and choice of positioning. New! Redesigned piston, lever and pivot assembly with external 'on the fly' reach and bite point adjustment dials. The new lever linkage eliminates freeplay in the lever giving a consistent and reliable feel to the brake. Further developments include bearing lever pivots for smooth, rock free use and increased lever ergonomics with a perforated lever for extra grip and feel. Also, a double sided reservoir lid makes for easy bleeding. The master cylinder assembly is completed with our durable anodised finish to withstand weather, cleaning and general trail use and a choice of either hi tensile polyester reinforced or Goodridge stainless steel braided hose to give a sharp, solid feel to the system. X2 CALIPER: This neat, slimline caliper optimises the very latest COSMOSWorks FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software to reduce unnecessary weight, improve aesthetics and create a high performance partnership with the NEW! Tech lever. The caliper is machined from a solid billet of 2014 T6 aircraft spec aluminium alloy and an increased piston diameter, generating more usable braking force on the rotor. A drip free bleed nipple and wide angel orientation of the fluid inlet connector have also been added, allowing for neater hose routing and cleaner servicing. The caliper is completed with our durable anodised finish to withstand weather, cleaning and general trail use and laser etched graphics let everyone know just what you've got! feel to the system.

User Reviews

Post your review

  • User review of Hope X2 Brake (09)

    Wanted to upgrade my disc breaks on my specialised xc (avid juicy 3, excellent brakes by th way) just wanted to have a bit more bling on my bike and had some spare cash burning a whole in my pocket, so after taking a couple of weeks deciding what to put on my bike I decided to go for thew tech x2's. (light enough combined with great looks and power).

    Once I bought them you can see the attention to detail that hope have put into these brakes, just installed them with great ease and setup was a little fiddly but thats the same for all disc brake calipers. Bought a new set of XT shifters also at the same time and to be honest was a little dissapointed when I fitted these with the brakes as the lever on the brake gets in the way of shifting up! You would have thought that the guys at hope should have addressed this when designing especially considering that XT shifters are probalby the most popular choice. (the problem can be remedied by removing the pod indicators and putting the shifters on the other side of the brake levers, but I personally like having the indicators on and the nice XT logo showing).

    Also the brake levers need to come in more on the bar than I would have preffered due to the positioning of my 2 braking fingers.

    Just tried them out and they seem to have loads of power or at least as much as the avids, and nowone can deny that they are the coolest looking brakes on the market at the moment and very well engineered.

    Good choice and you won't be dissapointed.............................

    0.3
  • User review of Hope X2 Brake (09)

    Ditto the above... The coolest looking bit of kit out there. But don't just go for the looks. The stopping power on these breaks is great, now the breaks have bedded in I have to hold tight or I am over the bars.

    Long descents don't effect the breaks either, with quick reach adjustments. The pads are so easy to change, just unscrew the pin and the pads drop out.

    Thumbs up Hope…

    0.3
  • User review of Hope X2 Brake (09)

    Had the same problem with fitting these brakes with XT shifters. I ended up putting the shifters first and the brake second, it works ok but not totally sure if I'll stick with that set up. Going to email hope and ask them if they are planning on doing an all in one mount. I've seen pictures for an all in one sram mount.

    0.3

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Specification

Name:
X2 Brake (09)
Built by:
Hope
Price:
$221.73

Features:
CNC machined in Barnoldswick, England. Externally adjustable Tech lever, 9.74 caliper with all mount options, 2014 T6 aluminium alloy, Wide angle hose connector mount, Top entry pad fitting, Fixed or floating rotor, Black or braided hose, 140, 160, 183mm rotor sizes in 3, 4 or 6 bolt, Weight: from 340g
Weight (g):
456 g
Brake Rotor Diameters:
140mm, 160mm

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