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Louise is Magura’s long-running all-rounder trail brake, and the sixth incarnation is better value than ever.

The distinctive (and much imitated) right-angled lever looks are retained, but for 2008 the Louise gains single port bleeding, a hinged clamp and slight reshaping so it’ll sit happily inside or outside shifters. The external BAT bite adjustment wheel gives a usefully wide range of touchy-feely tuning, and the ‘Heat Eater’ hose-calliper junction means the hose can be swivelled to the best position without the use of tools.

Maguras still take a little longer to settle in than most brakes, but it’s worth it to avoid erratic feel later. The lever shape and feel aren’t to everyone’s taste, but there’s certainly plenty of power from the broad lever.

The heavy-scooped spider Venti Disc design gives a claimed 15 per cent increase in heat dissipation, and we’ve certainly had no problems on long descents. It does weigh a lot more than the standard rotor, though, which makes it a relatively heavy complete brake – a marginally lighter carbon levered version comes in at £126.

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