While the majority of mountain bikers opt for brakes from one of the major brands, there's an undercurrent of high-end brakes from lesser-known outfits that prove big-budget R&D departments aren't necessary.
The new Kaha brakes from New Zealand brand Radic, spotted at the Taipei International Cycle Show, look like one such example.
They'll certainly be a compelling choice if their performance backs up their evident build quality and good looks.
At the business end
The brakes are targeted towards enduro and DH riders, with four stainless steel pistons at the caliper – two at 16mm and two at 17mm.
The caliper is shaved of excess material, while still holding onto those large-bore pistons, which push onto a brake pad shaped the same as Hope's V4 pads – replacing them should be easy.
The two-piece aluminium caliper has an angle-adjustable banjo to help ensure your cable routing is smooth out of the rear brake. Oil channeling through the piston has been designed to minimise the risk of bubbles being caught during a bleed.
Titanium hardware is used to keep weight sensible.
The calipers are designed to be user-serviceable, with the exposed inner surface of the pistons threaded to make for easier removal.
The brakes can use mineral or DOT fluids, depending on your preference – a swap of seals is all you need in order to run either fluid.
Moving forward
A braided stainless steel hose connects the caliper to the lever in a nod to the motorsport manufacturing past of Radic's engineer.
In theory, this should swell less when high pressures are applied.
At the lever end, things remain incredibly pretty – and well thought-out.
Shared with Shimano's brakes, the lever body has an additional support that pushes on the bar when the lever is squeezed, minimising any flex in the lever body.
The lever blade is fairly long, with a tight hook at the end to ensure your finger stays in place.
Lever reach and bite-point adjustments are offered, while the lever blade itself pivots on bearings.
All in, the lever has a very smooth and light feel, along with a short lever throw before the pads bite on the disc.
The brakes are listed at NZ$1200, which works out at just over £500 in the UK.
More from the Taipei International Cycle Show
- X-Fusion’s new 32in Rezza XC fork has up to 130mm travel – and there’s a gravel version
- This new ebike conversion kit offers 51km range, weighs only 3.8kg and will fit in your backpack
- X-Fusion's E-Manic 2 electronic dropper post looks to be everything we wanted from the original
- Steel tubes, lugs... and an electric motor?! This could be the perfect retro e-bike
- DVO returns after post-COVID slump with more tuneable luxuriously smooth fork and shocks
- This wild steel gearbox enduro bike could convince me to drop the derailleur
