I can never get rid of the upgrade-itis and I just cant leave anything alone, so I think my next upgrade will be new brakes. I currently have Shimano Hydraulic discs on my Kona Honzo (I think they are Deores....but they are like an OEM-only Shimano brake, so the part number isn't normal).

However, more stopping is never a bad idea. So I think I have widdled the list down to Shimano Saints, Shimano Zees, or some version of Hope Techs. I have zero experience with any of them, so just looking for some local input. I have read tons about all of them, but some parts work better for different trails, so its good to have local input.

So whaddaya think?

Slothzilla wrote on 08/03/17 at 7:47pm:



Not having issues with my current setup...they are fine! But I just like to customize stuff, and not too worried about the money involved. The upgrade cost is relatively cheap compared to my other hobbies. 

I ride most often at North Meck and WWC. Ive been out to Dupont once. I really just back into biking about 2 months ago.

FredRubble wrote on 08/03/17 at 10:53pm:


Is there any specific version that you would recommend then? I really dislike product lines that have versions as names, instead of unique names....too hard to keep straight! lol.

FredRubble wrote on 08/04/17 at 9:46am:


Cycle Path is where I would be going anyways! Right up the street!

DamnYankee wrote on 08/04/17 at 2:38pm:


Either hook up a friend from back home in NY or hook up a local with a nice brake setup?

rokka23md wrote on 08/04/17 at 6:00pm:

What he said. No other brake can match the modulation of a Hope. Not even Shimano. That being said, if I didn't own the shop and had to choose on a budget, XTs would get my vote. I currently have the E4s front and rear with 8" and 7" rotors. I hade the x2 on the rear before with a 6" rotor and it just felt lacking a bit. That was with the older style levers which the Teach x3s are a huge improvement. If you want to get I. The mtns occasionally then I'd get the E4s better to have too much brake then not enough. The E4s will only give the braking you ask for. Again, great/best hands down modulation.

I have the same Hope E4 set-up. Very nice set up. At first I was a little disappointed as it isn't immediately obvious until you get used to the way they work... compared to XT they don't stop you as abruptly but as mentioned it's all about the modulation... and they are very reliable too. I have some Hope single piston brakes that I've trickled down to the commuter bike... had them since 2003 with only a few bleeds and of course pad replacement.