Magura sent out images and info on their new MT8 carbon fiber-bodied hydraulic disc brakes before Sea Otter, so we used the show to get some closeup pics, weights and details…all of which is after the break.
Tucked back in the service area of their booth, though, was an all-new 150mm Thor suspension fork. And inside that were some all-new internals that’ll make their way across Magura’s forks for 2012.
The new Thor 150 has fixed travel and a new 15mm thru axle option, which will also be available on the Thor 140 and Marathon 120. Their old Flight Control remote travel adjust system is now called Lift Select, and will only come on the new 150 as an option. Lift Select is a simpler activation that lets you flick a switch and compress the fork without having to hold and release the lever while pushing down like on the old system. The fork works like normal when compressed, just with less travel. Drops down to 110mm and is really meant as a climbing aid only and not for regular use in the lower position. Available either as a remote or crown mounted system, not retrofittable.
Jump past the break for more pics and info on both the fork and brakes…
The pics here show the new Thru-Axle, and the post mounts are for 180 or 200/203 rotors only on the 150. Tapered or straight steerer tube options. Weight is around 1780g. Compression adjustment is fixed, rebound is externally adjustable.
Reverse arch or normal? Why not both? The front crown has a mount for an included brake hose guide. The Thor has 32mm stanchions.
For 2012, all forks will get new internals with slimmer air piston that saves about 30g (new on top, old on bottom). They also get new lubrication that uses grease rather than oil, which drops another 20g. Will need to pull lowers off to add/replace grease, but they say it’s a three minute process.
Not shown, the Durin Race fork (2011 model reviewed here) is down around 1380g for either 80 or 100 models, and for 2012 travel can be converted internally by a skilled mechanic by tinkering with the air piston.
The brakes are darn light, coming in considerably lighter than the Ashima set we’ve got in on review. The brake weighed above is the rear, too, so it’s likely that the front brake set up will be under 180g! The lever comes in about 9-12g lighter than a Formula R1 or XX/X0 lever, but that’s for the current gen, not the new X9/X7 brakes that just debuted. (Magura had levers from several mfr’s to compare it to.)
The tech info and specs are shown at the bottom of this post as an image, and the original article explains the Carbotecture technology and material. Here? Pretty pics and model comparisons.
The top of the line MT8 is the only one that gets the composite lever blade, but all four models (MT8, MT6, MT4, MT2) get the Carbotecture composite master cylinder body. At right, only the MT8 gets the carbon bar clamp.
The calipers are a bit different, too. The MT6 and under (left) don’t get as much machining as the MT8. Notice the main body sections are much thinner on the MT8. Shown below from an angle, you can see more sections where it’s chiseled out:
Look for them to come available in late summer. US Pricing will be:
- MT8 $399/wheel
- MT6 $299
- MT4 $129
- MT2 $99
