When they introduced the RT8TT hydraulic road rim brakes earlier this year, they were TT only. Now, they’ve introduced the MC1 (Magura Converter) to tie their hydraulic rim calipers to any mechanical drop bar road brake lever.
Like the TT version, it’s a completely closed system. Since the calipers aren’t subjected to heat the way a disc brake caliper is, there’s no need for an open system that allows for fluid expansion. Magura’s Tony Ballantine says this keeps it super simple and light. It also means its absolutely not compatible with disc brakes.
The bottom has a release button for each side that pops the caliper open a bit for easier wheel removal.
Bleed ports are on the side and they say the inside diameter of the hydraulic lines is 2.4mm versus 1.5mm on mountain bike brakes. This increased fluid volume means they’re less susceptible to small air bubbles.
Cables from the levers enter the front and clamp into levered piston actuators that push fluid through the master cylinder.
It’ll be sold as a set with front and rear brakes. Retail price isn’t set, but the TT brakes with lever retail for $399 per wheel, so expect it to be around $800 to $900. They’re looking to release it in September.
2013 MAGURA SUSPENSION
For 2013, Magura’s adding 29er and 27.5/650B forks and is giving the naming scheme a refresh.
The internals get major changes, too. They have new solid bushings rather than the old fluted designs. This makes the fork stronger and stiffer, and this change was possible because they went to grease rather than oil.
The air chamber is new-ish. Introduced on the Thor last year, it has a more progressive feel that stiffens the suspension as you run through the travel. they changed this based on consumer comments that their forks use to be too soft/linear.
The forks are doing away with the Thor and Durin names. Now they’re called TS (Team Suspension) and will use numbers to indicate the spec level and wheel size. So, a TS8 29 will be their top end Del for 29era. TS8 will be about 250g to 300g lighter than the TS6, and that weight savings comes all from different internals. The TS6 gets a steel air rod with adjustable travel increments. The TS8 has an aluminum rod that can only be changed between two settings with a bit more labor. Crown, stanchions and chassis are the same between them.
For the 26″ forks only, they have their Lift Select externally adjustable travel model.
Claimed weights for a 29er 100mm TS8 fork is 1,655g and the TS6 is 1945g. There’s a TS8 SL that is 1630g that loses the external compression adjustment (it’s internally adjustable).
They’ll be out in June, and pricing will be about $750 to $950.
