At this point, we’ve got about 80% of what we need to post all about Formula’s 2014 brake lineup, but they’ve asked us to keep the guts of it secret until Eurobike (it starts next week, don’t worry). But there’s no harm in a little teaser, right? And eagle-eyed readers might have noticed some of this stuff popping up in different skin on the 2014 Specialized mountain bike range.
Suffice to say, the top end R1 Racing (aka R1R) is now lighter and gets improved ergonomics thanks to a pull piston on the master cylinder, a bit of a first for mountain bike brake levers. The piston pulls into the fluid rather than having a plunger pushing into the master cylinder. Formula sales & service rep Robert Davis says this gives it much smoother lever feel. Other benefits are even better, stay tuned.
Hit the “breaks” for more…
The new C1 comes in at the entry level and introduces another first for bicycle brakes: A drop-in, cartridge style master cylinder. This makes service and repair easier on the shops and helps keep the prices down since factory assembly is greatly simplified.
Their hydraulic road bike partnership with Colnago is finally bearing fruit for the rest of us. This is the Campagnolo lever shown, but they’ll soon have a Di2 compatible version with dual buttons on the brake lever. It’ll have a black hood with white hose and caliper. This one we’re still waiting for more info to confirm whether it’ll work with the new E-Tube system or just the original 10-speed Dura-Ace Di2.
Their XD Driver Body part is technically available now – in Europe. US availability is coming soon, by the end of the year. They’ve got some other interesting new tech for their 2014 hubs, plus a new 35mm stanchion suspension fork for 27.5″ and 29er wheels.
