Do you want to descend faster without getting fitter? Founder of BrakeAce, Dr Matt Miller, says his new wireless braking analysis tool can help you do just that. The sensor replaces your brake mount, positioned between the fork/frame and the caliper; here, it measures all aspects of braking, feeding that data into an App that highlights sections of the trail where you could brake more effectively to carry a higher average speed. Here’s what we know so far.
BrakeAce Wireless Braking Analysis Tool
Founder Matt says BrakeAce is currently being tested by some of the biggest companies and fastest riders in the world. “Happy Customers” include Specialized, Hope and Stan’s NoTubes. The recent EWS in Val di Fassa recorded the closest ever men’s racing in series history. Thus, there’s no wonder athletes and their supporting brands are constantly looking for marginal gains.
The BrakeAce App collates data from your braking, analyses it with a fancy algorithm, then shows you three specific locations on the trail where your braking could’ve been more efficient to allow you to carry more speed through that section.
It effectively looks to replace a mountain bike coach who will be able to give you that same information by watching you ride. That said, there is potential for coaches to use this too, to help them help their customers to ride better.
So, what does it actually measure? A heap of things, actually. It takes a measurement 100 times per second on braking intensity, modulation, duration, and rotor temperature. All data are sent to the BrakeAce App, which will provide the rider with a “Flow Score” for their run. The Flow Score gives you an easy to understand metric for how effectively and efficiently you used your front and rear brake to carry speed down the track.
The sensor design is patent pending. As it replaces the usual brake caliper mount, and takes up a fair bit of space, it does require that you up-size your rotor by 20mm from minimum (that alone will likely improve your braking efficiency). This shouldn’t be an issue for most forks but you will definitely need to check that your frame has sufficient clearance to run a bigger rotor on the rear.
BrakeAce is currently being funded via a KickStarter Campaign. Riders can back the project any amount they wish, but contributing $687 (NZ) secures you a single BrakeAce sensor, the BrakeAce App, the “Get Faster without Getting Fitter” e-book and free MTB braking webinars. Delivery is estimated for February 2022, and BrakeAce will ship to anywhere in the world.
Pledging $1,267 (NZ) gets you the BrakeAce VIP Special deal, saving you 60% on the price of two BrakeAce sensors, plus a free one year subscription to the BrakeAce Pro App (normally $29 per month). Again, estimated delivery is February 2022.
Can’t wait that long? BrakeAce will send you a prototype set (the same sensors currently being used by big brands), if you pledge $5,083 (NZ), by August 2021.
