Along with a new logo and fresh brand color scheme, the new Formula Cura brakes are their first to use mineral oil. The fluid change had been a customer request for some time but it took them a while to find an oil that they liked. The different viscosity of fluids available affect the brake feel, and they wanted to keep the same feel as their DOT fluid brakes.
But the real impetus to make something new was that they wanted to do a forged brake rather than cast. They say that method makes a stronger brake with more consistent material placement. Which meant they could make a lighter brake, and it’s more affordable, too. Retail is just $150 per wheel…
It uses an axial master cylinder rather than the radial design of their others. That allows better ergonomics and easy fit on most any handlebar setup. The lever body puts the pivot closer to the bar, so it stays more parallel as you pull it in.
The reach adjust is tooled. That knob is essentially a lock nut; twist it open to allow adjustment of reach via a 2mm allen bolt inside it, then twist it tight to lock it into position.
The caliper is a 2-piece design with large 24mm pistons. Despite the minimalist look, it’s designed to work for anything from XC to DH and everything in between. Organic brake pad with a new compound that should work well in all conditions.
The bottom end of the hose has their Speed Lock quick disconnect hose for internal routing. It’s not used for bleeding, rather for getting the hose on and off quickly for travel or assembly. A small spring sits at the bottom of the silver barrel to prevent accidental release, you simply slide that spring over the barrel to let the barrel slide down and release the hose. It’s very similar to switching chucks on an air compressor hose.
Options are silver or black, features are the same for both. They’ll also be available with their FCS pad contact adjustment (not shown) and MixMaster clamp to fit it to a Shimano or SRAM shift clamp. Claimed weight is 359g per wheel with a 160mm rotor and steel hardware.
Forks are the same for now, but will get a Boost option this fall. They’re an interesting design, worth taking a look if you’re unfamiliar.
