Cross country seems to be the theme of the day with Hope launching their new two-piston XCR brake.
We chat to one of Hope’s designers about how they got their latest anchor, the XCR, from concept to reality.
Key features:
- Total System weight only 199g (Complete system Lever, hose and caliper)
- 182g without fluid (most brake weights seem to be quoted without fluid)
- Lightweight Minimalist design
- Reduced lever friction for lighter feel
- Hinge Clamp for easy Installation
- Reservoir to enable simple bleed process
- Compatible with current shifter mounts
- Carbon Lever Blade
- Silver anodising
- £250.00 RRP
- HopeTech.com
What was the impetus for offering an XC brake?
We tend to develop products that what we need or want to ride, as riders ourselves we always think we won’t be the only one to want such & such product or we see an improvement to be made in a product. We’ve always had an XC orientated brake and it was time to freshen it up.
Once you’d decided to start designing a new brake, what happens next?
Again it’s very much how we would like it if we were going to buy it in a shop, this defines the general specifications. Then pencils are out.
How many people are involved in that process and what do they do?
Just the right amount so we get different ideas and positive criticism but not too many so we’re losing time in meetings.
What did you know you wanted to do with this brake?
It depends who you listen to, some would say they want it 50% lighter, 50% more powerful and 50% cheaper. Our standing joke is we make it 30% better.
Joking apart, the main focus was to maintain a reasonable weight without compromising reliability, serviceability, and increase available power.
How difficult is it to nail down piston number and size, lever layout etc?
With the experience of our other brake designs we can’t say it’s very difficult. Easier than sending a robot to Mars for sure.
Do industry trends heavily affect design decisions?
They do in some ways, only being a smaller company in the industry, and not one of the giants or major bike manufacturers we have to deal with new a ‘standard’ and ‘improvements’ as they come.
How did the pandemic affect the rolling out of the XCR brake?
If anything, it has postponed its launch by a year, which has meant we had even more time to test the final product. The current high demand in product added with shortage of material also mean the brake will only be available in smaller quantities to start with.
Does it take long to get a working prototype in-hand?
Our R&D team is on the ball and usually we can get something within weeks then change it again, and again.
How many prototypes did you make before settling on what would be the production model?
For this master cylinder around 4. With sometimes a few added variations on the internals.
Beyond prototypes, what form did your testing take?
We do some testing in our own test lab but more than anything else testing is a good excuse to go and ride our bicycles.
How important are athletes to testing new product?
Their feedback is important but not everyone is a top MTB athlete. A product suitable for a top athlete isn’t necessarily suitable for the everyday rider so it is important to bare this in mind during the design process.
Did you have a Eureka moment when you knew you’d got it right?
Not really, it’s when we, as a team are, happy about it.
