HEL Performance, manufacturers of hydraulic brake systems for motorsports, are about to release a four-piston brake for DH called the Advocate. Headquartered in Devon, UK, the multinational company has poured its 30 years of manufacturing experience into the creation of a high-performance DOT fluid brake that will retail at £699.99 for the full set, including rotors, hoses and pads. That’s a fair bit more expensive than Hope’s most powerful brake, but there’s not an enormous amount in it when you consider these are sold as the complete package.
HEL are offering a complete brake system, including caliper, master cylinder, lever, braided hoses, rotors and pads (organic and sintered). Most of that is CNC-machined in-house, while the production of the pads and rotors is outsourced to a UK partner.
The master cylinder is home to a 10mm piston that displaces the fluid (DOT 4 or DOT 5.1). The lever has a rather unique design with a groove down the center along its full length, and a few extra dimples added around the point where one's finger would rest. The bite point is not adjustable, but the lever reach is, and it's a tool-free affair.
The Advocate caliper is home to four stainless steel pistons; two are 15mm in diameter, and two are 17mm in diameter, so a little smaller than the pistons inside the Maven caliper. They have a castellated shape that is said to improve heat dissipation. The caliper is compatible with 1.8-2.3mm thick rotors.
The bleed ports on the caliper and master cylinder are said to be of a standard dimension, with a recess provided for an o-ring; thus, they can be bled with a standard bleed kit.
Those keen to part with their money must wait until November/December. When the time comes, you'll be able to select the color (10 options) of each and every billet aluminum component of the brake system: master cylinder body, lever blade, reservoir lid, bar clamp and caliper body - and see a 3D render of the result on the HEL website before committing. The customization is standard, not something you pay extra for.
