HEL the braking gurus move into MTB
Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2024 4:49 pm
https://www.pinkbike.com/news/first-loo ... rakes.html
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.
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.
