Hope Mono M4 '05, part 4

Conclusion:
I happy with the performance between Road and Enduro/All-Mountain but Hope is pricey. If it wasn't for ChainReaction prices i would definitively buy some Shimano LX or a used Hayes Nine in Portugal.

Braking with Mono M4 is quite linear and not spongy or irregular. Probably a consequence for using DOT 5.1 fluid. Speaking of witch, Hope does not have a specific bleeding kit like Magura or Hayes witch is a good thing. You can use Motul or Castrol brake fluid.

Mono M4 is practical and functional. PM turns everything easy and it's easy to bleed just like Magura and Shimano brakes.


Recommended for Road to DH use by changing disc size.


Our pal radar:
Rating:
1 - Run for your lifes!
2 - Below average
3 - Normal/It does the job
4 - Above medium
5 - Outstanding!

Positive:
- modulation
- hot?! what is that?
- uses DOT 5.1
- silent except it's raining or there's water in the disc

Negative:
- weak original pads, not very abrasive and bad finished rotor
- Hope's Floating Disc not compatible with Marzocchi's PM
- pricey standard brake e pricey extras

Please comment if you have this product and/or if you agree or not.

Hope Mono M4 '05, part 3

Pad quality? Well... The original pads weren't that good. They became glassy during 2º visit to Sintra's downhill track. Except the DH, i never knew what hot means so, with 7" rotor you can do everything except DH.
I bought EBC's golden pads for Mono M4 and they are great. There is no extra power but it lasts longer on heavy weather conditions. The problem is the 30€ pad cost and the excessive padding material. I had to release some oil pressure from M4 just for the 4 pistons get inside and give more room for the pads.
I bought M4 with Hope's Braided Hose for an extra 15€. This is great! It does the same thing as 60€ Goodridge Hose Kit. It's almost impossible to smash or cut this 6mm metal hose on a serious crash. Useful and stylish.


The brake lever is extremely well finished but not so ergonomic as Formula Oro K18's lever. It has two bolts to grab the handlebar witch is great, saves time when removing M4 instead of removing grip and barplug.



Compatibilitys?
Zero problems with:
- DT Swiss Cerit '01 hub
- Manitou and Marzocchi's Post Mount (PM) with steel disc
Massive headaches with:
- Bloody Marzocchi's PM doesn't like Hope's Floating Disc. It doesn't fit at all!!



Mono M4 rear:
The old Cod Fish does not support disc brake... =(

Hope Mono M4 '05, part 2

Mono M4 front:
Surprise! It´s not stronger than my old Hayes Comp '01 6" disc. Why?

Let me tell you that the difference between 6" and 7" on a single stop it is very small. The major difference is during a long braking period, something like 1 or 2km downhill section. The 7" keeps the same brake power longer than 6". 7" handles more temperature.
Brake modulation is superb, way better than Hayes (and Hayes has a nice modulation). As good as Magura Marta.
In the dirt, on the road... It doesn't matter, it´s so easy to control the bike with one finger.

Hope Mono M4 '05, part 1

Back in 2005 my Hayes Comp 6" disc brake was pretty much powerless. Weaker than most v-brakes. =(



Bacalhau:
Giant Escaper '92 (hardtail), Marzocchi Comp ETA 105mm '06, brake Hope Mono M4, rims Mavic XM 321(f)/ Ritchey rock WCS(r), spokes DT Swiss Competition. 32 x2 and hubs DT Cerit'01 Disc (f)/ Hope XC Disc (r)

Hope Disc Brake Mono M4 '05:
- 185€ complete brake
- plus 15€ for Braided Hose
- 183mm/7" steel disc
- PM2PM 183mm adapter
- original pads
- DOT 5.1 oil
- open system
- all this @461g