Magura Louise Disk Brakes

The Magura Louise disk brakes perform very well. I was dubious about taking hydraulic brakes on a cycle tour, because I was worried if something went wrong, it would be very difficult to find spares.  I would need to take spare oil, and the service kit with me, which would be a lot of extra bulk.

However, I took the chance. Our sponsor showed unfailing confidence in the brakes. Rightly so as they haven’t been serviced during the journey. Only the pads have needed replacing a few times. The performance is exceptional, stopping the bike with confidence, loaded with 30kg of luggage, in all conditions wet and dry. You can imagine the performance with an unloaded bike. The rotors look good. We had pink ones to begin with – very stylish. The hoses are durable. The only problem would be if a hose had been kinked or severed somehow, but this never happened.

The levers are aluminium, other than the bite adjustment knob which is nylon and the only weak point which has worn from curious people fiddling and general wear and tear although they still work. The levers are well-sized and feel comfortable. The oil reservoirs are encased in forged aluminium with the name ‘Magura Louise’ imprinted.

The only negative I would say is that some air has got into one of the hoses and caused the bite to feel spongy. This has only happened in recent use, and is understandable, with a service due.

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