The Formula R1 Racing is a very powerful mountain bike disc brake but it did rub constantly

Product Overview

Overall rating:

Score 8

Formula R1 Racing

Product:

Formula R1 Racing disc brake review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£283.95
TAGS:

Like the Shimano XTR, Formula’s R1 Racing comes as a bled lever, hose and caliper; you then buy a hardware kit, which is available with adapters, bolts and a stainless steel or two-piece rotor.

>>> Click here to find the best mountain bike brakes

The lever gets a removable handlebar clamp, with the same gapless-style clamp as found on Avid brakes, but we struggled to get the shifter into a position where we could brake and change gear at the same time. This is because the reservoir butts right up against the handlebar, limiting space around the clamp. The solution may be to buy Formula’s Mix Master clamps — at an extra £31!


Watch how to stop disc brake noise


The forged caliper features ECT (Enhanced Caliper Technology) mounting hardware, a bevelled washer system also used by SRAM and Shimano. It’s open at the top and bottom for better cooling, and the pads get a semi-metallic compound with lightweight aluminium backing plates. Bed-in time was minimal, but the same can’t be said of set-up — the R1 rotor rubbed constantly.

Formula R1 review lever

With its oversized pistons and Kevlar hose, the Formula R1 Racing is the most powerful brake here. It’s also the lightest, but the stumpy lever is a little uncomfortable when braking hard; it also needs constant fiddling to run drag-free.

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Details

Weight:Brake 165 grams, rotor 127 grams
Rotors:160mm, 180mm and 203mm
Contact:silverfish-uk.com