5:00 My Cura 4 came with thread locker on the reach adjustment, I can see the blue thread locker, it's medium strength, so should be easy to undo, so it's locked in place, but for me the stock position was perfect , but I guess loosening it up with a hex key will iss the solution. But it's secure how it is now, so won't bother messing with it.
Just got a set of cura 2s due to Astons recommendations. Previously had shimano xts , magura mt5s first then a shigura setup. Can't get trickstuff pads as there's no stock or don't ship to Australia. Instead got emtb purple galfer pads with magura 203 rotors and the setup is perfect. Modulation is better then shimano/magura/shigura setup. Power to me is on par to the 4 pistons. I can easily go over the bars if need be. Its half price to other 4 pistons!!! Thanks again for review and recommendations. Also on a manitou mezzer fork and cane creek kitsuma!
Nice content nuggets in there, even though more of a vlog again than a full on review. I’ve had excellent CS from Formula. Had some older brakes from them with sticky pistons, out of warranty, no recipe, bought second hand. They sent completely new callipers nevertheless! Superb! The feel of Formulas are quite sharp. Trickstuff Power pads are great as long as you don’t ride in the wet. Used up two pairs of pads in muddy conditions during one race day! Good that you are out of the rain, might surprise you on those steep tracks on a rainy day! Agree on MTB Enduro tests, usually top notch. Tip: Put some furr or “a dead cat” on the mic if not already
Interesting review, have had sticky pistons on MT7's and heaps of rear brake fade in the Alps / Andes. Love to see a Cura review with Galfer pads and rotors too. Might stick a raffle ticket on, cheers!
Cura2 works fine but 4's are rubbing the rotor after few rides as you said. And they feel little spongy. I try to bleed it soon if that makes any difference.
Imo lever throw is not related to disc thickness or brake pad where. Luckily because that would be horror. A good bite point adjust is what whe need. If you want less throw you might want to try to overfill the system but it has other drawback 's.
After using the regular Curas for the past 4 seasons I can agree on pretty much everything, except I never found the bite point to change. Do you have any recommendations for some good sintered pads (or perhaps discs) to upgrade the oem ones? Not interested in organics as I've changed 8/9 pads between front and rear this past summer. Thanks
My mates hope v4 were actually smoking after that black run in morgins and turned the back of my pads a shade of brown and rainbow😂 gonna have to give these trick stuff pads a try👍
Pads design: if you take a closer look. The "old" pads for olders 2 piston Formula brakes have slightly diferrent pads body. Less rounded body. Dunno if it has any impact. Just FYI
I've had the Cura 4 for some time now, I wore out the bushing in the lever so I can see trough the gap now, there is is about one or 2 mm dead throw. I had the brakes since April 6, 2022. other than that the brake was worked flawlessly, but had to bleed the rear a few times. I see Cura X has different hardware at the push rod pivot. I read a claim that the Cura 4 uses plastic bushings, if that's the case, no wonder it wore out so fast. looks like they uses alu rod trough a nylon bushing in the carbon. But Cura 4 uses a alu D shaped nut with a brushing around it, this is the part that wore out. I had probably around 400ish km on them.
So the only difference between these and the cura 2 are the carbon lever and the housing? Feeling like these could have suited my Tallboy better but formula advertises cura x as a xc brake so I skipped the x and now have the cura 4 (probably last ones that were in stock on europe). Anyway cura 4 have served me well for 2 of months of trail riding and a couple of bikepark days. I kinda liked the sram lever shape more but I'm sure I'll get used to these.
As far as I can tell, yes, they are the differences. If your having no problems with the Cura4 then keep using them! They were good brakes for me aside the sticky pistons
Dächle means little roof (like: "roofie") in the western south of germany. Also plan to ad a Cura or Cura X to the next build (Banshee Prime) - you think the X is worth the premium? If it operates well with the Dächle even better :D
They could possibly be 'stiffer' so could provide a firmer or less spongy feel. No idea if this is true for Kevlar, but braided steel hoses can have benefits of less expansion under brake pressure than standard.
@@astonmtb2428 In theory I could understand that but I've never had any spongy feeling in any brakes with standard hoses that are bled properly. I wonder if it's all marketing / placebo?
Hi Aston - thanks for the review. I'm considering either replacing my Hope Tech 3 E4s with Cura 2, or just replacing my Tech 4 levers and sticking with the existing E4 calipers. Any thoughts on the new Tech 4 levers vs the Cura 2? As I get older I'm starting to notice hand pain under braking with the E4s and wondering if the Tech 4 or Cura 2 is going to make that better?
What is the thing between the lever and the grip, and the thing attached to the lever? And are you still having issues with sticky pistons, who has time to lube their pistons before every ride?
Defo the best brakes i’ve owned, the moment they came out i was on them as Formula fan. Quality of manufacturing and all parts replaceable made these worth of choice for all my 3 bikes. Got the Cura 4s on my enduro as though i’d probably need more power for longest stages, but cannot really say i felt so muck more power that the 2 pistons. You should do review for their forks mate, another underrated product and again outperformed many top brands.
Funny you mention their forks, I've got a purchase lining up as we speak... I had multiple Cura4's, always had sticky piston/alignment issues with them, did you have that? And yes, I never tried them back to back, but I don't recall a massive power difference.
@@astonmtb2428 I have used the 4s only for 7 races last season so 7 days riding. No issues at all apart from loosing some power on long distance stage which i have found later is due to the pads. Now this is eliminated with the trickstuff ones my end as well.
@@astonmtb2428 I am running Cura2 since 2018 and Cura4 since early 2020. Both are truly fantastic, but the 2-piston ones have proven to be a bit more hassle free. Two sets of Cura4 which I own have indeed sticky pistons and alignment issues, which I've only been able to partially resolve. They are more prone to rubbing now and then, but for me the bigger problem is that they seem to have more free stroke than the 2-piston version. All the known tricks to reduce the stroke don't seem to work or the effect doesn't last very long. Also the bite point is not as hard and sharp as the 2-piston version. As for performance, I didn't notice a significant difference in "normal" riding, but on some crazy long alpine descents I felt that the Cura4 had a bit more reserve for those weak moments when the arms get numb and you can barely hang on. I hope Formula is working on a new version, ideally with tool-free free-stroke and reach adjustment. Then it would really be THE ultimate brake.
I had 5-6 pairs of Cura4 a couple of years ago. Every single pair suffered from sticky pistons and were always dragging and out of alignment - even after prepping the pistons every day. I never tried them back-to-back, but I don't recall the 4piston being noticeably more powerful than the 2piston.
5:00 My Cura 4 came with thread locker on the reach adjustment, I can see the blue thread locker, it's medium strength, so should be easy to undo, so it's locked in place, but for me the stock position was perfect , but I guess loosening it up with a hex key will iss the solution. But it's secure how it is now, so won't bother messing with it.
Just got a set of cura 2s due to Astons recommendations. Previously had shimano xts , magura mt5s first then a shigura setup. Can't get trickstuff pads as there's no stock or don't ship to Australia. Instead got emtb purple galfer pads with magura 203 rotors and the setup is perfect.
Modulation is better then shimano/magura/shigura setup.
Power to me is on par to the 4 pistons. I can easily go over the bars if need be.
Its half price to other 4 pistons!!!
Thanks again for review and recommendations. Also on a manitou mezzer fork and cane creek kitsuma!
Thanks for the suggestion on the Trickstuff pads on these. It's was a very nice upgrade
Nice content nuggets in there, even though more of a vlog again than a full on review.
I’ve had excellent CS from Formula.
Had some older brakes from them with sticky pistons, out of warranty, no recipe, bought second hand. They sent completely new callipers nevertheless! Superb! The feel of Formulas are quite sharp.
Trickstuff Power pads are great as long as you don’t ride in the wet. Used up two pairs of pads in muddy conditions during one race day! Good that you are out of the rain, might surprise you on those steep tracks on a rainy day!
Agree on MTB Enduro tests, usually top notch.
Tip: Put some furr or “a dead cat” on the mic if not already
Interesting review, have had sticky pistons on MT7's and heaps of rear brake fade in the Alps / Andes. Love to see a Cura review with Galfer pads and rotors too. Might stick a raffle ticket on, cheers!
Always appreciate your honest reviews. Thanks. Had them on rental ns in Poland. They were amazing!
Glad you like them!
Brill review....I'm gonna try the brake set up....we can always look at the big brakes thinking they are better....but maybe not. thanks
Cura2 works fine but 4's are rubbing the rotor after few rides as you said. And they feel little spongy. I try to bleed it soon if that makes any difference.
Would it be okay to shorten the hose with a Stanley? Or do you think the kevlar might fray ? I don't have a cutting tool ..
Imo lever throw is not related to disc thickness or brake pad where. Luckily because that would be horror. A good bite point adjust is what whe need. If you want less throw you might want to try to overfill the system but it has other drawback 's.
After using the regular Curas for the past 4 seasons I can agree on pretty much everything, except I never found the bite point to change. Do you have any recommendations for some good sintered pads (or perhaps discs) to upgrade the oem ones? Not interested in organics as I've changed 8/9 pads between front and rear this past summer. Thanks
My mates hope v4 were actually smoking after that black run in morgins and turned the back of my pads a shade of brown and rainbow😂 gonna have to give these trick stuff pads a try👍
6:26 I don't do trails riding, but like to do techy stuff so I am sure this would annoy me.
Pads design: if you take a closer look. The "old" pads for olders 2 piston Formula brakes have slightly diferrent pads body. Less rounded body. Dunno if it has any impact. Just FYI
I've had the Cura 4 for some time now, I wore out the bushing in the lever so I can see trough the gap now, there is is about one or 2 mm dead throw. I had the brakes since April 6, 2022.
other than that the brake was worked flawlessly, but had to bleed the rear a few times. I see Cura X has different hardware at the push rod pivot. I read a claim that the Cura 4 uses plastic bushings, if that's the case, no wonder it wore out so fast. looks like they uses alu rod trough a nylon bushing in the carbon. But Cura 4 uses a alu D shaped nut with a brushing around it, this is the part that wore out.
I had probably around 400ish km on them.
There is an upgrade kit available for Cura4. Hope its not too late!
So the only difference between these and the cura 2 are the carbon lever and the housing? Feeling like these could have suited my Tallboy better but formula advertises cura x as a xc brake so I skipped the x and now have the cura 4 (probably last ones that were in stock on europe).
Anyway cura 4 have served me well for 2 of months of trail riding and a couple of bikepark days. I kinda liked the sram lever shape more but I'm sure I'll get used to these.
As far as I can tell, yes, they are the differences.
If your having no problems with the Cura4 then keep using them!
They were good brakes for me aside the sticky pistons
Dächle means little roof (like: "roofie") in the western south of germany. Also plan to ad a Cura or Cura X to the next build (Banshee Prime) - you think the X is worth the premium? If it operates well with the Dächle even better :D
Do the Kevlar hoses perform any better than standard hoses?
They could possibly be 'stiffer' so could provide a firmer or less spongy feel.
No idea if this is true for Kevlar, but braided steel hoses can have benefits of less expansion under brake pressure than standard.
@@astonmtb2428 In theory I could understand that but I've never had any spongy feeling in any brakes with standard hoses that are bled properly. I wonder if it's all marketing / placebo?
Hi Aston - thanks for the review. I'm considering either replacing my Hope Tech 3 E4s with Cura 2, or just replacing my Tech 4 levers and sticking with the existing E4 calipers. Any thoughts on the new Tech 4 levers vs the Cura 2? As I get older I'm starting to notice hand pain under braking with the E4s and wondering if the Tech 4 or Cura 2 is going to make that better?
What is the thing between the lever and the grip, and the thing attached to the lever? And are you still having issues with sticky pistons, who has time to lube their pistons before every ride?
That’s the brake sensor for the BYB Telemtry kit.
Defo the best brakes i’ve owned, the moment they came out i was on them as Formula fan. Quality of manufacturing and all parts replaceable made these worth of choice for all my 3 bikes. Got the Cura 4s on my enduro as though i’d probably need more power for longest stages, but cannot really say i felt so muck more power that the 2 pistons. You should do review for their forks mate, another underrated product and again outperformed many top brands.
Funny you mention their forks, I've got a purchase lining up as we speak...
I had multiple Cura4's, always had sticky piston/alignment issues with them, did you have that? And yes, I never tried them back to back, but I don't recall a massive power difference.
@@astonmtb2428 I have used the 4s only for 7 races last season so 7 days riding. No issues at all apart from loosing some power on long distance stage which i have found later is due to the pads. Now this is eliminated with the trickstuff ones my end as well.
@@astonmtb2428 I am running Cura2 since 2018 and Cura4 since early 2020. Both are truly fantastic, but the 2-piston ones have proven to be a bit more hassle free. Two sets of Cura4 which I own have indeed sticky pistons and alignment issues, which I've only been able to partially resolve. They are more prone to rubbing now and then, but for me the bigger problem is that they seem to have more free stroke than the 2-piston version. All the known tricks to reduce the stroke don't seem to work or the effect doesn't last very long. Also the bite point is not as hard and sharp as the 2-piston version. As for performance, I didn't notice a significant difference in "normal" riding, but on some crazy long alpine descents I felt that the Cura4 had a bit more reserve for those weak moments when the arms get numb and you can barely hang on.
I hope Formula is working on a new version, ideally with tool-free free-stroke and reach adjustment. Then it would really be THE ultimate brake.
Is the bent finger thing really a thing? mine are as well....
I thought the bent finger was from clicking tables while covering the brake lever?
How about a Hayes Dominion A2 or A4 review?
Nah,,, can’t be
Otherwise my right finger would be straight and my left one would have come off cus I invert so hard 😂
Paul - Awesome review. Have you tried the Cura 4s? If so how do they compare? Thanks Martin
I had 5-6 pairs of Cura4 a couple of years ago. Every single pair suffered from sticky pistons and were always dragging and out of alignment - even after prepping the pistons every day. I never tried them back-to-back, but I don't recall the 4piston being noticeably more powerful than the 2piston.
Why are the Cura X marketed everywhere as XC/Cross Country brakes?
From your review they clearly can handle much of anything
Thanks a lot!
Because, marketing!
😂 true
Awesome video anyway, glad I found your channel 🫰🏼
Would love to see a review of the Sunstar Braking Incas. 2 piston also, but the pistons are huge. They're Italian too. Loving the channel so far.
Sunstar look the business with those 3mm rotors 💪
@@cben86 yeah, 3mm monsters on the rear. Hayes Dominion A4's look the biz too.
Funny you mention that, I’m trying to buy some right now! If you can point me in the direction of any shops with stock that would be great?!
Braking InCas is the best brake i have ever tried! Hands down.
How do your cura 4's feel. Mine are always spongy, nothing I do will fix this sponginess..
Same here. Little spongy.
@@Fufux0rs I asked formula and they said it's the way the brakes feel. I like them tho!
Interesting review, but hard to hear you sometimes
Tried these, and despite what you and others say, they just didn't have the power of even XT let alone 4 pistons. Not for me.