Formula's all-new C1 is designed as an all-rounder entry point to the premium Italian brand, and that's exactly what it is.
It's distinctive looking, with the fluid reservoir at the far end of the lever body rather than above it. The lever piston sits in a self-contained (and replaceable) cartridge in the centre, with the hose exiting halfway along the body. It still feels and operates like a conventional brake, and weight is competitive for the price.
Pad retraction is extra wide so it's easy to set up rub-free even in wet and gritty conditions, and it's ambidextrous for easy swaps. The brake is sold separately if you don't need a rotor, and it can also be upgraded with leverage adjusters and a very clever dry break coupling for bleed-free internal routing.
It takes a while to bed in, but once sorted lever feel is smoothly progressive, with a slight squeeze rather than a direct hardness. Power is adequate if not amazing for a twin-pot brake, but modulation is excellent, even on the slipperiest slopes.
While its longterm durability is currently unproven, we've had no issues with fade, overheating or general reliability so far.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
