Hope’s funky-looking four-pot is a hugely popular homegrown option for technical terrain-loving, control-hungry riders.
Using the same minimalist lever as the Mini Mono keeps weight impressively low and gives all the same carbon lever and custom engraving upgrade options.
The beautifully machined single-piece four-cylinder calliper provides a very controlled, progressive application of power from bite point to skid point. This is a sharp but still 'touchy feely' brake with bags of control that builds into massive power when you need it.
Phenolic pistons also handle heat much better, so it’s more mountain-proof (if not totally dumb-ass drag brake-proof) than older M4 models.
It's perfect for slippery UK conditions where control is at a premium though, and the weight isn't too bad at 508g (with a 183mm rotor as tested).
The lack of easy bite-point adjustment may put off some riders who don’t like the early-in-the-stroke engagement. The longer calliper makes it slightly more awkward to set up than single pot brakes, though.
Optional alloy spider-centred ‘Floating’ rotors drop even more weight and look totally pimp-ass, and pricing is impressive considering the amount of Lancashire time lavished on making them.
All Hope brakes now come with slotted post mount brackets as standard, so setting up - even with the longer calliper and pads - is super easy. The braided hose and lighter, warp-reducing floating rotor seen here are available at a big discount if you buy them with the brake (£10 and £9 each versus £25 and £30 to buy separately) and upgrade the basic £140 set.
