Magura USA

MT8 SL Disc Brake

The MT8 SL Disc Brake is ethereal in its lightness. In fact, it's Magura's lightest brake ever. However, this doesn't mean that it's light on stopping power. The architecture of the brake lever is based on Magura's proven Marta radial master cylinder design. Only here, it's made of a carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic rather than die-cast aluminum.

Magura ensures the quality of this process, called CarboTecture because it does the manufacturing in its own facilities. It developed this new technology in order to create a brake that excels in all four categories of its design focus: weight, heat stability, braking power, and ergonomics. The light overall weight is evidenced by the numbers, but how does the brake feel? We've ridden them, and while they lack the all-out power of the 4-piston MT7, its power and modulation, especially given its weight, is truly impressive.

Magura has been in the game for a while, since 1893 to be exact, so it knows the importance of details. For instance, the banjo fitting on the MT8 SL caliper is one great example in its ability to pivot. This means that you'll be able to route the hose cleanly along frame no matter what the housing guide and mount configuration are. The two piston, forged aluminum caliper allows for a 1-piece design. This adds stiffness to an otherwise superlight caliper body. The pistons are made of thermoplastic, which helps to insulate the fluid from the heat generated in the brake pads. This improves the brake performance on steep, enduring descents. Changing pads has been made easier than ever since the calipers use a top loading design. This way, you're able to change pads without removing the wheel.

The CarboTecture master cylinder is stiffer, lighter, and stronger than comparable parts made of aluminum or magnesium. In a truly inspired move, Magura created both sides the same. You're now able to run your levers on either side of the bike, and it won't matter because there's a bleed screw on top and bottom. Magura's Easy Bleed Technology (EBT) means that maintenance is simple and mess-free, no more opening the reservoir and sloshing oil all over your bike and the floor. It should be noted that Magura relies on a system that uses Royal Blood (mineral oil) rather than DOT-approved brake fluid. The simple reason is that it is non-corrosive and non-toxic. The MT8 SL brakes come with a five-year leakproof warranty, and they're Matchmaker compatible, so you're able to mount your SRAM trigger shifters on the same clamps as your brakes.

Part of the supreme light weight of the MT8 disc brakes is due to the encompassing effort to reduce weight wherever Magura could. In addition to the CarboTecture lever body, Magura uses a 1-finger HC carbon lever blade that's lighter and stiffer than its aluminum counterpart and handlebar clamp, along with alloy hardware throughout.

The Magura MT8 Disc Brake is composed of a pre-bled lever/hose/caliper assembly. The price is per wheel, so buy two sets for one bike. The calipers are designed for post-mount applications. Adapters for IS tabs and various rotors are available and sold separately.

Magura recommends pairing the MT8 SL with Storm SL.2 rotors which are available in six-bolt mounts and in 160 and 180mm diameters.