Dual piston fixed caliper / 180mm front, 160mm rear rotor / Weight: 450g front, 430g rear / Auto pad wear adjustment / Open system / Five-year no-leak guarantee
Magura 01530 837195, www.magura.com

Magura’s OEM favourites had a makeover in ’05, the one-piece caliper increasing stiffness and improving aesthetics. Don’t be deterred by the ‘composite’ (read ‘plastic’) clamping and reservoir unit; robust in-house manufacturing is paired with a stubby aluminium lever blade. When run an inch or so inboard of the grip, the slightly accentuated BMX-style kick at the lever end allows a decent one or two-finger purchase, albeit a stretch for smaller hands in this configuration. Sharing its low pressure mineral oil system and easily trimmed nylon hose with Magura’s classic HS33 rim brakes, what Julies lack in modulation they more than make up for in gutsy stopping ability, with SL rotors assisting dissipation in the heat of the moment. Supplied with ‘Performance’ organic pads, ‘Endurance’ pads are also available, prolonging longevity at the expense of a little power. If bleeding and fettling is your idea of purgatory, don’t fret because Julies come pre-assembled. The calipers are Post Mount as standard with inclusive IS adaptors, further simplifying set-up.

MBR RATING: 9/10