Magura has been in the brake business for over two decades. Back in the day when people where pumped on V-Brake performance the people at Magura were selling Hydraulic Rim Brakes for mountain biking. These brakes are still very popular on trials bikes. Many World Cup riders ran these brakes back in the day. Magura has relaunched their MT line and introduced a gravity/enduro specific brake called the MT7 Next is is a dual piston design with four pads. We reviewed the MT8 when they first came out a few years ago. The brakes worked well even in the downhill capacity we tested them in. Considering this was a featherweight AM/XC brake that speaks well for Magura and its brakes as a whole. We are very excited to test a gravity specific brake from them in the form of the Magura MT7 Next Disc Brake!

These brakes are a very light DH brake option. Using the Carbotecture lever housing helps keep the weight low. We have used brakes that weigh easily 200 grams more per brake in the past. So being able to save almost a pound in the brakes alone is a nice bonus. We opted for the MT7 with toolless adjustment. Magura informed us we would have less adjustment with these than the tool versions offer but more on that later.

We used 203mm SL rotors front and rear on a large megatrail. The bike was built up with heavier parts for the more gravity based riding it would be put through.

"The MT7 stands for maximum braking performance and stability in extreme conditions. In the tough, bike-testing worlds of Enduro and Downhill, the additional braking power of the 4 brake pistons is a positive safety factor. The aluminium, two-finger brake lever - with toolless adjustment - and the adjustable bite point provide the necessary ergonomics for perfect brake control, even in difficult terrain and on long downhill runs. 5-year leakproof guarantuee for brake levers and cylinders after providing the original proof of purchase."

Features

Trevor RolandOverall the Magura MT7 brakes impressed us a bunch. They are very light and offer an incredible amount of power that is very very useable. The tooless brake lever is the one we chose but it was also somewhat limiting. You get about 3 full rotations on the pad engagement and lever throw. I think next time the tool version is what we would go with. It isn't very often that you adjust brakes on the go anyhow. Another thing to note is that the brakes when ordered will need to have line length specified. It is very easy to cut them luckily and took about 5 minutes in total with no bleeding needed.

Trevor Roland

Q & A With Magura About The MT7's

1.     What was Magura's primary goal in creating and designing the MT7 brake system? 

Our primary goal in creating the MT7 was to address a need for the gravity crowd.

Since our own Gustav's demise several years ago, consumers have asked for a replacement so we saw a need to deliver the most durable, stable, light and powerful yet most importantly great modulating brake available. The brake lever/tire patch communication is tantamount.  

2.     It has been awhile since you guys offered a gravity brake. Why did it take so long?

Mountain bike hydraulic disc brake performance has progressed considerably and twin piston caliper's (w/large rotors) are very good performers however the gravity market, bikes and riding areas have also progressed so we saw the opportunity and need to reinvest in this segment. 

3.     Was weight or braking power of more importance with the MT7's?

Equal in our case! Usually this is not possible and you have to choose but with the new materials available (in this case Carbon Fiber) AND the ability to manufacture them, then for some manufacturers, both are possible. 
In addition, we use an equation in designing our brakes that must equally consider, performance (heat stability and power), weight, ergonomics and feel. 

4.     Would you guys suggest riders looking for more modulation to run the standard rotor as opposed to the SL variety?

Feel does vary slightly between usages of the two model rotors but really; the non-SL rotor has more stability under heat loads and cycles. It's really for more extreme scenarios like heavier bikes and riders, more vertical terrain, longer descents and even to compensate for braking techniques like brake draggers. 

5.     Any tips or tricks to getting a clean bleed with the MT7 brakes?

This new model Next MT brake line has evolved in many ways and servicing was as important of a goal. The MC reservoir bladder was repositioned, the bleed port beefed up, the internal fluid routings simplified and therefore early feedback has been super positive for servicing success and ease. 

Always remove the caliper while bleeding (orients the caliper properly for air evacuation) as it simplifies the process and assures success. Positioning the MC angle correctly is as important and following a 4 stroke bleed procedure which includes vacuum strokes that help assure fluid (and air) movement. 

6.     At some point do you think the tool less version will have more adjustment in it?

Absolutely! Due to feedback, this is our #1 task at the moment. Production changes are occurring NOW. 

7.     Are you guys stoked to have Intense/Palmer back on Magura?

Huge! We are honored to be involved again with Napalm and the Intense crew. Additionally, Shaun, Intense and Magura are re-investing back into our Mountain bike community with youth development, repeat Huge!

8.     What do you think where the top 3 advancements in MTB technology in the last 20 years?

Materials usage, manufacturing ability, testing equipment and data. That may be 4, sorry.

9.     Climbs or descents?

I'm into speed so descents are most fun but you've got to get to the top so it is most rewarding to pedal!

10.   Rocks or jumps?

Both are welcome, both are needed. 

11.   What do you think the future holds for the industry as a whole?

The future is bright with diversity, which is the best part isn't it? We get choices and are very fortunate to have options. The quiver continues to grow, as the categories get more specific. 

12.   Any information you want the viewers to know about the MT7 brakes?

The MT 7 Next is the usage of exotic materials and innovative manufacturing technique combined with existing knowledge from our mountain bike and motorcycle experience. This gets lost sometimes but the ability to bring the ideas to fruition and deliver to the end consumer is sometimes the hardest and least appreciated parts of the equation. 

We try real hard and never give up. This product is an example of this, a continued evolution in design and manufacturing, listening to our consumers and dealers and competing with other quality manufacturers whom are constantly trying to raise the bar!

Trevor Roland

The Magura MT7 brakes accomplish what they had intended. Providing a lightweight brakes with immense power, good modulation and is easily servicable by the consumer. Overall we where very happy with the brakes and would for sure reccomend them to a friend. Just keep in mind that these are their DH brakes and a 180/160mm rotor set up should be plenty. These brakes are some of the best out there and also some of the lightest. Magura hit the ball out of the park with their MT7 brakes!