TESTED: Magura MT7 Raceline's

Words and Photos: Robert Conroy

Magura is a company steeped in over 120 years of German engineering history. Originally finding their calling in the world of motorcycles before coming across to mountain bikes ten years ago. Now, their products are seen on the Cube Downhill teams steeds or more notably Danny MacAskil’s trials machines. We were lucky enough to get a hold of these Special Edition Magura MT7 Racelines.

The Magura MT7 Racelines are top of the line. Aesthetically the similarities to their motorcycle range are undeniable and fortunately so too is the performance – at a fraction of the weight. So let’s take a look at them. The calipers are a forged aluminium, four-piston, four-pad configuration. While up front the levers are a trademarked carbon ‘carbotecture SL’ weave, a carbon reinforced injection moulded resin, with aluminium mounting clamps. The lever also features tool reach adjust knob as well as the optional install of a tool free pad adjust in the main body.

Let’s get a negative out of the way early, one let down of these brakes is the lever. I found the moto stylings not as comfortable as other modern brake levers on the market. For those coming from a motorbike background however this will surely go unnoticed but for me, it left me with a case of hover hand/finger. Despite the reach adjust, the bigger curve of the Magura lever felt often uncomfortable.

You will have to re adjust your cockpit setup as the longer lever means the lever body sits more inboard. This also meant some compromise when moving the shifter, however there are matchmaker kits available.These brakes travelled with me to the USA and have spent some of the darker, wetter days of a Sydney winter at home as well. Never did I feel out of depth aboard my trail bike, the Magura MT7 Racelines offer a tonne of power and the ability to change the reach and pad adjust on the fly allows you to get the bite point right where you want it. The longer lever whilst a hassle in the setup, did lessen the effect of arm pump on the trails.

The MT7s are targeted at the gravity market and it’s easy to see why. Aggressive riders will be in a world of their own, the power and modulation is unlike any other high performance brake on the market. In that it actually offers noticeable modulation and the ability to appropriately feather the brakes, all while still coming into obstacles.  This allows the rider to hold speed just that much better.

Almost three months on I’ve had no issues, other than the original re-shuffle of the cockpit (although the neon does attract brake dust). Whilst I would certainly be thinking about a brake bleed soon, the brakes show no sign of actually needing to. No creaks or leaks, even with international travel and the odd crash. The Magura MT7 Racelines are more than worth your investment.

They are a premium brake though and expect to pay for it, at $356 an end they aren’t cheap. Though if you’re considering keeping them on for the life of your bike. Give them a shot.