After conquering the world of motorsport and motorcycles, the very famous French brand Beringer is trying its luck in the world of cycling by unveiling its gravity brakes: the Br4ve. We were lucky enough to be able to try them on the BR-01 from the same office during a hands-on session. Presentation and test:
During the presentation of their BR-01 and BR-02 e-bikes, we were already able to introduce Beringer to you. As a reminder, the French brand of the same name as its founder Gilbert Beringer was created in the 1980s. Starting with the design and manufacture of parts for sidecars, it then launched into the development of braking systems. complete in motorized mechanical sports (car, motorcycle, quad, etc.). Over time, it has been able to create a solid reputation, particularly in the world of competition, going so far as to equip prestigious Formula 1 teams like Ferrari.
In the early 2000s, during a collaboration with the mountain bike brand Koxx, Beringer tried to get a foothold in the world of cycling, but it did not work and the subject was quickly abandoned. Since that time, water has flowed under the bridge and Beringer is trying its luck again and is once again embarking on the cycling adventure by presenting the new Br4ve (or Brave) brakes intended for gravity practices.
Beringer Br4ve: presentation
Before starting, if you are not necessarily familiar with the vocabulary concerning brakes (or to refresh your memory), we invite you to take a look at our episode of MTB Anatomy on the subject: MTB Anatomy #2: the operation of a brake.
Beringer presents its Br4ve as brakes intended for enduro/DH practice. Being a more than recognized player in the world of motorcycle braking, Beringer has relied on its know-how in the field with the desire to carve out a place at the top of the category.
In the same way as the English brand Hope (much better known in the world of cycling) does it in England, Beringer has chosen to manufacture these brakes using a CNC machining method in France, unlike major brands like Sram or Shimano which use molded parts. When we talk about molded or machined parts, we are referring to their manufacturing methods. It is impossible to say which method is better than another because each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.
Machining, unlike molded parts, is a manufacturing method by material removal. We start with a block of metal from which we “cut” our part by removing material from certain locations to give it its final shape. The main advantage of machining is that much finer and more precise tolerances and fits can be obtained with higher quality requirements than casting without the need for a subsequent step. The choice of metals is also greater and it is quicker to go from design to manufacturing. Taken alone, however, this step is longer and more expensive than for a molded part.
The foundry (cast part) consists of using a mold filled with molten metal. This method allows you to create more complex shapes, particularly for hollows or cavities. The mold is the main cost of this method but once ready for use, the manufacturing time of the parts is very short and any excess metal can easily be remelted and reintroduced into the manufacturing line or recycled. Having a mold is an advantage when we are talking about large series, but the more we go on small productions the more restrictive it is, because its design and manufacturing cost is far too high to be able to be cushioned
On the master cylinder, there is a lever mounted on bearings whose role is to minimize the effort required to activate the brakes, but also to reduce the time it takes to return to the initial position once released.
In terms of adjustment and ergonomics, there is a lever clearance adjustment screw (distance of the lever in relation to the handle) which can be used without tools. A “dead travel” adjustment screw (distance traveled by the lever before the pads come into contact with the disc) is also present and factory adjusted in an “optimal” manner according to Beringer, but we will have the opportunity to come back.
Made with the same method as the master cylinders (CNC machining), the calipers do not appear particularly massive. Like almost all brakes in the enduro/DH sector, the Br4ves have 4 pistons. Made of stainless steel (stainless steel), these pistons are magnetic to facilitate the sliding of the pads when releasing the brakes, but also serve to facilitate the assembly/disassembly of the pads.
Beringer Br4ve: customization and price
On the price side, Beringer offers a price that matches their ambitions! The pair of brakes is delivered without discs (calipers compatible with discs up to 2.3 mm) and is priced from €999 in black color or in limited edition MY24 royal purple (black and purple).
You can choose (from 8 options) the anodizing color of each element in a “full custom” version with a supplement of €100. In this totally personalized configuration, the Br4ve reaches €1199, which is no longer far from the elitist – but with a solid reputation – Trickstuff Maxima priced at €1300.
For information, when purchasing a Br4ve brake kit, you will receive in addition to the pair of brakes, a bleeder screw, a bleeder shim (also CNC machined), 100 mL of DOT 4, but also 2 pairs of pads per caliper, both semi-organic. Contrary to what one might believe, the red pads are “classic” pads while the green pads are “performance” pads, pre-lapped with a greater percentage of metal and therefore more heat resistant. than the reds.
When purchasing a kit, the brakes arrive unbleded. It will therefore be useful for you to take a look at the Beringer YouTube channel to access some very well-made tutorial videos. In terms of weight, the front brake is announced at 285 g (with an 85 cm hose), which is rather light if we compare it to the Sram Maven Ultimate and its 362 g.
Beringer Br4ve: the field test
For this handling, it is on the handlebars of the BR-01 in limited edition (50 copies only) that we find the Br4ve brakes. If you want to learn more about the bike, you can find our first impressions of the bike in its presentation (updated for the occasion).
Let us remember all the same, this is only a handling and not a long-term test, but within the editorial staff, whether by the image of Beringer in the world of motor sports or by their price, expectations were high regarding these Br4ves.
Those most familiar with the brand know that, in addition to their power and excellent heat management, Beringer motorcycle brakes are distinguished by a particular feel. For those who have never had the opportunity to put their finger on this type of system, we could describe the braking sensation with a clear point of contact while then having a very progressive dosage and it is exactly this sensation that found on the Br4ve brakes.
The distance before the point of contact (“dead” travel) is slightly shorter than that obtained on Shimano XT (4 pistons) without reaching the level of Formula Cura 2 (very low travel). We mentioned it just before, even if the stroke is optimized from the factory, a screw for adjusting this stroke is located on the master cylinder and its action is really felt, even going so far as to eliminate the “dead” stroke !
Be careful though, you will have to be very careful if you feel like working on it. By screwing it in, after a certain point, the braking system operates in a closed circuit (no more exchange with the expansion tank) and if the wear of the pads continues to increase, the volume of available fluid does not change. and will therefore gradually no longer be sufficient to operate the pistons. Anyway, hello trees.
In terms of power, the Br4ves have more than enough to satisfy you without it being excessive. The more you press, the more it brakes, but you still have to feel it. Indeed, the Br4ve transmits very little sensation through the lever. Apart from the sensation of deceleration in your body to help you gauge your braking, you will have to concentrate more on the position of your finger rather than on the force you apply. Good or bad, we would rather say that it is a question of preference and even within the editorial staff this point divides, some people really struggle while others love it.
A point that divides much less is the slight variations in the point of contact. If this kind of thing can happen on other brakes (sensations quite close to what one can encounter on Shimano XT for example) and these are relatively weak, on brakes of this level of range (and at the price that accompanies them), these few surprises when applying the brakes are difficult to accept.
It is important to point out that this is not a question of poor brake resistance over long periods of braking where the brakes are held, because on the contrary, the Br4ves are excellent in their resistance to heating (even without be equipped with performance pads). This is indeed a variation of the “dead” ride, generally after a short period without braking.
The final word
To conclude, Beringer offers with its Br4ve very beautiful pieces made in France. With its experience in motor sports, the very particular touch specific to Beringer is worth trying to find out if you will be one of the people who love it or on the contrary who do not like it. In which case the few defects they suffer from can be accepted (even if it remains complicated at this price) and you will be reassured by their excellent durability during long, hard braking. Concerning the first series, it will be interesting to follow their evolution in order to see if Beringer will make corrections which would make it possible to reposition the Br4ve as a serious competitor in very high-end gravity brakes.
For more information, visit the Beringer website.
