Sea Otter 2010 - Formula Brakes

On display at the Formula booth, was there recently released RX, and the revamped The One and Mega, along with their trick R1. Hidden away in the innards of the booth was some very interesting Skunk Works projects that Chris Costello of Formula Brakes USA was kind enough to show us.

First off, was a lightweight and very powerful brake, that is so far unnamed, so let's call it Uberpower! The brake uses 2 large oval shaped pistons, for maximum pad contact and pressure, without the added issues of a 4 pot system. The squat one-piece forged aluminum caliper offers a stronger and more stable body, and top loading pads!

The flip-flop lever uses the R1 and The One radial master cylinder and split clamp family architecture, but has a reach and pad contact adjuster.

The adjustability on the lever allows for a great deal of tunings. The brakes are so powerful that a 160 should be sufficient for any riding short of downhill, which itself should only require a 180! A guesstimate for the weight (brake, mount, rotor) should in the low 300 grams?

Next up is a unique entry, a Formula Fork! Formula has jumped into the crowded suspension business with a XC fork, with travel from 80-115mm (internally adjusted). The aluminum air fork, has 33mm stanchions (yes a bit odd), compression and rebound adjustments, a lockout, and a forged crown (drilled out). The fork felt about 1350-1400 grams in weight?

Last but not least were some wheel products. They have a mountain bike wheelset that uses scandium-alloy rims (350 grams?), forged aluminum hub shells, tethered together with 24 straight-pull Sapim CX-Ray stainless steel spokes.

The alloy freehub uses 4 pawls with 10 degrees of engagement. Weight should come in under 1400 grams?

Chris also showed a trick carbon clincher rim (low 200's) for tubular tires.