The Magura MT8 Pro is a lightweight disc brake designed primarily for cross-country riding, delivering a surprising amount of power from its two-piston calipers. While it requires some setup time, once installed, it offers excellent power, modulation and impressive brake pad durability. How do they stack up against the best mountain bike brakes? Read on to find out.
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Magura MT8 Pro brakes – Technical details
Magura has been a key player in the bicycle industry since the early days of disc brakes. With its roots in hydraulics dating back to 1893, the brand remains iconic for products like the HS33 rim brake.
The MT series caters to a wide range of price points and riding styles, offering both two- and four-piston options alongside various lever designs with numerous combinations available. In the cross-country segment, the MT8 Pro sits just below the flagship MT8 SL. Both use lightweight two-piston Carbotecture SL calipers and one-finger brake levers, with the primary distinction being the Pro’s aluminium tool-free reach adjust lever instead of carbon fibre.
The MT8 Pro features a flip-flop lever, with a fixed hose length of 2,150mm — meaning a cut-and-bleed process is necessary for almost all installations, both front and rear.
Magura’s lever is constructed from Carbotecture SL, a carbon-infused plastic material claimed to be highly impact- and tear-resistant, elastic, and 50 per cent lighter than aluminium. The one-finger lever blade is made from aluminium and features a tool-free reach adjustment dial. The lever attaches to the handlebar with a split clamp using T25 bolts.
The caliper utilises a broad two-piston design and is only available in a post-mount version. A unique feature is the absence of a spring between the brake pads — instead, the pads attach magnetically to the pistons. The wide opening above the caliper, combined with the lack of a spring, makes pad changes simple.
Magura is renowned among weight-conscious riders for its lightweight brakes. Although the MT8 Pro is slightly heavier than the SL, its weight remains impressive. Straight out of the box, with an uncut hose, it weighs 224g. Trimming the hose for a front brake can save approximately 30g. Factoring in a 180mm Storm SL rotor (120g), a 160mm rotor (102g), steel rotor bolts (12g), and a +20 caliper adapter with bolts (40g), the lowest possible system weight is approximately 308g.
Magura also offers customisation through its #CUSTOMIZEYOURBRAKE portal, allowing users to personalise the lever area’s branding and design.
Magura MT8 Pro brakes – Performance
Given the flip-flop lever and long 2,150mm hose, trimming is required for at least the front brake on all bikes. Although a new olive and insert are included, I hoped to avoid a re-bleed by being careful not to lose fluid when reconnecting. However, significant lever travel indicated air had entered the system.
The bleeding process following a hose cut is relatively straightforward for DIY enthusiasts, using a single-syringe setup. The system uses mineral oil, with bleeding involving simple push-and-pull actions on the syringe from the lever. Although my first bleed felt firm initially, air emerged after the first ride. A second, more thorough bleed resolved the issue, providing consistent lever feel on all following rides.
Magura brakes are known for exceptional modulation. Riders accustomed to brakes with an immediate, sharp bite may find them soft and feel underpowered. While the MT8 Pro lacks the aggressive initial power of SRAM Level brakes, it delivers strong performance, especially with a 180mm rotor up front. The power-to-weight ratio is impressive for a two-piston caliper.
The one-finger lever design is excellent with a pronounced hook at the tip to secure your finger. The lever’s shape, travel, and feel offer a comfortable, controlled braking experience, even for riders with smaller hands. Unlike some brakes, it never bottomed out against the handlebar when set close to minimal lever travel.
After initial setup issues, the only required adjustments related to pad wear. The caliper doesn’t always self-adjust properly, necessitating occasional piston resets when changing pads. The lever lacks bite-point adjustment, but I didn’t miss it, as the bite point is early in the stroke.
Magura offers three official pad compounds: Sport, Performance and Race. Unlike other brands that use terms such as organic, sintered and metallic, Magura simplifies its range. The Sport pads provide balanced performance, durability and low noise; Performance pads, supplied as standard, excel in prolonged braking; and Race pads maximise stopping power at the expense of longevity and noise. The Performance pads remained quiet throughout testing, with only minor noise in wet conditions — still quieter than many competitors.
Magura MT8 Pro brakes – Verdict
The MT8 Pro is priced at £155 per brake without a rotor or mounting hardware, making it competitively priced among lightweight options. Hope’s XCR Pro X2 brakes are slightly lighter but nearly £100 more expensive per brake, also excluding rotors. The MT8 Pro is similarly priced to mid-tier models from brands like Shimano and SRAM but lighter than both XT and SRAM Level equivalents.
Overall, the MT8 Pro brake set offers impressive power, excellent modulation and competitive pricing. Sharing the same internal lever and caliper construction as the top-tier SL model, it provides exceptional value. With its combination of low weight, high performance, and a lower price point, it stands out as a top choice for cross-country riders.
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Product purpose:
A lightweight brake, maximum performance
The MT8 Pro offers uncompromising performance at competition level.
It’s equipped with a 1-finger aluminium lever blade and features the lightweight Carbotecture SL housing.
CARBOTECTURE SL:
Developed for racing:
Thanks to the Carbotecture SL brake master the MT8 Pro is a real lightweight. Carbotecture SL is a composite material that is not only light but also extremely resistant thanks to its embedded carbon fibres.
1–FINGER HC ALUMINIUM LEVER BLADE:
The popular 1-finger HC aluminium lever blade is used on the MT8 Pro ex works and boasts a tool-free width adjustment.
ELEGANT DESIGN / FINISH
The MT8 Pro’s one-piece 2-piston caliper is made of forged aluminium. This manufacturing method gives the brake caliper an extraordinary degree of rigidity, making the MT8 Pro one of the strongest and most easily-modulated brakes in its segment.
PRICE–PERFORMANCE WONDER
The MT8 Pro has all the features of its big brother – but at an unbeatable price. It’s ideal for riders on a budget who want the best possible performance.
Build extra:
Application: Cross Country, Marathon, Race, Trail, All Mountain, Trekking
Color: Black, Chrome
Pistons brake caliper: 2 pistons
Material Master: Carbotecture SL
Lever blade type: 1-finger HC lever blade
Brake pad: 7.P, Performance
Tubing connection brakecaliper: Rotatable tube connection
Reach Adjust: Tool-less
PU: 1
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The initial setup and re-bleed took longer than with some other brakes I have tested.
