Review: Formula Oro Puro Brakes

[slave2gravity]

I haven’t seen much in the way of a review of these brakes, so I thought I’d throw up my impressions of them. I first got wind of these gems talking bike builds with mgof for a Knolly Endorphin. Once the bike was finished I got to play with it a bit and walked away knowing that whatever mountain bike I got next, it was going to have Formulas. Now that I own a pair, here’s a more in depth take –

Out of the Box
Initial impressions were “Damn these look sexy” followed immediately by “Holy shit these are light!”. Formula claims 346g for a set. I didn’t bother verifying this scientifically, but my super-accurate hand scale test shows these to be crazy light compared to top offerings from Juicy and Shimano. One review I read complained about the paint finish and “Formula” stenciling. I didn’t see this anywhere, so perhaps it’s a flaw Formula worked out in the past couple of seasons. What I did see what impeccable build quality. The Kevlar braided hoses are a very unique and very cool addition. The carbon levers look awesome. The 200mm front and 180mm rear rotors have a distinctive wave shape and are mounted with titanium bolts.

Installation
I should disclose now that I am not a “wrench”. This was actually my first time installing brakes so I was plenty anxious about botching the job. An hour later though, the brakes were on and perfectly positioned without any rubbing on the rotors. The Formulas come pre-bled. Hoses lengths come in two forms – long or short. I opted for the long ones figuring it’s better to have to cut the lines to get the desired fit. Formula states that you can cut the lines without having to re-bleed the brakes, but from what I hear it only works out that way 50% of the time. I guess I was lucky because I didn’t have any trouble with cutting the lines down. The downside was losing the unique fittings connecting the hose to the levers in replace of more conventional fittings. In case you do need to re-bleed them, it’s the same procedures as Avid.

On the Trail
These brakes just plain rock! ‘Nuff said. The Formulas will force you to redefine your understanding of braking potential because short of a brick wall, nothing will stop your bike quicker. These are most definitely a one-finger brake. Better yet, they never seem to fade. Long descents on the brakes don’t seem to phase them and the Puros are always ready to go again. This is important for a grade A wuss like myself, who spends more time on the brakes then off!  The Puros offer the ability to adjust when the brakes engage in the lever pull with the FCS switch on the inside of the lever blades. There is some noise when riding dustier trails, and I’ve heard the same about wet performance. I have noticed that on rougher terrain the brakes will rub a bit, but they also seem to readjust themselves shortly thereafter. I can really only compare these brakes to Juicys of various levels but I can attest that they blow Avids brakes away.

Conclusion
At $600 plus for a set, these brakes aren’t cheap. However, if light weight, unbeatable performance and stellar looks are important, these are worth selling your assets, kids or a few dime bags of rock to get ahold of. For those on a tighter budget I have played around with the Oros and they are just as powerful and likely perform equally well as the Puros in a slightly heavier package.

[davep]

Cool. How do you like the rest of your ride?

I'm Riding pacifica friday afternoon if you're interested to reaaaaaaaaly test those formulas

[PeachesN'Cream]

I have Formula Oro K 24s and dig em!

Weighing in at 230lbs I can attest to their breaking power, oh and I'm running a 7 in front, 6 in rear. I only have the older shimano XTs to compare them to. They were pretty damn good but the Oro's are great.

Do you have any "play" in your levers? Meaning do they move into the stroke just a tiny bit before they start to push the calipers? Doesn't affect performance at all, they just rattle a bit on the rough when my fingers aren't on the levers. I'm thinking maybe it's time for a bleed.

[Unruly Baker]

I have Formula Oro K 24s and dig em!

If you haven't already, upgrade to the sintered metallic pads after your organic ones wear out. The power difference is substantial. Plus the sintered metallic pads wear about twice as long. Might be a little noisier but adds significant power. The Puro's come with the s.m. pads, that and the lever are the only difference between K24's and Puro's other than paint.

Also, Formula is aweful proud of their spare parts. I had a rock fly up and bend a 180mm rotor and it was over $40 for a new one, I searched high and low for better prices but that is what it cost. Keep your lever clamp bolts just loose enough so if you go down they can rotate rather than breaking a lever or body. The pricing I saw for a new lever and body are also pretty steep.

UB

[PeachesN'Cream]

If you haven't already, upgrade to the sintered metallic pads after your organic ones wear out.

I think I already have sintered metallics. Is there any way to tell on visual alone? My current pad backs are copper colored and have 7C28 on them.

[Unruly Baker]

I think I already have sintered metallics. Is there any way to tell on visual alone? My current pad backs are copper colored and have 7C28 on them.

Yeppers, them sound like the sintered metallic pads. You're set.

UB

[Yukonrider]

Ive wanted formulas for a while, they are just so much $$ But now maybe ill have to make it work...

[slave2gravity]

Cool. How do you like the rest of your ride?

I'm Riding pacifica friday afternoon if you're interested to reaaaaaaaaly test those formulas

The Slayer is definitely the tits, I'm loving how great it climbs for a 6x6 - no noticeable pedal bob! Descending its light and flickable but seemingly very stable. For someone of my modest skill it's a big confidence-inspirer and a bike I'll be able to grow with and take everywhere.

Thanks for the Pacifica invite, but I'm heading to Tahoe late tonight for the weekend to shake the Slayer (and myself) out a bit. I'm guessing the brakes will get plenty testing in there.

[MarsB]

I had a rock fly up and bend a 180mm rotor and it was over $40 for a new one, I searched high and low for better prices but that is what it cost.

Unless I'm missing something, I think you can use any 180mm rotor (not just Fomulas).

[chaka]

great thread, thanks! I've been researching the Oro Puros for awhile, your detailed write-up is helpful.

Long shot - anyone have hands on data to draw a comparison between Avid Juicy Ulitmates and Oro Puros?

[frorider]

sorry, i didn't bother writing up a detailed review on my oro biancos (the polished ones, without the carbon lever but more blingy finish) since there was so many detailed reviews on the turner forum (mtbr) and elsewhere. compared to avids, hayes, hopes, and maguras, i like the formulas best of all.

avoid sticker shock by shopping around. you can get the K24 set (w/ rotors) for $ 350, and the biancos for about 60 bucks more.

[Unruly Baker]

Unless I'm missing something, I think you can use any 180mm rotor (not just Fomulas).

But then the front and back rotors wouldn't match. My OCD would not handle that.............

[truth]

Unless I'm missing something, I think you can use any 180mm rotor (not just Fomulas).

Yep. Already had to replace a rotor I bent and just swapped in the cheapest one I could get ahold of which ended up being a Shimano.

The Formula's are teh good.

[iscariot]

I have K24's on my XC/AM bike. I have nothing but good things to say.