In 1987, Magura presented the first hydraulic brake for mountain bikes. 25 years later, the same company developed hydraulic rim brakes for road bikes. Together with aerodynamics expert Cervélo, the traditional Swabian company presents the world's lightest and fastest hydraulic rim brake for the road, the "RT8 TT" - accompanied by the motto: "Aerodynamics by Cervélo, Hydraulics by Magura". The braking power and modulation should set new standards in the triathlon and road bike sector. This enables effective "speed management" on descents and before corners, allowing the rider to gain race-deciding seconds. In collaboration with Cervélo, Magura designed the new brake with the help of a streamlined wind tunnel. The brake bodies are aerodynamically clad, the hydraulic lines are hidden inside the tubes and the brake levers are designed as aerofoil profiles.

Magura touts the "RT8 TT" as a hydraulic rim brake with decisive advantages compared to mechanical rim brakes. Firstly: the friction loss thanks to the hydraulics is significantly lower and enables a higher braking efficiency. Secondly, hydraulic lines can be routed in particularly tight radii compared to cables. Both of these factors enable optimum modulation. In addition, only low manual forces are required for high braking power. The result is powerful deceleration with optimum modulation. "On descents, the rider can brake later and more sharply, potentially gaining race-deciding seconds in the meters before the corner. In addition, the RT8 converts even low manual force into high braking power thanks to its high efficiency. It is therefore also ideally tailored to the needs of women," explains Magura's Marketing Manager Götz Braun.

Lightweight construction and low maintenance

The "RT8 TT" is designed for minimum weight: The carbon brake levers save weight, as do the light and stiff aluminum brake bodies. The result is the lightest hydraulic road bike brake currently on the market at approx. 495 grams. According to Magura, the brake is also completely resistant to dirt, dust and water. Thanks to a "quick release", the wheel can also be removed in a matter of seconds. As with all other brakes from Bad Urach, mineral oil is used as the braking medium.

Exclusive race premiere in 2012

In the 2012 season, the brake will be fitted exclusively to Cervélo's "P5" time trial machine. The new hydraulic stopper has already been approved by the International Cycling Union (UCI). The brake will celebrate its race premiere in mid-March at the Ironman in Australia. As a sponsor of the Garmin-Barracuda team, Magura is also bringing the brake innovation to the start of the Tour de France time trial.

Variants of the "RT8 TT"

In addition to the "RT8 TT" triathlon brake, the "RT8 converter" road bike brake will also be available in 2012. There will also be a cheaper version of both models - the "RT6 TT and the "RT6 converter". The first availability in stores is given as June 2012.