Magura MT5 Disc Brake and Lever [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

Like most things in the mountain bike world brakes are a for the most part a personal preference. When it comes to hydraulic brakes Magura has been in the game since the very beginning of disc brakes. Our friend Mike tells us his thoughts on the Magura MT5 Disc Brake and Lever. Check it out!

Overview

What are the best brakes for the investment put into them? Everyone likes to see their hard-earned cash spent wisely. So I started doing my own research on brakes to figure this out and let me tell you after about a month of research, videos, blog posts, and talking to people from all backgrounds and riding styles I think we came to an answer. After all my homework there was only one thing left to do....go back to WorldWide Cyclery's website and order up some Magura MT5 Disc Brake and Lever. I was even able to get these bad boys on a little bit of a sale! I picked up the front and rear for just under 250$ out the door!!! Got them in and quickly went to work! Magura has some awesome how to set up videos for you online. Just by following their step by step video set up and installation was a breeze. From how to run the lines, cutting all the lines, installing new olives and barbs without even needing a brake bleed!

So let me tell ya my thoughts on these things, the pros and cons and the in-between. So I set these up on my trek hardtail, I’m a bigger guy at 6’6” and around 250 pounds. I run everything from single track to the jump lines at my local downhill park. First of all the power is insane behind these disc brakes. I have these mt5s set up on a set of 180mm rotors front and rear and these things can stop me dead in my tracks. The modulation is awesome in these things, if you want to just feather them on or stop on a dime these things can do that for you. I love the look and the feel of these brakes. I liked them so much I picked up a second set for my enduro bike.

They are very solid and nice-looking brakes with awesome modulation and incredible power.

I honestly think they are an awesome setup for the price range. Now with that being said, I did have some worry’s about them before I got them, and some things you should know. I was a little concerned about the lever blades on them, they are a plastic composite. I was worried about them braking but after a few hundred miles and a couple of pretty good crashes, they are still in one piece and working perfectly. Magura does sell an aluminum lever blade you can upgrade too if you are really worried about it. With that, the only thing I wish they had was contact point adjustment, but after a couple of rides I didn’t even notice and they felt natural. So I guess in the end I would 10/10 recommend these to anyone that is looking to upgrade. I’d be willing to bet you won’t be disappointed.  I honestly think they are some of the best brakes for the money! Set up was a breeze front and rears took under an hour and Magura supplies extra barbs and olive for you to cut your houses if need be.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for an awesome set of 4 pot brakes without going crazy on price but don’t want to break the bank and sacrifice performance! The Magura MT5s are for you.