The ZRACE XG4 flat mount four-piston brake calipers are praised for their powerful braking, lightweight CNC construction, and low cost, making them an attractive upgrade for road and gravel bikes. However, they require careful setup (not pre-bled) and have potential reliability concerns due to limited long-term data and a design copied from Hope RX4.
Pros
- Exceptional braking power and modulation, with a 6% increase in braking force compared to standard two-piston calipers12
- Lightweight: ~70g lighter than Shimano 8070 calipers, and 111g vs 131g for L2 calipers32
- Affordable: £52-75 per set, under €80 delivered213
- Available in multiple colors (green, blue, purple, silver, black)21
- Improved braking performance over stock calipers, with no problems after months of use1
- Straightforward installation and easy to bleed2
- One-piece CNC construction adds rigidity and durability21
- Better for heavier setups like bikepacking and loose surfaces due to improved modulation1
Cons
- Not pre-bled; requires user to add fluid and set up the system2
- More sensitive to rotor alignment, causing rub if slightly misaligned2
- Potential bleeding and pad clearance problems, similar to Hope RX43
- Limited user experiences and reviews, making reliability uncertain3
- Lacks the sharp initial bite of Shimano calipers3
- Slightly softer initial brake pull due to larger piston surface area1
- Twice the chance of piston seal failure compared to two-piston calipers1
- Phenolic resin pistons may be less durable than ceramic or aluminum1
Reviews & Ratings
12:30The reviewer purchased a set of ZRACE XG4 brake calipers from AliExpress to replace incompatible L2 calipers on their gravel bike. They describe the calipers as having a very in-your-face green color (available in various colors), a four-piston design, a one-piece construction with no joining seam, and being noticeably lightweight. After installation and testing, the reviewer was very impressed with their performance, stating they feel incredibly powerful with direct lever actuation, confident lever feel without mushiness, and good modulation. The calipers completely fixed the mounting problems with the frame and were straightforward to set up and bleed.
17:04The reviewer discusses the ZRACE XG4 Flat Mount 4 pistons Caliper extensively throughout the video. They mention purchasing these calipers from AliExpress, noting their excitement about the four-piston design, which is unusual for road bikes. The reviewer highlights the calipers' lightweight CNC construction, flat mount compatibility, and the inclusion of ICE-TECH pads. They compare the design to Hope RX4 calipers but note the significant price difference. The reviewer installs the calipers, tests them extensively, and finds them to offer exceptional braking power and modulation, though they acknowledge the calipers are overkill for most road biking scenarios.
10:21The reviewer states they purchased the ZRACE XG4 four-piston calipers as an upgrade for their road bike, finding them to be a significant improvement in braking performance over their stock calipers. They have been using them for a few months with no problems.
The ZRACE XG4 is a flat mount four-piston caliper discussed as a budget-friendly alternative to premium options like Hope RX4+ and Shimano 9270/8170. Users note it's a copy of the Hope RX4+ design, offering significant weight savings (around 70g lighter than Shimano 8070 calipers) at a much lower price point (under €80 delivered). Concerns exist about potential issues with bleeding, pad clearance, and reliability, similar to problems reported with the original Hope RX4. It's suggested that bleeding may require specific kits, and user experiences are limited, with recommendations to seek more information on specialized forums.
AI Summary
Pros
- Significant weight savings compared to Shimano 8070 calipers (about 70g lighter)
- Very affordable price (under €80 delivered), making it a low-risk option
- Considered an improvement over older 11-speed Shimano calipers for braking performance
Cons
- Potential bleeding and pad clearance problems, similar to issues with Hope RX4 calipers
- Limited user experiences and reviews available, making reliability uncertain
- Lacks the sharp initial bite that some users prefer in Shimano calipers
Key Points
- Flat mount four-piston design
- Copy of Hope RX4+
- Weight savings of ~70g vs. Shimano 8070
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
ZRACE XG4 Flat Mount 4 pistons Caliper, Road Hydraulic Brake Caliper, ICE-TECH Pads, BMX Raceing Caliper, Full CNC Lightweight，F
ZRACE XG4 flach montierter Vierkolben-Bremssattel, hydraulischer StraÃenbremssattel, Bremsbeläge mit Eistechnik, leicht, CNC - AliExpress 18
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