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Reviews & Ratings
This AliExpress bike upgrade is too powerful...
The 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.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Exceptional braking power
- Improved modulation
- Lightweight CNC construction
- Flat mount compatibility for easy installation on road bikes
- Includes ICE-TECH pads
- Higher ceiling for brake fade resistance
- Good for heavier bike setups like bikepacking
- Better for loose and gravelly surfaces due to improved modulation
- Affordable compared to similar products like Hope RX4
Cons
- Complete overkill for most road biking scenarios
- Slightly softer initial brake pull due to larger piston surface area
- Twice the chance for piston seal failure compared to two-piston calipers
- Phenolic resin pistons may not be as durable as ceramic or aluminum
- Requires more careful bleeding process
Key Points
- Four-piston design
- Flat mount compatible
- ICE-TECH pads included
- Phenolic resin pistons
- Total piston surface area of 804 mm²
- Weighs 109g per caliper
- Uses same pad size as Hope RX4 calipers
- 6% increase in braking force compared to standard two-piston calipers
AliExpress has some SERIOUSLY colourful bike tech
The 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.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Really, really cool look
- Definite upgrade in braking performance over stock calipers
- No problems after months of use
- Available in multiple colors (black, silver, green, blue, purple)
Cons
- Not crazy cheap (75 GBP for a set)
Key Points
- Four-piston brake calipers
- Flat mount
- 75 GBP for a set
- Compatible with mineral oil, not DOT fluid
£50 AliExpress 4 Piston Brakes, Any Good? ZRACE XG4 Review
The 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.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Completely fixed the mounting problems with the Light Carbon frame
- Look incredible on the bike, adding a splash of color
- Straightforward setup and installation
- Easy to bleed
- Performed amazingly on the trails
- Feel incredibly powerful
- Have a really direct lever actuation
- Confident lever feel, not mushy
- Good modulation
- Lightweight
- One-piece design
- Available in a variety of colors
- Significantly cheaper than UK alternatives like Shimano 105
- Definite buy for standalone mineral oil calipers
Cons
- Do not come pre-bled; the system is completely empty and requires the user to add fluid and set everything up
- More sensitive to rotor alignment than some other calipers (e.g., Jura Ace), making them rub more easily if slightly misaligned
Key Points
- Four-piston design
- Flat mount
- Road hydraulic brake caliper
- Compatible with mineral oil (also available in DOT fluid versions)
- One-piece CNC design with no joining seam
- Lightweight (111g per caliper vs 131g for L2 caliper)
- Comes with empty hoses, mounting hardware, barbs, olives, and compression nuts
- Cost £52 for a pair
- ZRACE is described as a common brand on AliExpress, not a no-name part
Where to Buy
