The ZRACE XG4 calipers are praised for offering exceptional braking power, modulation, and significant weight savings at an affordable price, but are considered overkill for typical road use and may have reliability concerns similar to the Hope RX4+ design they copy.
Pros
- Exceptional braking power and improved modulation
- Lightweight CNC construction with significant weight savings
- Affordable price compared to premium alternatives
- Available in multiple colors with flat mount compatibility
Cons
- Complete overkill for most road biking scenarios
- Potential bleeding and pad clearance problems similar to Hope RX4+
- More sensitive to rotor alignment than some competitors
- Phenolic resin pistons may be less durable than ceramic or aluminum
Key Facts
- Four-piston design with 804 mm² total piston surface area
- Flat mount compatible for road bike installation
- Weighs 109-111g per caliper
Reviews & Ratings
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
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
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
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
- Price under €80 delivered
- Uses mineral oil fluid
Where to Buy
ZRACE XG4 flach montierter Vierkolben-Bremssattel, hydraulischer StraÃenbremssattel, Bremsbeläge mit Eistechnik, leicht, CNC - AliExpress 18
ZRACE XG4 Flat Mount 4 pistons Caliper, Road Hydraulic Brake Caliper, ICE-TECH Pads, BMX Raceing Caliper, Full CNC Lightweight，F
Questions about ZRACE XG4 Flat Mount 4 pistons Caliper, Road Hydraulic Brake Caliper, ICE-TECH Pads, BMX Raceing Caliper, Full CNC Lightweight，F
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