{"id":49164,"date":"2023-05-10T13:00:26","date_gmt":"2023-05-10T11:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=727099"},"modified":"2023-05-10T13:35:34","modified_gmt":"2023-05-10T11:35:34","slug":"clarks-crs-brakes-bring-premium-features-to-a-reasonable-price-point","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/clarks-crs-brakes-bring-premium-features-to-a-reasonable-price-point\/","title":{"rendered":"Clarks\u2019 CRS brakes bring premium features to a reasonable price point"},"content":{"rendered":"

We check out the new CRS C2 and C4 disc brakes <\/p>

By Nick Clark\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 10 May 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Clark\u2019s is known for producing entry-level hydraulic brakes and components, but its new Clarks Race Series brakes feature premium CNC construction and lever adjustment and are aimed at competitive riders.<\/p>\n

The new CRS range includes the CRS C2 two-piston and CRS C4 four-piston brakes using single-piece CNC calipers with self-adjusting pistons.<\/p>\n

Clarks\u2019 intention was to produce competition-level brakes, with the brand saying both models are suitable for downhill mountain bikes<\/a> and electric mountain bikes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The brakes are available now, with the CSR C2 priced at \u00a3129.99 and the CSR C4 at \u00a3199.99.<\/p>\n

Carved-out calipers<\/h2>\n
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The calipers certainly look high-end, with Hope-esque styling.<\/span><\/figcaption> Stan Portus \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

On the face of it, the new CRS brakes seem to bring Hope Tech looks to an entry-level price point. Both brakes use CNC\u2019d aluminium with anodised finishing \u2013 though the Clarks brakes are only available in black.<\/p>\n

CNC machining removes layers from a block of metal, carving out the component. It is an alternative to forging, where molten metal is poured into dies to create components.<\/p>\n

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The levers have a somewhat Trickstuff appearance.<\/span><\/figcaption> Stan Portus \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Clarks has designed the lever blades to fit two fingers, though most riders will prefer to use just one.<\/p>\n

The lever blades are aggressively shaped, with the ends flaring outward to stop your fingers from slipping off. They also feature cut-outs for weight savings, with the CSR C4 having a perforated leading edge for extra grip.<\/p>\n

Reach adjust<\/h2>\n
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Only the CRS C4 lever has tool-free reach adjust.<\/span><\/figcaption> Stan Portus \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Both brakes allow for lever adjustment, with the CSR C2 using a 2mm Allen key placed on the lever\u2019s blade to bring the blade closer to the bar.<\/p>\n

The CSR C4 uses a small thumb screw for tool-free adjustment, though a 2mm hex bolt is hidden within for tool adjustment.<\/p>\n

A split clamp is used to attach the lever to the bar, which looks to make the brakes easy to push onto the bars.<\/p>\n

The clamp has gnarled contact points where it grips the bars to ensure the brakes stay in place.<\/p>\n

Clarks says it has decided to use mineral oil instead of DOT fluid<\/a> for its brakes because it\u2019s less harmful to the environment.<\/p>\n

Shimano uses mineral oil in its hydraulic brakes for similar reasons, because mineral oil doesn\u2019t carry the risk of damaging your skin when working on your brakes, unlike DOT fluid.<\/p>\n

Performance pistons<\/h2>\n
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Brakes, cables and rotors are all included in the price.<\/span><\/figcaption> Stan Portus \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The calipers are post-mounted and have self-adjusting pistons, with the CSR C2 using two 22mm steel pistons, and the CSR C4 using four 14mm steel pistons.<\/p>\n

Both brakes appear to use Shimano brake pads, which should make finding spares easier than having proprietary pads.<\/p>\n

Similar to Shimano\u2019s high-end mountain bike brakes<\/a>, the CSR C4 uses cooling fin pads to disperse heat generated through braking.<\/p>\n

The pads are held in place by a 3mm Allen key, which sits flush with the caliper once screwed in.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s unusual to see floating rotors at this price point.<\/span><\/figcaption> Stan Portus \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The brakes come with floating rotors that feature aluminium inners connected to a steel braking band. The rotors are available in 160mm, 180mm and 203mm sizes.<\/p>\n