Clarks' CRS brakes bring premium features to a reasonable price point

Dec 29, 2023

We check out the new CRS C2 and C4 disc brakes

This competition is now closed

By Nick Clark

Published: May 10, 2023 at 12:00 pm

Clark's 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.

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.

Clarks’ intention was to produce competition-level brakes, with the brand saying both models are suitable for downhill mountain bikes and electric mountain bikes.

The brakes are available now, with the CSR C2 priced at £129.99 and the CSR C4 at £199.99.

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’d aluminium with anodised finishing – though the Clarks brakes are only available in black.

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.

Clarks has designed the lever blades to fit two fingers, though most riders will prefer to use just one.

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.

Both brakes allow for lever adjustment, with the CSR C2 using a 2mm Allen key placed on the lever's blade to bring the blade closer to the bar.

The CSR C4 uses a small thumb screw for tool-free adjustment, though a 2mm hex bolt is hidden within for tool adjustment.

A split clamp is used to attach the lever to the bar, which looks to make the brakes easy to push onto the bars.

The clamp has gnarled contact points where it grips the bars to ensure the brakes stay in place.

Clarks says it has decided to use mineral oil instead of DOT fluid for its brakes because it's less harmful to the environment.

Shimano uses mineral oil in its hydraulic brakes for similar reasons, because mineral oil doesn't carry the risk of damaging your skin when working on your brakes, unlike DOT fluid.

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.

Both brakes appear to use Shimano brake pads, which should make finding spares easier than having proprietary pads.

Similar to Shimano's high-end mountain bike brakes, the CSR C4 uses cooling fin pads to disperse heat generated through braking.

The pads are held in place by a 3mm Allen key, which sits flush with the caliper once screwed in.

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.

Digital Writer

Nick Clark is a digital writer for BikeRadar, focusing on all things mountain bikes. Having raced XC for most of his youth, he has a deep understanding of the sport and loves bounding around the UK to spectate at events. A mountain biker at heart, Nick helped create a community of trail builders in his local forest in North Wales. Nick also loves road cycling, where he has completed the holy trinity of spectating at all three grand tours in their host countries. Described as having a good engine in his racing days, it's now common to see Nick wheel-sucking on club rides and sprinting for town signs. He also enjoys bike touring and has completed numerous travels on the west coast of Europe, most recently riding from Lisbon to Roscoff. Nick has built many of his bikes from the frame up and has a keen eye for technical detail. He is currently riding a YT Capra on the trails and a Focus Izalco Max for the road.

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