Hope Has Evolved: Unleashing the New Era of Evo Brakes

Gavin Richardson - 25 June 2025

Hope Evo Brakes Need to Know

The Evo name isn’t just a marketing upgrade—this is a true evolution. Hope has taken everything riders loved about their previous brakes and applied fresh engineering, updated materials, and subtle ergonomic tweaks to elevate both feel and performance.

The new Evo range is designed to be more powerful, more adjustable, and more responsive than ever before.

Evo's New Lever Design

Hope Evo Brakes: What’s New?

The Evo brakes feature several key changes under the hood. Hope has focused on reducing internal friction, improving lever feel, and increasing modulation.

The lever internals have been reworked for a smoother pull, while piston and seal design updates ensure better efficiency and longer-lasting performance.

3 new lever designs to create your ideal lever feel. 

A bleed port has been added to the master cylinder! No more removing the lid and diaphram to bleed the brake. 

Hope's New Lever Piston Design

Hope’s New Evo Brake Models

The Evo upgrade is being applied across multiple models in Hope’s lineup.

Each model keeps the core identity of its predecessor but gains notable performance boosts through Evo-specific upgrades.

Evo GR4

Hope’s gravity powerhouse, the GR4 delivers maximum stopping force with high heat resistance for gravity and e-bike riders.

Evo TR4

Perfect for trail riding, this model offers powerful four-piston braking with improved feel and control.

Evo X2

Optimized for XC and lightweight trail setups, the X2 Evo balances power and weight beautifully.

Choice of Lever

All Evo brake models come with Hope’s redesigned standard lever, which offers improved ergonomics, and better feedback. Riders can fine-tune both the reach and bite point to their preferences as usual, making the Evo system adaptable for different hand sizes and riding styles.

All Brakes come with the STANDARD lever, but you have the choice to upgrade your lever to either their POWER lever or CONTROL lever.

Standard

A balance of lever feel, power and adjustment

Power

Power is tailored for users that position the lever further away from the bars, allows for 5mm more outward adjustment than STD. Increased length generates more mechanical leverage and compensates for lever a position further away from the pivot point.

Control

Optimized for a closer position to the handlebars, the lever blade can be adjusted 5mm further inward compared to the standard version. Its slightly shorter length preserves lever feel by compensating for the altered hand position and biomechanics.

The Master Cylinder

One of the most important changes in the Evo line lies in the redesigned master cylinder.

This update is key to the improved lever feel, as Hope has optimized the ratio between lever travel and braking force.

The reduced internal friction and smoother sealing system lead to more consistent braking performance even during long descents.

Oh and did I mention they added a bleed port? 

The New Bleed Port!!

Sticking with DOT Fluid

Hope is staying true to its roots by continuing to use DOT 5.1 brake fluid across the Evo range.

While some competitors have moved to mineral oil, Hope stands by the higher boiling point and superior performance of DOT fluid, especially under extreme conditions.

Riders should be aware of proper maintenance and compatibility, but the performance benefits remain clear.

Other Key Updates

Updated caliper design: Subtle machining changes make the calipers lighter without sacrificing strength.

Updated Cam Mechanism: For a firmer brake point and gentle rise in power up to the bite point. Modulation at its best.

Hope Evo Pricing

Pricing for the Evo range is pretty much in line with Hope’s previous models

As of now, you can expect:
Evo X2: starting from approx. £205 per brake

Evo TR4: starting from approx. £225 per brake

Evo GR4: starting from approx. £240 per brake

Hope Evo Brakes Availability

The Hope Evo brakes should be available from the 1st September, with pre orders being taken now! I expect these to be very popular as with all new hope products.

You can contact us to pre order yours either via the chat button or by calling us on 01977 520852.

make sure you don't get stuck in a backlog of orders.

This Is What Hope Have To Say About Their New Brakes

Final Thoughts:

The Evo series cements Hope’s position at the forefront of braking technology. With refined feel, increased power, and that signature Hope build quality, the new Evo brakes are more than just an upgrade - they’re a statement. Whether you're chasing podiums or just demanding the best from your ride, Hope Evo brakes deliver the control you need.

I think I need a set.