Buy, if you want an effective eco-friendly all-rounder.
The Martas have the usual MAGURA qualities of great modulation, power and reliability. Even after a very muddy weekend of riding in the Dales they were silent and as I watched others changing pads with all the fiddly springs involved I felt smug, knowing that if I needed to do the same the magnetized pistons would lock my pads safely and easily into place. The new Martas also have the advantage that ALL new MAGURA disc brakes will share the same great, durable brake pad pattern, making shopping a breeze.
The brake is certainly an evolution rather than a revolution, featuring some small but effective changes. The lever body has slimmed down, which is mostly aesthetic, but the repositioned reach adjust screw is a lot more accessible and the new carbon reservoir cap is in keeping with the SL moniker. The one-piece calliper body looks less bulky with some restyling, which aids heat dissipation.
MAGURA's mad wavy rotor is still present, disturbing the air in the calliper and keeping things cool. In use , the new lever blade feels spot on.
The brake has plenty of power and doesn't grab with its initial bite, making it supremely controllable. We tried our hardest to cook the brakes up, but never felt any fade or glazing. The wavy rotors do give a kind of juddering feel, akin to ABS, but once you're used to it, it doesn't affect their superb performance.
MBUK verdict:
Another great performing lightweight stopper from the German hydraulic meisters.
