Shigura or replace brakes?

[Chainbreaker]

So, my MT7s have just started leaking at the master cylinder on one of the levers and looks like they are non-servicable, the only fix is to replace the lever.

I'm loath to spend £100 on a new lever as although the brakes work well, they're a nightmare to setup and maintain. They constantly need bled, pads and discs always rub etc. The levers definitely lack in quality as well.

I'm half tempted to cut my losses and just upgrade to a set of Hope v4s or mavens.

But I also hear that shigura is a huge improvement over the stock setup, and is definitely the more affordable option.

What does everyone recommend?

 

[VWsurfbum]

I have never had an issue with any of my Magura levers (but I know others have) I have them on all my bikes and have done so for about 7 years now.
I was recently gifted a set of MT7 callipers where the levers had been broken, so I bought a cheap set of levers from AliExpress for my HT, they work as expected and look pretty.

 

[cozzy]

I was very happy when i ran xt levers with mt7 calipers a few years ago. They were only about £25 each. Probably more these days.
Edit. When i say a few years, more likely 7 years

 

[Bear-uk]

Xt servo wave on my MT5s but they were about £40 each
Working well though

 

[jackamo]

Put XTs on my mt7s , best thing I ever did .
You can pick the pair up for just over £80 in the UK . But hunting around i'm sure you'll find cheaper .

 

[Tom Sellers]

I placed (probably fake) XT levers on my (mineral oil) magura system to make it into a 'Shamgura' system. Still working well after 4 months. You just have to change the olive and nut on the compression fitting to mount the XT levers on your existing hydraulic lines. (Shimano BH90 olive, nut, and barbed insert designed for BH90 hoses). If you have a legacy Magura system that used DOT, then that may be more problematic.

 

[VWsurfbum]

Maguras are not dot fluid?

 

[Tom Sellers]

Maguras are not dot fluid?

Mine were not, so I asked AI if they ever used DOT. Here is what it told me:

Magura has never used DOT fluid in their bicycle brake systems. Since their first hydraulic brakes, Magura has consistently used their proprietary Royal Blood mineral oil as the hydraulic fluid.

I used generic mineral oil with no issues. And BTW
"Shigura" = real Shimano levers
"Shamgura" = fake Shimano levers (eg: sourced from Ali Express)

 

[Stihldog]

So, my MT7s have just started leaking at the master cylinder on one of the levers and looks like they are non-servicable, the only fix is to replace…

Actually the master cylinder is serviceable on the MT7’s, unless the body is cracked. A new piston/plunger, O rings and seals are available in a small kit.

You’ll need to do a lever bleed after though. Also, the lever bleed screw can easily be stripped. That could be a source of mineral fluid.

I’ve never rebuilt the MT7’s calliper though. I suppose regular servicing and cleaning helps there.

Magura brake systems are a pita to setup properly …but they work so good.

 

[Jdof]

After years with the MT7 with HC3 levers I jumped to the shigura combo. XTR 9120/MT7 calipers. This is simply amazing. The feeling is very solid, very powerful. Happy with the change. I got 4 MT7 broken levers at home that I been collecting through the years.

 

[Eliadn]

I also have XT levers with MT5 calipers, it's much better than spongy Magura levers. And after countless bleeds, I decided to ditch them.

The only issue is since I got just the levers, they don't come with compression nuts. Couldn't find the original Shimano so I got some Jagwire ones. They are too long so the rubber hose cover doesn't sit all the way down the lever body.

 

[Tom Sellers]

If you need them sooner rather than later, you can source the Jagwire kit for XT levers from Amazon for $21.45. If you have more time, as noted above, they sell the parts required for your hydraulic line to fit Shimano levers on Ali Express. I bought a set of 3 for $4.00 (look for "Set BH59 BH90 MTB Brake Hose Kit"). You need the BH90. For another $11.00 or so you can add a tool that will press the pin into your line properly instead of having to tap it into place. Look for: "Hydraulic Disc Brake Hose Cutter"