MAGURA Race Pro Brake Test: Is This the MT7 Successor You've Been Waiting For?

James Moore · 2026-09-17

### The New Contender: MAGURA Race Pro MAGURA has been a staple in the mountain biking world for years, and their MT7 brake has a loyal following. But now, they're shaking things up with the Race Pro—a brake that's not just an update but a bold statement. Priced at $759.99 for the set (converted from €699.80), it's aimed at racers and riders who demand the best. But does it live up to the hype? Let's dig in. ### From Carbotecture to CNC Aluminium One of the first things you'll notice about the Race Pro is its construction. MAGURA has moved away from their signature Carbotecture material and gone all-in on aluminium. The master cylinder, clamp, and lever are all machined from aluminium, giving it a premium look and feel. The caliper is also CNC-machined, with material removed to save weight. At just 10.9 ounces per brake (including a 3.3-foot hose), it's impressively light. The change to aluminium isn't just about aesthetics—it's about durability. Carbotecture had its fans, but it also had its detractors who worried about crash damage. Aluminium should offer more robustness, though only time will tell. ### Bigger Pistons, Better Performance? MAGURA has increased the size of both the master and caliper pistons. The master piston goes from 10mm to 12mm, and each of the four caliper pistons grows from 17mm to 19mm. But bigger isn't always better—it's how everything works together. MAGURA has focused on reducing friction with an anodised piston bore and a ball-bearing lever pivot. The result is a lever feel that's light and consistent, with no play developing over time. The brake uses a radial design, meaning the lever acts almost directly on the master piston. This gives a very linear and predictable power delivery. You won't get a sudden grab; instead, power builds smoothly as you pull the lever. ### On the Trail: Power and Modulation So how does it perform? MAGURA claims this is their most powerful and precise brake yet. In testing, it certainly delivers strong stopping power with minimal finger effort. The modulation is excellent—you can feather the brakes in technical sections without fear of locking up. It's designed for enduro and e-MTB, but it's light enough for trail and even cross-country bikes. However, the premium price puts it up against stiff competition. Is it worth the extra cash? If you're a weight-conscious racer or someone who values a precise lever feel, absolutely. But if you're on a budget, there are other options that offer similar performance for less. ### Serviceability and Maintenance MAGURA has also made some clever service improvements. The brake is designed to be easy to bleed and maintain, with accessible bleed ports and a straightforward process. That's a big plus for riders who like to do their own maintenance. ### The Verdict The MAGURA Race Pro is a significant step up from the MT7. It addresses many of the criticisms of its predecessor—lever feel, material choice, and serviceability—while boosting power and modulation. At $759.99, it's a serious investment, but for those who demand the best, it's money well spent. > "The Race Pro isn't just a brake; it's a statement. MAGURA has listened to riders and delivered a product that's ready to race straight out of the box." If you're in the market for a high-end brake that combines power, precision, and durability, the Race Pro should be on your shortlist. Just be prepared to pay for it.