Magura and SQlab Ergonomics Guide For Brake Adjustment
Follow the steps in this Ergonomics Guide For Brake Adjustment to maximize performance.
Every hand is different. That’s why Magura has entered into a collaborative agreement with the cycling ergonomics specialist SQlab. The goal of the two companies is to achieve the best possible ergonomic and unique adjustment possibilities of Magura‘s MT brakes. And you could certainly apply these principals to other brakes as well.
“SQlab has been striving for years to make the interfaces between riders and their bicycles as efficient, comfortable and ergonomic as possible,” explained Max Holz, SQlab Performance Manager. “Our saddles have already proved to be very successful, so now we’re focusing on the point of contact of the hands. The correct lever blade adjustment and our collaboration with Magura is the next important step towards more performance and a trouble-free cockpit.”
The result is an Ergonomics Guide that determines the best possible adjustment of the brake master and lever blade in three steps. Here’s a breakdown.
1. Find ideal brake master position
Position your hand on the handlebar grip so that the outer heel of your hand is flush with the end of the handlebar. Now stretch out your index finger to its natural position (approx. 15°), then move the master inwards until the third finger phalanx is lying on the hook at the end of the tip of the lever blade. This method can also be used for riders who brake with two fingers or middle finger by using the middle finger instead of the index. Hint: To achieve a really sensitive modulation, Magura recommend braking with the third finger phalanx.
A correct hand posture on the brake master avoids over-stretching the wrist. The brake can also be operated without difficulty because you don’t have to change the position of your hand or release the master. Pro Tip: Make a note of the centimeters from the end of the handlebar to the brake master
2. Find your ideal lever blade angle
To determine the ideal lever blade angle, you must use your own saddle-to-bar drop (the difference between saddle height and handlebar height). It generally helps to adjust the lever blade until it aligns with the extended line of the forearm. The nerves that run through the carpal tunnel affect the thumb, index and middle fingers. A too steep or to flat lever blade angle will lead to a kink in the wrist and a narrowing of the carpal tunnel. This in turn leads to numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger and middle finger.
Reference values for handlebar height and angle of inclination:
10 cm handlebar over height: 20 – 25°
10 cm handlebar over height: 25 – 30°
10 cm saddle over height: 30 – 35°
10 cm saddle over height: 35 – 45°
3. Find the ideal lever blade reach
To adjust the reach of your lever blade, first determine your hand size with this reach template PDF, which you can find here. Making the reach too far out can lead to cramping and fatigue of the fingers when braking. Always adjust the reach afterwards at the bite point to match your hand size (S-M-L).
Reach at the bite point:
S: 2 cm
M: 3 cm
L: 4 cm
Magura recommends that after you complete Step 3, you re-check the first step. The settings relate to a general basic position. Fine adjustment to your individual needs where necessary. Important: Make sure that you can grip the lever blade in any situation.
For more information head over to www.magura.com.
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