$1000 Brakes Not Good Enough? Here's an Upgrade.
For riders seeking the absolute best gear that money can buy, there seems to be no limit to how much they are willing to spend. Top-of-the-line components made of space-age materials, and weight savings that are counted in mere grams, have become the cultural norm of our sport. Products best described as bespoke end up being marketed as revolutionary—and, in a sense, necessary. While it’s great to see companies pushing the limits of what’s possible, I’m not sure that this is the future that mountain biking needs, or frankly deserves.
Enter Gravity Components, a German manufacturer of highly stressed and technically demanding titanium mountain bike components. A new player in the component space, they are offering 3D-printed titanium components that are just as beautiful as they are unaffordable. The newly released Leverage MT, Leverage TNT, and Eject Lever DM will appeal to your eyes, but most likely not to your wallet.
Unlike many traditional manufacturing processes, Gravity Components uses an additive process that uses a laser to 3D-print its parts from powdered titanium. This is done by fusing thin layers of Ti-6Al-4V powder to create the final form. This method lets engineers put material strictly where it counts, enabling them to use complex internal geometries, as well as create structures and shapes that would be nearly impossible to make using traditional processes like CNC. If this sounds like some serious sci-fi fantasy type stuff, that’s because it is.
Now available for the Magura MT and the Intend Trinity lines of brakes, these levers come in at 22.7g and 16.2g per lever, respectively. While this is incredibly interesting as a concept, the fact that a set of brake levers is priced at €199.50 ($232.14 USD) will likely have many riders tuning out here. Both levers feature a honeycomb grip texture that boosts finger traction in wet, muddy, or gloved riding conditions, and an integrated reach adjuster.
If you’re looking for a dropper lever, they also announced an upgrade to their existing model. The new Eject Lever DM is said to have improved and adjustable ergonomics, as well as mount directly to your Matchmaker-style brake mounts. Gravity says that a ball-bearing pivot improves smoothness and reduces play over time. Retailing for €99.50 ($115.79 USD), it might not save your wallet, but it will match your shiny new brake levers.
There’s no denying the tech is impressive, and the parts are gorgeous. But when the conversation starts revolving around $200 brake levers and ultra-limited titanium trinkets, it’s hard not to wonder who this sport is being built for. Gravity Components is pushing boundaries—but for most riders, products like these are and will remain out of reach. So if I were you, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting to see these at your local trailhead.
To learn more about Gravity Components visit their website here.