Formula Announces 10 Year Support Promise & 2 Year Transferable Warranty

Feb 5, 2024
by Formula  
photo
10 years of factory level support.


PRESS RELEASE: Formula

As part of our long-term commitment to our products and our customers, we are announcing the Formula 10 Year Support Promise. Every product we make will have parts, spares and support available for at least ten years. So, the Formula products that riders enjoy today can be used and loved a decade from now.

We know the value of reliability and repairability. A lesson we learned the hard way. You can read more about that below…


Formula 10 Year Support Promise

We promise to support all our products for at least ten years.

Every product we make will have parts, spares and support available for at least ten years. This isn't exclusive to new products - if you already own a Formula product made after 2017, we offer the same commitment.

All our products also come with a two-year transferable warranty. If you buy a used product that is less than two years old, we will honor that warranty.

Why we offer this
We are an engineering company; we make high-performance products designed to last. We don’t believe in model years, planned obsolescence or making a product to a price point. We want you to know that you can get the parts and support you need to keep your products working for at least ten years.

We are riders too. We know that being able to sell components you no longer need helps make ownership more affordable and sustainable. A well-made product with a transferable warranty that can be easily rebuilt holds its value better. Buying a used product shouldn’t come with a penalty in terms of warranty or repairability.

We believe in a long-term commitment to our products and our customers.

Just as importantly, you should still want to use your Formula products in 10 years’ time.

By designing for upgradability, components can stay relevant and move from bike to bike as your needs change. For example, brakes can change from two-piston to four-piston, fork travel can be altered, an air sprung fork can become coil sprung - and these changes can be reversed. This is all possible for the home mechanic.

photo
The Cura. The cure.

And now, a story about getting things wrong. And putting them right…

The Cura

We make things. That includes mistakes.

In 2016 we launched our Cura brakes. They marked a change in the way we engineered our products. Powerful, adaptable and reliable, they were an improvement in every way over their predecessor.

They needed to be. The brakes they replaced had issues with reliability. They didn’t meet the expectations of ourselves or our customers. As a result, our reputation suffered, and riders turned to other brands.

It was hard to admit we’d made a mistake, but doing so was the first step in winning back the trust of riders. We went back to the drawing board, did more testing and improved quality control. The result was a brake we were truly proud of.

When we named our new brakes, we were up-front about the issues we’d experienced; Cura means ‘cure’ in Italian. This was a product designed to remedy previous issues.

What we learned from this experience informs the way we think and work today. Our 10 year support promise is another message to riders that we truly believe in our products, and they can too.

www.rideformula.com



Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Press Releases Formula


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Member since Jan 16, 2013
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102 Comments
  • 123 0
 A transferable warranty and confidence that spare parts will be available for 10 years is insane! A lot of their more recent products are so good, and hugely underrated.
  • 34 2
 could just be like shimano and not run an update on the saints for like 15 years.
  • 20 0
 I had their Cura 4 brakes on my last bike because I couldn't get TRP's in time, and I was blown away at how good they are. I'm a huge fan of them now, and put them on all my bikes.
  • 1 0
 @adrennan: they've been warrantying leaky levers for ages too, keeping them going strong year after year
  • 6 0
 Not a huge fan of the tech 3s (4s look much improved) but HOPE will still service anything they've ever made, want a rebuild on a 15 year old brake, no problem. 10 years is good though
  • 2 0
 Mostly underrated, since i tried the Cura, never went back to other brakes. And the Selva fork is just as amazing, i’m hardly remembering any fork with 35mm being so tunable and supported everywhere in its travel, still have one rocking on my Hardtail as i could not get my self to sell that beauty.
  • 1 0
 @freewheelprojectmtb-club: I ran curas for a couple of years. They worked fantastic. What ended it for me was the headache of setting them up rub free.
  • 33 0
 Yes!!!! Such approach is significantly more sustainable than half the green-washing other companies do. Releasing new shiny products with little backwards compatibility. I hope it pays off! For me, this guarantee can really tip the scales in favor of formula when buying a new set of brakes. Regardless, my 5 year old cura is still going strong and showing little signs of wear. Very solid product.
  • 2 1
 Curious to know from an actual owner, how the Cura brakes feel. I dislike the on/off feel from my Shimano brakes but I prefer mineral oil in case I make a mess.
  • 3 0
 @DizzyNinja: I guess brakes are really a personal thing in terms of feeling, power... But I've owned one pair since 2019 and they've just been great ! Love the power and there's still a fairly good modulation. Not as much as Sram brakes for sure, but it's sufficient for me.
Also no fading or overheating even after long descents (5-10km and 1200m vert.) and only 1 bleed (yeah please don't kill me ^^) last year.
They just work and deliver in any occasion Smile

Edit: I've had tektro, shimano and Sram (guides) over the years and tested others (hayes, shimano Zee, Code RSC)
  • 7 0
 @DizzyNinja: fantastic brakes, especially if you dislike an on/off feel. They have tons of modulation and lever feel, while still offering lots of power (scary power if you use trickstuff power pads). They are also super low maintenance from my experience. Price point is really good as well.
  • 2 0
 @DizzyNinja: They feel very good to me. Very gradual coming on, I like them way better than Shimano for scrubbing a little bit of speed before a corner. My new bike has Magura, which is better for modulation than Shimano IMO, but I am going to switch the Formulas from my old bike onto them because they are just better for me at precise delivery of the amount of brake you need. And when you need full power, it's there too. Also, compared to my Shimano XT, and certainly to the plastic Magura, the lever feel is just much more premium, a lot smoother, they feel much more like a quality product with lower tolerances.
Also, they have been super low maintenance. A bleed after install and zero change after that. It was a bit fiddly to set up but that turned out to be mainly the fault of a slightly wobbly rotor (other brand, not formula). Once that was straightened out, it was set and forget.
  • 2 0
 @DizzyNinja: I was/still am a long term Shimano brake fan 20+ years. Currently have on my and family bikes 6 sets, from 15y old Deore to new XTR. I never really had issues with Shimano.

I also installed a pair of Cura's last year.
Great brakes, excellent power to weight ratio, solid veler feel. Speedlock installation was a breeze to internally route, no bleeding required.

For folks that aren't happy with their current brakes, it is safe to give them a chance.
Great brakes. Do
  • 1 0
 @DizzyNinja: I’ve been running cura 4 brakes for over 3 years , same set on 3 different bikes , only had to bleed when changing a rear hose on a new bike build
They are nothing like shimano not grabby
Or snappy , have great modulation and feel , I use RG components billet levers
which longer and better feel than originals
  • 1 0
 @DizzyNinja: I've only used them, for 2 days on a rental bike. But they really impressed me look like tiny xc brakes but the power is there for days nice modulation but never faded on 20-minute decents. I ended up buying a set of Hayes Dominions which I like better but I would highly recommend the Curas
  • 2 1
 @DizzyNinja: The Cura brake line is Mineral oil, Formula doesn't use DOT oil any longer now on their products.
  • 1 0
 @DizzyNinja: strange, I like DOT in case I make a mess.
  • 1 0
 @WillW123: in that regard, dot is much worse actually... Being corrosion and all.
  • 1 0
 @DizzyNinja: i agree with people's descriptions here.
Caliper is of very high quality and sexy finish. Small, but with large pistons that deliver power i found comparable to my guide rsc's. Power delivery is smooth, more sram than shimano like. Lever dead stroke is very minimal right out of the gate, which is one of the cura's selling points for many people. Very low maintenance- bleeds last longer than all other brakes ive owned, and pistons rarely get sticky.
The cons? Power is there, certainly stronger than they look, but there are more powerful options. Lever is a bit narrow imho, and the adjustment screw at the base is fiddly and hard to reach.
  • 28 0
 Transferable warranty is a serious way to say that you have confidence in your product. Want to see more of this.
  • 11 0
 2 years transferrable warranty is legally required in EU for every product.
  • 26 3
 This could convince me to get on their suspension. I recall Fox saying they couldn't service my 2017 x2 because the parts were discontinued.... in 2020!
  • 13 0
 You can currently purchase all parts for a 2017 X2.... you were lied to.
  • 5 0
 @maestroman21: in 2020 it was likely 'we can't service your X2 due to a lack of parts and really long lead times'
But yeah now? Pretty much everything is still good to go.
  • 4 0
 really tempted on a nero for an upcoming build - really hard to find info on it
  • 1 1
 @mior: I've got one, dm me if you want full details. In summary mine was really dofficult to set up, once done it rides amazing- the adjustability is huge and I got it just how I wanted it. Looks unreal. Seems to be low maintenance and high consistency. Should have said mine is the 3 Air - lots of people have said the basic model is much simpler
  • 1 0
 @mior: If you need any info just drop us an email: service@rideformula.com
  • 1 0
 @James-at-Pedals: Yep needed a park for my 36 two and a half months lead time, but I did eventually get it
  • 1 0
 @rideformula: already done. thanks!
  • 1 0
 @mior: I have a Nero C, and its great!
  • 15 0
 Formula deserve credit for this which is both a highly sustainable policy decision whilst being one which actually benefits customers too.
  • 15 0
 Mineral oil, good price, and I can service down to the plunger. Do they accept payment in busted shimanos?
  • 14 0
 This is awesome. Hope other brands step it up and match.
  • 8 0
 Unintentional pun??? Thumbs up either way.
  • 6 0
 Hopefully Shimano takes a cue from this. I love their brakes, but hate that seal kits aren’t available.

Scratch that-I hope a whole lot of bike companies take a cue from this!!!!
  • 1 0
 *CUES. FTFY.
  • 6 0
 i'm not in the market for brakes, but when i am. i'm 100% looking at this company
  • 3 0
 I’ve had five different sets of Formula brakes over the years. Not a single set had issues I couldn’t resolve myself. Cleaning pistons solves the rollback issue. That was the only issue I had with them. In almost 20 years using their brakes. They have always had great power and hardly ever need bled. My original set of Formulas was a set of ORO Puro’s then a set of R1s . Both sets moved from bike to bike for over ten years without a single issue. Change pads as needed and bleed once a year. The Ones were also really good and no issues during the time I owned them. My first set of Curas needed the pistons cleaned once and year or so to help with roll back. Otherwise they have been great. I just picked up a set of Cura 4s for the bike I’m building.
I would like to see the old style mixmaster clamps brought back. That design was much better than the current one for the Curas.
  • 1 0
 Same here, until I put mineral oil in my oros...had to buy a set off eBay to get replacement seals. They were about 15 years old at the time, and that was their first bleed!
  • 2 0
 My bike has Formula Wheels, Cura 2 Brakes, and a Selva 180mm SIngle Crown. They all work fantastic after three years of use. Brakes are super easy to bleed and no flimsy plastic bits like Magura, all metal. The fork is brilliant, if you can not get the perfect setup with the fork, it is your fault, as they are so adjustable. They make great gear.
  • 2 0
 Since many years, when buying a new bike: updating to formula brakes is my first step, amazing products, lightweight, powerful , very good modulation and incredible value for money! Never had any issue. SRAM and Shimano make it easy for formula!
  • 1 0
 Hey Formula. I was forced to sell my Nero fork. It was a good fork, but it did not fit my bike's tall head tube. The bottom crown would hit the tyre 12mm before bottom out. Please make a taller top crown or consider a longer set of stanchions for your next DC fork. I am sure it will kick ass.
  • 1 0
 There is an optional tall top crown...
  • 1 0
 @Santacruz817: I have been unable to find it. Would you mind to disclose your source please.
  • 4 0
 @miuan: Here is the part number for the top crown 56mm offset : SB40199-00. 20mm instead of 8mm height.

For top crown with 50mm offset : SB40197-00
  • 1 0
 @BaptisteFORMULA: so I already DID have the tall crown but there was no way I could fit my XL Norco Aurum headtube between the crowns. My Ohlins can accomodate the same headtube with a couple milimeters to spare.
  • 3 0
 The Cura 2 is one of the best feeling, most reliable and powerful brakes I've tried. Also super reasonably priced. Highly recommend.
  • 1 0
 Good on you Formula.I hope you stay committed when you say your suspension products are designed with future upgrades / backwards compatibility of new products.
Too often small sneaky changes are made for the latest model year, such as a new thread pitch (RS, Fox) which is infuriating for the customer
  • 1 1
 That's great to hear. I've had 2 pairs of The Ones, first was I believe the 1st get which i loved, then a newer pair from 2011 which was okay, some pressure issues and leaks with the rear brake, then a pair of R0 which i loved out the box but after a few rides, about a week, the front developed an air problem, and doesnt matter how much or by whom it was bled the issue kept coming back up. I have spent time on RXs too which left a lot to be desired in terms of performance. As i was building my last bike i will admit that my past experience with formula has lead me in a different direction for brake choice as much as i wanted the Cura i did not want to deal with more brake issues. I would be willing to give it another chance in the future but i guess my choice will hinder on the experience of other buyers at this point. Good to see Formula doing this.
  • 1 0
 Formula have been my favorite of the smaller MTB component brands since I started running there brakes. Love to see this commitment and makes me even more stoked on them as a company!
  • 3 1
 Forgot to mention they are without a doubt the easiest brakes on the market to bleed. Every other brake is a pain in the ass by comparison.
  • 2 2
 Hayes would have a word with you
  • 2 0
 My first MTB came with The Ones. Great brakes when they worked, but I never mastered the bleeding process and sold them. I am on Hopes ever since, starting with M4s, then V2s and finally V4s with different levers and never looked back.
  • 1 0
 I had The One's best brakes I have ever owned. Not a big fan of SRAM even though they are spec'ed on every one of my bikes. Going to swap back to Formula, I am hoping/guessing for great things.
  • 1 0
 I hesitantly bought a set of Curas while they were a good deal on wiggle (RIP) and they were great looking, great modulating, great stopping, and gave me zero problems during ownership. Add me to the believers
  • 1 0
 How are they compared to Shimano and Sram? I've been riding Shimano for years and love the lever feel but hate the wandering bite point and lack of rebuild kits.
  • 1 0
 @schu2470: They have a similar feel and initial bit as Shimano especially with sintered pads. Power is as good if not better. Bleeding is way easier and rarely needed unlike Shimano. Pads are cheaper as well. I’ve been running them with two piece Shimano XT rotors since they stay true much better than any rotors I’ve tried.
  • 2 0
 Great to know, but given how little hassle I've had from the 4 sets of formula brakes I've been using for the past 8 years, I'm unlikely to need to take advantage!
  • 1 1
 Too bad those original Curas from 2016 don't make the cut-off. In the light of that spouting off about the awesomeness of the '16 Curas and also not doing model years, the specific 2017 start date seems kinda arbitrary and lacking.
  • 6 0
 The 2016 Curas are the same as the 2017 Curas which are, in fact, the same as the 2024 Curas. We really don't do model years, so if you need parts for the Curas you bought in 2016, we've got them.
  • 1 0
 @rideformula: That's great. So why did you specifically mention it for "Formula product[s] made after 2017, we offer the same commitment"?
  • 2 0
 @justinfoil: 2016 is when we transitioned from the previous brake to the Cura. With that overlap we decided to put a line in the sand at 2017 to try and keep things as simple as possible. We do still have spares and parts for many pre-2017 products, so if a customer is after a part we can most often help, we just can't guarantee it.
  • 1 1
 The original The One brakes from 2008-2009 were dope back in the day. Followed by the 2011-2012 which had completely redesigned master cylinders. I liked the performance and low weight of these too but found the levers' ergonomy lacking. My set also ended up being unable to bleed and needing a full rebuild. Cura levers are better in every way, although they can't match the smooth and effortless stroke of Hayes Dominions.
  • 1 0
 I’ve used a set of The Ones (one early, one later generation) since 2010/ 2013. Bled the front brake once. Always been on point.
Would happily buy another set of Formulas if they would also last 14 years again!
  • 2 0
 One of the best companies out there. had a minor incident with my cura4's, opened up a ticket and then one of the development engineers reached out to me. Within 2 days!
  • 1 0
 If my still running, 10 year old R0's are what they call poor quality then the Cura's must be able to go at least 20 years without a service
  • 2 0
 Is this 10 years from first manufacture or 10 years after the model is discontinued?
  • 3 0
 Manufactured in 2017 or newer (so any current product) and 10yrs from datre of purchase...
  • 1 0
 A pity that this comes a bit too late for the great 35 ... I'd have loved a fresh crown/stanchion unit but there are no non-boost parts available anymore ...
  • 2 0
 All the spare parts are still available for the Thirty5 Wink
  • 3 0
 Love my Cura4's !
  • 2 0
 Can't argue with that. Nice work Formula.
  • 3 1
 you know the routine by now... Duel crown enduro fork update?
  • 6 0
 I prefer my fork to not be fighting itself.
  • 1 0
 A little bit more patience ... ;-) Good things take time!
  • 1 0
 ;-)
  • 1 0
 Do the 10 years start when the product hits the market (i.e. Cura will be covered until 2026)?
  • 3 0
 This is one benefit to not changing our products year-on-year. As the 2016 Cura and 2024 Cura are identical, if we were to discontinue the Cura right now (which we have no intention of doing) we'd hold spares until at least 2034.
Which is probably when we're all riding hover-bikes with air brakes…
  • 1 0
 Dang, been looking for an excuse to upgrade to Curas for a couple years and this sounds like it.
  • 2 0
 I'm in, solid brakes.
  • 1 0
 Formula brakes rule, I've got multiple sets of Cura 2's.
  • 1 0
 I hadn’t hear bad reports on the Curas. Paul Aston loved them.
  • 1 0
 He loved the Cura 2 but did have some negative comments on the Cura 4. I cannot echo those negative comments, mine have been fantastic.
  • 1 0
 @ak-77: that's because he had brakes from one of the very first batches where there was an issue with the quad rings and resulting in reduced roll back... the issue was quickly rectified by newer quad rings... easy fix ... not sure if he was aware of this issue as he never went back to them as far as I know...
  • 1 0
 @Santacruz817: and that’s the only beef I’ve heard about the Cura 4s. Cool they corrected it as well. Do users miss not having a bite point adjust?
  • 1 0
 @rideformula why no announce of new rotors? they look awesome
  • 1 0
 Pinkbike did an announcement of them on the 15 January... ;-)
  • 2 0
 @Santacruz817: you are right! missed them in the article, but saw in online bike store and was surprised.
  • 1 0
 Do they have contact point adjustment?
  • 1 0
 If you buy the FCS levers they do
  • 1 0
 Love my Cura 2 pistons on my Levo! Keep it coming Formula
  • 1 1
 After those RX brakes I had.... Never again Nice commitment but, damage is all ready done
  • 2 0
 Hope says 'hold my beer'
  • 1 0
 Grande Formula!!!
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