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Magura has launched the new Cockpit Integration (MCi), the ‘world’s first’ hydraulic brake that’s fully integrated into the handlebar.
With no external tubings, the MCi gives riders a “tidy cockpit, better aerodynamics and greater protection for hydraulic components”. It is part of the new Magura Integration Series. The new product series is characterised by unique integration solutions that further optimise the design and function of the Magura products. The design of the new MCi also makes it possible for manufacturers to consistently extend the design language of the frame into the cockpit.
The heart of the MCi is a cylinder, which is invisibly located in the handlebar grip area. The dimensions of the expansion reservoir and the piston diameter of the MCi correspond to the dimensions used in the Magura MT series, giving the MCi the same stability and braking force as conventional Magura MT brakes. The MCi is available with two-piston and four-piston brake callipers.
The brake tubings are also laid inside the handlebar – they are led through the stem unit and steering tube through special holes in the handlebars. From there, the lines are led to the fork crown, then into the frame and the front brake calliper. Other variations are being considered, such as cable routing through a special headset in the frame. The handlebars and stems are specially designed for use with the Magura MCi.
The MCi is actuated by a lever unit attached to the handlebar – the only visible component of the new brake. The system is equally suitable for mountain bike or urban use depending on the installed handlebar and stem unit. Thanks to the lever bearing point being close to the handlebar, however, the MCi gives riders a more direct braking feeling than all previous Magura brakes. The ratio between lever travel and braking force is also designed to be ‘more progressive’, refining the modulation of the brake.
The lever angle of the MCi is individually adjusted to each bicycle model and optimised for the best possible seating position. Special handlebar grips with a fixed core also allow a projection of up to 2cm at the handlebar end. The handle width is infinitely variable on the lever blade.
The development of the Easy Link was focused on user-friendly service and maintenance, plus a ‘tidy’ cockpit integration. The MCi is the first Magura product to use the new Easy Link cable coupling. This is a special plug-in connector that links the cockpit unit and the brake line. During a service, the cockpit unit can be separated from the cable within the frame. Brake bleeding is carried out by means of the Magura Easy Bleed Technology and a bleed screw at the handlebar end.
Initially, the MCi will only be reserved for OE partners. Magura will act as MCi system supplier during the development and will specify the components such as handlebars, stem unit and cable routing together with the respective bicycle manufacturer. An aftermarket version is not planned for the near future. Magura has said it will initially present a trail bike with MCi as the basis for this product innovation. The trail bike will have an ‘almost-ready’ serial production version of the cockpit integration, the wireless Magura Vyron Elect seat post, internal lines and a wireless SRAM AXS drivetrain. This setup means that the bike is free of external cables and tubings.
Magura will present the MTB study and the first production bike with MCi cockpit at the Eurobike Media Days from 2nd to 4th July.
