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After many different brakes over the years I finally decided to spend extra on the Tech 4 Trial zone (for a front brake) to see if they're worth it. Must say I'm not very impressed.. These seem to be plagued with issues, wrapped in a pretty CNC form (that isn't so pretty in terms of ergonomics and safety). The lever blade is so sharp and uncomfortable it's difficult to use these without gloves and even with gloves on it's painful. Crashing on that thing will 100% cause open cuts, it's a pretty dangerous design really. Now they're re-designed the blade for the new EVO range which obviously isn't backwards compatible to the old Tech4 lever, what a surprise. For 235€ I was expecting to get a sharp and precise bite point considering all that sturdy CNC goodness, yet this brake is softer and spongier than anything I've tried before. To me it looks like there must be some air, which is more like a norm these days when purchasing a new disc brake. So let's spend some more to order another ridiculously priced bleed kit straight away. Good thing is these work with the regular brake fluid at least. Another reason could be the leverage ratio being so high, making it inevitably spongy. Whatever it is, the brake doesn't feel great at all. Another main issue is that the pistons aren't fully retracting and hence pads are rubbing slightly, even when the adjuster is rolled completely out. There's barely any pad clearance. So here we already have one strange issue that I never encountered with any other brake, yet these are like double as expensive. I've tried to push the pistons inside a few times (they do retract well and stay there so I don't think there's fluid overload) but after one press they start rubbing again. The good thing to say is that even when not properly bedded in (new Hope rotor too), the brake seems to have some incredibly strong bite and hold even at this point. This is very promising, compared to other brakes I've bedded in they typically had like zero hold at this point. So the lever is very light and seems to have a lot of power (which indicates an enormously strong leverage ratio, which typically leads to spongy feel). How is your experience with the Hope Trial Zone? So far I have mixed feelings (due to the price). Formula Cura 2 has been the best feeling brake for trials and MTB so far, they just weren't there with their reliability and I wanted a brake that has a proper bleed nipple instead of the stupid screw that makes a mess every time (Formula, Magura).  

Yeah the 24” frames were like £30! But I think I’ve done ok. The 24” version of Griffs current bike was £550 and that is a bit pants. I think I’ll be able to sell it for the same or more than I’ve paid when he is done with it.

I really wish I'd bought the 26" full build of this for my daughter when CRC were going through the ringer. Think they got down to about £300 for a full build or £70ish for the frame only! 🙈

So after an age of looking at kids bikes and not liking any, or the prices... I found a nukeproof cub scout frame for £100. its a cool thing. Total spend got a little out of hand but had some fun building it and the wheels. Had a random bonus at work so... Rockshox 130mm Recon RL (waay overkill but meh they were cheap, run a good amount of sag)  Dartmoor raptor 30mm rims on DT clones 142*12. Maxxis minions tubeless. 9 speed 11-42 proper clutch rear mech. 28t up front on 150mm cranks (24mm shimano type steel splined axle). Gives an equivalent of my 32/50T 29er. Clarks 4pot brake clones (really really nice and dirt cheap)    Its completely daft and Griff can't ride it the way it should be, but he needs all the help he can get at the moment, so I went for it. It needs some finishing off - pedals and some lower bars for sure, some crank/chainline adjustment but its pretty mega.

Yeah couldn't realistically turn it down, was only 40mins drive to pick it up as well!