Product news: The new Magura Cockpit Integration (MCi) is the world's first hydraulic brake that is fully integrated into the handlebars. With no external lines, the MCi offers a tidy cockpit, better aerodynamics and greater protection for the hydraulic components.
Update August 2019: In the meantime we have also tested the Magura MCi system. You can find first impressions at the end of the article.
With the new Magura Integration Series, the German brake specialist presents a new product series that is characterized by special integration solutions and thus further optimizes the design and function of proven products. After the integrated HSi rim brake and the HGi heated grips, the focus is now on the cockpit.
Magura cockpit integration
With the new Magura MCi, all lines and cables are routed inside the handlebars for the first time. The result is a tidy look that is also accompanied by improved functionality and offers effective protection against falls and mechanical damage. In addition, the design of the new Magura Cockpit Integration offers manufacturers the opportunity to consistently continue the design language of the frame into the cockpit. When developing the hydraulic unit, the developers relied on in-house know-how from the motorcycle sector.
The functionality of the MCi is based on a retrofittable hydraulic clutch for motorcycles. The core is a cylinder that is invisibly housed in the grip area of the handlebar. The dimensions of the expansion tank and piston diameter of the MCi correspond to the dimensions used in the Magura MT series. It therefore has the same stability and braking power as conventional MT brakes. The MCi is available with 2 and 4 piston calipers. The brake lines are also completely internally routed, they run through special holes in the handlebars through the stem and head tube. From there, the lines lead to the fork crown and then to the frame and front brake caliper. Further variants, for example a cable routing through a special headset shell in the frame, are being considered. The handlebars and stems are specially designed for use with the Magura MCi.
The Magura Cockpit Integration is actuated by a lever unit attached to the handlebars, which is the only visible component of the new brake. Depending on the handlebars and stem, the system is equally suitable for mountain bike or urban use. However, due to the lever bearing point being close to the handlebars, it should provide a more direct braking feel than all previous Magura brakes. In addition, the relationship between lever travel and braking force is designed to be more progressive, which refines the dosage of the brake.
The lever inclination of the MCi is individually adapted to each bike model and optimized for the optimal seating position. Special handlebar grips with a solid core also allow an overhang of up to 2cm at the end of the handlebars. The reach adjustment is stepless on the brake lever.
Update August 2019: First driving impressions
In the meantime we have had the opportunity to try out Magura's cockpit innovation in practice - at least for a few test kilometers. The setup is done quite quickly - simply because the setting options are extremely limited. This is also the biggest and perhaps only real point of criticism - the ergonomics fit, everything is good. If it doesn't fit, you either have to get used to it or maybe wait for the next generation of the MCi, in which Magura will certainly address this point of criticism.
If you look down at the cockpit from the driver's perspective, you are confronted with an unusual sight, especially on our test bike, which was also equipped with a wireless Sram Eagle AXS. The handlebar looks almost "naked" - extremely classy! In contrast, every traditional cockpit looks like a wild tangle of cables and wires - no matter how tidy it may be.
Finally, if you look ahead, at the forest highway or the trail, you get exactly the braking performance that we know and appreciate from Magura. 4-piston calipers were installed on our model, which come from the MT7 and also bring exactly this performance to the ground with the MCi encoders.