Here’s Benji with a delve into the whys and wherefores of the Magura Gustav Pro brake system.
One of the most legendary and powerful brake names out there – the Magura Gustav. Named after Magura’s founder: Herr Gustav Magenwirth who was born in Bad Urach way back in 1866. Magura is a company with more history than most.
The Magura Gustav Pro
If you’re after uncompromising stopping power and reliability for your mountain bike, keep reading. This could well be the upgrade that transforms your riding confidence and commitment.
The Magura Gustav Pro addresses all the common disc brake pain points and will be a genuine solution for a lot of riders. It’s not just another high-end brake option.
What makes the Gustav Pro such a standout in the crowded world of mountain bike brakes? The original Magura Gustav had a reputation for pushing boundaries, and the new Gustav Pro aims to continue this. Built for riders (and bikes) that require the absolute best, this system is all about brute force, plus modulation, and offering long-term durability.
Big caliper, big pistons
At the heart of the Gustav Pro is a massive 4-piston caliper. With big 19mm diameter pistons in the caliper – paired with a 12mm diameter piston at the lever end of things. Compare this to the Magura MT7 Pro – one of my personal favourite brake systems – and that brake’s 17/10mm piston combo. The Gustav Pro pistons are significantly bigger by proportion.
This oversized caliper design delivers exceptional clamping force, giving you powerful, fade-free braking even on the steepest, roughest descents.
Pair that with generously sized rotors (we’re running 203mm front and rear), and you’ve got a setup that shrugs off heat build-up and keeps performance consistent run after run, ride after ride.
The lever
Magura’s lever design is all about comfort and control. The Gustav Pro features adjustable reach, so you can dial in the feel exactly how you like it, whether you’ve got big hands, small hands, or ride with gloves year-round or are a glove-less loon (like me). The reach adjust is tool-less by the way.
If you’re a heavier rider, ride e-bikes – or both – you know how important reliable, strong brakes are. The Gustav Pro is designed for exactly this. You’ll notice the difference the moment you squeeze the lever. DONK!
Power with control
It’s not just about raw power, though. You get precise modulation, so you can feather your braking in loose corners or wet conditions without fear of locking up unexpectedly. With regards to lever squeeze feel, the Gustav are deliberately not super-light action like some trail brakes are, there’s a tiny bit more resistance to the action which is designed to help you know what’s going on when things get hectic.
Magura classically German engineering means these brakes are built to last. Sealed bearings, robust construction, and easy-to-service parts keep you riding, not repairing.
What else?
New MDR-S rotors – vibrates less and therefore generates less noise. Not only that but the increased material offers unprecedented stability during lengthy and hard braking.
Easy Link – this is Magura’s name for the plug and play connection between the lever and the brake hose. You can disconnect and reconnect as frequently as you like without the need for rebleed.
Easy Bleed – new bleed valve and a ‘circumferential’ oil channel – basically there’s no dead ends – which reduces the potential for any ‘wandering bite point syndrome’.
I can speak from experience that the Gustav Pro brakes are probably the easiest brakes I’ve ever had to install on a bike. Even after chopping the hoses to length and running them through a frame, no bleeding was required.
Who’s the Gustav Pro for?
If you’re an e-biker, gravity rider, enduro racer, or just someone who wants huge stopping power – this is a top-tier choice. It’s overkill for mellow trail riding, but if you’re regularly pushing your bike and yourself, this is the upgrade that’s got your back, as they say.
The Magura Gustav Pro isn’t cheap – £240 per brakeset or just under £600 for this box with rotors and adapters included – but if you require performance, confidence, and reliability above all else, you’ll know it’s worth it.
| Spec | Details |
| Product name | Magura Gustav Pro |
| Caliper | 4‑piston caliper |
| Lever | Gustav Pro Carbotexture |
| Fluid | Magura Royal Blood mineral oil |
| Mount standard | Post Mount (adapters as required) |
| Rotor compatibility | Magura MDR-S recommended |
| Recommended rotor sizes | Commonly specced with 200–220mm rotors for gravity/eMTB use |
| Adjustments | Lever reach adjust |
| Weight | 348g brakeset (203mm MDR-S rotor: 266g) |
| Notes | Rotors/adapters/hardware can be sold separately depending on retailer bundle |
| Price | £240 per brakeset |
