SQlab and Magura start cooperation

Magura has entered into a collaborative agreement with ergonomics specialist SQlab, to achieve the “best possible ergonomic and individualised adjustment of its MT brakes”.

The result is an Ergonomics Guide that determines the “best possible brake setting”, in three steps.

“SQlab has been striving for years to make the interfaces between riders and their bicycles as efficient, comfortable and ergonomic as possible. Our saddles have already proved to be very successful, so now we’re focusing on the point of contact of the hands. The correct lever blade adjustment and our collaboration with Magura is the next important step towards more performance and a trouble-free cockpit,” said Max Holz, SQlab performance manager.

According to Magura, this is how to adjust your brake to best meet your requirements:

Positioning the brake master
“Position your hand on the handlebar grip so that the outer heel of your hand is flush with the end of the handlebar. Now stretch out your index finger in its natural position (approx. 15°) and move the master inwards until the third finger phalanx is lying on the hook at the end of the tip of the lever blade. This method can also be used for riders who brake with two fingers or middle finger by using the middle finger instead of the index. Hint: To achieve a really sensitive modulation, Magura recommends braking with the third finger phalanx.

“A correct hand posture on the brake master avoids overstretching the wrist. The brake can also be operated without difficulty, because you don’t have to change the position of your hand or release the master. A tip from the pros: Make a note of the centimetres from the end of the handlebar to the brake master!”

Positioning the lever blade angle
“To determine the lever blade angle, you must use your own saddle to bar drop (the difference between saddle height and handlebar height). It generally helps to adjust the lever blade until it describes the extended line of the forearm. The nerves that run through the carpal tunnel affect the thumb, index and middle fingers. A too steep or too flat lever blade angle will lead to a kink in the wrist and a narrowing of the carpal tunnel. This, in turn, leads to numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger and middle finger.”

Reference values for handlebar height and angle of inclination:
> 10 cm handlebar overheight: 20 – 25°
0 – 10 cm handlebar overheight: 25 – 30°
0 – 10 cm saddle overheight: 30 – 35°
< 10 cm saddle overheight: 35 – 45°

Positioning the lever blade
“To adjust the reach of your lever blade, first determine your hand size with the reach template. Making the reach too wide can lead to cramping and fatigue of the fingers when braking. Always adjust the reach afterwards at the bite point to match your hand size (S-M-L). Reach at the bite point: S: two centimetres – M: three centimetres – L: 4 centimetres.

“Magura recommends that you recheck the first step again after the third step has been completed! The settings relate to a general basic position. Change the fine adjustment individually where necessary. Important: Make sure that you can grip the lever blade in any situation.

“The Ergonomics Guide by Magura offers you a simple and effective way to prevent discomfort and increase brake performance.”