IIIPRO E4 4 Piston Mountain Bike Brakes
When it comes to Ali Express cycling related products is a very divided topic. Some will only get " Big brand names ” and others will just try anything. I am the type who will try anything and see what happens.
So I purchased some brakes and here is what happened.
Pro E4 brake lever with shimano brake hose and brake cover
When it comes to mountain biking or even riding a cargo bike, a reliable brake system is crucial. Last June (2024), I decided to upgrade the Shimano MT200 brakes on my Omnium Cargo Mini Max to the IIIPRO E4 4 Piston Mountain Bicycle Hydraulic Brakes from AliExpress. At $150.98, they seemed like a solid upgrade at an affordable price. Here’s my experience with these brakes over the past several months and about 4,000 km in all conditions: rain, hot days, city riding with plenty of stops and long descents.
Shipping and Packaging
Let’s start with the shipping. I ordered the IIIPRO E4 brakes from AliExpress, and they arrived in 10 days, which isn’t bad at all, considering some international shipments can take much longer — and it was free :) . However, the box that arrived in left me a little worried. When the package showed up at my workshop, it looked like it had been through a battle. The box was completely flattened, and it was clear it had been run over. At first, I was convinced the brakes must’ve been damaged during transit and a long refund process was about to begin.
But to my surprise, the brakes were completely intact! Despite the poor condition of the box, the components inside were untouched. So, while the shipping experience wasn’t ideal, I was relieved to see everything was in good shape.
Installation
The installation of the IIIPRO E4 brakes was straightforward for the most part. I have some experience working on bikes, so getting them installed on my Omnium Cargo Mini Max was a walk in the park. The brake calipers mounted easily, and the facing was square on the front and rear. The brake bolt spacing was 74mm, so it fits the standard brake mounts. The hydraulic lines used a 5mm hose with an internal diameter of 3mm.
I wasn’t keen on using the stock hose, so I opted to reuse the Shimano BH59 hose. This hose has an internal diameter of 4mm and an external diameter of 6mm for better flow. One thing to note is that I did need to re-bleed the brakes before they were fully functional, but that’s typical with any hydraulic brake system. The process was smooth, and I was up and running in a couple of hours. They used a Tektro bleed adapter for the bleed screw caliper and lever.
The clamping system is a simple yet effective bar clamp design. It’s easy to install and provides a secure hold, making adjustments to brake lever positioning straightforward. The clamp is solid and doesn’t require any fancy tools just a T25.
Performance
Now, onto the important part: how they perform. I’ll start by saying that the difference between these 4-piston brakes and the stock Shimano MT200s is night and day. The stopping power is phenomenal. I have been able to stop on a dime, even when riding with a heavy load in the cargo bike (60kg). The four pistons provide much more consistent and powerful braking, especially when you’re dealing with more weight, such as when I’m hauling groceries or other heavy items from home to the workshop. They come with a organic pad as standard, so a nice quiet stop is pleasant.
One feature I really appreciate is the modulation, as opposed to the on/off feel of the Shimano brakes. The IIIPRO E4s provide great control over the braking power. There’s no sudden jarring or feeling like the brakes are grabbing too hard, even in situations where you might need to stop quickly like a car opening suddenly in front of you on King street .They offer a smooth, progressive feel when pulling the lever, making it easier to adjust the braking force based on the situation.
Durability
Since I’ve been using these brakes for several months, I’ve had the chance to test their durability on a range of terrains. From city streets to rougher, more uneven paths, these brakes have held up incredibly well. The rotors are the stock Shimano SLX rotors in 180/160mm sizes. These stayed straight and true, and I haven’t had any issues with brake fade, which is common in lower-quality brakes when you’re pushing them hard. The brake pads seem to be wearing evenly, and there’s still plenty of life left in them after multiple rides in the rain.
Rear Brake after about 2000km of use
Value for Money
The $150.98 price tag might seem like a lot at first glance, but when you compare the IIIPRO E4 brakes to other high-performance hydraulic brakes on the market, they’re an excellent value. The Shimano MT200 brakes that came with my Omnium were decent, but they just didn’t offer the stopping power or control that I needed, especially with the added weight of the cargo bike. Upgrading to the IIIPRO E4 has been a game-changer. For the price, they deliver an exceptional balance of performance, durability, and quality.
Conclusion
After several months of use, I’m still very happy with my purchase of the IIIPRO E4 4 Piston Mountain Bicycle Hydraulic Brakes. The initial shipping mishap aside, these brakes have proven to be a fantastic upgrade from the Shimano MT200s. They offer incredible stopping power, great modulation, and excellent durability, all at a reasonable price. Whether you’re upgrading your current setup or looking for new brakes for your mountain bike or cargo bike, I highly recommend the IIIPRO E4 brakes.
If you’re in the market for a more reliable braking system, especially if you're carrying weight or riding varied terrain, these brakes are an excellent choice. At this price, you’re getting a lot of performance for your money. Would I buy them again? Absolutely!