Aviation-grade hose: Why it improves the braking performance of an electric scooter
An aviation-grade hose improves braking performance because it hardly expands under pressure. When you squeeze the brake lever, all the pressure from the fluid is transferred to the caliper instead of being absorbed by a hose that would dilate: the lever feels firm, the contact point is precise, and you can modulate the braking force accurately. On a heavy and fast electric scooter, where you brake hard and often, the difference is noticeable from the very first braking.
The essentials
- An aviation hose is a tube with an inner layer protected by a stainless steel braid, which prevents it from expanding.
- It provides firm and consistent leverage, even when the braking system gets hot.
- It is more resistant to friction and cuts than a plastic hose.
- It is cut to the exact length required for the machine, with the fittings as specified by the brake manufacturer.
- Any installation or modification of brake hoses must be followed by bleeding the brakes.
The role of the hose in a hydraulic braking system
A hydraulic brake transmits the force from your finger through a fluid. The lever pushes a piston within the master cylinder, located on the handlebar; the fluid, which is almost incompressible, transmits this pressure to the pistons in the caliper, which then squeeze the brake pads against the disc. The hose is the tube that connects the two.
If this hose expands slightly with each braking action, a portion of the lever's travel is used to inflate it instead of tightening the brake pads. The lever feels spongy, travels further, and the point at which the brake actually begins to engage becomes unclear.
Standard hose and aviation-grade hose
| Standard hose | Aviation-grade hose | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction: | Plastic tube, sometimes reinforced with fibers | Inner tube surrounded by a stainless steel braid |
| Swelling under pressure | It is slightly viscous and increases with heat and age | Almost none |
| Feel at the throttle | More flexible, with a less defined contact point | Firm, precise, and consistent contact point |
| Friction resistance | It may wear out or tear on a sharp edge | Well protected by its braid |
| Ease of installation | Very flexible | Slightly stiffer, requires careful setup |
The term "aviation" originates from aeronautics, where this type of braided hose has been used for a long time in pressurized systems.
What the aviation-grade hose changes on the road
- Adjustment/Calibration: With a clear point of contact, braking is modulated by the finger, which is crucial when the wheel is about to lock up.
- Consistency: The feeling remains the same whether the brakes are getting hot, when going downhill, or on a track.
- Effort: Less travel, resulting in more pressure available at the lever.
- Durability: The braid protects the hose from friction against the frame, the arm, or the fender.
The hose isn't everything: a spongy brake caused by air in the system will remain so even with an aviation-grade hose, until it's bled. And pure power primarily depends on the caliper, the disc, and the brake pads, as explained in our guide on how to brake a powerful electric scooter.
Install an aviation-grade hose
Choose the length
The hose is too long, creating loops that snag and rub. If it's too short, it puts strain on the fittings when you turn the handlebars or when the suspension is active. Measure the handlebar at its maximum angle in both directions and with the suspension fully compressed. This is particularly useful after installing a taller or shorter steering column, a wider handlebar, or relocated brake mounts.
Cut and connect
A braided hose can be cleanly cut with the right tool, without crushing the tube or fraying the braid. The fittings (often consisting of a compression nut and a sleeve, depending on the manufacturer) should be installed according to the brake manufacturer's instructions. A poorly fitted fitting will leak, and brake leaks are unacceptable.
Focus on the process
Avoid sharp bends near the lever or caliper outlet. A 90-degree banjo fitting directs the hose from the outlet and eliminates friction; our Hope 90° banjo is designed for exactly this purpose. Secure the hose without crushing it, and protect it where it touches the frame: our guide for protecting cables also applies to hoses.
Clear
Opening a hydraulic circuit introduces air. After installation, a complete bleeding process using the fluid specified by the manufacturer is mandatory. The procedure is detailed in our guide bleeding a hydraulic brake.
Our hoses and brake components
Our Hope Tech 4 V4 brakes come standard with a 5mm aviation hose. For machines where the geometry has been modified, we offer the Hope aviation hose by the meter, compatible with Hope Tech 3 and Tech 4 brakes: we cut it to the correct length, install the fittings, and then bleed it with DOT 5.1.
Workshop tip
When you replace your hoses, take the opportunity to replace all the fluid rather than just bleeding out what's necessary. This way, the entire system starts with fresh fluid. And after your first ride, check the fittings: a slight dampness around the fitting indicates that it needs to be tightened before it becomes a leak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an aviation-grade hose be fitted to any brake system?
You will need a hose and fittings that are compatible with your brake brand. Our per-meter hose is designed for Hope Tech 3 and Tech 4 brakes.
Does the aviation-grade hose increase braking power?
It doesn't make the caliper more powerful, but it transmits pressure more effectively, resulting in more precise and consistent braking. The improvement is particularly noticeable in the modulation of braking force.
Can the old fittings be reused?
Certain fittings are for single use only. Please follow the brake manufacturer's instructions; if in doubt, use new fittings.
Can the stainless steel cable braid damage the frame?
Yes, with repeated friction, it can scratch the paint or anodization. Make sure it is properly secured and protect the contact points with a sleeve or frame protector.