Frog wake F-Pro (levers)

[Barde]

Hi all,
I have ordered two of the "new" levers that Frog wake makes; they are selling them paired with their FV4 calipers as an "upgrade" to their older lever body.

Two weeks ago I broke one of my Magura MT5 levers, and considering that I didn't really like the feeling of the whole lever body (with HC lever blade), this was a good excuse to change them completely. They say to use BH59 barb and olive so this should work.

They're new and pretty unknown but if anyone knows anything more about these levers, tell me! They should be at my door in a couple of days, and I will report back

https://aliexpress.com/item/1005012812448038.html

[Fat Larry]

Interesting looking levers.

Post your impressions when you have some.

[Barde]

Just went for a ride with these new levers.
I have bled them like I would any Shimano or Magura. Given that I already had newish oil in the system and the lever had some in it from factory, I just used a syringe on the top. I pulled to vacuum the air out multiple times, then finished with the cup and pulling the lever. Remember to adjust the lever all the way out from the bars using the reach and bite-point adjustments.

The feeling is solid. You can really fine tune it and make the bite point close, BUT! After pulling the levers a couple times, the bite point travel increases back to normal. I'm not sure if it is an "air in the system" issue, because when it contacts, there's no sponginess and doesn't get harder with multiple pulls. I think there is something I have to do with the reservoir in the bleed. I will try to push oil from the caliper and see if that changes anything (as they instruct in the bleed procedure, but with their caliper).

All in all the lever is light to pull thanks to the bearings, and the power is there, but there is a little play in it, but you don't really feel it while using it. I have no issues with 1 finger even though the lever is long (which is a plus imo, because I can move the dropper and shifter away from the grips).

Will report back.

[Fat Larry]

Are you using their callipers or did you attach them to some other brand? Let us know how they go long term to. It's really helpful.

Brakes from ali are a minefield. For instance the original IIIPros, the Trickstuff knock offs, seem to introduce air into the system at the lever. Just saw another youtuber having the same issue that Tijoe was having here with them.

[Barde]

I forgot to say it in the original post. I am using them with Magura MT5 calipers.
I have read too many bad things about calipers leaking from the pistons to splurge for a complete set, and I couldn't justify the expense as my Magura set was working.
But then I broke a lever, and bought these as an excuse.
So far no leaks. Used the olive and barb they give to you in the packaging, which are different than BH59, but worked fine on Magura hoses. The olive is the same shape as BH59 but is noticeably bigger, and barb is lil bit longer and has a rubber oring around the head, which BH59 does not have.

[Tijoe]

I have been running a Frog Wake FV4-L on the front of my bikepacking rig  for over 1500 miles this year..  (Yes, the IIIpro brakes were terrible with lots of non-stop problems.)   I'm running Hope Tech E4 on the back of the same bike. Really nice to have a reliable brake in back.  To date, this front Frog Wake FV4 has been working with good lever modulation, and stopping power.