BCA HighTech Performance Brakes: Exceptional and Made in Italy

High Tech BCA Performance, an Italian company based in Lecco, is emerging in the Italian scene thanks to its excellent construction quality. Specialized in the production of high-end braking systems for bicycles and motorcycles, BCA uses cutting-edge technologies and top-quality materials. With a long experience as a designer and contractor in the motorcycle sector, the brand confirms itself as a point of reference for enthusiasts. After testing the discs in the past, we now present our analysis of the complete braking system.

The decision to launch a product line under its own name was made by BCA not many years ago, after a period in which the company had dedicated itself exclusively to contract manufacturing. In the BCA catalog, dedicated to the bicycle sector, there are both brake discs and the entire braking system, which includes calipers and pumps. These products are recommended for a wide range of applications, from gravel to e-bike enduro, with discs available in various sizes and thicknesses to adapt to different needs and riding styles.

THE COMPANY

BCA stands out for its unconventional and purist approach: the BCA Performance brake makes no compromises in terms of weight and performance, offering a unique model that is constantly evolving. Choosing BCA means not only buying a brake, but also helping a company totally Made in Italy with tailor-made advice and a more human relationship between company and consumer.

Naturally, various thicknesses and sizes are produced for the discs: we, using this system with an enduro perspective, used 203mm discs with a thickness of 2.1mm. The structure of the disc, except for the braking surface, is obtained from a solid sheet of 6082 Anticorodal 100 aluminium alloy.The aluminum alloy hub ensures greater rigidity, the braking track is made of AISI 420 steel.

FEATURES

The aesthetics of these brakes are definitely eye-catching, although it is clear that taste is personal: personally, I really appreciate this artisanal and characterful style. As I have already mentioned regarding discs, I often prefer substance over appearance, but BCA certainly strikes with a color that you either love or hate, being the only one available. This color choice may seem bold with some bike shades, but it gives BCA products a unique distinctiveness and recognizability compared to other brands. It is important to underline that this coloring comes from a complex anodizing procedure. And anyway, by the way, on my Jekyll they look really good 🙂

FIELD TEST

I have been testing this braking system for the entire year 2024, allowing me to provide detailed evaluations. BCA brakes stand out for their greater modulation compared to the competition, offering power that manifests itself progressively, avoiding sudden blocks. It is important to underline, and I invite you to continue reading the test, that Andrea from BCA is available to make customized modifications, depending on your specific needs and expectations from the braking system if you have clear ideas.

The BCA brakes and discs combination proved to be an excellent combination: no overheating problems or performance drops from the beginning to the end of the descents. During a competition, we found ourselves completely wearing out some pads (the conditions were prohibitive: mud and rain), but the BCA brakes continued to work flawlessly and I managed to finish the race well. In the end, I was surprised at the disastrous condition of the pads, considering that the brake lever had not lengthened significantly. Furthermore, it is important to underline that the disk showed no evident signs of wear after this intense use, a testimony to the excellent construction quality of these components.

The braking system is 2 pistons but I did not feel less power than the 4 of other brands: it must be said that the 2 BCA pistons are larger than the classic 2 pistons of other brands. I remember that BCA, in addition to the discs, also produces its pads dedicated to other braking systems and recommended in combination with BCA Yod4 discs.

Returning to the braking sensations, if we want to use clichés, it is a braking that is much more similar to SRAM than to Shimano, a braking that we often find in systems with DOT oil. Before BCA, I always used models with very dry braking and little lever travel: I have to say that after this year my way of braking has changed significantly. On the very first descent I did with this brake, I couldn't fully perceive its advantages: this smoothness didn't appeal to me (ATTENTION: smoothness/modularity does not mean lack of braking power). But I must admit that it was all due to my different past habits.

As time went by I began to appreciate the advantages of this modulable braking and currently I would have a hard time going back to an ON/OFF brake (excuse the expression): being able to manage the braking even in tricky situations, without the risk of locking up, is a great feeling. A feeling a little more like a motorbike than a bicycle.

Even if what emerged was a non-performance at the highest levels in situations beyond the comfort zone: think of very steep terrain, Nose Press trails or very wet steep. Here the modulation is not essential but, on the contrary, sometimes counterproductive and inferior to “ON/OFF” brakes with which it is easier to correct at the last minute or, more importantly, to trigger the Nose Press.

But why am I speaking in the past tense in this last paragraph? Because NOW COMES THE GOOD STORY!

After sharing these observations with Andrea, he replied: “Davide, I understand everything, come to the company so we can do it faster without wasting time chatting”. So I did: I went to see Andrea at the company and he replaced the two levers, changing the leverage ratio (excuse the pun) and increasing the roll back, or the distance between the pad and the disc. This made braking more immediate and sharp. Essentially, with less lever movement, the pistons come out more quickly.

From that moment on, every descent became another reason to smile: a high-performance, precise and powerful brake, with the right amount of modulation that always makes the difference. What more could you want from a brake? Thanks to the feedback collected, including that of athletes followed by BCA such as Nicola Bima and Andrea Colombo, BCA brakes can be considered a point of reference in the world of MTB.

BUT IS EVERYTHING OK?

From a performance point of view, yes, but also from a maintenance point of view, since we have never had any problems throughout the year. The tray system allows for much better management of air bubbles: pad changes are quicker (not having to connect the syringe/cup for fear of breaking the membranes when opening the pistons) and we never did a purge all year. The brake has always worked well without drops or problems.

Thinking about it, a flaw emerged: the weight of the system, compared to other top of the range products, is higher. The complete weight of the BCA system (front + rear without discs) is 700gr, against the 560gr of a Shimano XTR Trail, which may not satisfy enthusiasts who prioritize the lightness of the bike over the actual performance of the product. And the price of € 930 of the system reflects the construction made entirely in Italy.

HOW MUCH DOES THE BCA BRAKE SYSTEM COST?

The complete system (without discs) is offered at a price of €930 but we can find lower prices online.

THE VERDICT

A braking system for connoisseurs

BCA Performance is a real gem for the most demanding enthusiasts, raising the performance of your MTB braking system to the maximum level. Suitable for both beginners and expert riders, this system offers the best of itself in the hands of those who know how to exploit it to the fullest. The combination with BCA Yod4 discs completes an already excellent setup, making it a highly recommended choice.

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