Review: HEL Advocate ADV1 Disc Brakes on the Privateer 141 Gen2
We were fortunate enough to get our hands on a set of the first batch of HEL Advocate ADV1 Disc Brakes. As expected, they arrived without brake pads, so we opted to use our pre-production E Compound 3. This eco-friendly pad (FR-D015F - E) features less than 30% metal content and is ideal for road, MTB, and cargo bikes. With its copper-free, heavy metal-free formula, it reduces environmental contamination while being disc-friendly and minimising noise. Here’s how it performed:
Performance Metrics (0-10)
- Dry Brake Force: 6
- Wet Brake Force: 5
- Fading Resistance: 6
- Longevity: 5
- Noise Level: 8
Installation & Bleeding Process
Fitting the HEL Advocate ADV1 brakes onto a brand-new Privateer 141 Gen2 was a seamless process, thanks to its external cable routing. No struggling with internal routing or awkward bike angles—just straightforward installation. We did, however, rush the rear brake bleeding in our excitement, leading to a necessary re-bleed. That was on us, not the brakes.
The brakes arrived in a well-designed presentation box, complete with braided hoses, an innovative hose fitting system, and beautifully machined levers and calipers. HEL even included titanium brake mount bolts, but we opted for our low-profile titanium button head bolts in M6 instead (check them out here).
Privateer 141 Gen2 – The Perfect Match?
The Privateer 141 Gen2 was a bike we’d been eager to test. At 5ft 4in, I often struggle with dropper post insertion on small frames. The Privateer solved this issue with a 180mm dropper post, fully slammed into the frame, offering the best standover clearance I’ve ever experienced. Having previously cracked two carbon rear triangles, I also wanted something durable, and this aluminium beast fit the bill perfectly.
We further customised the bike with titanium bolts throughout and swapped the cockpit for a Burgtec bar and stem (available here). Fully built, including Burgtec pedals, the bike weighed 17.3kg, about 2-3kg heavier than previous builds.
First Ride: A Cold Morning in the Lake District
Setting off from Grasmere, we planned a short but intense ride featuring steep technical descents and challenging climbs. Given the bike’s weight, I was apprehensive about the climbs, but the steep seat angle positioned me efficiently over the pedals. Grip on loose surfaces was outstanding, and the bike sat high in its travel, providing exceptional traction over roots and rocks.
On the descents, the Privateer 141 Gen2 felt like a full-on enduro bike With 160mm travel, the 141 has 150mm upfront and 141 on the rear it was confidence-inspiring and handled steep, rocky terrain with ease. After 15 miles, I was hooked.
HEL Advocate ADV1 Brakes – Power & Performance
The braking power was immense. Paired with Hayes 2mm 203mm rotors, the E Compound 3 pads provided serious stopping force. Initially, modulation was lacking—the levers felt very on/off, with little movement before the bite point. Bringing the levers closer to the bar improved comfort and control, enabling one-finger braking all the way. Despite heavy braking, we experienced no fade. One area for improvement? A bite point adjustment would be a welcome addition—perhaps something we’ll see in the HEL Advocate ADV2.
Final Thoughts
The HEL Advocate ADV1 Disc Brakes are powerful, well-built, and easy to install, with a clean aesthetic that matches their performance. Paired with the Privateer 141 Gen2, they delivered an outstanding ride experience. This is the first Edition of this Brake and we are well impressed absolutly top of our list for our next bike Build.
Check out the Privateer 141 Gen2 here: Privateer Bikes