Review: HEL Advocate ADV1 Disc Brakes on the Privateer 141 Gen2
We were fortunate enough to get our hands on a set from the first production batch of the HEL Advocate ADV1 Disc Brakes. As expected with early systems, they arrived without brake pads, which gave us the perfect opportunity to test them with our own pre-production compound.
For this ride test, we fitted Gorilla Brakes E Compound 3 pads (FR-D015F – E) — an eco-focused compound designed for riders who want low noise, predictable braking, and reduced environmental impact without sacrificing control.
Brake Pad Setup – Gorilla Brakes E Compound 3
The E Compound 3 pad uses less than 30% metal content and is:
- Copper-free
- Heavy metal-free
- Rotor-friendly
- Naturally quieter than sintered pads
It’s designed for road, MTB, cargo bikes, and light e-bike use, making it a great baseline compound for assessing lever feel, modulation, and consistency.
Explore Gorilla Brakes pads: Gorilla Brakes Disc Brake Pads
Performance Metrics (0–10)
Based on mixed Lake District riding, long descents, and repeated braking under load:
- Dry braking force: 6
- Wet braking force: 5
- Fade resistance: 6
- Pad longevity: 5
- Noise control: 8
Installation & Bleeding – Straightforward and Well Thought Out
The HEL Advocate ADV1 brakes were fitted to a brand-new Privateer 141 Gen 2, and the install was refreshingly simple. Thanks to the bike’s external hose routing, there was no fighting internal ports or awkward bleed angles — just clean, practical installation.
We did rush the rear bleed slightly (pure excitement), which meant a quick re-bleed later — entirely user error, not a fault with the brakes.
The presentation box is spot on and includes braided hoses, a clever hose fitting system, beautifully machined levers and calipers, and titanium caliper mounting bolts as standard.
We swapped those for our own low-profile titanium M6 button-head bolts for a cleaner look: View Gorilla Brakes Titanium Bolts
Privateer 141 Gen 2 – A Proper Test Platform
The Privateer 141 Gen 2 quickly proved why it has such a strong reputation. At 5ft 4in, small frames often limit dropper insertion, but the 141 allowed a 180mm dropper fully slammed, giving some of the best standover and riding position I’ve experienced.
After cracking two carbon rear triangles previously, the aluminium frame was a deliberate choice — strong, confidence-inspiring, and built to be ridden hard.
Setup highlights:
- Burgtec bar and stem
- Burgtec pedals
- Titanium hardware throughout
Fully built, the bike weighed 17.3kg — around 2–3kg heavier than previous bikes, but worth it for the ride feel and durability.
Check out the Privateer 141 Gen 2: Privateer Bikes
First Ride – Cold, Technical Lake District Conditions
The test ride kicked off from Grasmere, featuring steep climbs, loose rock, roots, and classic Lake District tech. Despite the weight, the steep seat angle kept climbing efficient and planted.
On the descents, the 141 felt like a full-blown enduro bike — stable at speed, calm in steep terrain, and confidence-inspiring when things got rocky. After around 15 miles, it was obvious this was a proper match for this kind of riding.
HEL Advocate ADV1 – Braking Power & Control
Paired with Hayes 2.0mm 203mm rotors, the HEL Advocate ADV1 brakes delivered serious stopping power. Lever feel is firm and direct, and once dialled in, one-finger braking is easily achievable.
Early on, modulation felt a bit on/off, with minimal lever movement before the bite point. Bringing the levers closer to the bar transformed comfort and control and made the braking feel far more predictable.
Even under repeated heavy braking, we experienced no fade and no inconsistency. One small wish? A bite-point adjustment would be welcome — something we’d love to see in a future ADV2.
Shop HEL brakes at Gorilla Brakes: HEL Hydraulic Disc Brake Systems
Final Thoughts – Are HEL Advocate ADV1 Brakes Worth It?
The HEL Advocate ADV1 Disc Brakes are powerful, exceptionally well made, and genuinely easy to install. Paired with the Privateer 141 Gen 2, they delivered one of the most confidence-inspiring setups we’ve ridden.
For a first-generation brake system, the performance is seriously impressive — and they’ve gone straight to the top of our list for future builds.
Privateer 141 Gen 2: Privateer Bikes