The Best MTB Disc Brake Is Still Up for Grabs—Want a Say?

Jennifer Miller · 2026-10-22

Maximum stopping power, perfect modulation, complete control. Sounds like the dream MTB brake, right? But here's the thing—plenty of brakes claim that. What actually delivers out on the trail is a whole different story. So which disc brake really earns its spot on your bike? And does spending more money actually get you better performance? We're not so sure, and that's exactly what we want to dig into. We're putting the most exciting MTB disc brakes on the market through a big group test for the upcoming ENDURO issue #070. And here's where you come in: we need your help shaping it. Take our survey and tell us what really matters to you when it comes to braking performance. ### Maximum Power or Maximum Control? Why Not Both Raw stopping power alone doesn't make a great brake. Think about it. A brake that grabs hard but gives you nothing in between is a handful on tight, technical trails. The real questions are the ones you feel through your fingers: - How precisely can you modulate the power when you're feathering the lever? - How much finger effort does the lever actually require on a long, punishing descent? - And how consistent is the performance when things really heat up, mile after mile? Those are the details that separate a good brake from a great one. So we're not just testing on the trails. We're also taking these brakes into the test lab to see how they hold up under pressure. > "Power is easy to measure. Control is what you feel at the end of a long day when your hands are tired and the trail gets loose." ### Who Will Take the Win? Here's the fun part. Can the winner of our last group test defend the title? Or has the competition stepped up and raised the bar? Honestly, we don't know yet—and that's what makes this test so exciting. You'll find out in our big MTB brake group test in ENDURO issue #070. But the results won't just come from lab numbers and our own time on the trail. We want the MTB community's perspective in the mix too. ### Now It's Your Turn Which MTB brakes have impressed you? What matters most when you're picking a brake? And what does a brake need to deliver to earn the title of best on the market? Your opinion matters here. By taking part in our survey, you'll help us bring real rider perspective into the group test. Because beyond lab results and our own testing experience, we want to know what really counts for you out on the trail. So take a few minutes, share your thoughts, and help shape the test. It's your chance to weigh in on the brakes that could end up on your bike next season. Thanks for your support. We couldn't do this without you. See you soon, Your ENDURO test crew