Which MTB Disc Brake Really Wins on the Trail? We're Testing

Robert Wilson · 2026-10-22

Maximum stopping power, perfect modulation, complete control. Sounds like the ideal MTB brake, right? But which disc brake actually delivers once you're pointed down a rocky chute at 25 mph? And here's the question that keeps nagging at us: does spending more money really buy you better braking? We're about to find out, and we need your help. For the upcoming ENDURO issue #070, we're rounding up the most exciting MTB disc brakes on the market and putting them through their paces. But a group test is only as good as the questions it asks. So take part in our survey and tell us what really matters to you when you're grabbing a handful of lever. ### Maximum Power or Maximum Control? Why Not Both Raw stopping power alone doesn't make a great brake. A brake that grabs hard but gives you no feel is just a switch, and switches don't belong on a mountain bike. So we're digging deeper. How precisely can you modulate that power? How much finger effort does the lever demand over a long descent? And how consistent is the performance when things really heat up on a 3,000-foot drop? Those are the questions that separate a decent brake from a great one. To answer them properly, we're not just riding them on the trails. As part of this group test, we'll also be taking every brake into the test lab for hard numbers. ### Who Will Take the Win? Can the winner of our last group test defend its title? Or has the competition stepped up and raised the bar? Maybe a smaller brand sneaks in and surprises everyone. Find out in our big MTB brake group test in ENDURO issue #070. ### Now It's Your Turn Here's where you come in. Which MTB brakes have impressed you out on real trails? What matters most to you? And what does a brake need to deliver to earn the title of best on the market? > "Beyond lab results and our own testing experience, we want to know what really matters to you out on the trail." Your opinion matters. By taking part in our survey, you'll help us bring the MTB community's perspective into our group test. Maybe you've been burned by a brake that faded halfway down a long descent. Maybe you've found a budget set that punches way above its price. Either way, we want to hear it. A few things we're especially curious about: - How much lever effort you're willing to tolerate before a brake feels like a workout - Whether you prioritize fade resistance over initial bite - How much you'd actually spend on a set of brakes, from budget options to premium setups - Which brands have earned your trust, and which ones lost it ### Why This Group Test Matters Brakes are the one component you trust with your life every single ride. A drivetrain failure is annoying. A brake failure is something else entirely. That's why we're combining trail testing with lab data and your real-world feedback. Three angles, one honest answer. So take the survey and help shape the test. Your input could change how the whole community looks at its next brake upgrade. Thanks for your support. See you soon. Your ENDURO test crew