The MTB Disc Brake That Could Dethrone the Champ

Jennifer Miller · 2026-10-22

Maximum stopping power, perfect modulation, complete control. Sounds like the ideal MTB disc brake, right? But here's the thing — plenty of brakes look great on paper. The real question is which one actually delivers when you're flying down a rocky descent with your knuckles turning white. That's exactly what we're setting out to find. For the upcoming ENDURO issue #070, we're putting the most exciting MTB disc brakes on the market through their paces. And we need your help to make it count. ### Maximum Power or Maximum Control? Why Not Both Here's a truth most riders learn the hard way: raw stopping power alone doesn't make a great brake. A brake that grabs like a bear trap but offers zero feel is a recipe for a washed-out front wheel and a long walk back to the trailhead. So what actually separates a good brake from a great one? - **Modulation** — how precisely can you feather that power on loose dirt or wet roots? - **Lever effort** — how much finger strength does it take to slow down on a long, steep chute? - **Consistency under heat** — does performance fade after a few thousand feet of descending? Those are the questions that matter on the trail, not just the spec sheet. To answer them properly, we're not only testing on dirt. We're also taking these brakes into the test lab for controlled, repeatable measurements. ### Who Will Take the Win? Can the winner of our last group test defend the title? Or has the competition finally stepped up and raised the bar? That's the drama we're chasing in issue #070. Sometimes a challenger comes out of nowhere. Sometimes the reigning champ just keeps winning. Either way, we'll find out. ### Now It's Your Turn — Help Shape Our Big Brake Group Test This is the part where you come in. Which MTB brakes have impressed you out on the trail? What matters most when you're choosing a brake? And what does a brake actually 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 genuinely shapes this test. By taking part in our survey, you'll bring the MTB community's perspective into our group test — the real-world feedback that no dyno or lab bench can replicate. Because a brake that wins on paper but feels dead in your hands isn't a winner at all. ### Why Your Input Matters We test a lot of gear, and we've got strong opinions. But the best group tests are the ones that reflect how riders actually ride — not just how engineers measure performance. Your feedback helps us ask better questions, spot trends we might miss, and hold these brakes to a standard that matters to real people spending real money. So if you've got a brake you swear by, or one that let you down on a big ride, we want to hear about it. Your experience could shape the verdict in issue #070. Thanks for your support — and we'll see you on the trail. Your ENDURO test crew