The MTB Disc Brake Everyone's Arguing About Right Now

Robert Wilson · 2026-10-22

Maximum stopping power, perfect modulation, complete control. Sounds like the dream MTB brake, right? But which disc brake actually delivers out on the trail? And does spending more really mean getting a better brake? Those are the questions we're about to answer. We're putting the most exciting MTB disc brakes on the market through their paces for the upcoming ENDURO issue #070. But here's the thing: we don't want to do this alone. We need your input. Take part in our survey and help shape our big group test by telling 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 zero feel is a brake you'll fight on every technical descent. So we're asking the tougher questions: - How precisely can you modulate that power when the trail gets loose? - How much finger effort does the lever actually require on a long run? - And how consistent is the performance when things really heat up on sustained descents? Those are the details that separate a good brake from a great one. And to find out, we're not just riding these brakes on the trails. As part of this group test, we're also taking them into the test lab. ### Who Will Take the Win? Can the winner of our last group test defend their title? Or has the competition stepped up its game and raised the bar? That's the fun part. Brake technology keeps moving, and the gap between the top options is tighter than ever. We'll find out in our big MTB brake group test in ENDURO issue #070. > "Your opinion matters. Beyond lab results and our own testing experience, we want to know what really matters to you out on the trail." ### Now It's Your Turn Which MTB brakes have impressed you? What matters most to you when you're picking a brake? And what does a brake need to deliver to earn the title of best on the market? This is where you come in. By taking part in our survey, you'll help us bring the MTB community's perspective into our group test. Because lab numbers only tell part of the story. The real story is how a brake feels when you're out on the trail, miles from the trailhead, with your hands on the bars. So if you've got strong opinions about braking performance (and most riders do), we want to hear them. Tell us what you ride, what you love, and what you'd change. Thanks for your support. See you soon. Your ENDURO test crew