The Best MTB Disc Brake Right Now Is Still Up for Grabs

Jennifer Miller · 2026-10-22

Maximum stopping power, perfect modulation, complete control. That's the dream brake, right? But here's the thing — which disc brake actually delivers when you're flying down a rocky chute at speed? And does dropping more cash on a set of calipers really get you better performance? We're about to find out. And honestly, we can't do it without you. For the upcoming ENDURO issue #070, we're rounding up the most exciting MTB disc brakes on the market and putting them through a proper group test. Take part in our survey and help shape what that test looks like — because your experience on the trail matters just as much as our lab numbers. ### Maximum Power or Maximum Control? Why Not Both Raw stopping power on its own doesn't make a great brake. Anyone who's grabbed a handful of lever on a cheap setup knows that feeling — all bite, no finesse. So we're asking the harder questions: - How precisely can you modulate that power when the trail gets loose? - How much finger effort does the lever actually demand on a long descent? - And how consistent is the performance once things really heat up? Brake fade is the enemy here. A brake that feels sharp on the first corner but goes soft two minutes later isn't a good brake — it's a liability. To get real answers, we're not just riding these brakes on the trails. We're also dragging them into the test lab for controlled runs. ### 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 caught up and raised the bar? The gap between premium brakes and mid-range options has narrowed a lot in recent years, and we suspect a few surprises are coming. You'll find out in our big MTB brake group test in ENDURO issue #070. ### Now It's Your Turn — Help Shape Our Big Brake Group Test Which MTB brakes have impressed you out on the trail? What matters most when you're choosing a set? And what does a brake need to deliver to earn the title of best on the market? > Your opinion matters. By taking part in our survey, you'll help us bring the MTB community's perspective into our group test — because beyond lab results and our own testing experience, we want to know what really matters to you when the rubber meets the dirt. Maybe you care most about lever feel. Maybe it's serviceability and parts availability. Maybe you've been burned by a brake that needed bleeding every other month and you just want something that works. Whatever it is, tell us. Your input directly shapes which brakes we prioritize and how we judge them. Take the survey, share your thoughts, and help us build a test that reflects real riders — not just test rigs. Thanks for your support. See you soon, Your ENDURO test crew