The Best MTB Disc Brake Isn't Obvious—And We Need Your Take

Jennifer Miller · 2026-10-22

Maximum stopping power. Perfect modulation. Complete control. Sounds like the dream MTB brake, right? But here's the thing: which disc brake actually delivers when you're pointing down a chunky rock garden at speed? And does dropping more cash 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 putting the most exciting MTB disc brakes on the market through their paces. But before we do, we want to hear from the people who actually ride—you. Take part in our survey and help shape our big group test by telling us what truly matters to you when it comes to braking performance. ### Maximum Power or Maximum Control? Why Not Both Here's the truth: raw stopping power alone doesn't make a great brake. A brake that grabs hard but feels like an on/off switch will have you skidding into trouble. What really counts is the nuance. - How precisely can you modulate that power on a loose, dusty corner? - How much finger effort does the lever demand on a long, steep descent? - And how consistent is performance when things really heat up—say, after a mile of continuous braking? Those are the questions that separate a good brake from a great one. To answer them properly, we're not just hammering trails. As part of this group test, we'll also be 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 stepped up and raised the bar? That's the fun part—nobody knows yet. The results will land in our big MTB brake group test in ENDURO issue #070. > "The best brake isn't the one with the most power on paper. It's the one you forget about because it just does exactly what you ask, every single time." That's the standard we're testing against. And it's where your perspective comes in. ### 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—lever feel, fade resistance, pad life, or how easy they are to bleed at home in your garage? And what does a brake genuinely need to deliver to earn the title of best on the market? Your opinion matters. By taking part in our survey, you'll help bring the MTB community's real-world perspective into our group test. Because beyond lab numbers and our own testing experience, we want to know what actually matters to you when you're riding. Maybe you've got a set of brakes that have never let you down across seasons of abuse. Maybe you've been burned by an expensive set that faded halfway down a descent. Either way, we want to hear it. Thanks for your support—and we'll see you in issue #070. See you soon, Your ENDURO test crew