The MTB Brake That Could Dethrone the Champ

James Moore · 2026-10-22

Maximum stopping power, perfect modulation, and complete control. Sounds like the ideal MTB brake, right? But which disc brake really delivers out on the trail? And does spending more necessarily mean getting better performance? We want to find out, and we need your input! For the upcoming ENDURO issue #070, we're putting the most exciting MTB disc brakes on the market to the test. 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! Maximum stopping power alone doesn't make a great brake. How precisely can you modulate that power? How much finger effort does the lever require? And how consistent is the performance when things really heat up on long descents? To find out, we're not just putting the brakes through their paces on the trails. As part of this group test, we'll also be 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? 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? What matters most to you? 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 out on the trail. > "The best brake isn't the one with the most power—it's the one that makes you feel invincible on the trail." ### What Makes a Brake the Best? When we talk about braking performance, it's not just about raw power. It's about how that power is delivered. Modulation is key—being able to feather the brakes without locking up. Lever feel matters too; a brake that requires less finger effort reduces fatigue on long descents. And consistency is crucial—brakes that fade when they get hot can ruin your ride. We'll be testing brakes from top brands like Shimano, SRAM, Magura, and Hope. Each will be subjected to rigorous lab tests and real-world trail conditions. But we need your help to understand what riders truly value. ### Your Voice Matters By sharing your experiences, you'll help us identify the features that make a real difference on the trail. Maybe you've had a brake that impressed you with its reliability, or one that disappointed you when you needed it most. Tell us about it! Take our survey and let us know: - Which brake brands have you used? - What's more important: power or modulation? - How much maintenance are you willing to do? - What's your budget for a new brake set? Your feedback will directly influence our testing criteria and help us crown the best MTB disc brake on the market. ### Stay Tuned for the Results The full group test will be published in ENDURO issue #070. We'll reveal which brake impressed us the most in the lab and on the trail. Will the reigning champion hold onto its title, or will a new contender emerge? Thanks for your support! See you soon, Your ENDURO test crew