The MTB Brake That Might Dethrone the Champ—Your Vote Counts

Jennifer Miller · 2026-10-22

Maximum stopping power, perfect modulation, 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 We're Looking For We're not just counting pistons or measuring rotor size. We want to know how these brakes perform when you're barreling down a rocky chute at 30 mph, when your fingers are tired after a 5-mile descent, and when the trail throws a surprise at you. That's why we're combining real-world trail testing with lab-controlled experiments. - **Modulation:** Can you feather the brake without locking up? Does it offer a smooth, predictable feel? - **Lever feel:** Is it firm or squishy? How much finger force is needed for maximum power? - **Heat management:** Does performance fade on long descents? How quickly do they recover? - **Consistency:** Do they perform the same in dry, dusty conditions as in wet, muddy ones? - **Maintenance:** How easy are they to bleed and adjust? Do they require frequent attention? ### Why Your Voice Matters Magazine tests are great, but they're only one piece of the puzzle. You, the riders, are the ones who put brakes through the wringer day in and day out. Your experiences—good and bad—help us understand what really works in the real world. So whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned enduro racer, we want to hear from you. ### Take the Survey Ready to make your voice heard? Take our quick survey and tell us which brakes have earned your trust. Your feedback will directly influence our test results and help fellow riders make better choices. Thanks for your support! See you soon, Your ENDURO test crew