The MTB Brake Test That Could Change Your Ride

James Moore · 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. Your feedback will directly influence how we evaluate these brakes, ensuring the test reflects the real-world needs of riders like you. ### 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? These are the questions that separate a good brake from a great one. We'll be digging deep into these aspects, and your priorities will help us focus our testing. 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. There, we'll measure things like heat dissipation, lever force, and stopping distance under controlled conditions. But lab results only tell part of the story. That's why we're combining objective data with real-world trail time to give you a complete picture. ### 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. We'll be pitting the latest models against each other, from budget-friendly options to high-end performers, to see which one truly deserves the crown. ### 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. Here's what we're asking: - What's your top priority: raw power, modulation, or lever feel? - How much maintenance are you willing to do? - What's your budget for a set of brakes? - Have you ever had a brake fade on a long descent? What happened? Take the Survey Here! (link nofollow) Thanks for your support! See you soon, Your ENDURO test crew