The MTB Disc Brake That Could Dethrone Last Year's Winner

Jennifer Miller · 2026-10-22

Maximum stopping power, perfect modulation, complete control. That's the dream spec sheet for any MTB disc brake, right? But here's the thing: which brake actually delivers when you're halfway down a rocky chute with your weight pitched forward and your fingers screaming for relief? And does dropping more cash really buy you better performance? We're about to find out, and we need you in the room for it. 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. But before we do, we want to hear from you. Tell us what actually matters when the trail gets rowdy. ### Maximum Power or Maximum Control? Why Not Both Raw stopping power on its own doesn't make a great brake. A brake that grabs like a bear trap but gives you zero feel is just a crash waiting to happen. So we're asking the harder questions: - How precisely can you modulate the power when traction is thin? - How much finger effort does the lever demand on a long, steep descent? - How consistent is performance when things really heat up? That last one matters more than most riders realize. Brakes that feel flawless on a two-minute test loop can fade badly once the rotors hit 400°F on a sustained alpine descent. Consistency under heat is where good brakes separate from great ones. And we're not just riding them. As part of this group test, every set of brakes heads into the test lab too, so we can pair real-trail feel with hard numbers. ### Who Will Take the Win? Here's the fun part. The winner of our last group test is back on the start line. Can it defend the title? Or has the competition caught up and raised the bar while nobody was looking? You'll find out in our big MTB brake group test in ENDURO issue #070. > "A brake isn't just about stopping. It's about how confidently you're willing to go faster in the first place." That's the mindset we're testing with. The best brake isn't the one with the biggest rotor or the fanciest marketing. It's the one that makes you ride with more confidence, lap after lap, descent after descent. ### Now It's Your Turn Which MTB brakes have genuinely impressed you out on the trail? What matters most to you when you're choosing a set? And what does a brake need to deliver before you'd call it the best on the market? Your opinion counts here. By taking part in our survey, you'll help 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 trail points downhill and the speed picks up. So tell us what you think. Which brakes have earned your trust, and which ones have let you down? Your feedback helps shape a test that reflects real riders, not just test rigs. Thanks for your support. See you on the trail. Your ENDURO test crew