This MTB Brake Test Could Change What You Buy

Robert Wilson · 2026-10-22

You know that feeling when you're flying down a rocky chute and you grab a handful of brake, and everything just... clicks? Maximum stopping power, perfect modulation, complete control. That's the dream, right? But which disc brake actually delivers that out on the trail? And does spending more really get you better performance? We're about to find out, and we need your help. For the upcoming ENDURO issue #070, we're putting the most exciting MTB disc brakes on the market through their paces. But we don't just want lab results—we want to know what matters to you when you're riding. So we're asking you to take part in our survey and help shape our big group test. ### Maximum Power or Maximum Control? Why Not Both! Here's the thing: raw stopping power alone doesn't make a great brake. Think about it. If you've got a brake that can stop on a dime but feels like an on/off switch, you're going to have a bad time. What really matters is how precisely you can modulate that power. Can you feather it on a loose corner without washing out? How much finger effort does the lever require? And does the performance stay consistent when things really heat up on long descents? Those are the questions we're asking. To get answers, we're not just hitting the trails. We're also taking these brakes into the test lab. Because sometimes you need science to back up what you feel on the trail. ### Who Will Take the Win? Can the winner of our last group test defend their title? Or has the competition stepped up and raised the bar? That's what we're going to find out. But here's the thing—we don't want this to be just our opinion. We want to bring the MTB community's perspective into the test. Because beyond lab results and our own testing experience, we want to know what really matters to you out on the trail. So, 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 shape the test and make it more relevant to riders like you. ### Now It's Your Turn – Help Shape Our Big Brake Group Test! We can't do this without you. Seriously. The more input we get from real riders, the better our test will be. So if you've got a minute, take the survey. Tell us what you love, what you hate, and what you want to see in a brake. Your voice will help us determine what we test and how we test it. Thanks for your support! We can't wait to share the results with you in ENDURO issue #070. See you soon, Your ENDURO test crew