Conclusion
If a disc brakes only purpose is to provide deceleration then every brake in this test performed its function admirably. However when we start to consider modulation, reliability, ease of servicing then not all brakes are created equally.
After extensive testing in both the laboratory and on the trail we had our winners, but we also had a few surprises. The older Shimano XT used to be the obvious choice for reliability and performance, setting the benchmark by which all other are judged. Performance is still unquestioned but our testing revealed unexpected reliability issues with the XT M8000’s that were observed in the Shimano XTR M9020 brake too, pointing a finger at the new piston design.
For those looking for outright power, the Shimano Saints and Magura MT5’s both offer similar deceleration as to dropping an anchor into the ground. However, for true power enthusiasts the Trickstuff Direttisima are in a class of their own, overpowering the Dynamometer in the lab. However all that power comes with an expensive price tag, and you have to be gentle with your fingers to avoid unleashing too much braking fury.
For those on a budget, the Shimano Deore BR-M615 are outstanding value, no other brake offers such impressive performance for so little and we experienced no issues with reliability, so top marks to Shimano there. The SRAM Guide RS too was a well liked brake, well deserved of its booming OEM popularity. For those who value sensitivity the Hope Tech 3 E4 were the undisputed kings of modulation, silky smooth and controllable.
In the end there could only be one winner and it was to be the SRAM Guide Ultimate. In the lab they were not spectacular on outright power, but on the trail, where it counts, we were extremely impressed with the silky smooth modulation and consistent even power. However, it was the complete package that impressed us most, with the super easy and non drip Bleeding Edge technology. For those who ride predominantly in the bike parks or are looking for a more gravity focussed brake, then the Magura MT5’s offer a lot of bang for your buck.
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Table of Contents
- Intro: Anatomy of a good brake
- How we test in the lab and on the trails
- The best MTB disc brake: SRAM Guide Ultimate
- The Runner Up: Magura MT5
- Formula R0 Racing
- Hope Tech3 E4
- Hope Tech3 X2
- Magura MT4
- SRAM Guide RS
- SRAM Level Ultimate
- Shimano Deore
- Shimano Deore XT
- Shimano XTR
- Shimano Saint
- Trickstuff Direttissima
- Conclusion
