Lab Testing
Modern disc brakes are all now ridiculously powerful, offering insane levels of braking torque from just a single finger. In order to expose any weaknesses, we had to push them to the limit, which is impossible to do safely on the trail! We took the testing to Hope Technology’s in-house development laboratory in Barnoldswick, where we analysed each brake using a sophisticated computer-controlled dynamometer, measuring every parameter with scrupulous accuracy.
Sensors measured pad, disk and caliper temperatures, while braking torque was calculated from the hot and screaming brakes. Human preconceptions and bias were removed from the equation and weaknesses shouted out loud. In the lab, brakes were tested with OEM pads and their dedicated 180-millimeter rotors, with a consistent lever pressure of 50 newtons.
The protocol
After a 60 cycle bedding-in process, the computer simulated repeated hard braking cycles from 30-15 km/h (representative of normal riding), allowing us to measure the power and deceleration time in normal use. Then the air filled with an acrid stench as we took it to the max. Glowing red and spitting sparks, the brakes were decelerated hard and repeatedly from 45-0 km/h; a brutal test designed to bring on ‘fade’ (gas produced from hot pad resin, decreasing friction) and see how the caliper handled the heat buildup.
| Brake Model | Average Power [Nm] | Deceleration time 30 – 15 kph [Sec.] | Deceleration time 45 – 0 kph [Sec.] | 45 – 0 % Fade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formula R0 Racing | 101.9 | 1.5 | 6.3 | 17 % |
| Hope Tech 3 E4 organic | 101.0 | 1.3 | 6.5 | 23 % |
| Hope Tech 3 X2 organic | 90.8 | 1.6 | 8.9 | 35 % |
| Magura MT4 | 81.3 | 2.0 | 7.9 | 19 % |
| Magura MT5 | 110.1 | 1.2 | 7.6 | 17 % |
| Shimano Deore | 80.0 | 1.9 | 7.9 | 18 % |
| Shimano Deore XT | 91.0 | 1.6 | 5.8 | 7 % |
| Shimano XTR | 94.5 | 1.6 | 6.2 | 8 % |
| Shimano Saint | 116.0 | 1.2 | 7.0 | 21 % |
| SRAM Guide RS | 104.0 | 3.3 | 6.3 | 18 % |
| SRAM Guide Ultimate | 76.8 | 2.0 | 8.1 | 19 % |
| SRAM Level Ultimate | 75.0 | 2.1 | 7.8 | 11 % |
| Trickstuff Direttissima | >150 | Too powerful to test | Too powerful to test | Too powerful to test |
Results of lab testing
As scorched rotors and faded pads filled the test bench, we finally had our results. In the lab, the standout performers when it came to absolute power were the Trickstuff Direttissima, violently exceeding the 150 Nm safety cut off of the dynamometer They were simply far too powerful to test properly, but is that too much power?
Next were the big hitters, the Shimano Saint and Magura MT5, which showed brutal levels of power and deceleration. The surprises of the day were the Shimano XT and XTR, which both showed very consistent performance for a 2-piston brake, with almost no fade!
Should I buy Sintered or Organic Pads?
It is a question often asked when buying new brake pads. To give you the answer, we put the same Hope Tech 3 E4 brake through a lab test with both Sintered and Organic pads (with a change of rotor in between). Organic pads provided more power (101 Nm vs 92 Nm) and faster deceleration (1.32 vs 1.47 seconds) in the normal usage test (30 – 15 kph) but Sintered pads were much more resistant to fade (0% vs 21%) in the hot 45 – 0 kph test. If you like a faster bite and quieter operation, Organic pads are the best. For those who ride in the Alps or on long DH tracks, Sintered pads will perform better for longer.
ENDURO Pro tip: for the ultimate setup try an Organic pad in the front and Sintered pad in the rear for the best of both worlds.
| Brake Model | Average Power [Nm] | Deceleration time 30 – 15 kph [Sec.] | Deceleration time 45 – 0 kph [Sec.] | 45 – 0 % Fade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hope Tech 3 E4 organic | 101.0 | 1.3 | 6.5 | 23 % |
| Hope Tech 3 E4 sintered | 92.0 | 1.5 | 4.7 | – |
Trail testing
“Power is nothing without control,” and a tyre can only put down so much braking torque before grip is exceeded and things get rowdy. The best brake is one that allows you to put down ‘just enough’ power to provide maximum deceleration without initiating a skid — and that requires modulation. In order to see which brake could deliver power smoothly, our 8-strong test team rode each brake for at least 4 months to separate the good from the great. From racing in Scotland to lift riding in the Alps, we pushed them to the limit!
For even more details on the test procedure check out our Behind the scenes of the ENDURO disc brake test feature.
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
