The best MTB disc brake you can buy 2016
They say that in life ‘all good things come to those who wait’ – the perfect pint or that perfect sunset. But when you’re charging hard into a corner, roost flying, eyes on stalks and breathing hard, when you pull the brakes you want instant action!
Update
This test is from 2016, don’t miss our current MTB disc brake group test.
A good disc brake does more than just slow you down; it allows you to dance that fine line between traction and skidding. It will have enough power to haul you down from crazy speeds but still have smooth modulation, allowing you to feel exactly how much force the tyres can handle. Finally, a good brake will be easy to bleed, without drips, so you won’t get in trouble for covering the family pet in DOT 5.1.
Anatomy of a good brake
Bleeding systems: What marks out the best brakes is a bleeding process that does not involve wiping brake fluid off the ceiling at the end.
Clamp: Most brakes now come with a split clamp, allowing them to be removed without removing grips. Many brands now provide direct mounts for shifters to minimise clutter on the bars.
Contact Point Adjustment: You choose exactly where in the lever travel you want the bite point (the point where the pads touch the rotor and start decelerating) to be.
Fade: Pads and rotors get really hot under extreme use (over 500oC), the resin used to bind the pad compounds together starts to boil, producing gas that reduces friction between the pad and the rotor.
Fluid: Many brake brands now use mineral oil for the hydraulic fluid, which is a less toxic alternative to DOT fluid. DOT, however, is cheap and readily available.
Lever ergonomics: BYour main point of contact with the brakes are the lever. The best brakes now have a pivot that runs on ball bearings to ensure a smooth and play-free action.
Modulation: Modulation is defined as how easy it is to control the amount of force acting through the brake. The best levers feature special cams, which change the amount of leverage exerted during each phase of travel, improving modulation and control.
Pad type: Most brakes are fitted, or have the option of, organic or sintered pads. Organic pads offer a more powerful bite and generally quieter operation, but are more prone to fade during long, hot descents. Sintered pads are much more resistant to heat build up, but are generally not as powerful as organics.
Pistons: Brakes work by squeezing the pad between opposing pistons, and most calipers now feature 2 or 4 pistons. Four piston brakes are heavier but generally offer more modulation.
Reach Adjustment: Reach adjustment allows you to move the lever start point in and out from the bar. Some models offer a tool-less control, while others need a Torx key or other tool.
Rotor Size: The most cost-effective way of improving braking performance is to increase the rotor size; increasing a rotor can result in a thirty-percent improvement in performance and modulation.
Overview
| Bremse | Adjustment | Weight (just one) | Price (just one) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula R0 Racing | Reach Adjustment* | 230 g | € 250 |
| Hope Tech 3 E4 | Reach Adjustment, Contact Point Adjustment | 252 g | € 214,10 |
| Hope Tech 3 X2 | Reach Adjustment, Contact Point Adjustment | 263 g | € 186,50 |
| Magura MT4 | Reach Adjustment* | 212 g | € 89 |
| Magura MT5 | Reach Adjustment* | 248 g | € 111 |
| SRAM Guide RS | Reach Adjustment | 247 g | € 161 |
| SRAM Guide Ultimate | Reach Adjustment, Contact Point Adjustment | 230 g | € 301 |
| SRAM Level Ultimate | Reach Adjustment* | 193 g | € 310 |
| Shimano Deore | Reach Adjustment* | 284 g | – |
| Shimano Deore XT | Reach Adjustment, Contact Point Adjustment* (did not work) | 278 g | – |
| Shimano XTR | Reach Adjustment, Contact Point Adjustment* (did not work) | 256 g | – |
| Shimano Saint | Reach Adjustment, Contact Point Adjustment | 300 g | – |
| Trickstuff Direttissima | Reach Adjustment* | 279 g | € 375 |
* = requires a tool
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