Brakes are the most important part of a bike, a pair of good performance brakes can make you ride more confidently, and it will also make you dare to go downhill at a faster speed. Let’s take a look at the more than a dozen brakes recommended by foreign media after the test. The parameters and performance of these brakes have been displayed, which is convenient for everyone to purchase and upgrade brakes as a reference.

Formula Cura 4

Number of Pistons: 4

Brake fluid: mineral oil

Weight: 246 grams

Price: £150

This type of brake is a bit cumbersome to install and deflate, and the brake feel is average. The position of the caliper’s hose port means that the brake cable is not very convenient, and there is no tool-free adjustment function, but the brake feel is smooth and progressive, and the braking force is acceptable.

Hope Tech 3 E4

Number of Pistons: 4

Brake Fluid: DOT 5.1

Weight: 256 grams

Price: £175

Hope’s brakes are a must-have upgrade for many users, the Tech 3 features tool-free adjustment, is compatible with Shimano I-Spec A shifters, and features one-piece calipers CNC machined from T6 aluminum for powerful stopping power. The perforated design of the handle can increase friction, and a variety of colors are also a major advantage of it. This is a very durable industrial product.

Shimano BL-MT501/MT502

Pistons: Four

Brake fluid: mineral oil

Weight: 297g

Price: £100

The price of Shimano BL-Mt501/Mt502 brakes is estimated to be relatively competitive, but this does not mean that its performance is lacking. It sticks to the Shimano’s stable character, with ample stopping power, and the crisp, positive lever feel is carried over. The stock rear brake has a hose length of 1700mm, which may not be long enough for a state-of-the-art downhill or enduro bike.

Shimano Deore M6000

Pistons: Two

Brake fluid: mineral oil

Weight: 278g

Price £75

Shimano’s Deore brakes have long been the go-to choose for off-road bikes, and they’re also available in a four-piston version, which is a two-piston version that’s good enough for most off-road conditions. The comfortable brake feel will make you fall in love with it.

SRAM Code RSC

Pistons: Four

Brake Fluid: DOT 5.1

Weight: 326g

Price: £230

The SRAM Code is one of the most popular brakes for downhill and enduro as well as electric assist models due to its strong stopping power. This brake is easy to switch from left to right, and uses oil cans and calipers with excellent heat resistance. And the oil is easy to put, and the screw-in barb and screw-in olive head are also convenient for brake maintenance. Overall, this brake has great feel, top-notch construction and easy maintenance.

Hayes Dominion A4

Pistons: Four

Brake Fluid: DOT 5.1

Weight: 310g

Price: £200

Hayes dominated the brake world in the early 2000s, but has been slow to update new products in recent years. A4 brakes provide a relaxed braking feel, with 17mm large pistons and semi-metal brake pads, and the braking force is gradually moderate. It also uses two air vents, which is a clever design. While this is a fully functional brake and easy to set up, it is also relatively expensive.

Hope XCR PRO X2

Pistons: two

Brake Fluid: DOT 5.1 or DOT 4

Weight: 213g

Price: £250

The X2 is the choice for those who like the Hope’s light-weight advantage, and it’s also compatible with Shimano and SRAM shifters. The carbon fiber brake lever is one of the factors that makes it light, the two pistons don’t affect stopping power, and the one-piece caliper doesn’t look bulky, but its pads scream in the wet.

Magura MT5

Pistons: Four

Brake fluid: mineral oil

Weight: 250g

Price: £95

The four-piston Magura MT5 brakes are designed for heavy duty and electric assist models, the brakes have a softer feel than other brakes, but this may be down to the long handle, which some people may not like, and it looks a little plastic cheap, but its price has a certain advantage.

Magura MT Trail SL

Pistons: top four, bottom two

Brake fluid: mineral oil

Weight: 239g (front), 220g (rear)

Price: £497

Magura MT Trail SL’s relative MT5 appearance has been improved, but its positioning is not as heavy as MT5, and it is an excellent choice for AM or ENDURO users. Its lever body made of “carbontecture” material is carbon composite, which helps the brake to achieve a lower weight, so this brake is not cheap.

Shimano SLX M7120

Pistons: Four

Brake fluid: mineral oil

Weight: 307g

Price: £160

The Shimano SLX is something between the Shimano Deore and the Shimano XT, and sometimes overlooked. But the SLX has many great features and was the first choice for many early off-road users. Four-piston calipers provide excellent stopping power, even on heavier e-bikes. The SLX M7120 does not have the Free Stroke adjustment function, it would be more perfect if Shimano could decentralize this technology.

SRAM G2 Ultimate

Pistons: Four

Brake Fluid: DOT 5.1

Weight: 281g

Price: £265

The off-road-focused G2 replaces the ever-popular Guide brakes in SRAM’s lineup, while the Ultimate is the top-of-the-line version with galvanized rainbow-painted screws, lever pivot bearings and tool-less adjustment. The 80mm carbon fiber stem has a smooth, contoured shape. The four-piston calipers look smaller than SRAM’s Code brakes, but the stopping power is still gritty, but not cheap.