Disc brakes
Disc brakes are now standard-issue on bikes costing as little as £300. The reasons for this are simple: they offer powerful, reliable stopping power in all conditions, giving you the confidence to tackle whatever the trail throws at you.
This year we’ve included some affordable options, such as the new Shimano SLX units, but we also have some top-end trail anchors like SRAM’s new Guide G2 Ultimate and the Hope Tech E3. There are also lightweight options like Shimano’s XTR and Magura’s MT7 Pro. With the growing popularity of e-bikes, we also have two dedicated brakes in the shape of the SRAM Guide RE and TRP G-Spec E-Mtb. So whatever type of riding you do, we have a brake for you.
Regardless of price or application, there are some essential features we expect on all disc brakes and the first is adjustable reach. This lets you tune the brake lever spacing to match your hand size; dial this in properly and you’ll be able to brake more comfortably and confidently.
The other thing we expect from modern brakes is a good modulation or feel. A good brake builds power progressively without feeling too grabby. This way you can really feel when the wheel starts to lock, so you can back off and remain in control.
We endure plenty of bad weather and wet trails, so a brake needs to function in these unpredictable conditions and brake pads need to be hard-wearing but still powerful.
These 10 brakes are all fighting it out for top honours — the best will be the one that most successfully balances weight, performance and cost.
HAYES DOMINION A4
£199.99
SPECIFICATION Weight: brake 302g, rotor 187g • Rotor size: 180 and 203mm • Contact: hotlines-uk.com
The Dominion A4 remains unchanged from the brake we tested a year ago. It looks like good value until you find out that it is sold without rotors and adapters, which are on the expensive side at £44.99. This brings the total cost for a front and rear set to over £500. Weight for the stainless-steel rotor is reasonable, but the Dominion A4 lever/caliper is weighty, making this one of the heavier systems on test.
One of the unique features on the Dominion A4 is the Crosshair caliper centring, which is essentially two tiny grubs screws
