The 9 Best MTB Brakes of 2023
By: Colin Edwards: Bike Buyer | July 14, 2023
Prepare to take control like never before in 2023 with the best MTB brakes available. The right braking system isn't just about stopping power - it's a key factor that determines your control, confidence, and overall riding performance on the trails. As you consider your options, you'll want to take into account factors like the type of brakes (disc or rim), brake modulation, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with your bike. Whether you're navigating steep descents or navigating technical terrain, our comprehensive guide is designed to help you find the best mountain bike brakes upgrade that perfectly match your riding style and needs.
New This Year:
Braking technology in 2023 is pushing the boundaries with several exciting trends. This year, expect to see designs focused on enhanced modulation for improved control, lighter yet more durable materials, and advancements in heat management for consistent performance. Join us as we explore the best MTB brakes of 2023 that are setting new standards in safety, control, and environmental responsibility. Gear up for your best ride yet!
Shimano XT BR-M8100 Hydraulic with Metal Pad
Slap these stoppers on your steed and control your gallop. Armed with the 2-piston stopping power of the Shimano XT BR-M8100 Hydraulic Disc Brake with Metal Pad, you're ready for rapid decelerations with predictable modulation and no fade.
| Original Price |
| $169.99 |
SRAM G2 RSC
As SRAM's lightest 4-piston brakes, the SRAM G2 RSC Disc Brakes are the perfect complement to your aggressive trail bike. These pack all the power you'd expect from a quartet of hydraulically-actuated pistons, but they have modulation to go along with it: instead of on/off, like an old video game, G2 RSC's can go from feather to emergency stop along their stroke. Going fast is in large part about braking, and these are without peer.
| Original Price |
| $302.00 |
SRAM Code RSC
With the SRAM Code RSC Disc Brake at your command, you're in total control. With one finger. No matter how steep it is, no matter how long you've been descending, no matter how much you overcooked that last section. The Code RSC is the high-powered four-piston brake of choice for so many enduro racers for good reason.
| Original Price |
| $264.00 |
Shimano SLX BR-M7120 Hydraulic with Metal Pad
The Shimano SLX BR-M7120 Hydraulic Disc Brake with Metal Pad is a versatile high performance brake with tremendous stopping power and feel, all at a price point you can live with. Featuring 4-piston power, ICE TECHNOLOGIES cooling, and quicker piston retraction than ever before, the SLX BR-M7120 is a great choice to finish you MTB group or upgrade an existing ride.
| Original Price |
| $186.99 |
SRAM Code R
SRAM Code R Disc Brakes are four pistons of power, a quartet of speed squashers that'll have the same feel at the top of a massive downhill run as they will at the bottom. Most brakes on the market - even those with two pistons - have the ability to lock up your wheels at any speed. But skidding isn't what puts you on race podiums. Modulation of that power, successful application of all that power: that's what does it. These Codes are no secret, they're just the best brakes out there.
| Original Price |
| $167.00 |
Shimano XT BR-M8120 Hydraulic with Metal Pad
Part of the workhorse line from Japan, the Shimano XT BR-M8120 Hydraulic Disc Brake with Metal Pad is a four-piston enduro brake built to manage the edge-of-control descents you're likely to see on today's trails. It has predictable modulation to go along with those four ceramic pistons, fighting heat as you feather your way down heavy terrain.
| Original Price |
| $229.99 |
SRAM G2 Ultimate
SRAM G2 Ultimate Disc Brakes are the choice for any bike up to a 170mm monster, offering plenty of power in the lightweight package that's become a trail rider favorite over the past couple years. These are very adjustable, easy to set up, and immensely powerful for their weight. The carbon levers feel superb, and the 4-piston caliper is designed to deliver even pad wear. There's nothing like that SRAM modulation: get that one-finger braking at any intensity.
| Original Price |
| $302.00 |
SRAM G2 R
Trails have a way of surprising you. Maybe it's an uncomfortable turn that shows up too fast after a blind roll, maybe it's a surprise squall that turns a dusty rock garden into the worst waterslide ever. Having a powerful four-piston solution like the SRAM G2 R Disc Brake at the ready will let you breathe. This has enough power to bring any bike under a control, while still being lightweight and easy to use with one finger. You'll see the G2 series on bikes of all genres, they really are that versatile.
| Original Price |
| $146.00 |
Learn More With Our Other Bike Guides:
How to Choose a Mountain Bike
Mountain Bike Sizing and Fit Guide
How to Get Started Mountain Biking
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Wheel Size
Mountain Bike Suspension Basics
Women's Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide
How To Get Started Gravel Biking
Electric Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide
Classes of eBikes
Travel Guides - Where to Mountain Bike
Travel Guides - Where to Ride eBikes
Mountain Bike Cockpit Setup & Seat Height
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Dropper Post
How to Choose Mountain Bike Tires
How to Choose Mountain Bike Handlebars
How to Choose Mountain Bike Pedals
How to Choose Clipless Pedals, Shoes & Cleats
How to Choose a Bike Seat / Saddle
Women's Mountain Bike Gear & Clothing Guide
How to Choose MTB Knee Pads
Bike Helmet Size & Fit Guide
How to Choose Bike Shoes
Shimano Groupset Hierarchy Explained
SRAM Groupset Hierarchy Explained
SRAM vs Shimano Groupsets Compared
What to Bring Mountain Biking
What to Wear Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Tire Pressure Guide
Mountain Bike Maintenance Schedule
How to Clean a Mountain Bike
How to Change Bike Pedals
How to Bleed SRAM Brakes
How to Bleed Shimano Brakes
How to Convert to Tubeless Tires
How to Replace Internal Cable Housing
How to Adjust Your Rear Derailleur
How to Replace a Bike Chain
How to Fix Bike Creaks & Noises
Our bike buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things bike stemming from years of experience in the bike industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the dirt, gravel, and tarmac. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Colin Edwards
Meet Colin Edwards, evo's in-house Bike Buyer and mountain biking aficionado. With 15+ years of e-commerce buying experience under his belt, Colin is the go-to guy for all things related to "Riding Dirt." He's worked across various categories, including bike, snowboard, travel, climbing, and surfing, giving him the know-how to recognize and select top-notch mountain biking products for evo's customers.
Colin's been shredding trails since he was a kid, starting on his trusty hardtail Trek 800 Sport. Born and raised in Utah, he recently made the move to Bellingham, WA with his partner, Kenz. Colin's real-world biking experience, combined with his background in product trends, relationship building, and sales analysis, makes him an invaluable asset to the evo team.
When he's not busy handpicking the raddest gear, you'll find Colin ripping through PNW trails or hunting for the world's best dirt. And when the snow falls, he's all about snowboarding. Colin also loves trail running and exploring the PNW's stunning landscape with his two dogs and Kenz.
With Colin's expertise and passion fueling evo's mountain biking selection, you can trust that his recommendations are spot-on and tailored to the evo community's adventurous spirit.
