Components - Brakes

With most bike shops already sold out of 2021 bikes, Andrew makes some predictions about what changes we'll see to the bread-and-butter 6" travel bike between now and 2023.

Has TRP perfected the mesh of power, consistency and feel with the new DH-R Evo?

A Shimanophile's dream four-piston brake on a budget? As good as SLX or XT for less cash?

"As I found with the new SLX drivetrain, the SLX brakes make it hard to justify the extra money for XT…"

Shimano's second tier group has never been closer to XTR.

No vaporware here - just currently existing or easy DIY collaborations that could improve your on-trail experience with wrenching, pedaling, and ergonomics.

Products from Shimano, One Up, We Are One, and Ride Concepts get hauled back into interrogation...

The Cura 4 is Formula's Italian-Made entry into the four-piston DH brake game...

The Cura 4 is Formula's Italian-Made entry into the four-piston DH brake game...

Polygon's 160mm aluminum 29'er looks to deliver value and performance and shows potential for 2800 USD...

Looking for the biggest, baddest, raddest disc brakes on the market? Hayes Dominion A4 might be one for your shortlist...

These four-piston brakes combine the lightest lever action on the market, a plethora of features and top-quality manufacturing...

Formula's EWS and World Cup DH proven four-piston brakes bring Italian made beauty, power, and even value to the big-brake market...

After more than 1/3 of a year on my hand-picked test parts - it's time to put performance under the microscope...

The trickle down from XTR 9100 is on but can Shimano deliver solid performance on a budget that will compete with SRAM?

After riding Magura's 4+2 Trail disc brakes with great results, how would their most budget brake system compare...

In winter, the brake lever is one place where carbon is easily justified - but are there cheaper options available?

While usually blasé about high dollar super sleds made with aerospace-approved material - Andrew Major has found some uses for the 'plastic fantastic...'

Andrew was surprised by a few products this year - and he's got a new assistant mechanic...

Magnets and Metal and Plastic and NeoShell

These made in Italy brakes serve up a lot of power with only two pistons per caliper, and the feathery feel is unmatched...

Once Hayes and Manitou were at the top of the heap - these products make it clear they are serious about getting back there...

Shimano's top of line MTB group finally goes full time 1x - and this one goes to 12 - but there are other highlights help you win at gear...

TRP's Slate T4 is an entry level brake that can punch well above its weight class...