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:
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose
- Mountain Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
- Mountain Bikes - How to Get Started Mountain Biking
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Wheel Size
- Mountain Bikes - Suspension Basics
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Mountian Bike Dropper Post
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Handlebars
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Pedals
- Mountain Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
- Mountain Bikes - How to Clean
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed SRAM Brakes
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed Shimano Brakes
- Mountain Bikes - How to Convert to Tubeless Tires
- Mountain Bikes - How to Replace Internal Cable Housing
- Mountain Bikes - How to Adjust Your Rear Derailleur
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed a RockShox Reverb Seatpost
- Mountain Bikes - How to Service Fox and RockShox Fork Lowers
- Mountain Biking - What to Bring Mountain Biking
- Mountain Biking - What to Wear Mountain Biking
- Mountain Biking - How to Choose Knee Pads
- Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
- Gravel Bikes - How To Get Started Gravel Biking
- eBikes - Classes, Features & More
- eBikes - Where to Ride eBikes
- Bike Accessories - Helmet Size & Fit Guide
- Bike Accessories - How to Choose Bike Shoes
- Bikes - How to Choose Bike Tires
- Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
- Bikes - How to Repair & Replace a Bike Chain
- Bikes - How to Choose Accessories
- Bikes - Urban Riding Tips
- Travel & Destination Guides - Where to Mountain Bike
Learn About our Favorite Bike Gear:
The Best Women's Mountain Bikes
The Best Electric Mountain Bikes
The Best Mountain Bikes for Beginners
The Best Mountain Bikes Under $3,000
The Best Trail Bikes
The Best Enduro Bikes
The Best Gravel Bikes
The Best Mountain Bike Helmets
The Best Full Face MTB Helmets
The Best Mountain Bike Knee Pads
The Best Mountain Bike Elbow Pads
The Best Mountain Bike Shorts
The Best Women's Bike Shorts
The Best Mountain Bike Pants
The Best Mountain Bike Jerseys
The Best Mountain Bike Accessories
The Best Value Mountain Bike Helmets
The Best Dropper Posts
The Best Mountain Bike Forks
The Best Mountain Bike Stems
The Best Padded Mountain Bike Shorts
The Best Mountain Bikes Handlebars
The Best Gifts for Mountain Bikers
The Best Mountain Bike Gloves
The Best Mountain Bike Socks
The Best MTB Fanny Packs
The Best Mountain Bike Backpacks
The Best Clipless Mountain Bike Shoes
The Best Flat Pedal MTB Bike Shoes
The Best Mountain Bike Tires
The Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals
The Best Bike Racks
The Best Bike Glasses
The Best Bike Goggles
The Best Women's Mountain Bike Jerseys
The Best Tailgate Bike Pads
The Best Bike Trainers
The Best Hitch Bike Racks
The Best Clipless MTB Pedals
The Best Mountain Bikes Handlebar Bags
The Best Mountain Bike Saddles
The Best MTB Wheels
The Best MTB Grips
The Best Mountain Bike Multi Tools
The Best Mountain Bike Seat Bags
Popular Bike Searches
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.