BRAKE TESTING - Let's Go Racing Season 2, Episode 3

How do you figure out what mountain bike brakes are the best? For Brian Cahal, arm pump is the biggest deciding factor on what makes a brake race-worthy. Brian has no component sponsors this season and is in a unique position as a professional rider to test and evaluate critical parts he will put on his Forbidden Dreadnaught for the EWS race season. In this video, Brian tries brakes from SRAM, Shimano, and TRP to find out what blends modulation, power, and consistence the best.
#MTB #mountainbike #enduro

[Andrew.Drennan]

y'all are killing this series keep it going.

[jaymastah]

Mt7 with trickstuff pads and rotors 👌🏻

[matthogan]

Very knowledgeable with no fluff, nice! Finally getting some insight as to why my Code RSCs start feeling a little weird after a while

[nomad-ridesmtb]

Really liking this series. Keep up the good work
Shigura's for the win

[Grifterbiden]

I've been running the TRP DHR EVO brakes for close to two years now and they have been very consistent, powerful, and I have only needed to bleed them once. Shimano has fallen to second place for me and I have never liked SRAM Code RSC.

[ianfurqueron]

Interesting... about 20 years ago I took a DH course with Shaums March and the first thing we went over was the setup of my bike. The big one was brake setup. He convinced me to try a totally different brake lever setup than I was used to with the lever really far in so I could only just grab the end of the lever with my index finger and then setting the grab point really close to the grip (a lot closer than this video shows). His reasoning was to reduce arm pump. It took some time to get used to, but he was right and arm pump has been greatly reduced ever since I started running the levers like that.

[balazsvillanyi]

shimano and sram got a bit left behind I feel. Hayes, TRP, and especially Magura are making very good brakes at the moment.

[Alanvictoryoung]

Great reflection on these 3 brakes. I have been a Code user, mainly because of economics: they came on my bikes! I do enjoy them, but on long steep runs at full speed i get forearm pump. Its the arm pump that limits my bike control and confidence. I have even run the 220mm rotors and wished they were even bigger! Running one resin and one metallic helps a little initially by increasing the cold pad performance, but when things heat up so does the lever pull requirements. I have also a variety of 4 piston shimano brakes in my fleet of bikes, and I too notice in steep long situations the brake fade still gives me arm pump, but less than the codes. I am intrigued by your deep dive into brakes, and because I don't ride on the edge all the time and race, I haven't pursued this more. But, If I have to change brakes in the future, I might give the TRPs a go! Thanks for the awesome vid.

[balazsgalambos]

Class video as always.
Hayes dominion here, love them to bits

[thruxt]

That was a dope review. Never at any point did it feel like you were trying to sell me Sram or Shimano. I want my front brake to bite hard at 10mm of compression but like to have some modulation on a long decent. Hopefully the code rsc was good investment.

[Gnougatt]

Tried Codes and XTs and didn't like the lever feel for exactly the reasons you stated. Tried Hopes and found the levers felt too heavy as well. Then tried Hayes A4s with semi metallic pads and they're absolutely perfect. Super light and smooth lever feel, great ergonomics, power and modulation. Got so spoilt by them, I had to put them on both bikes.

Just make sure you keep a stash of spares!

[charlestelesco]

you have to try galfer green pads and rotors, totally transforms any brake into very touchy and strong

[DZHIBRAIL]

Hayes Dominion A4 is the best brakes i have ever used

[trentdale]

I second everything you said, with the addition that Shimano's newer brakes (9120, 8120, 7120) all suffer from inconsistent bleeds (in my experience as a mechanic) and the wandering bite point that is SUPER sketchy on the trail. It's a huge bummer, as I used to LOVE Shimano brakes, I think their quality just went down for whatever reason. I'm personally running the TRP's now and I can only imagine the Hayes A4's could be a contender against them, the TRP's are just sublime.

[peterlang]

I recently switched from a 31.8 to a 35 bar and I have noticeably more arm pump. I was going to get some codes, but after this video I will be considering trps or Hayes more. Thanks for the quality content and information for us privateers!

Great in depth review, well done. Just the kind of detailed explanations I love. Keep it up, mention the type of pad you run for each would help. rotor thickness as well. thank you.

[thezachinator]

Bummed you didn't get time to try the Dominions. I just got them this season and they're amazing. The lever feel/pull is so light and smooth. Powerful and look good too. Only downside so far has been dialing in the bite point. I need to add some fluid to hit the sensitivity I want.

[evanblackwell]

I also struggle with arm pump with my Code RSCs. I've gone up to a 223 rotor, but I still find I have issues with overheating and having to pull too hard on the lever (which as you mentioned, exacerbates arm pump). Good to know the TRPs are a better option!

[cfox]

Love my TRPs especially for long sustained steep DH. Honestly have not dealt with arm pump like I did on my codes.

[evilrides]

you should have tested hayes, magura and shigura, loving the serie keep it up !