The 7 Best Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Special Honors
Formula Cura 4 Sleek, compact, and dependable, this top-of-the-line option is suitable for anyone from casual to competitive riders, although its steep price tag does limit its accessibility. Nonetheless, if you want the most precise, powerful, and well-engineered option on the market, this line is worth a look. rideformula.com
Trickstuff Brakes This high-end German manufacturer is no stranger to enthusiasts. Whether you need something that can withstand sudden stops on steep downhills or featherlight brakes suitable for long-haul competition, they almost certainly have something for you. Of particular note are the all-around high-performing Direttissima and Direttissima Tour models, as well as the ultra-lightweight Piccola and Piccola HD. trickstuff.com
Editor's Notes
March 18, 2021:
Mountain bike brakes are frequently redesigned and rereleased, so we have an entirely new crop of hydraulic levers and calipers to recommend this time. For plenty of stopping power on a modest budget, the Shimano Deore BR-M6100 is almost impossible to beat. If you want to spend even less, you can get by with the Clark's Cable Systems M2, but experienced riders will notice its relative lack of power.
At the top end, the well-known Shimano XTR BL-M9100 are a very good choice, especially for bike owners who care about aesthetics. In terms of pure stopping power, though, almost nothing can touch the Magura MT7, which has plenty of pros and very few cons. We also want to bring special attention to the Hayes Dominion T2 and Hayes Dominion A4. The A4 is about as burly as bike brakes get, while the T2 is significantly sleeker and more lightweight thanks to its titanium components. With either Hayes Dominion model, though, one of the best things is that they aren't the most expensive choices, despite being among the best performing.
January 10, 2019:
It's important to note that, in addition to installation, these may require some maintenance. There are bleed kits available if you want to make sure there is adequate fluid after a winter left in the garage. However, it might be smart to consult a professional to make sure they're working properly. The top selections include rotors, calipers, and levers because if this is your first set, you'll need all of those things.