Brakes | BLISTER Outdoor Media & Gear Reviews

David Golay reviews the Cascade Components North Fork brake calipers for Blister

Cascade Components North Fork Brake Calipers

May 25, 2022 by David Golay

Modern Enduro and DH bikes put more demands on brakes than ever before, and Cascade Components North Fork calipers dramatically increase the power of SRAM Code brakes, with surprisingly few performance downsides. Check out our full review for the rundown.

David Golay reviews Galfer's Standard and Pro Pads, plus rotors for Blister

Galfer Brake Pads and Rotors

May 13, 2022May 11, 2022 by David Golay

Brake pads are an underappreciated factor in mountain bike brake performance, and Galfer’s offerings make a strong case for why a lot of riders should pay closer attention. And rotor sizing is a big piece of the puzzle, so we cover that in detail, too.

David Golay reviews the TRP Trail Evo Brakes for Blister

TRP Trail Evo Brakes

December 15, 2021 by David Golay

There’s a lot to like about TRP’s new Trail Evo brakes, but they’re not perfect. Check out our full review for all the details.

David Golay reviews the TRP Slate T4 Brakes for Blister

TRP Slate T4 Brakes

August 9, 2021March 10, 2021 by David Golay

TRP’s Slate T4 brakes are an affordable option for a four-piston Trail bike brake. But how do they stack up against some of the more expensive options in that space, as well as bigger, downhill-focused options?

David Golay reviews the Hayes Dominion A4 Brakes for Blister

Hayes Dominion A4 Brakes

June 23, 2021November 13, 2020 by David Golay

After 6 months of testing, the Hayes Dominion A4 has become one of our all-time favorite brakes for aggressive trail and DH riding.

Noah Bodman reviews the SRAM Code RSC brakes for Blister Gear Review

2017 SRAM Code RSC Brakes

September 13, 2017September 12, 2017 by Noah Bodman

Our Mountain Bike editor calls the SRAM Code brakes the best he’s ever ridden. Check out his review to see why.

Tom Collier reviews the TRP Slate Brake for Blister Gear Review.

Update: TRP Slate Brakes

August 11, 2015August 11, 2015 by Tom Collier

The TRP Slate brakes offer a great finish and modulation, and we've swapped out brake pads to see if we could boost their stopping power. See our update.

Marshal Olson reviews the SRAM guide RSC Brake, Blister Gear Review

2nd Look: SRAM Guide Brakes

May 24, 2015 by Marshal Olson

The SRAM Guide Brake offers great power and modulation at a competitive weight and a reasonable price.

Xan Marshland reviews the Magura MT5 NEXT brakes for Blister Gear Review

Magura MT5 Next Brakes

May 5, 2015May 3, 2015 by Xan Marshland

The MT5 delivers a tremendous amount of controllable power at a reasonable price for a high-end brake.

Noah Bodman reviews the FSA Afterburner brakes, Blister Gear Review.

FSA Afterburner Disc Brakes

April 20, 2015 by Noah Bodman

UPDATE: the price for the FSA Afterburners is now $90 lower, and we've added to our review a note on the brakes' durability. If you're looking for fantastic lever feel and great stopping power for an XC or trail bike, read this.

Noah Bodman reviews the SRAM Guide RSC for Blister Gear Review

SRAM Guide RSC Brakes

October 16, 2014 by Noah Bodman

In 2.5 months of testing, the SRAM Guide RSC brakes have been reliable and powerful, while providing outstanding modulation.

Noah Bodman reviews the Avid Elixir 9 Trail Brakes, Blister Gear Review

Avid Elixir 9 Trail Brakes

May 8, 2014 by Noah Bodman

The Elixir 9 Trail brakes maintain the elements we liked about Avid brakes in the past, but also offer some important improvements.

2012 Hope Tech Evo M4 Brake Set

September 25, 2012June 13, 2012 by Marshal Olson

The Hope Tech Evo M4 brakes are ultra reliable, stack up extremely well against the competition, and are at home on nearly any ride—from a general-purpose trail bike to a true downhill race bike.

Shimano XTR Trail Brake

September 25, 2012May 28, 2012 by Rob Dickinson

The Shimano XTR Trail brake is a solid option to save weight without compromising stopping power. And after a season of testing, our reviewer has yet to experience any fade.

2011 Avid XO Hydraulic Disc Brake Set

November 2, 2012October 11, 2011 by Jason Hutchins

Avid's XO hydraulic disc brake set got put through its paces, and impressed at every step.

2010-2011 Formula THE ONE Brakes, Blister Gear Review

2010-2011 Formula THE ONE Brakes

September 25, 2012July 19, 2011 by Marshal Olson

THE ONE brakes by Formula are some of the lightest and best performing brakes out there. (Especially with one highly recommended, relatively expensive upgrade.)