Ultimate Force! Eight of the best E-MTB disc brakes in comparison

Shimano Saint – Best in Test

Shimano Saint brakes are iconic, and have been the brake of choice for many Downhill World Champions. When it comes to big power, their heritage and performance is unquestioned. With just one finger, the Saints can unleash brutal power, with enough smooth feedback to inspire complete confidence when pulling down an E-MTB. We love the ergonomic feel of the lever, but still do not like the ‘free stroke’ contact point adjuster screw that seems like an afterthought and does not work very well. In the lab, the Saints are in the ‘big league’ and unleash massive forces again and again with minimal fade. On the trail, declaration is smooth and very controllable, with enough authority to decelerate a wheel at any speed. The short levers dish out a surprising amount of control over the ridiculously powerful forces, and the effective reach adjustment allows you to put that power right where you need it.

The only downside is that the Saints are very heavy, but the additional grams bring rugged reliability and consistent performance. During a tough season of testing, the Shimano Saints were a ‘fit and forget’ option, braking with absolute authority in any conditions, wet or dry. If you value total reliability, powerful deceleration, and precise modulation, the Shimano Saints are kings, taking the BEST IN TEST honour.