In issue 6 of the 2019 Bicycling magazine, tech ed Jon Minster compares 6 Best Value Dual Sussers. Canyon's Neuron AL7 (R43k) walks away with the honours but Jon comments "The only negative is the brakes. On a bike that can go this fast downhill, you want brakes that can stop you just as swiftly. The bargain-basement Shimano MT400's are simply not up to the task" This got me thinking. My very first MTB, Fudji's entry level hard tail, Outland Comp, purchased in the early 2000's came fitted with Deore brakes. My 2nd mountain bike, the entry level Specialized Stumpjumper came with Elixir R SL brakes, if you buy the AL Stumpie (R35k) today, Specialized gives you Tektro brakes. Until not so long ago, Merida was very generous with SLX and XT brake sets on many of their mid-tier bikes. Today, the R 35k model 120-600 will only bless you with MT 500 brakes. If you purchase the Scott Spark 960 (R35k) today, you will get MT 200 brakes, The R43k model 950 will come with MT 500 brakes. Titan Racing, so keen to capture more of our market, only offers you MT 400's on their R37k Cypher RS carbon bike. It seems that the average week-end warrior has to rely on Silverback for decent value offerings. The R31k Stratos AL will add a decent wheelset (Stans Crest) along with more tolerable MT 500 brakes. My question tonight, what do fellow week-end warriors believe is the lowest ranking brake set that one should consider on a mid-tier trail bike? You are welcome to give me your opinion for the Sram range as well. Stay safe.
