Iconic Red Brembo Brakes Hit MTB Market with Unique Rider Adjustability: First Rides

Brembo, renowned for its high-performance braking systems in motorsport, has launched its GR-PRO mountain bike brakes for the consumer market, following their use by the Specialized Gravity team in elite downhill racing. These brakes promise exceptional stopping power combined with unprecedented rider adjustability, aiming to deliver a new standard in mountain bike braking performance. The GR-PRO system is designed to cater to the demands of gravity and eMTB riders, offering enhanced control through multiple lever adjustments that allow fine-tuning of power and modulation to suit varying trail conditions and rider preferences. The brakes feature three distinct lever adjustments: a three-position lever ratio for modulation, a dead-stroke adjustment with seven increments to fine-tune the braking point, and a tool-free reach adjustment with 40 settings to accommodate different hand sizes. Brembo’s experience in UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup racing underpins the design, ensuring reliability, thermal robustness, and consistent performance at high speeds and heavy bike weights. The calipers are forged alloy with four pistons, and the rotors, inspired by motorcycle designs, come in 200mm and 220mm sizes, crafted to withstand the rigours of aggressive mountain biking. Initial test rides on technical trails revealed the brakes’ versatility and the tangible impact of the lever ratio adjustments. The tester found the medium setting most balanced, with the soft setting feeling underpowered and the hard setting too demanding on the hands during extended descents. Experimenting with mixed front and rear settings demonstrated the potential for riders to tailor braking feel to specific terrain or conditions, such as using softer modulation in loose or wet environments. Notably, the medium/soft combination yielded a personal best descent time, highlighting the performance benefits of fine-tuning. Brembo’s GR-PRO brakes are positioned as ideal for riders who enjoy customising their equipment to optimise performance. The system’s extensive adjustability offers a level of control rarely seen in mainstream mountain bike brakes, appealing to enthusiasts and competitive riders alike. With a retail price around €900 excluding rotors, the brakes represent a premium option that brings race-proven technology to the broader mountain biking community. Long-term testing is anticipated to further explore the brakes’ capabilities and durability under varied riding conditions.