How much braking power does a trail rider really need? Sure the added slowing power of four pistons is nice, but it’s useless if you’re constantly locked up. That’s why Magura has released its new MT Trail carbon brake that offers four pistons at the front and two at the back – we took a look at Eurobike.

The idea is already used in motorbikes and is starting to be used ghetto-style by a number of enduro riders – Magura is simply bringing it to production. However, at the moment Magura is pitching this concept at the 120 – 140mm trail bike market as it cuts weight without drastically reducing braking performance.

The weight is kept low thanks to a carbon bladed lever and back-clamp and, with a claimed weight of around 330 grams, is fairly identical to the XC focussed MT 8 and significantly lighter than the rest of the MT range.

We’re yet to have a ride on this system but we really enjoyed the MT5s that were fitted to our Radon Swoop, so we would have high expectations. The guys at Magura claimed that you get a far smoother ride, with less locking up at the back, and better heat management but we’ll wait to see what we think when we get a pair on test.

Thanks to the Magura Shiftmix clamp the Shimano I-Spec I and II and SRAM shifters can be assembled cleanly and neatly with the brake. We’ve no word on UK pricing yet but will update you when we do. Also keep an eye out for Magura at the Cycle Show where you can expect to see more new kit.