Behind the Brakes: Gorilla Brakes’ Next-Gen 4-Piston Pads Are in the Works
Big descents demand big innovation — and we’ve been hard at work developing our next-generation disc brake pads for Shimano 4-piston systems. While these pads are still in pre-production, the early prototypes are already showing serious promise.
We're heading to the Alps this August for real-world testing, and we aim to have these pads ready for full release by early 2026.
🦍 What Makes These Pads Different?
These new pads are built on everything we’ve learned from years of rider feedback, product testing, and compound refinement. They’re the most technically advanced pads we've ever created.
🔩 2mm Thick Backplates – Steel & Aluminium Options
We’ve increased backplate thickness to 2mm, which helps in two key ways:
- Improved heat dissipation for better fade resistance
- Increased stiffness, especially on aluminium, to reduce flex and deformation under high braking loads
Choose from:
- Steel – ultra stable and durable
- Aluminium – lightweight with excellent thermal conductivity
⚖️ Steel vs Aluminium: Which Handles Heat Better?
While aluminium conducts heat faster, steel’s higher thermal mass allows it to absorb and hold more heat without transferring it as quickly to the caliper.
- Steel backplates act like a thermal barrier — delaying heat reaching pistons and fluid
- Aluminium backplates disperse heat quickly, ideal for lighter setups and shorter braking intervals
- Steel resists deformation better under sustained high temperatures, making it ideal for aggressive or long alpine descents
💡 In short: Steel is about thermal stability and endurance, while aluminium is about fast response and weight savings.
🛠️ Taller + Wider Backplate = Easier Piston Alignment
We’ve extended the size of the backplate vertically and laterally. Why?
So you can hold the backplate to help manually center the pistons during install — especially useful on the tighter, more compact calipers found on newer Shimano models like:
- XTR BR-M9220 / BR-M9120
- XT BR-M8220 / BR-M8120
- Other models using D-Type, H-Type, or N-Type pads
💡 Small detail, big benefit: less brake rub, better pad alignment, faster setup.
🔬 Testing with Our Flagship Enduro Pro Compound
These prototypes are being paired with our Enduro Pro compound, the same high-performance formula trusted by enduro racers and downhill riders for:
- Powerful bite and modulation
- Excellent wet-weather performance
- Quiet braking under high loads
- Extended pad life
🚴♂️ On-Test: The Alps, August 2025
Real testing happens on real trails. That’s why we’re heading to Morzine and the Portes du Soleil this August to:
- Stress-test both aluminium and steel backplate variants
- Compare rotor temps and wear rates
- Evaluate braking feel and fade under long alpine descents
We’ll be riding these pads across lift-assisted bike parks, enduro trails, and steep natural terrain to gather as much data as possible.
📅 When Can You Get Them?
If testing goes to plan, we’ll be finalising production later this year with a full launch scheduled for early 2026.
Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter for updates and early access once pre-orders go live.
Sneak Peek
Prototype units shown – final version may vary slightly in finish.
🔁 What’s Next?
Over the next few months, we’ll share:
- Testing reports from the Alps
- Behind-the-scenes development updates
- Detailed compound comparison data
- Pre-order information for early 2026
📝 Final Thoughts
We’re not just making pads — we’re refining a system to help you ride harder, brake later, and stay in control. These pre-production pads are our most refined design yet, and we can’t wait to see how they perform in the wild.
🔗 Stay Connected with Gorilla Brakes
Follow our journey, testing, and product development across all platforms:
- 🌐 Official Website
- 🎥 YouTube
- 🏁 Strava Club
- 🧵 Threads
- 🧠 Threads on Site
- 🚴 Zwift Club Info